Bible Commentaries
Psalms 71

Introduction

Overview

Psalms 71:1, David, in confidence of faith, and experience of God’s favour, prays both for himself, and against the enemies of his soul; Psalms 71:14, He promises constancy; Psalms 71:17, He prays for perseverance; Psalms 71:19, He praises God, and promises to do it cheerfully.

Verse 1

do I: Psalms 22:5, Psalms 25:2, Psalms 25:3, Psalms 31:1-3, Psalms 125:1, Psalms 146:5, 2 Kings 18:5, 1 Chronicles 5:20, Romans 9:33, 1 Peter 2:6

let me: Isaiah 45:17, Jeremiah 17:18

Reciprocal: 2 Kings 21:14 - deliver Nehemiah 6:9 - Now therefore Psalms 25:20 - let

Verse 2

in thy: Psalms 17:2, Psalms 31:1, Psalms 34:15, Psalms 43:1, Psalms 143:1, Psalms 143:11, Daniel 9:16

cause: 1 Corinthians 10:13

incline: Psalms 10:17, Psalms 10:18, Psalms 17:6, Psalms 116:1, Psalms 116:2

Reciprocal: Psalms 25:20 - let Psalms 31:2 - Bow Psalms 71:16 - thy righteousness Psalms 102:2 - incline Isaiah 37:17 - Incline

Verse 3

my strong habitation: Heb. to me for a rock of habitation, Psalms 31:2, Psalms 31:3, Psalms 91:1, Psalms 91:2, Proverbs 18:10, Isaiah 33:16

thou hast: Psalms 44:4, Psalms 68:28, Psalms 91:11, Psalms 91:12, Ezekiel 9:6, Revelation 7:2, Revelation 7:3

my rock: Psalms 18:2, Psalms 144:2

Reciprocal: 1 Samuel 2:2 - rock 2 Samuel 22:2 - General Job 33:24 - Deliver Psalms 90:1 - Lord Psalms 91:9 - most high Psalms 144:1 - my strength Isaiah 23:11 - the Lord Nahum 1:7 - strong hold Nahum 1:14 - given

Verse 4

out of the: Psalms 17:8, Psalms 17:9, Psalms 17:13, Psalms 59:1, Psalms 59:2, Psalms 140:1-4, 2 Samuel 16:21, 2 Samuel 16:22, 2 Samuel 17:1, 2 Samuel 17:2, 2 Samuel 17:12-14, 2 Samuel 17:21

Reciprocal: 2 Samuel 19:7 - all the evil Psalms 43:1 - the deceitful Psalms 140:4 - Keep me

Verse 5

For thou: Psalms 13:5, Psalms 39:7, Psalms 42:11, Psalms 119:81, Psalms 119:166, Jeremiah 17:7, Jeremiah 17:13, Jeremiah 17:17, Romans 15:13

my trust: Psalms 71:17, Psalms 22:9, Psalms 22:10, 1 Samuel 16:13, 1 Samuel 17:33-37, 1 Samuel 17:45-47, Ecclesiastes 12:1, Luke 2:40, 2 Timothy 3:15

Reciprocal: Psalms 27:9 - thou Psalms 62:5 - my Psalms 130:7 - Let Israel Psalms 146:5 - whose Isaiah 49:1 - The Lord Jeremiah 1:5 - Before I Jeremiah 3:4 - the guide

Verse 6

By thee: Psalms 22:9, Psalms 22:10, Proverbs 8:17, Isaiah 46:3, Isaiah 46:4, Jeremiah 3:4

thou art: Psalms 139:15, Psalms 139:16, Psalms 145:1, Psalms 145:2, Isaiah 49:1, Isaiah 49:5, Jeremiah 1:5, Luke 1:31, Luke 1:32, Galatians 1:15

my praise: Psalms 71:14, Psalms 34:1, Ephesians 5:20

Reciprocal: 1 Samuel 7:12 - Hitherto Job 3:11 - when I came Psalms 27:9 - thou Psalms 119:117 - Hold Psalms 138:8 - forsake Psalms 139:13 - covered me Isaiah 44:2 - formed Isaiah 44:24 - and he

Verse 7

as a wonder: Kemopaton, "as a prodigy," my low estate: - my slaying the lion and bear, - conquering the Philistine, - escaping the fury of Saul, - being raised to the throne of Israel, - enduring such uncommon trials and afflictions, - and experiencing such wonderful deliverances.

