◄ Psalm 71 ►
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Berean Standard Bible | Par ▾
Be My Rock of Refuge 1In You, O LORD, I have taken refuge; let me never be put to shame. 2In Your justice, rescue and deliver me; incline Your ear and save me. 3Be my rock of refuge, where I can always go. Give the command to save me, for You are my rock and my fortress. 4Deliver me, O my God, from the hand of the wicked, from the grasp of the unjust and ruthless. 5For You are my hope, O Lord GOD, my confidence from my youth. 6I have leaned on You since birth; You pulled me from my mother’s womb. My praise is always for You. 7I have become a portent to many, but You are my strong refuge. 8My mouth is filled with Your praise and with Your splendor all day long. 9Do not discard me in my old age; do not forsake me when my strength fails. 10For my enemies speak against me, and those who lie in wait for my life conspire, 11saying, “God has forsaken him; pursue him and seize him, for there is no one to rescue him.” 12Be not far from me, O God. Hurry, O my God, to help me. 13May the accusers of my soul be ashamed and consumed; may those who seek my harm be covered with scorn and disgrace. 14But I will always hope and will praise You more and more. 15My mouth will declare Your righteousness and Your salvation all day long, though I cannot know their full measure. 16I will come in the strength of the Lord GOD; I will proclaim Your righteousness—Yours alone. 17O God, You have taught me from my youth, and to this day I proclaim Your marvelous deeds. 18Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me, O God, until I proclaim Your power to the next generation, Your might to all who are to come. 19Your righteousness reaches to the heavens, O God, You who have done great things. Who, O God, is like You? 20Though You have shown me many troubles and misfortunes, You will revive me once again. Even from the depths of the earth You will bring me back up. 21You will increase my honor and comfort me once again. 22So I will praise You with the harp for Your faithfulness, O my God; I will sing praise to You with the lyre, O Holy One of Israel. 23When I sing praise to You my lips will shout for joy, along with my soul, which You have redeemed. 24My tongue will indeed proclaim Your righteousness all day long, for those who seek my harm are disgraced and confounded. 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 71 Summary Be My Rock of Refuge Verses 1–3 – Secure Refuge The psalm opens with a confident run to God’s protection. The writer leans on the Lord as an unfailing fortress and expects rescue “in Your righteousness.” Verses 4–6 – Childhood Deliverance Looking back, the psalmist recalls being carried by God since birth. Past mercies fuel present trust as he asks again to be pulled from danger. Verses 7–8 – A Walking Testimony Others view him as “a portent,” a living sign that God steps in. Mouth and heart overflow with praise that refuses to be silenced. Verses 9–13 – Plea amid Aging Enemies Now gray-haired, he fears abandonment and the taunts of foes who say, “God has forsaken him.” He begs for swift justice and their shame. Verses 14–16 – Unending Hope and Praise Hope expands, not shrinks. He vows daily praise, proclaiming God’s “mighty acts of salvation” all day long. Verses 17–18 – Testimony for the Next Generation From youth to old age, God has taught him. He pleads to live on so he can declare that power “to all who are to come.” Verses 19–21 – God’s Matchless Righteousness and Restoration God’s righteousness reaches the skies. Though troubles multiplied, He will “revive” and elevate the psalmist once more. Verses 22–24 – Renewed Praise Forever The closing chorus promises harp, lyre, and unending song. Enemies are silenced; the psalmist sings on. Psalm 71, part of the Psalter in the Old Testament, serves as a powerful testament to the Psalmist's unwavering faith and lifelong trust in God's righteousness and deliverance. As the Psalmist beseeches God for protection, he simultaneously exudes a deep confidence in God's justice, celebrating His deeds, and affirming his dependence on Him from his youth to his old age. Authorship and Setting Psalm 71 carries no superscription, yet its language echoes Davidic prayers (compare Psalm 31; 35; 40; 70). Many scholars place it late in David’s life—perhaps during Absalom’s revolt—when the king was aged, vulnerable, and slandered (2 Samuel 15–18). The psalmist’s references to lifelong protection and gray hairs (vv. 5–6, 9, 18) fit that backdrop. Structure and Flow • Cry for help (vv. 1–4) • Testimony of lifelong care (vv. 5–8) • Renewed appeal as an older believer (vv. 9–13) • Fresh surge of hope and praise (vv. 14–18) • Celebration of God’s greatness and promise of music (vv. 19–24) Key Themes 1. God as fortress: “Be to me a rock of refuge” (v. 3). 