Bible Commentaries
Psalms 70

Introduction

Psalms 70:0

STROPHE DIVISIONS OF MODERN TRANSLATIONS

READING CYCLE THREE (see “Guide to Good Bible Reading”)

FOLLOWING THE ORIGINAL AUTHOR'S INTENT AT PARAGRAPH LEVEL

This is a study guide commentary which means that you are responsible for your own interpretation of the Bible. Each of us must walk in the light we have. You, the Bible, and the Holy Spirit are priority in interpretation. You must not relinquish this to a commentator.

Read the chapter in one sitting. Identify the subjects (reading cycle #3). Compare your subject divisions with the five translations above. Paragraphing is not inspired, but it is the key to following the original author's intent, which is the heart of interpretation. Every paragraph has one and only one subject.

1. First paragraph

2. Second paragraph

3. Third paragraph

4. Etc.

CONTEXTUAL INSIGHTS

A. Notice the Qal imperative “hasten” (BDB 301, KB 300) opens (cf. Psalms 70:1b) and closes (cf. Psalms 70:5b) the Psalm (i.e., inclusio). This verb is repeated in Psalms 22:19; Psalms 38:22; Psalms 40:13, Psalms 40:17; Psalms 71:12.

B. Notice the number of imperfects used as jussives (note the parallelism).

1. Negative

a. let those be ashamed, Psalms 70:2; Psalms 70:2a BDB 101, KB 116, Qal imperfect, cf. Psalms 35:4; Psalms 35:4; Psalms 83:17

b. let those be humiliated, Psalms 70:2; Psalms 70:2a BDB 344, KB 340, Qal imperfect, cf. Psalms 40:14; Psalms 40:14

c. let those be turned back, Psalms 70:2; Psalms 70:2c BDB 690, KB 744, Niphal imperfect

d. let those be dishonored, Psalms 70:2; Psalms 70:2c BDB 483, KB 480, Niphal imperfect

e. let those be turned back, Psalms 70:3; Psalms 70:3a BDB 996, KB 1427, Qal imperfect

2. Positive

a. let all who seek You rejoice, Psalms 70:4; Psalms 70:4 BDB 965, KB 1314, Qal imperfect

b. let all who seek You be glad, Psalms 70:4; Psalms 70:4 BDB 970, KB 1333, Qal imperfect

c. let those who love Your salvation say. . .,”Psalms 70:4; Psalms 70:4b BDB 55, KB 65, Qal imperfect

d. God be magnified, Psalms 70:4; Psalms 70:4c BDB 152, KB 178, Qal imperfect

e. do not delay, Psalms 70:0; Psalms 70:0:5d BDB 28, KB 34, Piel imperfect

C. Notice the wonderful synonymous parallelism of the Psalm.

D. This Psalm is repeated with some differences in Psalms 40:13-17, except for Psalms 70:3a.

Psalms 70:1. Psalms 70:3, “turn back” (BDB 690 I)

Psalms 70:2. Psalms 40:15, “appalled” (BDB 1030)

Verses 1-3

NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: Psalms 70:1-3 1O God, hasten to deliver me; O Lord, hasten to my help! 2Let those be ashamed and humiliated Who seek my life; Let those be turned back and dishonored Who delight in my hurt. 3Let those be turned back because of their shame Who say, “Aha, aha!”

Psalms 70:1 The NASB assumes the Qal imperative is used twice (cf. Psalms 22:19; Psalms 38:22; Psalms 40:13; Psalms 71:12; Psalms 141:1) and has parallel objects (cf. Psalms 70:5).

1. deliver me

2. help me

Also notice that God (Elohim) is parallel to Lord (YHWH), as they are in verse Psalms 70:5. See SPECIAL TOPIC: NAMES FOR DEITY.

Psalms 70:2 “Let. . .” This is the English way to denote the jussive of request. See Contextual Insights, B.

▣ “seek” This verbal (BDB 134, KB 152, Piel participle) occurs in Psalms 70:2 and 4. It describes two kinds of people.

1. those who seek to kill others to get their way

2. those who seek God

Psalms 70:2-3 “Who. . .” Those who oppose the psalmist are characterized in three parallel phrases.

1. who seek my life (lit. nephesh)

2. who delight in my hurt

3. who say, “Aha, aha”

This last one denotes a common OT literary technique called “reversal.” What they wished to happen to the godly psalmist, happens to them!

Verses 4-5

NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: Psalms 70:4-5 4Let all who seek You rejoice and be glad in You; And let those who love Your salvation say continually, “Let God be magnified.” 5But I am afflicted and needy; Hasten to me, O God! You are my help and my deliverer; O Lord, do not delay.

Psalms 70:4 “seek You” This is an OT idiom for a personal faith relationship with God characterized by

1. temple worship

2. covenant obedience

The last line of Psalms 70:4 may be temple liturgy.

Psalms 70:5 Notice that the two concepts of “deliver” and “help” of Psalms 70:1 are repeated (different but synonymous verb for “deliver”).

▣ “I am afflicted and needy” The psalmist characterizes his own perceived situation. God is great (Psalms 70:4) but he is hurting. He entreats God to come to his aid quickly.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

This is a study guide commentary which means that you are responsible for your own interpretation of the Bible. Each of us must walk in the light we have. You, the Bible, and the Holy Spirit are priority in interpretation. You must not relinquish this to a commentator.

These discussion questions are provided to help you think through the major issues of this section of the book. They are meant to be thought provoking, not definitive.

1. Why is Psalms 70:0 also found in Psalms 40:13-17?

2. Explain in your own words the literary concept of “reversal.”

3. What do the names for Deity, Elohim and YHWH, imply?