Psalm 71:11

saying, "God has forsaken him; pursue him and seize him, for there is no one to rescue him."

Study Bible

saying, “God has forsaken him;
This phrase reflects a common theme in the Psalms where the psalmist feels abandoned by God. It echoes the sentiments found in Psalm 22:1, which Jesus quotes on the cross, highlighting a moment of deep distress and perceived divine abandonment. Historically, this reflects the trials faced by David, who often felt pursued by enemies and isolated. Theologically, it underscores the testing of faith and the human experience of feeling distant from God, a theme that resonates throughout Scripture.

pursue him and seize him,
This part of the verse captures the aggressive intent of the psalmist's enemies. In the historical context of David's life, he was frequently pursued by King Saul and later by his own son Absalom. The language of pursuit and capture is reminiscent of military tactics in ancient Israel, where enemies would relentlessly chase their targets. This phrase also typifies the spiritual warfare believers face, as described in Ephesians 6:12, where the forces of evil seek to capture and destroy the faithful.

for there is no one to rescue him.”
The assertion that there is no one to rescue the psalmist highlights a moment of vulnerability and desperation. In the cultural context of ancient Israel, community and kinship were vital for protection and support. The absence of a rescuer implies a complete isolation, which is a powerful image of despair. This phrase can be seen as a type of Christ, who, during His crucifixion, was seemingly abandoned and without rescue, fulfilling the prophecy of the suffering servant in Isaiah 53. It also points to the ultimate reliance on God as the true deliverer, as seen in the eventual vindication and deliverance of the psalmist in the broader context of the Psalm.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Psalmist
The 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. Adversaries
The unnamed enemies who are speaking against the psalmist, claiming that God has abandoned him.

3. God
The central figure whom the psalmist trusts for deliverance and protection, despite the claims of his enemies.

Teaching Points

Trust in God's Presence
Despite 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 Accusations
When 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 Rescuer
The 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 Trials
Trials 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 Support
While 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 22
This psalm also reflects a cry for help and a feeling of abandonment, yet it transitions into trust and praise for God's deliverance.

Isaiah 49:14-15
These verses address the fear of being forsaken by God, affirming that God does not forget His people.

Hebrews 13:5
This New Testament verse reassures believers that God will never leave nor forsake them, countering the claims of abandonment.