2. Lifelong faithfulness: from womb to old age. 3. Bold praise in the face of opposition. 4. The duty to pass on faith to ensuing generations. 5. Confidence that God reverses distress and brings honor. Historical Backdrop: Aging David? • 2 Samuel shows David’s later years marked by betrayal, war weariness, and physical frailty (2 Samuel 21:15). • “Do not cast me off in my old age” (v. 9) reflects the fear of leaders who outlive their battlefield strength. • Ancient Near Eastern kings were expected to be vigorous; weakness invited rebellion. Thus enemies whisper, “Pursue and seize him” (v. 11). Archaeological and Cultural Notes • “Rock of refuge” evokes limestone strongholds scattered through Judean hills. Excavations at Adullam and En-gedi reveal natural caves later widened into hideouts—perfect symbols for divine shelter. • Musical instruments: Excavated lyre images on Israelite seals confirm the popularity of stringed praise (v. 22). • “Portent” or “wonder” (v. 7) mirrors Near Eastern thought of omens—yet here the sign points to the living God, not fate. Scripture Connections • Psalm 31:1–3 almost repeats vv. 1–3 word-for-word. • Isaiah 46:3-4 echoes God’s cradle-to-grey promise: “Even to your old age I will carry you.” • Luke 1:69 reflects v. 3’s imagery when Zechariah calls Jesus “a horn of salvation.” • 2 Timothy 4:17 parallels the aged Paul, rescued “from the lion’s mouth,” still preaching. Hebrew Word Highlights • “Machseh” (v. 7) – refuge, a safe hideout. • “Tiqvah” (v. 14) – hope, a cord tied to the future. • “Gevurah” (v. 16) – mighty deeds, used for heroic exploits in battle narratives. Messianic Hints The psalmist’s lifelong trust and restoration foreshadow Christ, who from infancy (Matthew 2) to the cross placed Himself in the Father’s hands (Luke 23:46). Verse 20 speaks of God bringing up from “the depths of the earth,” suggestive of resurrection. The unending praise of vv. 22–24 previews the risen Savior’s eternal song (Hebrews 2:12). Lessons for Believers Today • God’s care does not expire with age; life’s latter chapters can shine brightest with testimony. • Praising in advance—“I will always hope” (v. 14)—is an act of faith that outshouts worry. • Passing the baton matters: tell the next generation “all Your mighty acts” (v. 18). • Enemies and troubles are real, but God’s righteousness towers higher than the skies (v. 19). • Finishing well involves both memory and music—remembering God’s past rescue and singing forward to His future victories. Practical Application Snapshot When fears of weakness creep in, echo v. 3: “Incline Your ear to me; save me.” Keep accounts of earlier rescues fresh so tomorrow’s challenges meet yesterday’s faithfulness. Let gray hairs become silver trumpets, sounding God’s praise to children, friends, and a watching world. Connections to Additional Scriptures Psalm 46:1 God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in times of trouble. Isaiah 46:4 Even to your old age I will be the same, and even to your graying years I will bear you! I have done it, and I will carry you; I will bear you and I will deliver you. 2 Timothy 1:5 I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also. Teaching Points God as Our Refuge The psalmist begins by declaring, In You, O LORD, I have taken refuge; let me never be put to shame (Psalm 71:1). This sets the tone for the entire psalm, emphasizing the importance of seeking God as our ultimate place of safety and security. Lifelong Dependence on God The psalmist reflects on a lifetime of reliance on God, stating, For You are my hope, O Lord GOD, my confidence from my youth (Psalm 71:5). This highlights the importance of cultivating a relationship with God from an early age and maintaining it throughout life. God's Righteousness and Salvation The psalmist repeatedly calls upon God's righteousness and salvation, saying, My mouth will declare Your righteousness and Your salvation all day long (Psalm 71:15). This underscores the believer's duty to proclaim God's goodness and deliverance. God's Faithfulness in Old Age The psalmist, likely in his later years, prays, Do not cast me off in my old age; do not forsake me when my strength