Psalms 70

¹ To the chief Musician, [A Psalm] of David, to bring to remembrance. [Make haste], O God, to deliver me; make haste to help me, O LORD.

² Let them be ashamed and confounded that seek after my soul: let them be turned backward, and put to confusion, that desire my hurt.

³ Let them be turned back for a reward of their shame that say, Aha, aha.

⁴ Let all those that seek thee rejoice and be glad in thee: and let such as love thy salvation say continually, Let God be magnified.

⁵ But I [am] poor and needy: make haste unto me, O God: thou [art] my help and my deliverer; O LORD, make no tarrying.

Overview of Psalm 70

Psalm 70 is a brief but poignant chapter in the Book of Psalms, attributed to David. It is a cry for help and a plea for God’s swift intervention in times of distress. The psalm emphasizes the urgency of the request and the need for divine assistance, reflecting a deep sense of vulnerability and reliance on God.

Structure and Literary Features

The chapter is composed of five verses, which can be divided into distinct sections that highlight its themes and intentions:

1. Invocation for Help (Verses 1-2)
   • The psalmist opens with a direct appeal to God, asking Him to “hasten” to his aid.
   • There is a sense of urgency, as the psalmist feels threatened by adversaries.
2. Desire for Justice (Verse 3)
   • The psalmist expresses a wish for those who seek his harm to be put to shame.
   • This reflects a common theme in the Psalms where the faithful seek vindication against their enemies.
3. Call for Praise (Verses 4-5)
   • The psalmist transitions from a plea for help to a call for others to rejoice in the Lord.
   • This shift emphasizes the communal aspect of worship and the importance of collective praise.

Thematic Analysis

Psalm 70 encapsulates several key themes that resonate throughout the Psalms and the broader biblical narrative:

• Urgency of Prayer:

  The repeated calls for God to “hasten” underscore the immediacy of the psalmist’s plight, reflecting a deep-seated belief in the power of prayer.

• Divine Justice:

  The desire for the adversaries to be put to shame highlights the theme of divine justice, where the faithful expect God to act on their behalf against those who oppose them.

• Community and Worship:

  The psalmist’s call for others to rejoice indicates the importance of community in faith, suggesting that personal struggles can lead to collective praise and worship.

• Dependence on God:

  The acknowledgment of one’s need for divine intervention illustrates the fundamental human condition of reliance on God for strength and support in times of trouble.

Theological Implications

Psalm 70 presents several theological implications regarding the nature of God and the relationship between God and humanity:

• God as Deliverer:

  The psalm affirms the belief that God is a deliverer who responds to the cries of His people, reinforcing the notion of His active involvement in human affairs.

• The Nature of Prayer:

  This chapter exemplifies the raw honesty found in prayer, where individuals can express their fears and desires openly before God.

• Hope in Adversity:

  Even in distress, the psalmist maintains hope, suggesting that faith can provide strength and encouragement in the face of challenges.

Conclusion

Psalm 70 serves as a powerful reminder of the human experience of distress and the hope found in turning to God for help. Its themes of urgency, justice, community, and dependence resonate deeply, providing both a personal and communal framework for understanding the role of faith in times of trouble. The psalm encourages believers to remain steadfast in prayer and to trust in God’s ultimate deliverance.