These all mark me out as the subject of "wonder unto many; but Thou art my strong Refuge." Isaiah 8:18, Zechariah 3:6, Luke 2:34, Acts 4:13, 1 Corinthians 4:9, 2 Corinthians 4:8-12, 2 Corinthians 6:8-10

thou art: Psalms 62:7, Psalms 142:4, Psalms 142:5, Jeremiah 16:19

Reciprocal: 2 Samuel 22:3 - my refuge Isaiah 52:14 - many Zechariah 3:8 - for Matthew 27:14 - marvelled Mark 15:5 - Pilate Acts 9:21 - amazed Acts 16:25 - and the Hebrews 10:33 - made

Verse 8

Psalms 71:15, Psalms 71:24, Psalms 35:28, Psalms 51:14, Psalms 51:15, Psalms 145:1, Psalms 145:2, Psalms 146:2

Reciprocal: 1 Samuel 2:1 - my mouth Psalms 34:1 - General Psalms 84:4 - they will Psalms 89:1 - with Psalms 108:1 - my glory Psalms 141:3 - Set a watch Psalms 145:21 - My mouth

Verse 9

Cast: Psalms 71:18, Psalms 92:13-15, Isaiah 46:4, 2 Timothy 1:12, 2 Timothy 4:18

old age: This determines the period when this Psalm was composed; for it was in David's old age that the rebellion of Absalom took place.

when: Psalms 73:26, Psalms 90:10, 2 Samuel 19:35, 2 Samuel 21:15-17, Ecclesiastes 12:1-7

Reciprocal: 2 Samuel 19:7 - all the evil 2 Kings 18:30 - make you Psalms 31:10 - strength Psalms 37:25 - I have Psalms 43:2 - why dost Psalms 51:11 - Cast Psalms 86:17 - that they Proverbs 3:16 - Length Isaiah 36:15 - General Philemon 1:9 - Paul

Verse 10

and they: Psalms 10:9, Psalms 56:6, Proverbs 1:11

lay wait for: Heb. watch or observe, Psalms 37:32, Psalms 37:33, 1 Samuel 19:11, Jeremiah 20:10

take: Psalms 2:2, Psalms 83:3, 2 Samuel 17:1-14, Matthew 26:3, Matthew 26:4, Matthew 27:1

Reciprocal: 1 Samuel 23:7 - God hath Psalms 31:15 - deliver Psalms 35:15 - in mine Psalms 119:42 - So shall Isaiah 36:4 - What Daniel 9:25 - restore and to build Jerusalem John 11:53 - they

Verse 11

God: Psalms 3:2, Psalms 37:25, Psalms 37:28, Psalms 41:7, Psalms 41:8, Psalms 42:10, Matthew 27:42, Matthew 27:43, Matthew 27:46, Matthew 27:49

for there: Psalms 7:2, Psalms 50:22, 2 Chronicles 32:13, 2 Chronicles 32:14, Daniel 3:15

Reciprocal: Exodus 14:3 - They are entangled 1 Samuel 23:7 - God hath 2 Kings 18:30 - make you 2 Chronicles 32:11 - The Lord our God Psalms 22:1 - why hast Psalms 22:8 - let him Psalms 35:15 - in mine Psalms 119:42 - So shall Isaiah 36:4 - What Jeremiah 33:24 - thus Mark 15:34 - why Luke 23:35 - derided Romans 7:24 - who

