Psalms 71:1-3. In thee, O Lord, &c. See notes on Psalms 31:1. Thou hast given commandment to save me By which he understands God’s purpose and promise, and his providence watching to execute them, all which are as powerful as a command. read more
Psalms 71:7. I am a wonder to many Hebrew, כמופת , chemopeth, as a prodigy, or monster, that is, as a frightful spectacle, which they are afraid to come near. Green renders it, as a gazing-stock to the multitude. This David was, on account of his many and sore calamities, and perhaps, also, because of his firm trust in God amidst them all; as if he had said, Every one waits to see what will be the issue of such extraordinary troubles as I have fallen into, and such extraordinary... read more
Psalms 71:8-11 . Let my mouth be filled with thy praise Give me occasion to multiply praises to thee for delivering me out of my present distress. Cast me not off in my old age When I am most feeble, and most need thy help, and am one that is grown old in thy service. For mine enemies lay wait for my soul, &c. Hebrew, שׁמרי נפשׁי , shomree naphshi, the watchers, or observers, of my soul That watch, that they may find occasion to take away my life, and that I may not escape out... read more
Psalms 71:14-16. But I will hope continually Although in the greatest straits and difficulties; and will yet praise thee more and more For which I know thou wilt yet give me abundant occasion. My mouth shall show forth thy righteousness Thy truth, justice, and mercy, manifested in all thy dispensations toward me; and thy salvation Temporal and spiritual, wrought out for me; all the day long It shall be the subject of all my songs, and my continual employment to publish it abroad. ... read more
Psalms 71:17. O God, thou hast taught me from my youth By the instruction of my parents, by thy word and Spirit enlightening and convincing me, and also by my own experience, namely, concerning thy righteousness last mentioned, the wondrous effects whereof I have received and declared from time to time. Observe here, reader, as it is a great blessing to be taught of God from our youth, from our childhood to know the Holy Scriptures, and the important truths revealed, the privileges... read more
Psalms 71:18. Now also when I am old, &c., forsake me not Do not abandon the care of me when I need it most: but continue the same kindness to me in my declining years which I experienced when I was a youth. Those that have been taught of God from their youth, and have made it the business of their lives to honour him, may be sure he will not leave them when they are old and gray-headed, will not leave them helpless and comfortless, but will make the evil days of old age their best... read more
Psalms 71:19 . Thy righteousness also is very high Most eminent and evident, as high things are; and that which thou hast in righteousness done for thy people is very great. God’s righteousness, here intended, includes the rectitude of his nature; the equity of his providential dispensations; the righteous laws which he hath given us to be ruled by; the righteous promises he hath given us to depend upon; and the everlasting righteousness which his Son hath brought in, by his obedience unto... read more
Psalms 71:20-21. Thou, who hast showed me great and sore troubles, shalt quicken me again I never was in such straits and distresses, (and yet I have been in such as were very great and sore,) but I found relief in thee; and therefore I doubt not but thou wilt now revive and restore me, though all men give me up for lost. And shalt bring me up again from the depths of the earth That is, from the grave; for I am like one dead and buried, and past all hope of deliverance, without thy... read more
Psalms 71:22-24. I will also praise thee, &c. And then surely I shall be no less forward to bless thee than thou art to bestow thy benefits on me. My lips shall greatly rejoice, and my soul, &c. It is not possible to express the joy wherewith, not merely my lips, but my heart and soul shall sing triumphant songs for the extraordinary deliverance which I expect from thee. My tongue also shall talk of thy righteousness all the day long Which shall not only be the subject of my... read more
Get a Bible verse delivered to your inbox every day!
Read on Mobile
Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Psalms 71
A.M. 2981. B.C. 1023. This Psalm, being without a title, and very similar to the former, is thought by many to be a continuation of it. The author acknowledges the continued series of God’s goodness to him, even from his birth, and implores him not to leave him now in his old age to the malice of his enemies, but to grant him his protection. Toward the end he is assured of this, and at length obtains it, and praises God for it. So that we have here, (1,) A prayer, Psalms 71:1-13 . (2,) ... read more