Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary In thee, O LORD, do I put my trust: let me never be put to confusion. PSALM 71
Ps 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 Ps 30:1-3). Deliver me in thy righteousness, and cause me to escape: incline thine ear unto me, and save me.
Be thou my strong habitation, whereunto I may continually resort: thou hast given commandment to save me; for thou art my rock and my fortress. 3. given commandment—literally, "ordained," as in Ps 44:4; 68:28.
rock … fortress—(Ps 18:2). Deliver me, O my God, out of the hand of the wicked, out of the hand of the unrighteous and cruel man. 4, 5. cruel man—corrupt and ill-natured—literally, "sour."
For thou art my hope, O Lord GOD: thou art my trust from my youth. 5. trust—place of trust.
By 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. 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" (Ps 22:25). I am as a wonder unto many; but thou art my strong refuge.
Let my mouth be filled with thy praise and with thy honour all the day.
Cast me not off in the time of old age; forsake me not when my strength faileth.
For mine enemies speak against me; and they that lay wait for my soul take counsel together, 10, 11. The craft and malicious taunts of his enemies now led him to call for aid (compare the terms used, 2Sa 17:12; Ps 3:2; 7:2).
Saying, God hath forsaken him: persecute and take him; for there is none to deliver him.
O God, be not far from me: O my God, make haste for my help. 12. (Compare Ps 22:19; 40:4).
Let them be confounded and consumed that are adversaries to my soul; let them be covered with reproach and dishonour that seek my hurt. 13. (Compare Ps 35:4; 40:14).
But I will hope continually, and will yet praise thee more and more. 14-16. The ruin of his enemies, as illustrating God's faithfulness, is his deliverance, and a reason for future confidence.
My mouth shall shew forth thy righteousness and thy salvation all the day; for I know not the numbers thereof. 15. for I know … thereof—innumerable, as he had not time to count them.
I will go in the strength of the Lord GOD: I will make mention of thy righteousness, even of thine only. 16. in the strength—or, relying on it.
thy righteousness—or, faithful performance of promises to the pious (Ps 7:17; 31:1). O God, thou hast taught me from my youth: and hitherto have I declared thy wondrous works. 17-21. Past experience again encourages.
taught me, &c.—by providential dealings. Now also when I am old and grayheaded, O God, forsake me not; until I have shewed thy strength unto this generation, and thy power to every one that is to come.
Thy righteousness also, O God, is very high, who hast done great things: O God, who is like unto thee! 19. is very high—distinguished (Ps 36:5; Isa 55:9).
Thou, which hast shewed me great and sore troubles, shalt quicken me again, and shalt bring me up again from the depths of the earth. 20. depths of the earth—debased, low condition.
Thou shalt increase my greatness, and comfort me on every side. 21. increase, &c.—that is, the great things done for me (Ps 71:19; compare Ps 40:5).
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. 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. My lips shall greatly rejoice when I sing unto thee; and my soul, which thou hast redeemed.
My 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. |
