◄ Psalm 70 ►
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Berean Standard Bible | Par ▾
Hurry, O LORD, to Help Me! (Psalm 40:1–17; Psalm 141:1–10) For the choirmaster. Of David. To bring remembrance. 1 Make haste, O God, to deliver me! Hurry, O LORD, to help me! 2May those who seek my life be ashamed and confounded; may those who wish me harm be repelled and humiliated. 3May those who say, “Aha, aha!” retreat because of their shame. 4May all who seek You rejoice and be glad in You; may those who love Your salvation always say, “Let God be magnified!” 5But I am poor and needy; hurry to me, O God. You are my help and my deliverer; O LORD, do not delay. Berean Standard Bible (BSB) printed 2016, 2020, 2022, 2025 by Bible Hub and Berean.Bible. Produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, unfoldingWord, Bible Aquifer, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee. This text of God's Word has been dedicated to the public domain. Free downloads and unlimited usage available. See also the Berean Literal Bible and Berean Interlinear Bible. Bible Hub Psalm 70 Summary Hurry, O LORD, to Help Me! Verses 1 – Urgent Appeal for Help David bursts out with a desperate shout: “Make haste, O God, to deliver me! Hurry, O LORD, to help me!”. Every word drips with speed—he needs rescue now, not later. Verses 2 – Defeat of the Pursuers He asks God to turn back and shame those hunting his life. Their evil plans should recoil on their own heads; their confidence should melt into confusion. Verses 3 – Silencing the Scoffers Mockers who sneer “Aha, aha!” must retreat in humiliation. The taunt that once echoed in David’s ears is handed back to the mockers, empty and powerless. Verses 4 – Joy for God-Seekers While enemies are shamed, all true seekers are invited to rejoice. Those who “love Your salvation” are to keep a chorus on their lips: “Let God be exalted!” Verses 5 – Personal Plea in Poverty The psalm closes where it began—urgency. “I am poor and needy; hurry to me, O God. You are my help and my deliverer; O LORD, do not delay.” Weakness meets the only source of strength. Psalm 70 is a short yet profound piece in the Book of Psalms, often attributed to David. A cry for help in times of distress, it reflects David's unwavering trust in God even when faced with adversaries. The chapter beautifully depicts a sense of urgency, total dependence on divine intervention, and the joy and praise that accompanies God's deliverance. Authorship and Superscription • “For the choirmaster. A Psalm of David. To bring remembrance.” The superscription places this prayer firmly in David’s songbook and signals that it was meant as a liturgical “reminder,” a prayer brought repeatedly before God (Hebrew le’hazkir, “to cause to remember”). • David faced numerous crises—Saul’s pursuit (1 Samuel 23), Absalom’s revolt (2 Samuel 15), enemy raids. Any of these moments could have sparked this plea, and the compressed urgency lets the psalm serve many occasions in Israel’s worship. Historical Setting and Temple Use • “To bring remembrance” likely instructed the Levites to incorporate the psalm in daily or festival worship, keeping national needs before the Lord. • By the late First Temple period, rabbis record that Psalm 70 was recited when threats pressed hard on the nation; its brevity made it easy for pilgrims and soldiers alike. • Excavations at the City of David have uncovered harp-shaped lyres etched on pottery dating to the 10th century BC, reminders that music accompanied these pleas. Relationship to Psalm 40:13-17 • Psalm 70 is almost word-for-word the closing section of Psalm 40. David appears to have lifted those lines, trimmed them, and re-released them as a stand-alone prayer. • This practice shows that biblical prayer can be recycled and updated for fresh crises—faith’s “template feature.” • The reuse underscores continuity: the God who helped before is asked to step in again (compare Exodus 17:14; Deuteronomy 25:17-19, both “remembrance” texts). Literary Features • Chiastic movement: A (plea, v. 1) – B (enemies cursed, v. 2) – C (mockers shamed, v. 3) – B´ (righteous blessed, v. 4) – A´ (plea, v. 5). • Repetition of “hurry” (ḥush/Hoshiah) frames the psalm; urgency is its rhyme. • Contrast words—“ashamed,” “confounded,” “disgrace” vs. “rejoice,” “glad,” “exalted”—flip the emotional script from gloom to praise. Key Themes 1. Speedy Deliverance—God is not distant; He is invited to act without delay (Isaiah 65:24; Luke 18:7-8). 2. Shame vs. Joy—those who oppose God’s servant are put to shame; God-seekers share in celebration (Psalm 25:2-3; Romans 10:11). 