fails (Psalm 71:9). This is a reminder of God's faithfulness throughout all stages of life, especially when we feel weak or vulnerable. Praise as a Response to Deliverance The psalmist vows to praise God continually, saying, My lips will shout for joy when I sing praise to You—my soul, which You have redeemed (Psalm 71:23). Praise is portrayed as a natural response to experiencing God's deliverance and redemption. Practical Applications Seek God as Your Refuge In times of trouble, actively turn to God for protection and strength, trusting Him to be your fortress. Cultivate a Lifelong Relationship with God Encourage young believers to develop a strong foundation of faith early on, and strive to maintain and deepen that relationship throughout life. Proclaim God's Righteousness Make it a habit to share testimonies of God's goodness and salvation with others, using your life as a testament to His faithfulness. Trust God in Every Season of Life Whether young or old, rely on God's unchanging nature and His promises, especially when facing the challenges of aging or declining strength. Respond to God's Deliverance with Praise Let gratitude and praise be your response to God's acts of deliverance, using every opportunity to glorify Him. People 1. The Psalmist The author of the psalm, traditionally attributed to David, who is seeking refuge and deliverance from God. The psalmist expresses trust in God from youth and continues to rely on Him in old age. 2. God Referred to as the psalmist's refuge, rock, and fortress. The psalmist calls upon God for deliverance, salvation, and protection. The Hebrew term for God used here is "Elohim" (אֱלֹהִים), emphasizing His power and might. 3. Enemies/Adversaries These are the unnamed individuals or groups who seek to harm the psalmist. They are described as wicked and unjust, and the psalmist asks God to deliver him from their grasp. 4. The Righteous While not explicitly named, the psalmist refers to the community of believers who will witness God's faithfulness and righteousness. The psalmist's testimony is intended to encourage and inspire them. Places 1. Refuge The psalmist repeatedly refers to God as a "refuge" (Psalm 71:1, 71:7). In Hebrew, the word used is "מַחֲסֶה" (machaseh), which means a shelter or place of trust. This reflects a spiritual place of safety and protection in God's presence. 2. Rock and Fortress In Psalm 71:3, God is described as a "rock" and "fortress." The Hebrew words "צוּר" (tsur) for rock and "מְצוּדָה" (metsudah) for fortress convey strength, stability, and defense, symbolizing God's unwavering support and protection. 3. Womb The psalmist mentions being supported by God from the womb (Psalm 71:6). The Hebrew word "בֶּטֶן" (beten) refers to the womb, indicating God's care and involvement from the very beginning of life. 4. Mouth The psalmist speaks of his mouth being filled with God's praise (Psalm 71:8). While not a physical place, the "mouth" represents the expression of faith and worship, a place where God's glory is proclaimed. 5. Old Age In Psalm 71:9 and 71:18, the psalmist refers to old age, a metaphorical place in life where one continues to rely on God's strength and declare His power to the next generation. Events 1. Seeking Refuge in God The psalmist begins by seeking refuge in God, expressing trust and asking for deliverance. ^"In You, O LORD, I have taken refuge; let me never be put to shame."^ (Psalm 71:1) The Hebrew word for "refuge" (מַחֲסֶה, machaseh) conveys a sense of seeking shelter or protection. 2. Plea for Rescue and Deliverance The psalmist calls upon God to rescue and deliver him from the wicked. ^"Rescue me and deliver me in Your righteousness; turn Your ear to me and save me."^ (Psalm 71:2) The term "deliver" (פָּלַט, palat) implies being snatched away or saved from danger. 3. Declaration of God as a Rock and Fortress The psalmist acknowledges God as a rock and fortress, a place of safety and strength. ^"Be my rock of refuge, where I can always go. Give the command to save me, for You are my rock and my fortress."^ (Psalm 71:3) "Rock" (צוּר, tsur) symbolizes stability and protection. 4. Confidence in God from Youth The psalmist reflects on his lifelong trust in God, from his youth. ^"For You are my hope, O Lord GOD, my confidence from my youth."^ (Psalm 71:5) The word "hope" (תִּקְוָה, tiqvah) indicates expectation and trust. 5. Praise and Proclamation of God's Wondrous Deeds The psalmist commits to praising God and proclaiming His wondrous deeds. ^"My mouth is filled with Your praise and with Your splendor all day long."