Psalm 71:1-8 | The Way of Scripture

Psalm 71:1-8

How does a lifetime of dependence become a reason to ask again?

Berean Standard Bible

1 In You, O LORD, I have taken refuge; let me never be put to shame. 2 In Your justice, rescue and deliver me; incline Your ear and save me. 3 Be my rock of refuge, where I can always go. Give the command to save me, for You are my rock and my fortress. 4 Deliver me, O my God, from the hand of the wicked, from the grasp of the unjust and ruthless. 5 For You are my hope, O Lord GOD, my confidence from my youth. 6 I have leaned on You since birth; You pulled me from my mother’s womb. My praise is always for You. 7 I have become a portent to many, but You are my strong refuge. 8 My mouth is filled with Your praise and with Your splendor all day long.

What is the context?

The speaker seeks refuge and deliverance from ruthless people, naming God as rock and fortress. The appeal reaches back through youth to birth.

This remembered dependence is joined to present vulnerability: others view the speaker as a portent. Praise remains the desired occupation of his mouth.

The prayer does not say that long faithfulness eliminates the need for help. A history of reliance becomes the reason to continue calling.

How is this passage commonly understood?

Wesley reads the wonder as the effect of severe calamities, while the USCCB note explains the portent as suffering that onlookers interpret as divine anger. The prayer itself resists letting those observers give the final verdict on God’s care.

What is our position?

We don't have a position on this passage yet. When our study reaches a conclusion the text supports, it will appear here.

Where can I study this further?

No deeper study linked yet.

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