Read Psalms chapter 71 online with LogosAI Bible study tools, highlights, and cross references.
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 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).
1 In you, LORD, I take refuge. Never let me be disappointed.
2 Deliver me in your righteousness, and rescue me. Turn your ear to me, and save me.
3 Be to me a rock of refuge to which I may always go. Give the command to save me, for you are my rock and my fortress.
4 Rescue me, my God, from the hand of the wicked, from the hand of the unrighteous and cruel man.
5 For you are my hope, Lord GOD, my confidence from my youth.
6 I have relied on you from the womb. You are he who took me out of my mother’s womb. I will always praise you.
7 I am a marvel to many, but you are my strong refuge.
8 My mouth shall be filled with your praise, with your honor all day long.
9 Don’t reject me in my old age. Don’t forsake me when my strength fails.
10 For my enemies talk about me. Those who watch for my soul conspire together,
11 saying, “God has forsaken him. Pursue and take him, for no one will rescue him.”
12 God, don’t be far from me. My God, hurry to help me.
13 Let my accusers be disappointed and consumed. Let them be covered with disgrace and scorn who want to harm me.
14 But I will always hope, and will add to all of your praise.
15 My mouth will tell about your righteousness, and of your salvation all day, though I don’t know its full measure.
16 I will come with the mighty acts of the Lord GOD. I will make mention of your righteousness, even of yours alone.
17 God, you have taught me from my youth. Until now, I have declared your wondrous works.
18 Yes, even when I am old and gray-haired, God, don’t forsake me, until I have declared your strength to the next generation, your might to everyone who is to come.
19 God, your righteousness also reaches to the heavens. You have done great things. God, who is like you?
20 You, who have shown us many and bitter troubles, you will let me live. You will bring us up again from the depths of the earth.
21 Increase my honor and comfort me again.
22 I will also praise you with the harp for your faithfulness, my God. I sing praises to you with the lyre, Holy One of Israel.
23 My lips shall shout for joy! My soul, which you have redeemed, sings praises to you!
24 My tongue will also talk about your righteousness all day long, for they are disappointed, and they are confounded, who want to harm me.