Verse 12

O God: Psalms 22:11, Psalms 22:19, Psalms 35:22, Psalms 38:21, Psalms 38:22, Psalms 69:18

make: Psalms 70:1, Psalms 70:2, Psalms 143:7

Reciprocal: Psalms 31:14 - Thou Psalms 141:1 - make haste

Verse 13

Let them be: etc. "They shall be confounded," etc.: these are prophetic denunciations. Psalms 71:24, Psalms 6:10, Psalms 35:4, Psalms 35:26, Psalms 40:14, Psalms 40:15, Isaiah 41:11, Jeremiah 20:11

covered: Psalms 109:29, Psalms 132:18, 1 Peter 5:5

Reciprocal: Esther 9:2 - as sought Psalms 5:10 - let Psalms 25:3 - let Psalms 44:15 - covered Psalms 70:2 - Let Jeremiah 51:51 - shame John 8:9 - went out

Verse 14

But: Psalms 43:5, Job 13:15, Lamentations 3:21, Lamentations 3:26, Hebrews 10:35, 1 Peter 1:13, 1 John 3:3

praise: Psalms 71:6, Philippians 1:9, 1 Thessalonians 4:10, 2 Peter 3:18

Reciprocal: Psalms 30:12 - I will Psalms 34:1 - General Psalms 42:5 - hope Psalms 119:49 - upon which Psalms 145:1 - extol thee Psalms 146:2 - While I live Song of Solomon 4:11 - lips Daniel 6:20 - servest Romans 5:4 - and experience 1 Thessalonians 3:9 - what

Verse 15

My mouth: Psalms 71:8, Psalms 71:24, Psalms 22:22-25, Psalms 30:12, Psalms 40:9, Psalms 40:10, Psalms 145:2, Psalms 145:5-14

all the day: Psalms 35:28, Psalms 89:16

I know: Psalms 40:5, Psalms 40:12, Psalms 139:17, Psalms 139:18

Reciprocal: 1 Chronicles 16:23 - show forth 2 Chronicles 19:2 - hate the Lord Job 9:10 - great things Job 26:3 - plentifully Psalms 7:17 - according Psalms 34:1 - General Psalms 37:30 - General Psalms 51:14 - tongue Psalms 71:16 - thy righteousness Psalms 84:4 - they will Psalms 92:2 - show Psalms 96:2 - show Psalms 108:1 - my glory Psalms 119:13 - I declared Psalms 145:7 - sing Psalms 145:21 - My mouth Psalms 146:2 - While I live Proverbs 5:2 - thy lips Proverbs 15:7 - lips Ecclesiastes 9:10 - thy hand Ecclesiastes 10:12 - words Song of Solomon 4:11 - lips Isaiah 48:6 - and will Micah 6:5 - know Luke 6:45 - good man John 7:26 - he speaketh John 21:25 - there Romans 1:16 - I am Romans 10:3 - God's righteousness 1 Corinthians 1:30 - righteousness Philippians 3:9 - the righteousness Colossians 4:6 - your 1 Thessalonians 3:9 - what

Verse 16

I will go: Psalms 29:11, Deuteronomy 33:25, Isaiah 40:31, Isaiah 45:24, Isaiah 45:25, Zechariah 10:12, Ephesians 3:16, Ephesians 6:10, Philippians 4:13, 2 Timothy 2:1

I will make: Isaiah 26:13, Isaiah 63:7

thy righteousness: Psalms 71:2, Psalms 71:15, Psalms 71:19, Psalms 71:24, Psalms 51:14, Matthew 6:33, Romans 1:17, Romans 3:21, Romans 10:3, Philippians 3:9, 2 Thessalonians 1:6

Reciprocal: Psalms 7:17 - according Psalms 89:16 - righteousness Psalms 145:7 - sing Isaiah 12:4 - declare Isaiah 42:21 - well Isaiah 54:17 - and their Micah 4:5 - and we Micah 6:5 - know John 7:26 - he speaketh Romans 1:16 - I am 1 Corinthians 1:30 - righteousness

Verse 17

thou hast: Psalms 71:5, Psalms 119:9, Psalms 119:102

hitherto: Psalms 66:16, 1 Samuel 17:36, 1 Samuel 17:37, 2 Samuel 4:9, 2 Samuel 22:1-51, 1 Chronicles 16:4-36

