PSALM 71
. 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.
4, 5. cruel man—corrupt and
ill-natured—literally, "sour."
5. trust—place of trust.
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" ().
14-16. The ruin of his enemies,
as illustrating God's faithfulness, is his deliverance, and a reason
for future confidence.
15. for I know . . .
thereof—innumerable, as he had not time to count them.
16. in the strength—or,
relying on it.
thy righteousness—or,
faithful performance of promises to the pious (Psalms 7:17;
Psalms 31:1).
17-21. Past experience again
encourages.
taught me, &c.—by
providential dealings.
20. depths of the earth—debased,
low condition.
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.
PSALM 71
. 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 ).
3. given commandment—literally, "ordained," as in Psalms 44:4; Psalms 68:28.
rock . . . fortress— (Psalms 18:2).
4, 5. cruel man—corrupt and ill-natured—literally, "sour."
5. trust—place of trust.
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" ().
10, 11. The craft and malicious taunts of his enemies now led him to call for aid (compare the terms used, 2 Samuel 17:12; Psalms 3:2; Psalms 7:2).
12. (Compare Psalms 22:19; Psalms 40:4).
13. (Compare Psalms 35:4; Psalms 40:14).
14-16. The ruin of his enemies, as illustrating God's faithfulness, is his deliverance, and a reason for future confidence.
15. for I know . . . thereof—innumerable, as he had not time to count them.
16. in the strength—or, relying on it.
thy righteousness—or, faithful performance of promises to the pious (Psalms 7:17; Psalms 31:1).
17-21. Past experience again encourages.
taught me, &c.—by providential dealings.
19. is very high—distinguished (Psalms 36:5; Isaiah 55:9).
20. depths of the earth—debased, low condition.
21. increase, c.—that is, the great things done for me (Psalms 71:19 compare Psalms 40:5).
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.