3. Poverty of Spirit—David’s “poor and needy” posture foreshadows Jesus’ teaching, “Blessed are the poor in spirit” (Matthew 5:3). Connections to Other Scriptures • Psalm 35:4-27 parallels the cry for enemy shame and believer gladness. • 2 Timothy 4:14-18 echoes David’s tone as Paul asks the Lord to repay Alexander the coppersmith and then rejoices that the Lord “stood with me.” • Acts 4:24-30: Early church prays Psalm-like, naming threats and asking God to act “now.” • Revelation 6:10: Martyrs cry, “How long, O Lord?” mirroring David’s urgency in cosmic dimensions. Messianic Foreshadowing • The mockers’ sneer “Aha, aha!” shows up at the cross: “Aha! You who would destroy the temple…” (Mark 15:29). • Jesus, the greater David, adopts urgent prayers (Matthew 26:39). His resurrection flips enemy shame and brings unending joy to seekers (John 20:20). Archaeological and Cultural Notes • Lachish Letters (c. 586 BC) include soldiers’ urgent dispatches pleading for reinforcements; the same atmosphere of hurry breathes through Psalm 70. • Assyrian curse tablets invoked shame on foes; David channels that cultural form but directs it to the true God, stripping pagan magic and turning it into prayer. • Silver amulet scrolls from Ketef Hinnom (7th century BC) bear the priestly blessing. Their size—just two inches long—illustrates how short texts like Psalm 70 could be memorized and carried on person. Practical Implications for Believers • Short prayers are powerful. In a crisis, believers can use Psalm 70 verbatim, confident it fits any emergency. • Naming enemies to God transfers anger upward, preventing retaliation (Romans 12:19). • Rehearsing God’s greatness—“Let God be exalted!”—keeps praise alive even before rescue arrives. God’s Character on Display • Personal: “my help,” “my deliverer.” • Sovereign: able to shame or exalt at will. • Responsive: willing to hurry when His people call (Psalm 34:15). Outline for Teaching or Personal Study 1. Title & Superscription—Why “remembrance”? 2. Verses 1-3—The speed of prayer and the defeat of evil. 3. Verse 4—The joy-praise cycle for the faithful. 4. Verse 5—The paradox of needy yet confident faith. 5. Gospel Lens—How Christ fulfills the psalm’s plea. 6. Life Application—Turning panic into prayer, rehearsing praise in advance. Summary Thought Psalm 70 is a five-verse rocket launched from desperate earth toward a listening heaven. It shows that when danger is immediate, battle-tested words already exist. Borrow them, repeat them, and expect the God who hurried for David to hurry for you. Connections to Additional Scriptures Psalm 40:13 Be pleased, O LORD, to deliver me; hurry, O LORD, to help me. This verse echoes the urgency found in Psalm 70. Philippians 4:6-7 Encourages believers to present their requests to God with thanksgiving, promising peace that guards our hearts and minds. James 4:10 Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will exalt you. This aligns with the humility expressed in Psalm 70:5. Teaching Points Urgency in Prayer The psalm begins with an urgent plea, Hasten, O God, to save me; O LORD, come quickly to help me (Psalm 70:1). This highlights the importance of turning to God immediately in times of trouble. Dependence on God David's cry for help underscores his complete dependence on God for deliverance, reminding us that our ultimate help comes from the Lord. Enemies and Adversaries The psalm acknowledges the presence of enemies, May those who seek my life be ashamed and confounded; may those who wish me harm be repelled and humiliated (Psalm 70:2). It reflects the reality of opposition in the life of a believer. Joy in Seeking God Despite the distress, there is a call for those who seek God to rejoice and be glad, May all who seek You rejoice and be glad in You; may those who love Your salvation always say, 'Let God be magnified!' (Psalm 70:4). Personal Humility and Need David acknowledges his own neediness, But I am poor and needy; hurry to me, O God. You are my help and my deliverer; O LORD, do not delay (Psalm 70:5). This humility is key in approaching God. Practical Applications Immediate Prayer In moments of crisis, make it a habit to turn to God first, seeking His guidance and intervention without delay. Trust in God's Timing While we may desire immediate answers, trust that God's timing is perfect and He knows what is best for us. Rejoice in Salvation Cultivate a heart of joy and gratitude for the salvation and deliverance God provides, even amidst trials. Acknowledge Your Need Regularly remind yourself of your dependence on God, recognizing that without Him, we are truly needy. People 1. God The central figure in the psalm, to whom David directs his plea for help and deliverance. The Hebrew word used here is "אֱלֹהִים" (Elohim), which is a common term for God in the Old Testament, emphasizing His power and majesty. 