Psalm 71

Introduction.—Ps. 71 gives counsel to the aged. The prayer of this psalm was called forth by David’s realization that advancing years brought unhappiness to the aged, owing, in part, to the intensification of unhappy traits of character (see EGW, Supplementary Material, on Ps. 71:9, 17, 19). “David was deeply moved; he was distressed as he looked forward to the time when he should be aged. … David felt the necessity of guarding against the evils which attend old age” (1T 423).

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

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

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

5. Hope. See 1 Tim. 1:1.

Trust. See Ps. 40:4.

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.

7. Wonder. Heb. mopheth, “sign,” “token,” or “portent.”

Thou art my strong refuge. For comment, see on Ps. 18:2.

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

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.

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

Soul. See on Ps. 16:10.

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

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

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

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.

17. Wondrous works. See on Ps. 9:1.

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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.

Ellen G. White comments

3 PP 413

5 FE 348

5, 6 MH 101; PK 341

6 MH 100

7 CT 537

9 1T 423

9, 12 PK 341

14 ML 327

17, 18 1T 423

18 PK 341

22, 23 4T 71

22–24MH 101