Psalm 71:6

I have leaned on You since birth; You pulled me from my mother's womb. My praise is always for You.

Study Bible

I have leaned on You since birth;
This phrase emphasizes a lifelong dependence on God, suggesting a deep, personal relationship that began from the earliest moments of life. In biblical context, this reflects the idea of God's providence and care from the very beginning of one's existence. The psalmist acknowledges that their trust in God is not a recent development but has been a constant throughout their life. This can be connected to other scriptures that speak of God's knowledge and care for individuals even before birth, such as Jeremiah 1:5 and Psalm 139:13-16, which highlight God's intimate involvement in the creation and formation of a person.

You pulled me from my mother’s womb.
This imagery of God pulling the psalmist from the womb underscores the belief in God's active role in the birth and life of an individual. It suggests divine intervention and protection from the very start. In ancient Near Eastern culture, childbirth was often associated with divine assistance, and this phrase reflects that cultural understanding. Theologically, it can be seen as a type of Christ, who was also divinely brought into the world for a specific purpose. This phrase can be linked to Job 10:18 and Isaiah 46:3, where God's role in the birth and sustenance of life is similarly acknowledged.

My praise is always for You.
The psalmist's response to God's lifelong care and deliverance is continual praise. This reflects a heart of gratitude and recognition of God's faithfulness. In the historical context of Israel, praise was a central aspect of worship and community life, often expressed through psalms and songs. This phrase can be connected to the broader biblical theme of worship and thanksgiving, as seen in passages like Psalm 34:1 and 1 Thessalonians 5:18, which encourage believers to maintain a posture of praise and gratitude regardless of circumstances. The psalmist's commitment to constant praise serves as a model for believers to acknowledge God's goodness and sovereignty in their lives.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Psalmist
Traditionally attributed to David, the psalmist is expressing a lifelong reliance on God, emphasizing a personal and intimate relationship with the Creator.

2. God
The central figure in this verse, God is depicted as the sustainer and deliverer from birth, highlighting His providence and care.

3. Mother's Womb
This phrase symbolizes the beginning of life and underscores God's involvement and care from the very start of the psalmist's existence.

Teaching Points

Lifelong Dependence on God
Recognize that our relationship with God is not just for moments of crisis but is a lifelong journey that begins even before we are aware of it.

God's Sovereign Care
Trust in God's providence and care, knowing that He has been involved in our lives from the very beginning.

Praise as a Response to God's Faithfulness
Cultivate a habit of praise, acknowledging God's continuous presence and support throughout our lives.

Identity and Purpose in God
Understand that our identity and purpose are rooted in God's design and calling, which He has known since before our birth.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does recognizing God's involvement from birth impact your understanding of His role in your life today?

2. In what ways can you cultivate a deeper sense of dependence on God in your daily life?

3. How does the concept of God pulling you from your mother's womb shape your view of your identity and purpose?

4. What are some practical ways you can incorporate praise into your daily routine as a response to God's faithfulness?

5. How do the connections to other scriptures, such as Jeremiah 1:5 and Isaiah 46:3-4, enhance your understanding of God's lifelong care and involvement?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Jeremiah 1:5
This verse speaks of God's knowledge and consecration of Jeremiah before he was born, paralleling the theme of God's involvement from the womb.

Isaiah 46:3-4
These verses emphasize God's sustaining power from birth to old age, reinforcing the idea of lifelong reliance on God.

Psalm 22:9-10
Similar to Psalm 71:6, these verses express trust in God from birth, highlighting a continuous relationship with the divine.