Psalm 70:1-5 & Psalm 71:1-24
Q.1. Why did David write this Psalm? How did he view the Lord? What was his prayer for those who seek for God and His salvation? – Psalm 70:1-5 …
David wrote this song in the midst of deep distress because of his enemies. Jesus would have related to the sentiments expressed while enduring mocking by people on the Cross (see Mk.15:29-32). He viewed God as his Deliverer (see Ps.70:1 & 5). In spite of his extreme anguish, he still declared – Let God be magnified (Ps.70:4). He prayed that those who trust in God will maintain their confidence in the Lord – Let all who seek You rejoice and be glad in You; And let those who love Your salvation say continually, ‘Let God be magnified’ (Ps.70:4).
Q.2. How old was the writer? Had his faith matured? Was he free from enemies? How was he determined to live out his days? – Psalm 71:1-24 …
The writer of this song was an older saint looking back on his faith journey (see Ps.71:9 & 18). He had walked with God for a lifetime – 5 For You are my hope; O Lord God, You are my confidence from my youth. 6 By You I have been sustained from my birth; You are He who took me from my mother’s womb; My praise is continually of You (Ps.71:5-6). In spite of his faithfulness, he was still assailed by many trials and adversaries – 4 Rescue me, O my God, out of the hand of the wicked; Out of the grasp of the wrongdoer and ruthless man … 10 For my enemies have spoken against me; And those who watch for my life have consulted together, 11 Saying, “God has forsaken him; Pursue and seize him, for there is no one to deliver” … 13 Let those who are adversaries of my soul be ashamed and consumed; Let them be covered with reproach and dishonour, who seek to injure me … 20 You who have shown me many troubles and distresses will revive me again, and will bring me up again from the depths of the earth (Ps.71:4, 10-11, 13, 20). The idea that trials will lessen with age is utterly untrue. In this dark time, the psalmist turned again to the Lord – 1 In You, O Lord, I have taken refuge; Let me never be ashamed. 2 In Your righteousness deliver me and rescue me; Incline Your ear to me and save me. 3 Be to me a rock of habitation to which I may continually come; You have given commandment to save me, For You are my rock and my fortress … 18 And even when I am old and grey, O God, do not forsake me, until I declare Your strength to this generation, Your power to all who are to come (Ps.71:1-3, 18). His greatest desire was to see out his years bringing glory to God – 7 I have become a marvel to many, for You are my strong refuge. 8 My mouth is filled with Your praise and with Your glory all day long. 9 Do not cast me off in the time of old age; Do not forsake me when my strength fails … 14 But as for me, I will hope continually and will praise You yet more and more. 15 My mouth shall tell of Your righteousness and of Your salvation all day long … 17 O God, You have taught me from my youth, and I still declare Your wondrous deeds. 18 And even when I am old and grey, O God, do not forsake me, until I declare Your strength to this generation, Your power to all who are to come. 19 For Your righteousness, O God, reaches to the heavens, You who have done great things; O God, who is like You? (Ps.71:8-9, 14-15, 17-19). He praised God with joyful song (see Ps.71:22-24).