Psalms 71
Tap any word to open its Greek or Hebrew word and Strong’s lexicon entry right here, and any name to open its Bible Dictionary entry. Read this chapter with JFB commentary · Search the Bible
THY WORD IS TRUTH
The Law
History
Poetry & Wisdom
The Prophets
The Gospels & Acts
The Letters
Prophecy
“Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.” — John 5:39
123456789101112131415161718192021222324252627282930313233343536373839404142434445464748495051525354555657585960616263646566676869707172737475767778798081828384858687888990919293949596979899100101102103104105106107108109110111112113114115116117118119120121122123124125126127128129130131132133134135136137138139140141142143144145146147148149150
Psalms 71
In Thee, O LORD, Do I Put My Trust
1In thee, O LORD, do I put my trust: let me never be put to confusion.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
PSALM 71
Psa 71:1-24. The Psalmist, probably in old age, appeals to God for help from his enemies, pleading his past favors, and stating his present need; and, in confidence of a hearing, he promises his grateful thanks and praise.
1-3. (Compare Psa 30:1-3).
PSALM 71
Psa 71:1-24. The Psalmist, probably in old age, appeals to God for help from his enemies, pleading his past favors, and stating his present need; and, in confidence of a hearing, he promises his grateful thanks and praise.
1-3. (Compare Psa 30:1-3).
The Pulpit Commentary
In thee, O Lord, do I put my trust let me never be put to confusion; rather, as in Psa_31:1, "let me never Be ashamed;" or, let me never be put to shame (Cheyne).
In thee, O Lord, do I put my trust let me never be put to confusion; rather, as in Psa_31:1, "let me never Be ashamed;" or, let me never be put to shame (Cheyne).
2Deliver me in thy righteousness, and cause me to escape: incline thine ear unto me, and save me.
The Pulpit Commentary
Deliver me in thy righteousness. Identical with the last clause of Psa_31:1. And cause me to escape. The danger seems to be pressing, and such as characterized Absalom's rather than Adonijah's rebellion. Incline thine ear unto me, and save me (comp. Psa_31:2).
Deliver me in thy righteousness. Identical with the last clause of Psa_31:1. And cause me to escape. The danger seems to be pressing, and such as characterized Absalom's rather than Adonijah's rebellion. Incline thine ear unto me, and save me (comp. Psa_31:2).
3Be thou my strong habitation, whereunto I may continually resort: thou hast given commandment to save me; for thou art my rock and my fortress.
The Pulpit Commentary
Be thou my strong Habitation; literally, be thou to me for a Rock of habitation; i.e. a rock upon which I may take up my abode. Whereunto I may continually resort. Exegetical of the preceding clause, habitation" Thou hast given "a rock of commandment to save me. It is in thy counsels that I am to be helped and saved—not left to the will of my enemies (comp. Psa_68:28). This conviction lies at the root of the psalmist's faith and trust. For thou art my Rock and my Fortress (comp. Psa_18:2; Psa_61:2, Psa_61:3, etc.).
Be thou my strong Habitation; literally, be thou to me for a Rock of habitation; i.e. a rock upon which I may take up my abode. Whereunto I may continually resort. Exegetical of the preceding clause, habitation" Thou hast given "a rock of commandment to save me. It is in thy counsels that I am to be helped and saved—not left to the will of my enemies (comp. Psa_68:28). This conviction lies at the root of the psalmist's faith and trust. For thou art my Rock and my Fortress (comp. Psa_18:2; Psa_61:2, Psa_61:3, etc.).
4Deliver me, O my God, out of the hand of the wicked, out of the hand of the unrighteous and cruel man.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
4-5. cruel man--corrupt and ill-natured--literally, "sour."
4-5. cruel man--corrupt and ill-natured--literally, "sour."
