Psalms 71
Psalms 71 is part of “Book II: The Exodus Book” (42–72) in the outline of Psalms.
Psalms 71 summary
David penned this psalm in his old age, as appears by several passages in it, which makes many think that it was penned at the time of Absalom's rebellion; for that was the great trouble of his later days. It might be occasioned by Sheba's insurrection, or some trouble that happened to him in that part of his life of which it was foretold that the sword should not depart from his house. But he is not over-particular in representing his case, because he intended it for the general use of God's people in their afflictions, especially those they meet with in their declining years; for this psalm, above any other, is fitted for the use of the…
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David penned this psalm in his old age, as appears by several passages in it, which makes many think that it was penned at the time of Absalom's rebellion; for that was the great trouble of his later days. It might be occasioned by Sheba's insurrection, or some trouble that happened to him in that part of his life of which it was foretold that the sword should not depart from his house. But he is not over-particular in representing his case, because he intended it for the general use of God's people in their afflictions, especially those they meet with in their declining years; for this psalm, above any other, is fitted for the use of the old disciples of Jesus Christ. I. He begins the psalm with believing prayers, with prayers that God would deliver him and save him (Psa 71:2, Psa 71:4), and not cast him off (Psa 71:9) or be far from him (Psa 71:12), and that his enemies might be put to shame (Psa 71:13). He pleads his confidence in God (Psa 71:1, Psa 71:3, Psa 71:5, Psa 71:7), the experience he had had of help from God (Psa 71:6), and the malice of his enemies against him (Psa 71:10, Psa 71:11). II. He concludes the psalm with believing praises (Psa 71:14, etc.). Never was his hope more established (Psa 71:16, Psa 71:18, Psa 71:20, Psa 71:21). Never were his joys and thanksgivings more enlarged (Psa 71:15, Psa 71:19, Psa 71:22-24). He is in an ecstasy of joyful praise; and, in the singing of it, we too should have our faith in God encouraged and our hearts raised in blessing his holy name.
Source: Matthew Henry, Commentary on the Whole Bible (1706–21; Romans–Revelation completed by Nonconformist ministers). Public domain. Digital text: Free Use Bible API (bible.helloao.org).
Psalms 71 (GNV)
Geneva Bible 1599 (public domain)
In You, O Lord, Do I Take Refuge
1In thee, O Lord, I trust: let me neuer be ashamed. 2Rescue mee and deliuer me in thy righteousnes: incline thine eare vnto me and saue me. 3Be thou my strong rocke, whereunto I may alway resort: thou hast giuen commandement to saue me: for thou art my rocke, and my fortresse. 4Deliuer mee, O my God, out of the hande of the wicked: out of the hande of the euill and cruell man. 5For thou art mine hope, O Lord God, euen my trust from my youth. 6Vpon thee haue I beene stayed from the wombe: thou art he that tooke me out of my mothers bowels: my praise shalbe alwaies of thee. 7I am become as it were a monster vnto many: but thou art my sure trust. 8Let my mouth be filled with thy praise, and with thy glory euery day. 9Cast mee not off in the time of age: forsake me not when my strength faileth. 10For mine enemies speake of mee, and they that lay waite for my soule, take their counsell together, 11Saying, God hath forsaken him: pursue and take him, for there is none to deliuer him. 12Goe not farre from me, O God: my God, haste thee to helpe me. 13Let them be confounded and consumed that are against my soule: let them be couered with reproofe and confusion, that seeke mine hurt. 14But I will waite continually, and will praise thee more and more. 15My mouth shall daily rehearse thy righteousnesse, and thy saluation: for I knowe not the nomber. 16I will goe forwarde in the strength of the Lord God, and will make mention of thy righteousnesse, euen of thine onely. 17O God, thou hast taught me from my youth euen vntill nowe: therefore will I tell of thy wonderous workes, 18Yea, euen vnto mine olde age and graie head, O God: forsake me not, vntill I haue declared thine arme vnto this generation, and thy power to all them, that shall come. 19And thy righteousnes, O God, I wil exalt on high: for thou hast done great thinges: O God, who is like vnto thee! 20Which hast shewed me great troubles and aduersities, but thou wilt returne, and reuiue me, and wilt come againe, and take mee vp from the depth of the earth. 21Thou wilt increase mine honour, and returne and comfort me. 22Therefore will I praise thee for thy faithfulnesse, O God, vpon instrument and viole: vnto thee will I sing vpon the harpe, O Holy one of Israel. 23My lippes will reioyce when I sing vnto thee, and my soule, which thou hast deliuered. 24My tongue also shall talke of thy righteousnesse daily: for they are confounded and brought vnto shame, that seeke mine hurt.