◄ Psalm 71:2 ►
In Your justice, rescue and deliver me; incline Your ear and save me.
Study Bible
In Your justice
The word "justice" here is derived from the Hebrew word "צֶדֶק" (tzedek), which conveys a sense of righteousness, fairness, and moral integrity. In the context of the psalm, the psalmist appeals to God's inherent righteousness as the basis for his plea. This reflects a deep trust in God's character, acknowledging that divine justice is perfect and unerring. Historically, the concept of justice in ancient Israel was not merely legalistic but was deeply intertwined with covenantal faithfulness. The psalmist's appeal is thus rooted in the assurance that God, as the righteous judge, will act in accordance with His covenant promises.

rescue and deliver me
The Hebrew words for "rescue" (חָלַץ, chalats) and "deliver" (פָּלַט, palat) both carry connotations of being snatched away or set free from danger. These terms are often used in the context of God intervening to save His people from physical or spiritual peril. The dual use of these verbs emphasizes the urgency and desperation of the psalmist's situation, as well as his reliance on God's power to provide salvation. Throughout the Old Testament, God is frequently depicted as a deliverer, rescuing Israel from slavery in Egypt, from enemies in battle, and from the consequences of their own sin.

incline Your ear
This phrase is a poetic expression asking God to listen attentively. The Hebrew verb "נָטָה" (natah) means to stretch out or bend down, suggesting a personal and intimate act of God lowering Himself to hear the cries of His people. This imagery conveys the accessibility and compassion of God, who is not distant or indifferent but is willing to engage with the pleas of His followers. In the ancient Near Eastern context, gods were often seen as aloof, but the God of Israel is portrayed as one who is intimately involved in the lives of His people.

and save me
The word "save" comes from the Hebrew "יָשַׁע" (yasha), which is the root of the name "Jesus" (Yeshua), meaning "The Lord saves." This highlights the ultimate hope of salvation that is fulfilled in the New Testament through Jesus Christ. The psalmist's plea for salvation is not just for temporal deliverance but also points to the eternal salvation that God provides. In the broader biblical narrative, salvation encompasses deliverance from sin, restoration of relationship with God, and the promise of eternal life. This plea is a reminder of the comprehensive nature of God's saving work, which addresses both immediate needs and ultimate redemption.

Persons / Places / Events
1. The Psalmist
Traditionally attributed to David, the psalmist is seeking God's deliverance and protection, reflecting a deep trust in God's justice and righteousness.

2. God
The central figure to whom the psalmist directs his plea, emphasizing God's attributes of justice, deliverance, and attentiveness.

3. Enemies/Oppressors
Implied adversaries from whom the psalmist seeks rescue, representing any force or situation that threatens the believer's peace and security.
Teaching Points
God's Justice as a Foundation for Prayer
The psalmist appeals to God's justice, reminding us that our prayers can be grounded in God's righteous character. We can confidently approach God, knowing He is just and fair.

The Importance of Persistent Prayer
The request for God to "incline Your ear" suggests a persistent and earnest prayer life. Believers are encouraged to continually seek God's attention and intervention in their lives.

Trust in God's Deliverance
The plea for rescue and deliverance highlights the believer's reliance on God as the ultimate source of salvation. Trusting in God's ability to save us from our troubles is a key aspect of faith.

God's Attentiveness to Our Cries
The psalmist's request for God to "incline Your ear" assures us that God is attentive to our cries. We can be confident that our prayers are heard by a compassionate and responsive God.

Application of God's Justice in Our Lives
As we seek God's justice in our lives, we are also called to reflect His justice in our interactions with others, promoting fairness and righteousness in our communities.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the psalmist's appeal to God's justice in Psalm 71:2 influence your understanding of prayer?

2. In what ways can you incorporate the themes of rescue and deliverance into your daily prayer life?

3. How does the concept of God's attentiveness in Psalm 71:2 encourage you in times of distress?

4. Reflect on a time when you experienced God's deliverance. How can this experience strengthen your faith and trust in Him?

5. How can you apply the principles of God's justice in your relationships and community interactions?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Psalm 31:1-2
This passage echoes the plea for deliverance and refuge, highlighting the consistency of seeking God's protection.

Isaiah 45:21
This verse underscores God's unique role as a just and saving God, reinforcing the psalmist's appeal to divine justice.

2 Samuel 22:2-3
David's song of deliverance parallels the themes of rescue and salvation found in Psalm 71:2.

Luke 18:7-8
Jesus' parable of the persistent widow illustrates God's readiness to bring justice to His chosen ones who cry out to Him.
Sermons
The Suffering Righteous Man in His Old AgeC. Short Psalm 71:1-13
A Picture of a Pious Old ManHomilistPsalm 71:1-24
Godly Old AgeW. Forsyth Psalm 71:1-24
The Vow of FaithR. C. Ford, M. A.Psalm 71:1-24
People
Psalmist, Solomon
Places
Jerusalem
Topics
Bow, Cause, Deliver, Ear, Escape, Incline, Rescue, Righteousness, Safe, Save, Saviour, Turn, Voice
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Psalm 71:2

     6738   rescue

Psalm 71:1-3

     5290   defeat

Psalm 71:1-4

     8730   enemies, of believers

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

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