The Pulpit Commentary
Deliver me, O my God, out of the hand of the wicked, out of the hand (rather, grasp) of the unrighteous and cruel man. it is characteristic of David to single out from his adversaries an individual man, from whom he especially asks to be delivered (comp. Psa_13:2; Psa_17:13; Psa_18:17, Psa_18:48; Psa_35:8; Psa_41:6, Psa_41:9, Psa_41:11; Psa_55:13, Psa_55:14, etc.).
Deliver me, O my God, out of the hand of the wicked, out of the hand (rather, grasp) of the unrighteous and cruel man. it is characteristic of David to single out from his adversaries an individual man, from whom he especially asks to be delivered (comp. Psa_13:2; Psa_17:13; Psa_18:17, Psa_18:48; Psa_35:8; Psa_41:6, Psa_41:9, Psa_41:11; Psa_55:13, Psa_55:14, etc.).
5For thou art my hope, O Lord GOD: thou art my trust from my youth.
The Pulpit Commentary
For thou art my Hope, O Lord God (comp. Psa_39:7; Jer_14:8; Jer_17:13; Jer_50:7). Thou art my Trust from my youth (comp. Psa_40:4).
For thou art my Hope, O Lord God (comp. Psa_39:7; Jer_14:8; Jer_17:13; Jer_50:7). Thou art my Trust from my youth (comp. Psa_40:4).
6By thee have I been holden up from the womb: thou art he that took me out of my mother’s bowels: my praise shall be continually of thee.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
6-9. His history from early infancy illustrated God's care, and his wonderful deliverances were at once occasions of praise and ground of confidence for the future.
my praise ... of thee--literally, "in" or "by Thee" (Psa 22:25).
6-9. His history from early infancy illustrated God's care, and his wonderful deliverances were at once occasions of praise and ground of confidence for the future.
my praise ... of thee--literally, "in" or "by Thee" (Psa 22:25).
The Pulpit Commentary
By thee have I been holden up from the womb: thou art he that took me out of my mother's bowels (comp. Psa_22:9, Psa_22:10, of which this is plainly an echo or reminiscence). My praise shall be continually of thee (see Psa_71:14-16, Psa_71:22-24).
By thee have I been holden up from the womb: thou art he that took me out of my mother's bowels (comp. Psa_22:9, Psa_22:10, of which this is plainly an echo or reminiscence). My praise shall be continually of thee (see Psa_71:14-16, Psa_71:22-24).
7I am as a wonder unto many; but thou art my strong refuge.
The Pulpit Commentary
I am as a wonder unto many; or, as a portent, a prodigy—something montrous. Some explain, "as an object of God's singular favour from his youth" (Kay, Cheyne); others, "as a marvellous example of God's punishments" (Schultens, Hengstenberg, Professor Alexander, Canon Cook). The latter explanation is supported by Deu_28:46, and, on the whole, seems preferable. But thou art my strong Refuge (see above, Deu_28:3, ad fin.).
I am as a wonder unto many; or, as a portent, a prodigy—something montrous. Some explain, "as an object of God's singular favour from his youth" (Kay, Cheyne); others, "as a marvellous example of God's punishments" (Schultens, Hengstenberg, Professor Alexander, Canon Cook). The latter explanation is supported by Deu_28:46, and, on the whole, seems preferable. But thou art my strong Refuge (see above, Deu_28:3, ad fin.).
8Let my mouth be filled with thy praise and with thy honour all the day.
The Pulpit Commentary
Let my mouth be filled with thy praise and with thy honour all the day. Praise alternates with complaint and prayer, even in this first portion of the psalm, preparing the way for the sustained praise of the second portion.
Let my mouth be filled with thy praise and with thy honour all the day. Praise alternates with complaint and prayer, even in this first portion of the psalm, preparing the way for the sustained praise of the second portion.
9Cast me not off in the time of old age; forsake me not when my strength faileth.