Reciprocal: Exodus 18:8 - told 1 Samuel 7:12 - Hitherto 1 Kings 18:12 - from my youth 1 Chronicles 16:9 - talk ye Job 6:10 - have not concealed Job 27:11 - that which Psalms 21:1 - in thy Psalms 22:9 - thou didst Psalms 26:7 - tell Psalms 27:9 - thou Psalms 73:28 - that I may Psalms 107:31 - his wonderful Psalms 118:17 - declare Psalms 119:27 - so shall I talk Psalms 119:43 - take not Psalms 119:171 - my lips Psalms 138:8 - forsake Psalms 145:5 - will speak Ecclesiastes 12:1 - Remember Isaiah 45:21 - Tell ye Isaiah 48:17 - which teacheth Isaiah 54:13 - all Jeremiah 3:4 - the guide Luke 2:17 - General Luke 8:38 - saying John 17:6 - have manifested Acts 2:11 - wonderful Acts 21:16 - an old Ephesians 4:29 - that which Ephesians 6:4 - but Philippians 2:16 - Holding 2 Timothy 3:15 - from

Verse 18

Now: Psalms 71:9, Genesis 27:1, 1 Samuel 4:15, 1 Samuel 4:18, Isaiah 46:4

when I am old and greyheaded: Heb. until old age and grey hairs

until I: Psalms 78:4, Psalms 78:6, Psalms 145:4, Psalms 145:5, Exodus 13:8, Exodus 13:14-17, 1 Chronicles 29:10-30, Acts 13:36

strength: Heb. arm, Isaiah 51:9, Isaiah 53:1

Reciprocal: Genesis 42:38 - bring Exodus 10:2 - And that Deuteronomy 4:9 - teach them Joshua 4:6 - when your 1 Samuel 12:2 - I am old 2 Samuel 19:7 - all the evil 2 Samuel 21:15 - and David waxed faint 1 Kings 18:12 - from my youth Job 6:10 - have not concealed Job 15:18 - from their Psalms 22:22 - I will Psalms 27:9 - thou Psalms 37:25 - I have Psalms 44:1 - have heard Psalms 48:13 - that ye Psalms 51:11 - Cast Psalms 66:16 - Come Psalms 92:14 - in old age Psalms 102:18 - This Psalms 118:17 - declare Psalms 119:43 - take not Psalms 138:4 - when they hear Psalms 138:8 - forsake Ecclesiastes 12:1 - Remember Ecclesiastes 12:5 - the almond Isaiah 45:21 - Tell ye Daniel 4:2 - I thought it good Joel 1:3 - General Luke 2:17 - General Luke 8:38 - saying John 15:16 - that your Acts 21:16 - an old Romans 5:4 - and experience Ephesians 4:29 - that which Ephesians 6:4 - but Philippians 1:22 - this Philemon 1:9 - Paul 2 Peter 1:15 - I will

Verse 19

Thy righteousness: Psalms 36:5, Psalms 36:6, Psalms 57:10, Psalms 139:6, Proverbs 15:24, Proverbs 24:7, Isaiah 5:16, Isaiah 55:9

who hast: Psalms 72:18, Psalms 126:2, Psalms 126:3, Job 5:9

who is like: God is alone - who can resemble Him? He is that eternal, illimitable, unimpartible, unchangeable, incomprehensible, uncompounded, ineffable Being, whose essence is hidden from all created intelligences, and whose counsels cannot be fathomed by any creature. Psalms 35:10, Psalms 86:8, Psalms 89:6-8, Exodus 15:11, Isaiah 40:18, Isaiah 40:25, Jeremiah 10:7

Reciprocal: Deuteronomy 3:24 - what God 1 Samuel 2:2 - rock Psalms 22:22 - I will Psalms 71:16 - thy righteousness Psalms 89:8 - like Psalms 145:7 - sing Isaiah 42:21 - well Isaiah 54:17 - and their Daniel 4:3 - great Joel 2:21 - for Micah 6:5 - know Micah 7:18 - a God Luke 1:49 - hath Romans 10:3 - God's righteousness

