Bible Commentaries
Psalms 70

Verses 1-5

Psalms 70:1-5

V. 1-5. (Notes,Psalms 40:13-17.) This Psalm is, for substance, the same as the concluding verses of the fortieth Psalm ; yet there are verbal alterations in every part of it, though none that materially affect the sense. Some think, that it was parted from the fortieth Psalm, (with some variation,) as suggesting general hints for prayer, to pious persons, under very afflictive circumstances.

PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS.

No worldly possessions or distinctions can prevent the humbled sinner from feeling himself to be poor and needy : hence his entire dependence upon a merciful God, and his fervent applications to him on all occasions ; while the proud can only pray formally and hypocritically. (Notes, Matthew 5:3. Luke 18:9-14.) But " the poor in spirit " have God for their Helper and Deliverer; and shame must be the portion of all who seek after their souls, desire their hurt, or rejoice in their calamities. Sometimes these are so ashamed as to repent and seek forgiveness : but unless this be the case, they will be treated as the enemies of Christ ; because they tread in the steps of those who persecuted him, in his poverty and humiliation ; and hate his image and his cause in his poor disciples. But those who " seek the LORD," and " love his salvation," have the " prayers of all the people of God on earth, and the intercession of Christ in heaven, in their behalf. Joy and gladness will therefore be vouchsafed them, and they will eternally magnify the God of their salvation.