The Pulpit Commentary
Cast me not off in the lime of old age. This expression, combined with the allusion to old age and grey hairs in Psa_71:18, indicates that the writer was drawing near to the natural term of human life, and already felt the infirmities of old age creeping upon him. This note of date suits better the time of Adonijah's rebellion than that of Absalom's. Forsake me not when my strength faileth. An appeal to the Divine compassion. If God was his "Rock and Fortress" (Psa_71:3), his "strong Refuge" (Psa_71:7), when he was in his full vigour, much more will he support and befriend him when be is weak and helpless.
Cast me not off in the lime of old age. This expression, combined with the allusion to old age and grey hairs in Psa_71:18, indicates that the writer was drawing near to the natural term of human life, and already felt the infirmities of old age creeping upon him. This note of date suits better the time of Adonijah's rebellion than that of Absalom's. Forsake me not when my strength faileth. An appeal to the Divine compassion. If God was his "Rock and Fortress" (Psa_71:3), his "strong Refuge" (Psa_71:7), when he was in his full vigour, much more will he support and befriend him when be is weak and helpless.
10For mine enemies speak against me; and they that lay wait for my soul take counsel together,
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
10-11. The craft and malicious taunts of his enemies now led him to call for aid (compare the terms used, 2Sa 17:12; Psa 3:2; 7:2).
10-11. The craft and malicious taunts of his enemies now led him to call for aid (compare the terms used, 2Sa 17:12; Psa 3:2; 7:2).
The Pulpit Commentary
For mine enemies speak against me. The psalmist's weakness encourages his enemies to make their attacks. They begin by speaking against him—calumniating him (2Sa_15:3, 2Sa_15:4), and shortly they will proceed to acts. And they that lay wait for my soul take counsel together; or, "they that watch for my soul" (Revised Version).
For mine enemies speak against me. The psalmist's weakness encourages his enemies to make their attacks. They begin by speaking against him—calumniating him (2Sa_15:3, 2Sa_15:4), and shortly they will proceed to acts. And they that lay wait for my soul take counsel together; or, "they that watch for my soul" (Revised Version).
11Saying, God hath forsaken him: persecute and take him; for there is none to deliver him.
The Pulpit Commentary
Saying, God hath forsaken him: persecute and take him; for there is none to deliver him. Compare the words of Ahithophel, "Let me now choose out twelve thousand men, and I will arise and pursue alter David this night; and I will come upon him while he is weary and weak handed; and all the people that are with him shall flee; and I will smite the king only" (2Sa_17:1, 2Sa_17:2). It no doubt appeared to Absalom's party generally, as it did to Shimei, that God had "forsakes" David, and turned against him (2Sa_16:8).
Saying, God hath forsaken him: persecute and take him; for there is none to deliver him. Compare the words of Ahithophel, "Let me now choose out twelve thousand men, and I will arise and pursue alter David this night; and I will come upon him while he is weary and weak handed; and all the people that are with him shall flee; and I will smite the king only" (2Sa_17:1, 2Sa_17:2). It no doubt appeared to Absalom's party generally, as it did to Shimei, that God had "forsakes" David, and turned against him (2Sa_16:8).
12O God, be not far from me: O my God, make haste for my help.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
12. (Compare Psa 22:19; 40:4).
12. (Compare Psa 22:19; 40:4).
The Pulpit Commentary
O God, be not far from me: O my God, make haste for my help (comp. Psa_22:19; Psa_35:22).
O God, be not far from me: O my God, make haste for my help (comp. Psa_22:19; Psa_35:22).
13Let them be confounded and consumed that are adversaries to my soul; let them be covered with reproach and dishonour that seek my hurt.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
13. (Compare Psa 35:4; 40:14).
13. (Compare Psa 35:4; 40:14).
The Pulpit Commentary
Let them be confounded and consumed that are adversaries to my soul; let them be covered with reproach and dishonour that seek my hurt (comp. Psa_35:4; Psa_40:14; Psa_70:2).
