Bible Commentaries:What does Psalm chapter 71 mean?
Chapter Context
No author or event is given for this psalm. However, the opening resembles those of psalms 31 and 35. Phrases and ideas seen in psalms 22 and 40 are echoed here, as well. Since David is credited with those, it is likely David composed this as well. A possible inspiration may have been Absalom's rebellion during David's old age (2 Samuel 15—16). As do other psalms, this one asks God for deliverance while vowing to continue praising Him.
What does Psalm chapter 71 mean?
David wrote psalms 22, 31, 35, and 40, among many others. The opening of this psalm is much like that of psalm 31. Specific phrases from psalms 22, 35, and 40 are also seen here. The psalmist speaks about a lifetime worshipping God, growing older, and his current challenge from murderous conspirators. For all these reasons, it seems likely that David wrote this in response to the rebellion of his son, Absalom (2 Samuel 15—16). However, the song is technically anonymous and doesn't mention any specific event.
The opening lines of psalm 71 are comparable to those of psalm 35. The psalmist expresses confidence that the Lord will deliver him from his current danger. What begins as a request quickly becomes a declaration that God has already decreed that the psalmist will be rescued. A key theme is that reliance on the Lord leads to safety and security (Psalm 71:1–4)
Trust in God has been a part of this psalmist's lifelong experience. The providence of God in every moment is emphasized when the psalmist says he relied on God even before he was born. This is symbolic in the sense that the psalmist would not have been literally aware of such things in the womb. But it's literal in that everything which happens, including to the writer of these words, is dependent on the will of God. This writer's intense faith has made him a spectacle to others, but he has maintained his faith (Psalm 71:5–8).
Apparently, this life of faith has not been brief. The psalmist again asks for the Lord's protection with a reference to aging. Perhaps enemies look at the writer's decline and think this is time to strike. That may be because of his age, or some perception that God is no longer on his side. Those who want to kill the psalmist conspire. References to aging, plotting, and pursuit are among the reasons some interpreters believe David wrote this in connection to the rebellion of his son, Absalom (2 Samuel 15—16). Instead, the psalmist prays that the Lord will turn those plans around, bringing shame and embarrassment to the plotters (Psalm 71:9–13).
Though these prayers have not yet been answered, the psalmist is committed to the Lord. His intention is to continue praise and worship of God until his last days. This is not the first time the writer has been in danger; God provided help in those times. The psalmist celebrates more than an expected rescue from danger. He also notes that the Lord has redeemed his soul. The song closes with another statement of confidence: the psalmist imagining the praise he will offer when the Lord defeats his enemies (Psalm 71:14–24).
