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? – (Ps.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 on the Cross (c.f. Mk.15:29-32). He viewed God as his Deliverer (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? – (Ps.71:1-24)
The writer of this song was an older saint looking back on his faith journey (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). In this dark time, he 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 (Ps.71:22-24).