Let them be confounded and consumed that are adversaries to my soul; let them be covered with reproach and dishonour that seek my hurt (comp. Psa_35:4; Psa_40:14; Psa_70:2).
14But I will hope continually, and will yet praise thee more and more.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
14-16. The ruin of his enemies, as illustrating God's faithfulness, is his deliverance, and a reason for future confidence.
14-16. The ruin of his enemies, as illustrating God's faithfulness, is his deliverance, and a reason for future confidence.
The Pulpit Commentary
Regarding his prayers as heard, and their fulfilment as certain, the psalmist now betakes himself to praise and thanksgiving, He will never cease to hope; he will praise God more and more (Psa_71:14). He will spend the whole day in telling of God's righteousness and salvation (Psa_71:15). The mighty acts of the Lord shall form his theme, together with the righteousness of God, and of none other (Psa_71:16). As God has enabled him to declare his praise in the past (Psa_71:17), so he trusts to be still upheld and enabled to proclaim the same to the new generation (Psa_71:18). God's righteousness is "very high," and there is none like him (Psa_71:19). When he. brings men into trouble, it is only to "turn again and comfort them" (Psa_71:20, Psa_71:21). In conclusion, the writer promises that his hymns of praise shall not only be said, but sung, and accompanied with the melody of music (Psa_71:22). His lips and soul shall both rejoice together (Psa_71:23); and the praise of God shall employ his tongue without ceasing (Psa_71:24).
But I will hope continually; literally, but as for me, I will hope, etc. The phrase, "as for me," almost always marks a transition. And will yet praise thee more and more; literally, I will add to all thy praise; i.e. "I will add to all my past praises of thee further praises in the future."
Regarding his prayers as heard, and their fulfilment as certain, the psalmist now betakes himself to praise and thanksgiving, He will never cease to hope; he will praise God more and more (Psa_71:14). He will spend the whole day in telling of God's righteousness and salvation (Psa_71:15). The mighty acts of the Lord shall form his theme, together with the righteousness of God, and of none other (Psa_71:16). As God has enabled him to declare his praise in the past (Psa_71:17), so he trusts to be still upheld and enabled to proclaim the same to the new generation (Psa_71:18). God's righteousness is "very high," and there is none like him (Psa_71:19). When he. brings men into trouble, it is only to "turn again and comfort them" (Psa_71:20, Psa_71:21). In conclusion, the writer promises that his hymns of praise shall not only be said, but sung, and accompanied with the melody of music (Psa_71:22). His lips and soul shall both rejoice together (Psa_71:23); and the praise of God shall employ his tongue without ceasing (Psa_71:24).
But I will hope continually; literally, but as for me, I will hope, etc. The phrase, "as for me," almost always marks a transition. And will yet praise thee more and more; literally, I will add to all thy praise; i.e. "I will add to all my past praises of thee further praises in the future."
15My mouth shall shew forth thy righteousness and thy salvation all the day; for I know not the numbers thereof.
The Pulpit Commentary
My mouth shall show forth thy righteousness and thy salvation all the day. Salvation is inseparable from righteousness. It is as being righteous himself that God accepts the righteous, and as faithful to his promises, which is a part of his righteousness, that he pardons penitents. For I know not the numbers thereof (comp. Psa_40:5). God's acts of pardoning mercy, by which he brings about the salvation of penitents, are innumerable.
My mouth shall show forth thy righteousness and thy salvation all the day. Salvation is inseparable from righteousness. It is as being righteous himself that God accepts the righteous, and as faithful to his promises, which is a part of his righteousness, that he pardons penitents. For I know not the numbers thereof (comp. Psa_40:5). God's acts of pardoning mercy, by which he brings about the salvation of penitents, are innumerable.
16I will go in the strength of the Lord GOD: I will make mention of thy righteousness, even of thine only.