^ (Psalm 71:8) "Praise" (תְּהִלָּה, tehillah) refers to songs or acts of adoration. 6. Request for Continued Presence in Old Age The psalmist asks God not to forsake him in his old age. ^"Do not discard me in my old age; do not forsake me when my strength fails."^ (Psalm 71:9) "Forsake" (עָזַב, azav) means to leave or abandon. 7. Assurance of God's Righteousness and Salvation The psalmist expresses confidence in God's righteousness and salvation. ^"Your righteousness reaches to the heavens, O God, You who have done great things. Who, O God, is like You?"^ (Psalm 71:19) "Righteousness" (צֶדֶק, tsedeq) denotes justice and moral integrity. 8. Promise to Praise God with Music The psalmist vows to praise God with music and song. ^"I will praise You with the harp for Your faithfulness, O my God; I will sing praise to You with the lyre, O Holy One of Israel."^ (Psalm 71:22) "Praise" (זָמַר, zamar) in this context involves singing and playing instruments. 9. Commitment to Proclaim God's Power to the Next Generation The psalmist is determined to declare God's power to future generations. ^"Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me, O God, until I proclaim Your power to the next generation, Your might to all who are to come."^ (Psalm 71:18) "Proclaim" (נָגַד, nagad) means to make known or declare. Lessons from Psalm 71 1. Trust in God's Faithfulness Psalm 71 begins with a declaration of trust: "In You, O LORD, I have taken refuge; let me never be put to shame" (Psalm 71:1). This verse reminds us that God is our ultimate refuge and strength. When life throws its challenges our way, we can confidently lean on His unwavering faithfulness. Just as the psalmist did, we can trust that God will never let us down, and He will always be our safe haven. 2. God is Our Constant Hope The psalmist proclaims, "For You are my hope, O Lord GOD, my confidence from my youth" (Psalm 71:5). This verse encourages us to maintain our hope in God throughout our lives. From our earliest days to our later years, He remains our steadfast source of hope. In a world that often feels uncertain, anchoring our hope in God provides us with peace and assurance. 3. Praise as a Lifelong Practice "I will ever praise You" (Psalm 71:6) is a powerful reminder that praise should be a continuous part of our lives. No matter our circumstances, praising God keeps our focus on His goodness and sovereignty. It’s a practice that not only uplifts our spirits but also strengthens our relationship with Him. Let praise be the soundtrack of your life! 4. God's Righteousness is Our Testimony "My mouth will declare Your righteousness and Your salvation all day long" (Psalm 71:15). This verse highlights the importance of sharing God's righteousness and salvation with others. Our lives are a testimony to His grace and mercy. By speaking of His goodness, we can inspire others to seek Him and experience His transformative power. 5. God is Our Rock and Fortress "Be to me a rock of dwelling to which I may continually come" (Psalm 71:3). This imagery of God as a rock and fortress emphasizes His strength and protection. In times of trouble, we can find solace in His unchanging nature. He is our stronghold, providing us with stability and security amidst life's storms. 6. God's Faithfulness Through Generations "You have taught me from my youth, and to this day I proclaim Your marvelous deeds" (Psalm 71:17). This verse underscores the importance of passing down the knowledge of God's faithfulness to future generations. As we share our experiences of His goodness, we inspire others to trust in Him and continue the legacy of faith. 7. God's Power is Limitless "Your righteousness reaches to the heavens, O God, You who have done great things" (Psalm 71:19). This verse reminds us of the limitless power of God. His ability to do great things is beyond our comprehension. When we face challenges, we can rest assured that His power is more than sufficient to see us through. 8. God Renews Our Strength "Though You have shown me many troubles and misfortunes, You will revive me once again" (Psalm 71:20). Life may bring difficulties, but God promises to renew our strength. He is the God of restoration, breathing new life into our weary souls. Trust in His ability to revive and rejuvenate you, no matter the trials you face. 9. God's Salvation is Our Joy "My lips will shout for joy when I sing praise to You—my soul, which You have redeemed" (Psalm 71:23). The joy of salvation is a theme that resonates throughout the psalm. Knowing that we are redeemed by God fills our hearts with joy and gratitude. Let this joy overflow in your life, influencing those around you with the light of Christ. 