What does Psalm 71:5 mean?
ESV: For you, O Lord, are my hope, my trust, O Lord, from my youth.
NIV: For you have been my hope, Sovereign Lord, my confidence since my youth.
NASB: For You are my hope; Lord God, You are my confidence from my youth.
CSB: For you are my hope, Lord God, my confidence from my youth.
NLT: O Lord, you alone are my hope. I’ve trusted you, O Lord, from childhood.
KJV: For thou art my hope, O Lord God: thou art my trust from my youth.
NKJV: For You are my hope, O Lord God; You are my trust from my youth.
Verse Commentary:
Please see our chapter commentary on Psalm 71, verse-level content coming soon!
Verse Context:
Psalm 71:5–8 describes the psalmist's lifelong trust in God. Though now old (Psalm 71:9), he has relied on the Lord for as long as he can remember. This intensity of faith caused others to think of him as odd—a "spectacle" or "portent"—in his community. Despite this he has relied on God and still praises Him constantly.
Chapter Summary:
The psalmist—possibly David—repeats a prayer for rescue resembling the opening verses of psalm 31. After a lifetime of noticeable faithfulness, the psalmist is fully confident that God will provide a rescue from his troubles. Again, the psalmist asks God to be with him despite his old age. When the expected salvation is accomplished, the psalmist plans to continue to worship the Lord and invite others to do the same.
Chapter Context:
No author or event is given for this psalm. However, the opening resembles those of psalms 31 and 35. Phrases and ideas seen in psalms 22 and 40 are echoed here, as well. Since David is credited with those, it is likely David composed this as well. A possible inspiration may have been Absalom's rebellion during David's old age (2 Samuel 15—16). As do other psalms, this one asks God for deliverance while vowing to continue praising Him.
Book Summary:
The book of Psalms is composed of individual songs, hymns, or poems, each of which is a ''Psalm'' in and of itself. These works contain a wide variety of themes. Some Psalms focus on praising and worshipping God. Others cry out in anguish over the pain of life. Still other Psalms look forward to the coming of the Messiah. While some Psalms are related, each has its own historical and biblical context.
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