saying, "God has forsaken him; pursue him and seize him, for there is no one to rescue him." They sayThis phrase introduces the voices of adversaries, those who oppose the psalmist. In the Hebrew text, the verb used here is "אָמַר" (amar), which means "to say" or "to speak." This word often introduces statements that reflect the thoughts or intentions of others. In the context of Psalm 71, it highlights the external pressures and the verbal assaults faced by the psalmist. Historically, the people of God have often faced opposition and slander, and this phrase captures the reality of living in a world where faith is frequently challenged. God has forsaken him
This accusation is a profound one, suggesting abandonment by God. The Hebrew word for "forsaken" is "עָזַב" (azab), which conveys a sense of leaving or deserting. This reflects a common fear among believers, especially in times of distress, that God might have withdrawn His presence. Throughout Scripture, however, God repeatedly assures His people of His steadfast presence, as seen in Deuteronomy 31:6 and Hebrews 13:5. The historical context of Israel often involved periods of exile and suffering, where such feelings of abandonment were prevalent, yet the overarching narrative of the Bible is one of God's unwavering faithfulness. Pursue and seize him
This phrase reflects the intent of the psalmist's enemies to take advantage of what they perceive as divine abandonment. The Hebrew words "רָדַף" (radaph) for "pursue" and "תָּפַשׂ" (taphas) for "seize" are action-oriented, indicating a relentless and aggressive pursuit. This imagery is reminiscent of a predator chasing its prey, underscoring the urgency and danger faced by the psalmist. In the broader biblical narrative, such language is often used to describe the relentless pursuit of enemies, yet it also serves to highlight God's deliverance and protection, as seen in the accounts of David and other biblical figures. for there is no one to deliver him
This statement concludes the enemies' taunt, suggesting that the psalmist is utterly alone and without help. The Hebrew word for "deliver" is "נָצַל" (natsal), which means to rescue or save. This reflects a deep sense of vulnerability and helplessness. However, the psalmist's faith contrasts with this claim, as the entirety of Psalm 71 is a testament to trust in God's salvation. Throughout the Bible, God is portrayed as the ultimate deliverer, as seen in the Exodus narrative and the deliverance of Israel from various oppressors. This phrase, while expressing the enemies' perspective, ultimately sets the stage for God's intervention and the psalmist's vindication. Persons / Places / Events 1. PsalmistThe author of Psalm 71, traditionally attributed to David, who is expressing a plea for God's protection and deliverance in the face of adversaries. 2. AdversariesThe unnamed enemies who are speaking against the psalmist, claiming that God has abandoned him. 3. GodThe central figure whom the psalmist trusts for deliverance and protection, despite the claims of his enemies. Teaching Points Trust in God's PresenceDespite the claims of adversaries, believers can trust that God has not forsaken them. The Hebrew root for "forsaken" ('azab) implies a complete abandonment, which God promises never to do to His faithful. Responding to False AccusationsWhen others claim that God has abandoned us, we should respond with faith and reliance on God's promises rather than fear or despair. God as Our RescuerThe psalmist's confidence in God as a rescuer is a model for us. We should remember that God is our ultimate deliverer, even when human help seems absent. Endurance in TrialsTrials and adversities are opportunities to deepen our faith and reliance on God. The psalmist's experience encourages us to endure with hope and trust. Community SupportWhile the psalmist feels isolated, the broader biblical account encourages believers to seek and offer support within the community of faith, reflecting God's presence through mutual encouragement. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the psalmist's experience in Psalm 71:11 reflect the feelings of abandonment we might face today, and how can we apply his response to our own lives? 2. In what ways can we remind ourselves of God's promises when we feel forsaken, as seen in other scriptures like Isaiah 49:14-15 and Hebrews 13:5? 3. How can the church community play a role in countering the isolation suggested by the adversaries in Psalm 71:11? 4. What practical steps can we take to strengthen our trust in God as our rescuer during times of trial? 5. How can we use the example of the psalmist to encourage others who feel abandoned or pursued by adversaries? Connections to Other Scriptures Psalm 22This psalm also reflects a cry for help and a feeling of abandonment, yet it transitions into trust and praise for God's deliverance. Isaiah 49:14-15These verses address the fear of being forsaken by God, affirming that God does not forget His people. Hebrews 13:5This New Testament verse reassures believers that God will never leave nor forsake them, countering the claims of abandonment. People Psalmist, SolomonPlaces JerusalemTopics Catch, Deliver, Deliverer, Forsaken, Helper, None, Persecute, Pursue, Rescue, Saying, SeizeDictionary of Bible Themes Psalm 71:11 5770 abandonment Psalm 71:10-11 5977 waiting Library December 22. "My Tongue Also Shall Talk of Thy Righteousness all the Day Long" (Ps. Lxxi. 24).
