Analysis of Psalms Chapter 71
The Book of Psalms contains some of the most profound and impactful literature in the religious world, serving as hymns, prayers, and meditations that express a wide array of emotions. Psalm 71 is a particularly poignant chapter, encompassing themes of trust, deliverance, and divine assurance. As we delve into Psalm 71, we uncover the sentiments of an individual seeking refuge in God’s enduring presence and strength, especially in their advanced years, thus offering a timeless message to generations of believers.
Verses 1-3: A Plea for Divine Refuge
The opening verses establish the Psalmist’s reliance on God for protection:
1 In thee, O LORD, do I put my trust: let me never be put to confusion.
2 Deliver me in thy righteousness, and cause me to escape: incline thine ear unto me, and save me.
3 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.
These verses highlight a deep relationship between the Psalmist and God, one built on unwavering trust. By invoking God’s righteousness (verse 2), the Psalmist underscores their belief that God’s virtuous nature guarantees their deliverance. Verse 3 encapsulates the need for a continual place of refuge, describing God as a “rock” and “fortress” – symbols of unyielding strength and protection. The phrase “thou hast given commandment to save me” signifies a divine promise, assuring the Psalmist that God’s deliverance is not only anticipated but decreed.
Verses 4-6: Recollection of Divine Faithfulness
4 Deliver me, O my God, out of the hand of the wicked, out of the hand of the unrighteous and cruel man.
5 For thou art my hope, O Lord GOD: thou art my trust from my youth.
6 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.
In these verses, the Psalmist petitions for deliverance from malevolent forces, signaling the presence of tangible adversaries. They reinforce their argument by recounting God’s sustained support from their youth (verse 5) and even acknowledging God’s role in their very birth (verse 6). These reflections illustrate a life characterized by an enduring reliance on divine providence. The lifelong dependency on God inspires confidence in ultimate deliverance, as the Psalmist recognizes their existence as a testament to God’s faithfulness.
Verses 7-11: A Testimony Amidst Adversity
7 I am as a wonder unto many; but thou art my strong refuge.
8 Let my mouth be filled with thy praise and with thy honour all the day.
9 Cast me not off in the time of old age; forsake me not when my strength faileth.
10 For mine enemies speak against me; and they that lay wait for my soul take counsel together,
11 Saying, God hath forsaken him: persecute and take him; for there is none to deliver him.
Verse 7 reveals the Psalmist’s public image as a “wonder,” perhaps indicating both amazement and puzzlement among the observers concerning their persistent survival. Despite their perceived vulnerability, the Psalmist acknowledges God as their “strong refuge,” a theme highlighted continuously. The reliance on divine praise throughout the day in verse 8 suggests an unwavering commitment to acknowledging God’s greatness, irrespective of circumstances.
Verses 9-11 portray an acute awareness of aging and its accompanying frailties. The Psalmist pleads to not be abandoned as their physical strength wanes, revealing a fear of societal neglect and the opportunistic nature of their enemies who perceive old age as a sign of divine abandonment (verse 11). This reflects a broader human concern about aging and the associated fear of helplessness.
Verses 12-14: A Renewed Plea and Confidence
12 O God, be not far from me: O my God, make haste for my help.
13 Let them be confounded and consumed that are adversaries to my soul; let them be covered with reproach and dishonour that seek my hurt.
14 But I will hope continually, and will yet praise thee more and more.
Given the immediate presence of distress, the Psalmist reiterates their urgent call for divine proximity and rapid assistance (verse 12). Verse 13 heightens the invocation for direct divine intervention against adversaries, wishing for their confusion and dishonour. Despite these tumultuous circumstances, verse 14 marks a pivotal shift: a steadfast resolve to maintain hope and an increasing commitment to praising God. This dual emphasis on hope and praise amidst adversity underscores the power of faith in bolstering spiritual resilience.
Verses 15-18: A Testimony to Future Generations
15 My mouth shall shew forth thy righteousness and thy salvation all the day; for I know not the numbers thereof.
16 I will go in the strength of the Lord GOD: I will make mention of thy righteousness, even of thine only.
17 O God, thou hast taught me from my youth: and hitherto have I declared thy wondrous works.
18 Now 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.
Here, the Psalmist emphasizes their intention to continuously proclaim God’s righteousness and salvation, conscious of their inability to measure the full extent of these divine qualities (verse 15). Verse 16 communicates a resolve to persist in God’s strength, highlighting a singular focus on divine righteousness. The educational journey with God from youth till present (verse 17) validates the Psalmist’s authority in testifying about God’s wondrous works.
Verse 18 poignantly expresses the Psalmist’s desire for their life to have enduring impact. By asking God not to forsake them in old age, they seek the opportunity to convey God’s strength and power to future generations. This reflects the intergenerational transmission of faith, ensuring that the knowledge of God’s deeds continues perpetually.
Verses 19-21: Assurance of Deliverance and Comfort
19 Thy righteousness also, O God, is very high, who hast done great things: O God, who is like unto thee!
20 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.
21 Thou shalt increase my greatness, and comfort me on every side.
In these verses, the Psalmist acknowledges God’s unparalleled righteousness and the great deeds God has performed (verse 19). The rhetorical question “who is like unto thee?” serves to exalt God above all other beings.
Verses 20-21 convey a profound assurance of divine restoration. Despite experiencing severe trials, the Psalmist believes in God’s power to revitalize and elevate them (“quicken me again”) from the depths of despair. This expectation of “increasing greatness” and comprehensive comfort exemplifies unwavering confidence in God’s redeeming nature, affirming faith in divine capability to transform suffering into exaltation.
Verses 22-24: Concluding Praise and Proclamation
22 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.
23 My lips shall greatly rejoice when I sing unto thee; and my soul, which thou hast redeemed.
24 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.
The conclusion of Psalm 71 is imbued with exuberant praise for God’s faithfulness (verse 22). The employing of musical instruments (psaltery and harp) emphasizes the richness of the Psalmist’s worship and their dedication to glorifying God. The use of “Holy One of Israel” reiterates God’s revered status among the people of Israel, linking individual salvation to the collective heritage of divine interaction.
Verse 23 speaks to the joy and gratitude experienced through redemption, highlighting the deep emotional and spiritual response to divine intervention. Finally, verse 24 asserts a commitment to vocalizing God’s righteousness continually, juxtaposed against the downfall of the Psalmist’s adversaries, thereby solidifying the transformative and protective power of God’s righteousness.
Conclusion
Psalm 71 intricately weaves a narrative of continuous reliance on God amidst the vicissitudes of life, particularly highlighting the experiences of aging and adversity. The Psalmist’s consistent call for God’s protection, combined with a retrospective acknowledgment of divine faithfulness, crafts an enduring testament of trust, hope, and unwavering praise. Through examining Psalm 71, we gain a deeper appreciation for the timeless relevance of its message: that in every stage of life, God remains a steadfast refuge and source of transformative strength.