2. David (the Psalmist) Although not explicitly named in the text of Psalm 70 itself, the psalm is attributed to David in its title. David is the one praying for God's swift assistance and deliverance from his enemies. 3. Those who seek my life This refers to David's enemies who are pursuing him with the intent to harm or kill him. The Hebrew root for "seek" is "בקש" (baqash), indicating an active pursuit. 4. Those who desire my harm Another group of adversaries who wish to cause David trouble or injury. The Hebrew word for "desire" is "חפץ" (chafetz), which conveys a strong inclination or wish. 5. Those who say, Aha, aha! These are individuals who mock or take pleasure in David's distress. The repetition of "aha" is an expression of scorn or derision. 6. All who seek You This group refers to those who are faithful to God and seek His presence and favor. The Hebrew root "בקש" (baqash) is again used here, but in a positive sense of seeking God. 7. Those who love Your salvation These are people who rejoice in God's deliverance and salvation. The Hebrew word for "love" is "אהב" (ahav), indicating a deep affection or devotion. Places Psalm 70 in the Berean Standard Bible does not specifically mention any geographical places. Instead, it is a short psalm of David that focuses on a plea for God's help and deliverance from enemies. Since there are no specific places mentioned in this psalm, a numbered list of places cannot be provided. The psalm is more about the spiritual and emotional state of seeking God's intervention rather than referencing physical locations. If you have any other questions or need further analysis, feel free to ask! Events 1. David's Urgent Plea for Deliverance The psalm begins with David urgently asking God to come to his rescue. The Hebrew root here is "הוֹשִׁיעֵנִי" (hoshieni), meaning "save me" or "deliver me." (Psalm 70:1 - "Hasten, O God, to deliver me! Hurry, O LORD, to help me!") 2. Request for Shame upon Enemies David asks that those who seek his life be put to shame and confusion. The Hebrew word "בּוֹשׁ" (bosh) is used, meaning "to be ashamed." (Psalm 70:2 - "May those who seek my life be ashamed and confounded; may those who wish me harm be repelled and humiliated.") 3. Desire for Retribution on Mockers He prays that those who mock him be turned back in disgrace. The Hebrew root "סוּג" (sug) implies turning back or retreating. (Psalm 70:3 - "May those who say, 'Aha, aha!' retreat because of their shame.") 4. Call for Joy among the Righteous David expresses a desire for those who seek God to rejoice and be glad. The Hebrew word "שָׂמַח" (samach) means "to rejoice" or "be glad." (Psalm 70:4 - "May all who seek You rejoice and be glad in You; may those who love Your salvation always say, 'Let God be magnified!'") 5. Personal Petition for Help The psalm concludes with David reiterating his need for God's help, acknowledging his own poverty and need. The Hebrew "עָנִי" (ani) refers to being poor or afflicted. (Psalm 70:5 - "But I am poor and needy; hurry to me, O God. You are my help and my deliverer; O LORD, do not delay.") Lessons from Psalm 70 1. Urgency in Prayer Psalm 70 begins with a plea for God to "hasten, O God, to deliver me" (Psalm 70:1). This teaches us the importance of urgency in our prayers. When we face trials, we should not hesitate to call upon the Lord. Just as David urgently sought God's intervention, we too can approach Him with confidence, knowing He hears us. 2. Dependence on God The psalmist's cry for help underscores our need to depend on God. "Let those who seek my life be ashamed and confounded" (Psalm 70:2). This reminds us that our strength and deliverance come from the Lord, not from our own abilities. Trusting in God’s power is essential for overcoming life's challenges. 3. Seeking God's Justice David's request for his enemies to be turned back in disgrace (Psalm 70:3) highlights the importance of seeking God's justice. We are reminded that vengeance belongs to the Lord, and we can trust Him to right the wrongs we face. This encourages us to focus on righteousness and leave justice in His capable hands. 