10. God's Unfailing Love is Our Comfort "Your righteousness, O God, reaches to the heavens, You who have done great things. Who, O God, is like You?" (Psalm 71:19). The psalmist marvels at God's unfailing love and incomparable nature. In moments of doubt or fear, we can find comfort in His boundless love. His love is a constant reminder that we are never alone, and He is always with us. Topics 1. Trust in the Lord for Deliverance The psalmist begins by expressing trust in God for deliverance and protection. The Hebrew root for "trust" (בָּטַח, batach) conveys a sense of confidence and reliance. Psalm 71:1 states, "In You, O LORD, I have taken refuge; let me never be put to shame." 2. God as a Rock and Fortress The imagery of God as a rock and fortress is prominent, emphasizing His strength and protection. The Hebrew word for "rock" (צוּר, tsur) signifies stability and security. Verse 3 says, "Be my rock of refuge, where I can always go." 3. Plea for Rescue and Salvation The psalmist pleads for God's intervention and salvation from adversaries. The Hebrew root for "rescue" (נָצַל, natsal) implies being snatched away from danger. Verse 2 reads, "In Your righteousness, deliver me and rescue me." 4. Lifelong Dependence on God The psalmist reflects on a lifetime of reliance on God, from youth to old age. This theme underscores a continuous relationship with God. Verse 5 states, "For You are my hope, O Lord GOD, my confidence from my youth." 5. Praise and Proclamation of God's Deeds The psalmist commits to praising God and proclaiming His mighty acts. The Hebrew word for "praise" (הָלַל, halal) involves boasting or celebrating. Verse 8 declares, "My mouth is filled with Your praise and with Your splendor all day long." 6. God's Faithfulness in Old Age There is a focus on God's faithfulness throughout the psalmist's life, especially in old age. The psalmist seeks continued support and strength. Verse 18 says, "Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me, O God." 7. Confession of God's Righteousness The psalmist acknowledges God's righteousness and justice. The Hebrew word for "righteousness" (צֶדֶק, tsedeq) reflects God's moral integrity. Verse 19 states, "Your righteousness reaches to the heavens, O God, You who have done great things." 8. Hope for Future Restoration The psalmist expresses hope for future restoration and vindication. This hope is rooted in God's past faithfulness. Verse 20 reads, "Though You have shown me many troubles and misfortunes, You will revive me once again." 9. Commitment to Continual Worship The psalmist vows to continue worshiping and praising God, emphasizing a lifelong commitment. Verse 22 says, "I will praise You with the harp for Your faithfulness, O my God." 10. Testimony of God's Power and Might The psalmist concludes with a testimony of God's power and might, intending to declare His greatness to future generations. Verse 24 concludes, "My tongue will proclaim Your righteousness all day long." Themes 1. Trust in God's Protection Psalm 71 emphasizes a deep trust in God's ability to protect and deliver. The psalmist begins with a plea for refuge: "In You, O LORD, I have taken refuge; let me never be put to shame" (Psalm 71:1). The Hebrew word for "refuge" (מַחֲסֶה, machaseh) conveys a sense of seeking shelter and safety, highlighting the theme of divine protection. 2. God as a Lifelong Support The psalmist reflects on God's faithfulness throughout life, from youth to old age: "For You are my hope, O Lord GOD, my confidence from my youth" (Psalm 71:5). The theme underscores the idea that God is a constant source of support and strength throughout one's life journey. 3. Praise and Proclamation of God's Righteousness A recurring theme is the commitment to praise and declare God's righteousness: "My mouth will declare Your righteousness and Your salvation all day long" (Psalm 71:15). The Hebrew word for "righteousness" (צֶדֶק, tsedeq) signifies justice and moral integrity, emphasizing the psalmist's dedication to proclaiming God's just nature. 