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Commentary Index | Return to PrayerRequest.com | DownloadPaul Kretzmann Commentary - Psalms 71:1 - 71:12
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This Chapter Verse Commentaries:
Prayer of an Aged Believer for God's Assistance.
Prayer for Deliverance
v. 1. In Thee, O Lord, do I put my trust, resting secure in Jehovah's care; let me never be put to confusion, to become the laughing-stock of the enemies on account of his trust in Jehovah.
v. 2. Deliver me in Thy righteousness, by which Jehovah keeps the gracious promise made to those who believe in Him, and cause me to escape, granting him freedom from all harm; incline Thine ear unto me, in close and merciful attention, and save me, as his Savior from all temporal and spiritual dangers.
v. 3. Be Thou my strong habitation, literally, "a rock of dwelling," where one may live in the utmost security, whereunto I may continually resort, going there in calm trust whenever the need seems to demand it. Thou hast given commandment to save me, ordaining the salvation of all His believers; for Thou art my Rock and my Fortress, his Tower on the heights, inaccessible to the enemies. Cf Psa_31:1-3.
v. 4. Deliver me, O my God, out of the hand of the wicked, granting him freedom from him who would wickedly oppress him, out of the hand of the unrighteous and cruel man, the one employing injustice and violence in his dealing with others.
v. 5. For Thou Art my Hope, O Lord God, the All-powerful, Jehovah; Thou art my Trust from my youth, the firm foundation of the believer's confidence during his whole life.
v. 6. By Thee have I been Holden up from the womb, kept and sustained ever since his birth; Thou art He that took me out of my mother's bowels, protecting him, providing for him, granting him rich benefits throughout his life. My praise shall be continually of Thee, for the experiences of the past were a guarantee for the future.
v. 7. I am as a wonder, a sign of the grace and protection of God, unto many, who find it impossible to believe the marvelous ways of the Lord in keeping His saints: but Thou art my strong Refuge, His almighty power warding off everything that might have brought real disaster to the believer. Cf Psa_22:8-10.
v. 8. Let my mouth be filled with Thy praise and with Thy honor, with statements giving all honor to God alone, all the day.
v. 9. Cast me not off in the time of old age, for the faithfulness and kindness of God in youth and early manhood gives the believer courage to ask for His assistance in the declining years; forsake me not when my strength faileth, when the gradual dwindling of the vigor of maturity heralds the coming of death.
v. 10. For mine enemies speak against me, taking new courage now that the believer has lost his youthful power and energy; and they that lay wait for my soul, eagerly watching for his destruction, take counsel together,
v. 11. saying, God hath forsaken him; persecute and take him, for there is none to deliver him. The enemies of both body and soul make new efforts at the time when old age lays its hand upon the believer, their object being to get the faithful into their power. Therefore his cry must sound forth again and again,
v. 12. O God, be not far from me; O my God, make haste for my help. Cf Psa_22:11; Psa_35:4-26; Psa_38:21-22; Psa_40:13-14. In this way the confident, persistent prayer of the believers, clinging to Him as His dear children, rises to the throne of grace, demanding the fulfillment of the Lord's promises.