4. Joy in God's Salvation "May all who seek You rejoice and be glad in You" (Psalm 70:4). This verse invites us to find joy in our relationship with God. When we seek Him, we discover a joy that transcends circumstances. Our salvation is a source of eternal gladness, and we are called to celebrate it daily. 5. Proclaiming God's Greatness The psalmist encourages us to declare, "Let God be magnified" (Psalm 70:4). This lesson reminds us to focus on God's greatness rather than our problems. By magnifying the Lord, we shift our perspective from earthly troubles to His divine power and majesty. 6. Humility in Our Need David acknowledges his own neediness, saying, "But I am poor and needy" (Psalm 70:5). This teaches us the value of humility. Recognizing our limitations allows us to fully rely on God's strength. In our weakness, His power is made perfect. 7. God as Our Helper The psalmist refers to God as his helper and deliverer (Psalm 70:5). This lesson reassures us that we are never alone. God is our ever-present help in times of trouble, ready to support and guide us through every challenge we face. 8. Patience in Waiting While the psalm expresses urgency, it also implies patience. "Do not delay, O my God" (Psalm 70:5) suggests a tension between urgency and waiting. We learn to trust God's timing, knowing that His plans are perfect and His timing is impeccable. 9. The Power of Repetition Psalm 70 is a repetition of Psalm 40:13-17, emphasizing the power of repeating our prayers and petitions. This teaches us persistence in prayer. By continually bringing our requests before God, we demonstrate our faith and reliance on His provision. 10. Assurance of God's Presence Finally, the psalm assures us of God's presence. Even in distress, David confidently calls upon the Lord, knowing He is near. This lesson encourages us to cultivate an awareness of God's constant presence, providing peace and comfort in every situation. These lessons from Psalm 70 remind us of the profound truths found in Scripture. As we apply them to our lives, we draw closer to God and experience His transformative power. Topics 1. Urgent Plea for Help The Psalm opens with an immediate and urgent request for God's assistance. The psalmist cries out, "Hasten, O God, to save me; O LORD, come quickly to help me" (Psalm 70:1). The Hebrew root for "hasten" (חוש, "chush") emphasizes the urgency and desperation in the plea. 2. Desire for the Downfall of Enemies The psalmist expresses a desire for those who seek his harm to be put to shame and confusion. "May those who seek my life be ashamed and confounded; may those who wish me harm be repelled and humiliated" (Psalm 70:2). The Hebrew words for "ashamed" (בוש, "bosh") and "confounded" (כלם, "kalam") reflect a deep longing for divine justice against adversaries. 3. Prayer for Retribution There is a call for retribution against those who mock the psalmist. "May those who say, 'Aha, aha!' retreat because of their shame" (Psalm 70:3). The repetition of "Aha" (האח, "hah") in Hebrew indicates scorn and derision, and the psalmist seeks their retreat in disgrace. 4. Joy for the Righteous The psalmist contrasts the fate of the wicked with a prayer for joy and gladness among those who seek God. "May all who seek You rejoice and be glad in You; may those who love Your salvation always say, 'Let God be magnified!'" (Psalm 70:4). The Hebrew root for "rejoice" (שמח, "samach") conveys a deep, abiding joy in God's presence and salvation. 5. Personal Humility and Dependence on God The psalmist acknowledges his own neediness and dependence on God. "But I am poor and needy; hurry to me, O God. You are my help and my deliverer; O LORD, do not delay" (Psalm 70:5). The Hebrew word for "poor" (עני, "ani") underscores the psalmist's humility and reliance on God's provision and deliverance. Themes 1. Urgent Plea for Deliverance The psalmist urgently calls upon God for help and deliverance, emphasizing the immediacy of his need. The opening verse, "Hasten, O God, to save me; O LORD, come quickly to help me" (Psalm 70:1), reflects a deep reliance on God's timely intervention. The Hebrew root for "hasten" (חוש, chush) underscores the urgency and desperation in the plea. 2. Confounding of Enemies The psalmist seeks the confusion and shame of those who seek his harm. "May those who seek my life be ashamed and confounded; may those who wish me harm be turned back and humiliated" (Psalm 70:2). The Hebrew words for "ashamed" (בוש, bosh) and "confounded" (כלם, kalam) convey a desire for the enemies' plans to be thwarted and their intentions to be publicly disgraced. 