The Pulpit Commentary
I will go in the strength of the Lord God; literally, I will come with the mighty acts of the Lord God (Revised Version); i.e. I will bring these acts forward, and make mention of them in my songs of praise. I will make mention of thy righteousness, even of thine only. I will attribute my deliverance to no strength, or efforts, or righteousness of my own (see Psa_20:7; Psa_44:3, Psa_44:6), but to thy righteousness—i.e. thy faithfulness and truth—only.
I will go in the strength of the Lord God; literally, I will come with the mighty acts of the Lord God (Revised Version); i.e. I will bring these acts forward, and make mention of them in my songs of praise. I will make mention of thy righteousness, even of thine only. I will attribute my deliverance to no strength, or efforts, or righteousness of my own (see Psa_20:7; Psa_44:3, Psa_44:6), but to thy righteousness—i.e. thy faithfulness and truth—only.
17O God, thou hast taught me from my youth: and hitherto have I declared thy wondrous works.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
17-21. Past experience again encourages.
taught me, &c.--by providential dealings.
17-21. Past experience again encourages.
taught me, &c.--by providential dealings.
The Pulpit Commentary
O God, thou hast taught me from my youth: and hitherto have I declared thy wondrous works. Hitherto, i.e; have I always had thy guidance and instruction, and hitherto have I always had occasion to praise thy Name. Hence I am confident with respect to the future.
O God, thou hast taught me from my youth: and hitherto have I declared thy wondrous works. Hitherto, i.e; have I always had thy guidance and instruction, and hitherto have I always had occasion to praise thy Name. Hence I am confident with respect to the future.
18Now also when I am old and greyheaded, O God, forsake me not; until I have shewed thy strength unto this generation, and thy power to every one that is to come.
The Pulpit Commentary
Now also when! am old and greyheaded, O God, forsake me not. Surely, then, thou wilt not forsake me when my youth has fled, and my time of weakness and decay has arrived, so that I need thee all the more. At the time of Adonijah's rebellion, David was "old and stricken in years" (1Ki_1:1)—nearly, if not quite, seventy years of age (2Sa_5:4). Until I have showed thy strength (literally, thine own) unto this generation, and thy power to every one that is to come. The psalmist calls on God to sustain him in his old age, not for his own sake, but that he may impress on the rising generation God's might and marvellous acts.
Now also when! am old and greyheaded, O God, forsake me not. Surely, then, thou wilt not forsake me when my youth has fled, and my time of weakness and decay has arrived, so that I need thee all the more. At the time of Adonijah's rebellion, David was "old and stricken in years" (1Ki_1:1)—nearly, if not quite, seventy years of age (2Sa_5:4). Until I have showed thy strength (literally, thine own) unto this generation, and thy power to every one that is to come. The psalmist calls on God to sustain him in his old age, not for his own sake, but that he may impress on the rising generation God's might and marvellous acts.
19Thy righteousness also, O God, is very high, who hast done great things: O God, who is like unto thee!
The Pulpit Commentary
Thy righteousness also, O God, is very high; or, reaches to the height (comp. Psa_7:7; Psa_10:5; Psa_18:16, etc.). Who hast done great things: O God, who is like unto thee! (comp. Psa_35:10; Psa_89:6, Psa_89:8).
Thy righteousness also, O God, is very high; or, reaches to the height (comp. Psa_7:7; Psa_10:5; Psa_18:16, etc.). Who hast done great things: O God, who is like unto thee! (comp. Psa_35:10; Psa_89:6, Psa_89:8).
20Thou, which hast shewed me great and sore troubles, shalt quicken me again, and shalt bring me up again from the depths of the earth.
The Pulpit Commentary
Thou, which hast showed me great and sore troubles, shalt quicken me again; or, according to another reading, which hast showed us—shalt deliver us. The change of number may be ascribed to the desire of the psalmist to unite his people with himself in the hopes of deliverance which he is expressing. And shalt bring me up again (rather, shalt bring us up again) from the depths of the earth. 'The "depths of the earth" is a metaphor for the extreme of misery and depression (comp. Psa_88:6; Psa_130:1).