Verse 20

which: Psalms 40:1-3, Psalms 60:3, Psalms 66:10-12, Psalms 88:6-18, Psalms 138:7, 2 Samuel 12:11, Mark 14:33, Mark 14:34, Mark 15:34, 2 Corinthians 11:23-31, Revelation 7:14

quicken: Psalms 80:18, Isaiah 26:19, Hosea 6:1, Hosea 6:2, Acts 2:24, Acts 2:32-34

shalt bring: Psalms 16:10, Psalms 40:2, Psalms 86:13, Isaiah 38:17, Ezekiel 37:12, Ezekiel 37:13, Jonah 2:6, Ephesians 4:9

Reciprocal: 2 Samuel 22:19 - the Lord 2 Chronicles 32:22 - guided Psalms 30:3 - brought Psalms 31:7 - for Psalms 34:19 - Many Psalms 66:16 - and I will Psalms 86:17 - thou Psalms 119:25 - quicken Psalms 130:1 - Out of Ecclesiastes 12:2 - nor Isaiah 33:18 - heart Isaiah 38:16 - General Lamentations 3:1 - the man Daniel 4:3 - great Hosea 13:14 - ransom Mark 16:6 - he is risen Romans 12:12 - Rejoicing Colossians 2:13 - he

Verse 21

increase: Psalms 72:11, 2 Samuel 3:1, Isaiah 9:7, Isaiah 49:6, Revelation 11:15

comfort: Psalms 32:10, 2 Corinthians 1:4, 2 Corinthians 1:5, 2 Corinthians 2:14, 2 Corinthians 7:6, 2 Corinthians 7:13, 1 Thessalonians 3:9

Reciprocal: 2 Samuel 22:19 - the Lord 1 Chronicles 17:8 - made thee 2 Chronicles 32:22 - guided Job 1:10 - about Psalms 86:17 - thou Psalms 138:7 - thou wilt

Verse 22

psaltery: Heb. instrument of psaltery, Psalms 92:1-3, Psalms 150:3-5, Habakkuk 3:18, Habakkuk 3:19

even: Psalms 25:10, Psalms 56:4, Psalms 89:1, Psalms 98:3, Psalms 138:2, Micah 7:20, Romans 15:8

O thou: Psalms 89:18, 2 Kings 19:22, Isaiah 5:16, Isaiah 5:19, Isaiah 5:24, Isaiah 12:6, Isaiah 30:11, Isaiah 30:12, Isaiah 43:3, Isaiah 57:15, Isaiah 60:9

Reciprocal: Psalms 31:14 - Thou Psalms 43:4 - upon Psalms 101:1 - unto thee Psalms 109:30 - greatly 1 John 2:20 - the Holy

Verse 23

My lips: Psalms 63:5, Psalms 104:33, Luke 1:46, Luke 1:47

my soul: Psalms 103:4, Genesis 48:16, 2 Samuel 4:9, Revelation 5:9

Reciprocal: Psalms 30:12 - I will Psalms 31:5 - thou Psalms 34:22 - redeemeth Psalms 43:4 - my exceeding joy Psalms 100:2 - Serve Psalms 101:1 - unto thee Psalms 108:1 - my glory Psalms 109:30 - greatly Psalms 119:171 - my lips Psalms 145:21 - My mouth Song of Solomon 4:11 - lips Lamentations 3:58 - thou hast redeemed Acts 2:26 - my tongue Colossians 3:16 - singing Colossians 4:6 - your

Verse 24

My tongue: Psalms 71:8, Psalms 71:15, Psalms 37:30, Deuteronomy 11:19, Proverbs 10:20, Proverbs 10:21, Matthew 12:35, Ephesians 4:29

for they: Psalms 71:13, Psalms 18:37-43, Psalms 92:11, 1 Corinthians 15:25

Reciprocal: 2 Samuel 4:8 - sought Esther 9:2 - as sought Psalms 31:17 - wicked Psalms 35:4 - confounded Psalms 35:28 - General Psalms 71:16 - thy righteousness Psalms 73:28 - that I may Psalms 77:12 - talk Psalms 108:1 - my glory Psalms 119:171 - my lips Psalms 145:5 - will speak Psalms 145:21 - My mouth Song of Solomon 4:11 - lips Colossians 4:6 - your James 3:9 - Therewith