4. Deliverance from Enemies The psalmist seeks deliverance from adversaries, expressing confidence in God's ability to save: "Deliver me, O my God, from the hand of the wicked, from the grasp of the unjust and ruthless" (Psalm 71:4). This theme highlights the belief in God's power to rescue from oppression and evil. 5. Hope and Renewal in Old Age The psalmist expresses hope for continued strength and purpose in old age: "Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me, O God, until I proclaim Your strength to the next generation" (Psalm 71:18). This theme reflects a desire for renewal and the ongoing mission to share God's works with future generations. 6. God's Faithfulness and Past Deeds The psalmist recalls God's past deeds as a foundation for current trust: "Your righteousness reaches to the heavens, O God, You who have done great things" (Psalm 71:19). The theme of remembering God's faithfulness serves as a source of encouragement and assurance. 7. Joyful Worship and Music The psalmist expresses a commitment to worship through music: "I will praise You with the harp for Your faithfulness, O my God" (Psalm 71:22). This theme highlights the role of joyful worship and music in expressing gratitude and reverence for God. 8. God as a Source of Comfort and Strength The psalmist finds comfort and strength in God's presence: "You have given me the shield of Your salvation, and Your right hand upholds me" (Psalm 71:21). This theme emphasizes the sustaining power and comfort that comes from a relationship with God. Prayer Points Pray for Refuge Ask God to be your refuge and strength in times of trouble, trusting Him to protect and guide you. Pray for Lifelong Faithfulness Seek God's help in maintaining a strong and vibrant relationship with Him throughout all stages of life. Pray for Boldness in Proclamation Request courage and opportunities to share God's righteousness and salvation with others. Pray for Strength in Old Age Lift up those who are aging, asking God to sustain them and remind them of His faithfulness. Pray with Praise and Thanksgiving Offer prayers of gratitude for God's deliverance and redemption, committing to praise Him continually. Answering Tough Questions 1. In Psalm 71:6, how can the psalmist claim reliance on God “from birth” if an infant cannot consciously exercise faith? 2. In Psalm 71:9, why does the psalmist fear abandonment in old age if God’s presence is said to be constant elsewhere in the Bible? 3. Why is there little historical or archaeological evidence for the divine interventions described in Psalm 71? 4. If David is traditionally credited with many psalms, what is the historical basis for attributing Psalm 71 to him, given conflicting scholarly claims about authorship? 5. Psalm 71:20 speaks of revival from the “depths of the earth.” How should this be understood in light of modern scientific knowledge about death and the afterlife? Bible Study Discussion Questions 1. How does the Psalmist's trust in God manifest in Psalm 71? 2. In what ways does the Psalmist exhibit his faith throughout his life journey in Psalm 71? 3. Reflect on a situation in your life where you needed to rely on God's deliverance as the Psalmist did. 4. How does the Psalmist's approach to adversity apply to modern challenges believers face? 5. How might you apply the Psalmist’s consistent praise of God in your life? 6. What does this Psalm teach about the relationship between faith and fear? 7. How can we see God’s faithfulness in our lives, reflecting on verse 6? 8. How does the Psalmist's prayer in his old age inspire you to view aging and faith? 9. Why is it essential to narrate God's deeds to the next generation, as the Psalmist commits to doing? 10. How can we use the Psalmist's approach to handle criticism and adversity in our lives today? 11. How does this Psalm inspire you to handle situations when you feel abandoned or alone? 12. How can you translate the Psalmist's commitment to continual praise into your daily practices? 13. Reflect on a time you experienced God's deliverance in your life as shared in this Psalm. 14. How does Psalm 71 inspire you to deal with life's uncertainties? 15. What practical steps can you take to rely on God's righteousness, as suggested in Psalm 71? 16. What are some ways that the Psalmist models turning fear into faith? 17. How does the Psalmist's reliance on God in his old age resonate with you about God's consistent presence? 18. What steps can you take to celebrate God's deeds more actively in your life? 19. How does Psalm 71 encourage you to handle life's adversities? 20. How can you implement the Psalmist's attitude of hope and praise during challenging times in your life? Bible Hub Chapter Summaries and Bible Study Questions