Psalms 71

Psalms 71:1

Psalm 71: Old AgeAs is so often the case, we can trace a close parallel between the experiences of the psalmist and those of the nation of Israel. Thus, as Bellett suggests, this Psalm can be studied as a prayer of the afflicted remnant in Israel’s old age. 71:1-3 The first three verses are similar to Psa_31:1-3. The LORD is praised as refuge, rock and fortress, and is entreated for vindication of the psalmist’s trust, for deliverance, rescue, salvation, and for His saving help as a rock of refuge and a fortress. 71:4 As the prayer continues, it is pervaded by a strong sense of gratitude for God’s help in the past and confidence in His continued mercy in old age. If we apply the Psalm to Israel, the wicked, unjust and cruel man of verse 4 is the Antichrist. His dictatorship of horror will tax the endurance of the saints and wring out from them the most importunate pleas. 71:5, 6 Happy is the man who can say that God has been his hope and trust from childhood. If he has leaned on Jehovah from his birth, he will not lack support in the sunset years of life. If he can trace God’s marvelous grace back to the moment of his birth, he will not lack material for praise in later years. 71:7, 8 The psalmist had been a wonder to many by the depth of his rejection and suffering, and perhaps also by his marvelous deliverances. But through all the changing circumstances of life, God had been his strong refuge. And so he wanted every day to be crammed with His praise and glory. 71:9 Do not cast me off in the time of old age; Do not forsake me when my strength fails.To grow old gracefully calls for more Grace than Nature can provide. Old age is a new world of strange conflicts and secret fears; the fear of being left alone, the fear of being a burden to loved ones, the fear of becoming a helpless invalid, the fear of losing one’s grip, the fear of being imposed upon. These fears are not new. The psalmist is here thinking aloud for the encouragement of all who are in the autumn of life (Daily Notes of the Scripture Union). 71:10, 11 Of course, he had the added fear of enemies who vilified him and who conspired to kill him. Mistakenly supposing that God had forsaken him, they prepared their final assault with no fear of opposition. 71:12, 13 This crisis prompted a distress call in which he urges God to come to his side and help. With no additional trouble, God could also swamp the foes with shame and defeat, reproach and dishonor. 71:14-16 But hope quickly rises above fear, and praise begins its mighty crescendo. The lyrics recount God’s righteous acts and the numberless times He has rescued His beleaguered child. With holy determination the psalmist says, “I will come with the inexhaustible narration of the mighty acts of Jehovah Elohim.” 71:17, 18 Once again, as in verses 5-11, he runs the gamut from youth to old age (vv. 17-21) and finds nothing but the faithfulness of God. God had taught him from the days of his youth and, as Knox continues, “still I am found telling the tale of Thy wonders.” Now he is old and grayheaded, but he doesn’t feel his work is done. He pleads for time to tell the new generation and those to come about the mighty miracles of the Lord. This prayer was answered, of course, by the Psalm’s being preserved in the sacred Scriptures. 71:19-21 God is really wonderful! His power and His righteousness are higher than the heavens. No one can hold a candle to Him, especially when you think of the great things He has done. Sometimes God is said to have done what He has permitted. So here, He made the psalmist (and Israel) experience many bitter troubles. For Israel, this suggests the Tribulation Period. But He is the God of recovery, and He will revive His people, and snatch them from the jaws of the grave. That isn’t all! He will give them honor in place of reproach and surround them with comfort. 71:22 The lute will be pressed into service to sing the faithfulness of God, and the harp enlisted to magnify the Holy One of Israel. This name of Godthe Holy One of Israelis used two other times in the Psalmsin Psa_78:41 and Psa_89:18. 71:23, 24 But lute and harp will be joined in the chorus by the psalmist’s lips, soul and tongue. His lips will be effervescently joyful in song. His soul, redeemed by the blood of the Lamb, will also greatly rejoice in song. His tongue also shall be unwearied in talking about God’s dependability, for all his enemies have been thoroughly confounded.