Psalm 70:5

But I am poor and needy; hurry to me, O God. You are my help and my deliverer; O LORD, do not delay.

Study Bible

But I am poor and needy
This phrase captures the psalmist's humble acknowledgment of his own insufficiency and vulnerability. The Hebrew words "poor" (עָנִי, 'ani) and "needy" (אֶבְיוֹן, 'evyon) often describe those who are materially impoverished or oppressed. However, in a spiritual sense, they reflect a deep awareness of one's dependence on God. Throughout the Bible, God shows a special concern for the poor and needy, emphasizing His compassion and readiness to support those who recognize their need for Him. This acknowledgment is a call to humility, reminding believers that spiritual poverty is a prerequisite for receiving God's grace and mercy.

hurry to me, O God
The urgency in this plea is palpable. The Hebrew verb used here for "hurry" (חוש, chush) conveys a sense of immediate action and swift intervention. The psalmist is not merely asking for help; he is imploring God to act without delay. This reflects a deep trust in God's ability to respond quickly to the cries of His people. In times of distress, believers are encouraged to approach God with the same urgency and confidence, knowing that He is attentive to their prayers and capable of delivering them from their troubles.

You are my help and my deliverer
Here, the psalmist affirms his faith in God's character and role in his life. The word "help" (עֵזֶר, ezer) signifies assistance and support, often used in the context of God's providential care. "Deliverer" (מַלְטִי, malti) denotes one who rescues or saves from danger. Together, these terms highlight God's active involvement in the lives of His people, providing both the strength to endure and the means of escape from adversity. This dual role of God as both helper and deliverer is a recurring theme in Scripture, offering assurance to believers that God is both willing and able to save them.

O LORD, do not delay
The use of "LORD" (יהוה, Yahweh) invokes the covenant name of God, emphasizing His faithfulness and unchanging nature. The plea for God not to delay underscores the psalmist's reliance on God's perfect timing. While human understanding is limited, God's timing is always precise and purposeful. This request is a testament to the psalmist's trust in God's sovereignty, even when immediate relief seems necessary. For believers, this serves as a reminder to remain patient and steadfast, trusting that God's timing is always for their ultimate good and His glory.

Persons / Places / Events

1. David
Traditionally attributed as the author of this Psalm, David often expressed his reliance on God during times of distress and need.

2. God (Yahweh)
The central figure to whom David directs his plea for help and deliverance.

3. The Psalmist's Distress
The context of the Psalm is a time of urgent need, reflecting a personal crisis or threat.

4. Deliverance
A recurring theme in the Psalms, where the psalmist seeks God's intervention and salvation.

5. The Poor and Needy
Represents those who are humble and dependent on God for their sustenance and protection.

Teaching Points

Dependence on God
Recognize our spiritual poverty and need for God's intervention in every aspect of life.

Urgency in Prayer
Approach God with urgency and sincerity, trusting in His timely response to our cries for help.

God as Deliverer
Trust in God's ability to deliver us from our troubles, knowing that He is both willing and able to save.

Humility Before God
Embrace humility, acknowledging our limitations and God's sovereignty over our circumstances.

Confidence in God's Timing
Cultivate patience and faith, believing that God's timing is perfect even when He seems to delay.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does recognizing our own "poverty and need" influence our relationship with God and our approach to prayer?

2. In what ways can we cultivate a sense of urgency in our prayer life without becoming anxious or impatient?

3. How does the concept of God as our "help and deliverer" provide comfort and assurance in times of trouble?

4. What are some practical ways to demonstrate humility in our daily walk with God, especially when facing challenges?

5. How can we reconcile the tension between God's perfect timing and our desire for immediate answers to prayer, using other scriptures to support your understanding?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Psalm 40:17
This verse is nearly identical to Psalm 70:5, emphasizing the theme of seeking God's help in times of need.

Isaiah 41:10
Offers reassurance of God's presence and help, echoing the plea for deliverance found in Psalm 70:5.

Philippians 4:19
Speaks to God's provision for our needs, aligning with the psalmist's acknowledgment of being "poor and needy."

Matthew 5:3
The Beatitudes highlight the blessedness of the "poor in spirit," connecting to the humility expressed in Psalm 70:5.

Hebrews 13:6
Encourages believers to confidently declare that the Lord is their helper, resonating with the psalmist's declaration of God as his help and deliverer.