---
title: "Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible -  Psalms 71"
description: "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, i"
image: "/images/missing.jpg"
url: "https://realbiblebelievers.com/commentaries/commentary-critical-and-explanatory-on-the-whole-bible/psalms/71"
---

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](../../../kjv/psalms/44/4);
[Psalms 68:28](../../../kjv/psalms/68/28).
**rock . . . fortress**—
([Psalms 18:2](../../../kjv/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](../../../kjv/2-samuel/17/12); [Psalms 3:2](../../../kjv/psalms/3/2);
[Psalms 7:2](../../../kjv/psalms/7/2)).

**12.** (Compare [Psalms 22:19](../../../kjv/psalms/22/19);
[Psalms 40:4](../../../kjv/psalms/40/4)).

**13.** (Compare [Psalms 35:4](../../../kjv/psalms/35/4);
[Psalms 40:14](../../../kjv/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](../../../kjv/psalms/7/17);
[Psalms 31:1](../../../kjv/psalms/31/1)).

**17-21.** Past experience again
encourages.
**taught me,** &c.—by
providential dealings.

**19. is very high**—distinguished
([Psalms 36:5](../../../kjv/psalms/36/5); [Isaiah 55:9](../../../kjv/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](../../../kjv/psalms/71/19)
compare [Psalms 40:5](../../../kjv/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.

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