Deliver me, O my God, out of the hand of the wicked, out of the hand (rather, grasp ) of the unrighteous and cruel man. it is characteristic of David to single out from his adversaries an individual man, from whom he especially asks to be delivered (comp. Psalms 13:2 ; Psalms 17:13 ; Psalms 18:17 , Psalms 18:48 ; Psalms 35:8 ; Psalms 41:6 , Psalms 41:9 , Psalms 41:11 ; Psalms 55:13 , Psalms 55:14 , etc.). read more
For thou art my Hope, O Lord God (comp. Psalms 39:7 ; Jeremiah 14:8 ; Jeremiah 17:13 ; Jeremiah 50:7 ). Thou art my Trust from my youth (comp. Psalms 40:4 ). read more
By thee have I been holden up from the womb: thou art he that took me out of my mother's bowels (comp. Psalms 22:9 , Psalms 22:10 , of which this is plainly an echo or reminiscence). My praise shall be continually of thee (see Psalms 71:14-16 , Psalms 71:22-24 ). read more
I am as a wonder unto many; or, as a portent, a prodigy —something montrous. Some explain, "as an object of God's singular favour from his youth" (Kay, Cheyne); others, "as a marvellous example of God's punishments" (Schultens, Hengstenberg, Professor Alexander, Canon Cook). The latter explanation is supported by Deuteronomy 28:46 , and, on the whole, seems preferable. But thou art my strong Refuge ( see above, Deuteronomy 28:3 , ad fin .). read more
Let my mouth be filled with thy praise and with thy honour all the day. Praise alternates with complaint and prayer, even in this first portion of the psalm, preparing the way for the sustained praise of the second portion. read more
Cast me not off in the lime of old age. This expression, combined with the allusion to old age and grey hairs in Psalms 71:18 , indicates that the writer was drawing near to the natural term of human life, and already felt the infirmities of old age creeping upon him. This note of date suits better the time of Adonijah's rebellion than that of Absalom's. Forsake me not when my strength faileth. An appeal to the Divine compassion. If God was his "Rock and Fortress" ( Psalms 71:3 ), his... read more
For mine enemies speak against me. The psalmist's weakness encourages his enemies to make their attacks. They begin by speaking against him—calumniating him ( 2 Samuel 15:3 , 2 Samuel 15:4 ), and shortly they will proceed to acts. And they that lay wait for my soul take counsel together ; or, "they that watch for my soul" (Revised Version). read more
Saying, God hath forsaken him: persecute and take him; for there is none to deliver him. Compare the words of Ahithophel, "Let me now choose out twelve thousand men, and I will arise and pursue alter David this night; and I will come upon him while he is weary and weak handed; and all the people that are with him shall flee; and I will smite the king only" ( 2 Samuel 17:1 , 2 Samuel 17:2 ). It no doubt appeared to Absalom's party generally, as it did to Shimei, that God had "forsakes"... read more
O God, be not far from me: O my God, make haste for my help (comp. Psalms 22:19 ; Psalms 35:22 ). read more
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The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 71:3
Be thou my strong Habitation; literally, be thou to me for a Rock of habitation ; i.e. a rock upon which I may take up my abode. Whereunto I may continually resort. Exegetical of the preceding clause, habitation " Thou hast given "a rock of commandment to save me. It is in thy counsels that I am to be helped and saved—not left to the will of my enemies (comp. Psalms 68:28 ). This conviction lies at the root of the psalmist's faith and trust. For thou art my Rock and my... read more