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Psalms 71

World English Bible

WEB

1In you, Yahweh, I take refuge. Never let me be disappointed. 2Deliver me in your righteousness, and rescue me. Turn your ear to me, and save me. 3Be to me a rock of refuge to which I may always go. Give the command to save me, for you are my rock and my fortress. 4Rescue me, my God, from the hand of the wicked, from the hand of the unrighteous and cruel man. 5For you are my hope, Lord Yahweh, my confidence from my youth. 6I have relied on you from the womb. You are he who took me out of my mother’s womb. I will always praise you. 7I am a marvel to many, but you are my strong refuge. 8My mouth shall be filled with your praise, with your honor all day long. 9Don’t reject me in my old age. Don’t forsake me when my strength fails. 10For my enemies talk about me. Those who watch for my soul conspire together, 11saying, “God has forsaken him. Pursue and take him, for no one will rescue him.” 12God, don’t be far from me. My God, hurry to help me. 13Let my accusers be disappointed and consumed. Let them be covered with disgrace and scorn who want to harm me. 14But I will always hope, and will add to all of your praise. 15My mouth will tell about your righteousness, and of your salvation all day, though I don’t know its full measure. 16I will come with the mighty acts of the Lord Yahweh. I will make mention of your righteousness, even of yours alone. 17God, you have taught me from my youth. Until now, I have declared your wondrous works. 18Yes, even when I am old and gray-haired, God, don’t forsake me, until I have declared your strength to the next generation, your might to everyone who is to come. 19God, your righteousness also reaches to the heavens. You have done great things. God, who is like you? 20You, who have shown us many and bitter troubles, you will let me live. You will bring us up again from the depths of the earth. 21Increase my honor and comfort me again. 22I will also praise you with the harp for your faithfulness, my God. I sing praises to you with the lyre, Holy One of Israel. 23My lips shall shout for joy! My soul, which you have redeemed, sings praises to you! 24My tongue will also talk about your righteousness all day long, for they are disappointed, and they are confounded, who want to harm me.

World English Bible, 2020 stable text edition. Public domain; “World English Bible” is a trademark of eBible.org. eBible.org

Overview

Psalms 71 is a heartfelt prayer of an aging believer who seeks refuge and strength in the Lord. The psalmist begins by expressing confidence in God’s protection, declaring, "In you, O Lord, I put my trust; let me never be put to shame" (Psalm 71:1). This opening sets the tone for the entire chapter, emphasizing the importance of relying on God throughout one’s life, especially in times of trouble. The psalmist recalls God’s faithfulness from youth, stating, "You took me from my mother’s womb; my praise is continually of you" (Psalm 71:6), which highlights the deep relationship and trust built over a lifetime of experiences with the Lord. The mention of being a witness to God’s mighty works serves as a reminder of His unchanging nature and the hope that He provides, even in old age.

As the psalm progresses, the psalmist pleads for deliverance from enemies and those who seek to harm him, affirming that God is his rock and fortress (Psalm 71:3). The psalmist’s vulnerability is evident as he expresses feelings of abandonment and fear, yet he continually turns to God for comfort and support. The chapter concludes with a powerful declaration of praise, as the psalmist vows to declare God’s righteousness and salvation to the next generation, ensuring that the faithfulness of God is passed down (Psalm 71:18). This psalm serves as a profound reminder of the importance of trusting in God through all stages of life and the call to share His goodness with others.

In summary, Psalms 71 encapsulates themes of trust, deliverance, and the enduring faithfulness of God, encouraging believers to rely on Him in every circumstance and to proclaim His greatness to future generations. #Psalms #TrustInGod #Faithfulness

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