Overview:
(NET)The psalmist prays for divine intervention and expresses his confidence that God will protect and vindicate him. The first three verses are very similar to Ps 31:1–3a.Structure:
(KEL) There is an introduction (vv. 1–3), and then two major sections, a review of the past and a prayer (vv. 4–13), and finally a look to the future and an anticipation that the prayer will be answered (vv. 14–24). But throughout the psalm the constant theme is the psalmist’s firm faith in the LORD, a faith that he learned as a child and retained through life to his old age. The passage is therefore instructive for believers, demonstrating how a lifelong walk with the LORD will see them through the trials that come their way later in life.
0bservations:
(1) Not only did the psalmist face the power of the wicked and the hands of the cruel v.4, but he himself was advanced in age and weak v.9. He was old and gray v.18.
(2) He was also being defeated and down to the depths of the earth.
71:20 Though you have allowed me to experience much trouble and distress,
revive me once again!
Bring me up once again from the depths of the earth!
Summary: Can you imagine an old man with gray hair, he was oppressed by his cruel and wicked enemies. Actually, he had already experienced much trouble and distress and he asked to be brought up from the deep pit.
(3) What was uncommon about him is that he resolved to praise God and he would do it continuously.
71:14 As for me, I will wait continually,
and will continue to praise you.
(KEL) The mood of the psalm changes abruptly here to that of joyful confidence. In the early part of the psalm his confidence was based on past experiences; from that confidence comes a new resolve to wait for the LORD.
Why continuously? Because he had so much to say and the deeds of God were so amazing.
71:15 I will tell about your justice,
and all day long proclaim your salvation,
though I cannot fathom its full extent
71:17 O God, you have taught me since I was young,
and I am still declaring your amazing deeds.
Reflections: I dont think we are at that age yet, but we certainly experience a lot of weak moments in our life. Do you resolve to praise God? Do you determine to praise Him continuously? There is so much to praise Him from what He did since you were young. The things that He did for you were so amazing. I praised God for helping Mei, our sister, to find the senior apartment. She has missed her chance and God helped her to get it back now. Amazing story.
Audrey
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