"My tongue also shall talk of Thy righteousness all the day long" (Ps. lxxi. 24). It is a simple law of nature, that air always comes in to fill a vacuum. You can produce a draught at any time, by heating the air until it ascends, and then the cold air rushes in to supply its place. And so we can always be filled with the Holy Spirit by providing a vacuum. This breath is dependent upon exhausting the previous breath before you can inhale a fresh one. And so we must empty our hearts of the last breath …
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth More and More
David had not been slack in praise: indeed, he was a sweet singer in Israel, a very choir-master unto the Lord yet he vowed to praise him more and more. Those who do much already, are usually the people who can do more. He was old. Would he praise God more when he was infirm than he had done when he was young and vigorous? If he could not excel with loudness of voice, yet would he with eagerness of heart; and what his praise might lack in sound, it should gain in solemn earnestness. He was in trouble …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 17: 1871 Of Four Things which Bring Great Peace
"My Son, now will I teach thee the way of peace and of true liberty." 2. Do, O my Lord, as Thou sayest, for this is pleasing unto me to hear. 3. "Strive, My Son, to do another's will rather than thine own. Choose always to have less rather than more. Seek always after the lowest place, and to be subject to all. Wish always and pray that the will of God be fulfilled in thee. Behold, such a man as this entereth into the inheritance of peace and quietness." 4. O my Lord, this Thy short discourse …
Thomas A Kempis—Imitation of Christ Of the Day of Eternity and of the Straitnesses of this Life
Oh most blessed mansion of the City which is above! Oh most clear day of eternity which the night obscureth not, but the Supreme Truth ever enlighteneth! Day always joyful, always secure and never changing its state into those which are contrary. Oh would that this day might shine forth, and that all these temporal things would come to an end. It shineth indeed upon the Saints, glowing with unending brightness, but only from afar and through a glass, upon those who are pilgrims on the earth. …
Thomas A Kempis—Imitation of Christ For Old Age. --Ps. Lxxi.
For Old Age.--Ps. lxxi. Lord, I have put my trust in Thee, Turn not my confidence to shame; Thy promise is a rock to me, A tower of refuge is Thy name. Thou hast upheld me from the womb; Thou wert my strength and hope in youth; Now trembling, bending o'er the tomb, I lean upon Thine arm of truth. Though I have long outlived my peers, And stand amid the world alone, (A stranger left by former years), I know my God,--by Him am known. Cast me not off in mine old age, Forsake me not in my last hour; …
James Montgomery—Sacred Poems and Hymns They all Hold Swords, Being Expert in War; Every Man Hath his Sword Upon his Thigh Because of Fear in the Night.
They all hold swords to engage in combat with the soul which, by a secret presumption, attributes to self what belongs to God only; and this causes them to exclaim with united voice; Who is like unto God? The Divine Righteousness is the first that comes to fight with and destroy the self-righteousness of the creature, and then comes strength to bring to naught the power of man, and causing him to enter by experience of his own infinite weakness into the strength of the Lord (Psalm lxxi. 16), teaches …
Madame Guyon—Song of Songs of Solomon Letter Xlv (Circa A. D. 1140) to the Canons of Lyons, on the Conception of S. Mary.
To the Canons of Lyons, on the Conception of S. Mary. Bernard states that the Festival of the Conception was new; that it rested on no legitimate foundation; and that it should not have been instituted without consulting the Apostolic See, to whose opinion he submits. 1. It is well known that among all the Churches of France that of Lyons is first in importance, whether we regard the dignity of its See, its praiseworthy regulations, or its honourable zeal for learning. Where was there ever the vigour …
Saint Bernard of Clairvaux—Some Letters of Saint Bernard, Abbot of Clairvaux The Baptismal Covenant Can be Kept Unbroken. Aim and Responsibility of Parents.
We have gone "to the Law and to the Testimony" to find out what the nature and benefits of Baptism are. We have gathered out of the Word all the principal passages bearing on this subject. We have grouped them together, and studied them side by side. We have noticed that their sense is uniform, clear, and strong. Unless we are willing to throw aside all sound principles of interpretation, we can extract from the words of inspiration only one meaning, and that is that the baptized child is, by virtue …
G. H. Gerberding—The Way of Salvation in the Lutheran Church But Concerning True Patience, Worthy of the Name of this virtue...
12. But concerning true patience, worthy of the name of this virtue, whence it is to be had, must now be inquired. For there are some [2650] who attribute it to the strength of the human will, not which it hath by Divine assistance, but which it hath of free-will. Now this error is a proud one: for it is the error of them which abound, of whom it is said in the Psalm, "A scornful reproof to them which abound, and a despising to the proud." [2651] It is not therefore that "patience of the poor" which …
St. Augustine—On Patience The Christian's Hope
Scripture references: 1 Timothy 1:1; Colossians 1:27; Psalm 130:5; 43:5; Proverbs 10:8; Acts 24:15; Psalm 71:5; Romans 5:1-5; 12:12; 15:4; 1 Corinthians 9:10; Galatians 5:5; Ephesians 1:18; Philippians 1:20; Colossians 1:5; 1 Thessalonians 1:3; 2:19; Titus 1:2; 2:13; 3:7; Psalm 31:24; 71:14,15. HOPE IN THE PRESENT LIFE That which a man ardently hopes for he strives to realize. If he desires fame, office or wealth he will seek to set forces in motion, here and now, which will bring him that which …
Henry T. Sell—Studies in the Life of the Christian Let Thus Much have Been Said with Regard to Charity...
20. Let thus much have been said with regard to charity, without which in us there cannot be true patience, because in good men it is the love of God which endureth all things, as in bad men the lust of the world. But this love is in us by the Holy Spirit which was given us. Whence, of Whom cometh in us love, of Him cometh patience. But the lust of the world, when it patiently bears the burdens of any manner of calamity, boasts of the strength of its own will, like as of the stupor of disease, not …
St. Augustine—On Patience Psalms
The piety of the Old Testament Church is reflected with more clearness and variety in the Psalter than in any other book of the Old Testament. It constitutes the response of the Church to the divine demands of prophecy, and, in a less degree, of law; or, rather, it expresses those emotions and aspirations of the universal heart which lie deeper than any formal demand. It is the speech of the soul face to face with God. Its words are as simple and unaffected as human words can be, for it is the genius …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Psalm 71:11 NIVPsalm 71:11 NLTPsalm 71:11 ESVPsalm 71:11 NASBPsalm 71:11 KJV
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