Seventh-day Adventist Bible CommentaryPsalms 71

Francis D. Nichol (ed.) and contributors

Psalms 71:1

In thee, O Lord. Compare Ps. 31:1–3, with which Ps. 71:1–3 is, for practical purposes, identical.

Ellen G. White

David was distressed as he saw those who once seemed to have the fear of God before them, now in old age seemingly forsaken of God and exposed to ridicule by the enemies of the Lord. And why were they thus situated? As age crept on they seemed to lose their former powers of discernment, and were ready to listen to the deceptive advice of strangers in regard to those whom they should confide in. Their jealousy unrestrained sometimes burned into a flame, because all did not agree with their failing judgment. Some thought that their own children and relatives wanted them to die in order to take their places and possess their wealth, and receive the homage which had been bestowed upon them. And others were so controlled by their jealous, covetous feelings, as to destroy their own children.

It is frequently the case that aged persons are unwilling to acknowledge that their mental strength is failing, and therefore shorten their days by taking care which belongs to their children. Satan often plays upon their imagination, and leads them to hoard their means with miserly care, and thus create a continual anxiety about their earthly goods. Some will even deprive themselves of many of the comforts of life, and labor beyond their strength, rather than use the means which they have. Thus they are in continual vexation, through fear that some time in the future they shall want.

If such would take the position God would have them, their last days might be their best, their happiest. Those who have children in whose honesty and management they have reason to confide, should allow them to manage for them and provide for their happiness. Unless they do this, Satan will take advantage of their lack of mental strength, and will manage for them. They should lay aside anxiety and burdens, and occupy their time as happily as they can, in ripening up for heaven (The Signs of the Times, February 19, 1880).

Psalms 71:3

Thou hast given commandment. See Ps. 44:4; 68:28.

Psalms 71:4

The wicked. See Ps. 13:2; 17:13; 41:6, 9, 11; 55:13, 14.

Psalms 71:5

Hope. See 1 Tim. 1:1. Trust. See Ps. 40:4.

Psalms 71:6

By thee have I been holden up. Literally, “Upon thee have I braced myself.” As a child leans all its weight upon its parent, so David found constant support in God (see Ps. 22:9, 10; Isa. 46:3, 4). My praise. See Ps. 71:14–16, 22–24; 145:1, 2.

Psalms 71:7

Wonder. Heb. mopheth, “sign,” “token,” or “portent.” Thou art my strong refuge. For comment, see on Ps. 18:2.

Psalms 71:8

Thy praise. Praise is mingled with the prayer of the first part of the psalm.

Psalms 71:9

Cast me not off. See Ps. 51:11. Old age. His review of his past leads David to look toward the future, especially to that time when old age, “last scene of all, that ends the strange eventful history,” comes upon him. In contemplating the vicissitudes of old age, he feels the need of special grace (see 1T 422–424). Strength faileth. If God was David’s “rock” and “fortress” when the psalmist was in the full strength of manhood, God would need to be a greater support when the psalmist faced old age with its physical and mental infirmities. On the glory of old age, see Prov. 16:31.

Ellen G. White

9, 17, 19 (Psalm 92:13-15). Guard Against Evils Attending Old Age—David entreated the Lord not to forsake him in old age. And why did he thus pray? He saw that most of the aged around him were unhappy, because of the unfortunate traits of their character being increased with their age. If they had been naturally close and covetous, they were most disagreeably so in mature years. If they had been jealous, fretful, and impatient, they were especially so when aged.

David was strongly moved. He was distressed. He looked forward to the time when he should be aged, and feared that God would leave him and he would be as unhappy as other aged persons whose course he had noticed, and that he should be left to the reproach of the enemies of the Lord. With this burden upon him he earnestly prays [Psalm 71:9, 17, 19 quoted]. David felt the necessity of guarding against the evils which attend old age.

Psalms 71:10

Mine enemies. See on Ps. 3:2; 41:7. Soul. See on Ps. 16:10.

Psalms 71:12

Be not far. See Ps. 22:11, 19; 38:21, 22; 40:13.

Psalms 71:13

Let them be confounded. See Ps. 35:4, 26; 40:14.

Psalms 71:14

Praise thee more. The psalmist turns to thanksgiving, confident that his supplication is heard.

Psalms 71:15

Thy righteousness. See Isa. 45:24, 25; Phil. 3:9. I know not. God’s righteousness and salvation are incalculable (see on Ps. 40:5; cf. Ps. 139:17, 18.

Psalms 71:17

Wondrous works. See on Ps. 9:1.

Ellen G. White

17. See EGW on 1 Samuel 2:26, Vol. 2, p. 1010.

Psalms 71:18

Forsake me not. See on v. 9. Thy strength. Literally, “thy arm”; the instrument, and therefore the symbol, of strength (see Isa. 52:10; Eze. 4:7). To every one. That is, to the coming generations.

Psalms 71:19

Done great things. See Ps. 89:6, 8; cf. Ex. 15:11.

Psalms 71:20

Shalt quicken me. Hope for the future is grounded in remembrance of the past. Depths of the earth. Metaphorically, the extremes of suffering and depression (see Ps. 88:6; 130:1). David expresses a positive assurance that God will rescue him from the depths of distress and set him in a place of security.

Psalms 71:21

Shalt increase. In the future God will not only restore but also enlarge His majesty and regal greatness.

Psalms 71:22

Psaltery. For a description, see p. 33.

Harp. See p. 34. The mention of psaltery and harp implies public worship, in which these instruments were most commonly used. Holy One of Israel. Compare Ps. 78:41; 89:18.

Psalms 71:24

Thy righteousness. See vs. 15, 16, 19. If there were more talk of God’s righteousness, there would be less exalting of our own (see Isa. 64:6). All the day. See on Ps. 1:2. They are confounded. David is so certain of the overthrow of the wicked that he speaks of it as already accomplished. Like many of the psalms, Ps. 71 closes in triumph (see Ps. 3:7, 8; 7:17; 26:12; etc.). God leads from darkness up to light.