3. Vindication of the Righteous There is a call for the righteous to rejoice and be glad in God. "May all who seek You rejoice and be glad in You; may those who love Your salvation always say, 'Let God be magnified!'" (Psalm 70:4). This theme highlights the joy and praise that come from trusting in God's salvation, with the Hebrew root for "rejoice" (שמח, samach) indicating a deep, celebratory joy. 4. Personal Humility and Dependence on God The psalmist acknowledges his own lowly state and dependence on God. "But I am poor and needy; hurry to me, O God. You are my help and my deliverer; O LORD, do not delay" (Psalm 70:5). The Hebrew words for "poor" (עני, ani) and "needy" (אביון, ebyon) reflect a humble recognition of one's own insufficiency and the necessity of divine assistance. 5. Praise and Magnification of God The psalm concludes with a focus on the magnification of God, emphasizing His role as deliverer and helper. The repeated call for God to be magnified (גדל, gadal) underscores the importance of exalting God's name and recognizing His power and authority in the life of the believer. Prayer Points Pray for a heart that turns to God first in times of trouble, seeking His help and guidance. Ask for the strength to trust in God's perfect timing, even when answers seem delayed. Thank God for His salvation and deliverance, and pray for a spirit of joy and gratitude. Seek humility, acknowledging your need for God's presence and intervention in every aspect of life. As we reflect on Psalm 70, may we be encouraged to seek God earnestly, trusting in His power to deliver and sustain us. Answering Tough Questions 1. Does the urgency implied in Psalm 70:1 conflict with the concept of an eternal, unchanging God? 2. How does Psalm 70:2–3’s call for enemies to be put to shame align with New Testament teachings on loving one’s enemies? 3. Does the historical context implied in Psalm 70 align with any known archaeological evidence for David’s reign? 4. In light of God’s mercy emphasized in other parts of Scripture, does Psalm 70:3’s plea for disgrace upon adversaries suggest a contradiction? 5. Are there any notable discrepancies between Psalm 70 and its parallel in Psalm 40:13–17 that raise doubts about biblical consistency? Bible Study Discussion Questions 1. What does David's urgency in his prayer reveal about his relationship with God? 2. How does David's plea in Psalm 70 resonate with your personal experiences of prayer in times of distress? 3. What do you think it means to have enemies "turn back in disgrace" as described in verses 2 and 3? How does this concept apply to present day living? 4. How might the reversal of fortunes (verses 3-4) inspire those experiencing adversity today? 5. Reflect on the last verse where David refers to himself as "poor and needy". What does this convey about his self-awareness and humility? 6. How can the declaration "But as for me, I am poor and needy; come quickly to me, O God" (verse 5) shape our perspective on our own needs and God's provision? 7. In what ways does Psalm 70 challenge or affirm your understanding of God as a deliverer? 8. How can you apply David's trust in God, shown in Psalm 70, to a current situation in your life? 9. Psalm 70 ends with "O Lord, do not delay". How does this statement influence your understanding of God's timing? 10. How does David's continual praise of God, even amidst his suffering, inspire your personal worship? 11. Can you think of a situation where you can put into practice the principle of rejoicing in God's salvation, even in the midst of hardship, as shown in verse 4? 12. How can Psalm 70 guide us in dealing with feelings of fear and desperation in modern society? 13. Why do you think David chooses to voice his trust in God so openly? How can we follow this example today? 14. In what ways can the themes of Psalm 70 provide comfort during a crisis? 15. How do you relate to David's plea for God not to delay? Have there been times when you've had similar feelings? How did you deal with them? 16. What are the potential impacts on our faith when our pleas are answered not in our time but in God's time? 17. How can this Psalm influence the way we pray for those who mistreat us or wish us harm in the present day? 18. What is the importance of the community of "those who love His salvation" in this Psalm, and how can that be reflected in our lives today? 19. How does David's repeated calling to God in his time of need speak to our persistence in prayer? 20. How can you incorporate the lessons of trust, dependence, and praise from Psalm 70 into your daily life? Bible Hub Chapter Summaries and Bible Study Questions