Thou, which hast showed me great and sore troubles, shalt quicken me again; or, according to another reading, which hast showed us—shalt deliver us. The change of number may be ascribed to the desire of the psalmist to unite his people with himself in the hopes of deliverance which he is expressing. And shalt bring me up again (rather, shalt bring us up again) from the depths of the earth. 'The "depths of the earth" is a metaphor for the extreme of misery and depression (comp. Psa_88:6; Psa_130:1).
21Thou shalt increase my greatness, and comfort me on every side.
The Pulpit Commentary
Thou shalt increase my greatness, and comfort me on every side. The psalmist feels that the trial now laid upon him is the last—that henceforth his greatness and majesty will increase instead of diminishing, and that God will turn and comfort him.
Thou shalt increase my greatness, and comfort me on every side. The psalmist feels that the trial now laid upon him is the last—that henceforth his greatness and majesty will increase instead of diminishing, and that God will turn and comfort him.
22I will also praise thee with the psaltery, even thy truth, O my God: unto thee will I sing with the harp, O thou Holy One of Israel.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
22-24. To the occasion of praise he now adds the promise to render it.
will ... praise--literally, "will thank."
even thy truth--as to Thy truth or faithfulness.
22-24. To the occasion of praise he now adds the promise to render it.
will ... praise--literally, "will thank."
even thy truth--as to Thy truth or faithfulness.
The Pulpit Commentary
I will also praise thee with the psaltery, even thy truth, O my God: unto thee will I sing with the harp, O thou Holy One of Israel. (On the psaltery, and its use as a devotional instrument, see the comment on Psa_33:2.) The conjunction of the psaltery and harp seems to imply that the "praise," of which the writer here speaks, is to be public praise in the sanctuary, accompanied by the usual sacred music.
I will also praise thee with the psaltery, even thy truth, O my God: unto thee will I sing with the harp, O thou Holy One of Israel. (On the psaltery, and its use as a devotional instrument, see the comment on Psa_33:2.) The conjunction of the psaltery and harp seems to imply that the "praise," of which the writer here speaks, is to be public praise in the sanctuary, accompanied by the usual sacred music.
23My lips shall greatly rejoice when I sing unto thee; and my soul, which thou hast redeemed.
The Pulpit Commentary
My lips shall greatly rejoice when I sing unto thee; and my soul, which thou hast redeemed. Not my mouth only, but my heart and spirit, will "rejoice," or "sing out thy praise" (Cheyne), when the time comes, and my "redemption," or deliverance, has been accomplished.
My lips shall greatly rejoice when I sing unto thee; and my soul, which thou hast redeemed. Not my mouth only, but my heart and spirit, will "rejoice," or "sing out thy praise" (Cheyne), when the time comes, and my "redemption," or deliverance, has been accomplished.
24My tongue also shall talk of thy righteousness all the day long: for they are confounded, for they are brought unto shame, that seek my hurt.
The Pulpit Commentary
My tongue also shall talk of thy righteousness all the day long. The musical utterance of praise can only be occasional, but the tongue can "talk" of God continually (see Psa_71:15). For they are confounded and brought unto shame, that seek my hurt (comp. Psa_35:4; Psa_40:14; Psa_70:2).
My tongue also shall talk of thy righteousness all the day long. The musical utterance of praise can only be occasional, but the tongue can "talk" of God continually (see Psa_71:15). For they are confounded and brought unto shame, that seek my hurt (comp. Psa_35:4; Psa_40:14; Psa_70:2).
THE HOLY BIBLE
Psalms
Chapter 71
Translated out of the original tongues, and with the former translations diligently compared and revised.
KING JAMES VERSION
HOLY
BIBLE
BIBLE
KING JAMES VERSION
TAP THE BIBLE TO OPEN IT
“Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” — PSALM 119:105