Psalm 71:12 - Printer Friendly

ESV: O God, be not far from me; O my God, make haste to help me!

NIV: Do not be far from me, my God; come quickly, God, to help me.

NASB: God, do not be far from me; My God, hurry to my aid!

CSB: God, do not be far from me; my God, hurry to help me.

NLT: O God, don’t stay away. My God, please hurry to help me.

KJV: O God, be not far from me: O my God, make haste for my help.

NKJV: O God, do not be far from me; O my God, make haste to help me!

Psalm 71:9–13 follows an explanation of the psalmist's lifelong faith (Psalm 71:5–8). Now he is older, and not as strong as he once was. Perhaps because of this, enemies think God has abandoned the psalmist, so they can attack him at will. The psalm calls on the Lord to turn the hurtful mockery of these liars back against them. Rather than their conspiracy succeeding, the psalmist prays these foes would quickly be thwarted and shamed for what they attempt to do.

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.

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.

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.

Accessed 9/20/2024 9:21:00 PM