Heart of a Psalmist - Worshipping Christ Through The Psalms

PSALM 71: O HOLY ONE OF ISRAEL Finishing Life with Strength and Purpose

Psalm 71 is a prayer showing David’s desire to fulfill God’s purpose for his older years. He recounts the faithfulness of God from his youth and petitions the Lord to help him show his power to the suc- ceeding generation. His praises become more intense as he gains in age. Verses 1-3 are a repeat of Psalm 31:1-3 that was authored by King David so this psalm is also considered to be written by him. Be- cause of the references to the older years it is likely that it was written at the end of his life possibly dur- ing the rebellion of his son Adonijah: “About that time David’s son Adonijah,…decided to make himself king in place of his aged father.” (1 Kgs. 1:5) The resurrection of Christ is foreshadowed in verse 20: “…but you will restore me to life again and lift me up from the depths of the earth.” It is divided into two main sections:

I PRAYER FOR PROTECTION - 1-13 II PRAISE AND PROCLAMATION -14-24

This is one of only two psalms in Book II (43-72) that do not have an introduction; the other is Psalm 43.

I PRAYER FOR PROTECTION - 1-13

This section begins with five attributes of God that form the foundation of David’s relationship with the Lord. His prayer and his praise spring from these sources. • You are my refuge- “O Lord, you are my refuge; never let me be disgraced.”(1) ‘O Lord’ (1,5) is the first of ten references to God in this psalm that begin with this exclamation. It is an expression of awe when a person encounters God’s majesty. He also addresses “O, God” (12,17,18,19,); “O Sovereign Lord”(16) and “O Holy One of Israel.”(22) David’s refuge is not a place but a person. • You are just- “Rescue me! Save me from my enemies, for you are just. Turn your ear to listen and set me free.” (2) Because God is just, the psalmist knows his appeal will be heard in the courts of heaven and a judgment will be rendered. • You are my rock and my fortress- “Be to me a protecting rock of safety, where I am always wel- come. Give the order to save me, for you are my rock and my fortress. My God, rescue me from the power of the wicked, from the clutches of cruel oppressors.” (3,4) The ‘rock and fortress’ is one of David’s favorite analogies for God as he had hidden in the caves of the wilderness of Judah when he was escaping the army of Saul. Because he was driven from the King’s palace the natural fortress of the rocky caverns was a welcome refuge to him. He knows an order given from the throne of heaven to save him from his son Adonijah’s treachery will be carried out on earth. David is discreet and without malice, he does not even name his enemy. • You alone are my hope- “O Lord, you alone are my hope. I’ve trusted you, O Lord, from child- hood. Yes, you have been with me from birth; from my mother’s womb you have cared for me. No won- der I am always praising you!”(5,6) David’s hope and trust was not divided but singularly focused upon the Lord. He was raised by godly parents and was the great-grandson of Boaz and Ruth. Even from his youngest years he was aware that he had a destiny inherited from his famous ancestors: “You have been taught the holy Scriptures from childhood, and they have given you the wisdom to receive the salvation that comes by trusting in Christ Jesus.” (2 Tim. 3:15) God tenderly watches over our lives from the moment of our birth; as we think upon this miracle of his love it becomes an unending source of praise. • You have been my strength and protection- “My life is an example to many, because you have been my strength and protection. That is why I can never stop praising you; I declare your glory all day long.”(7,8) The word ‘example’ in verse 7 is often translated ‘portent’ meaning ‘amazement’. God had amaz- ingly preserved David’s life through seditious plots to kill him, flights from his enemies, wars, civil wars and rebellion. Praise flows from his heart all day long as he meditates on these miraculous thoughts.

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