◄ Psalm 70 ►
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Summary Hurry, O LORD, to Help Me! Psalm 70 is a testament to unshakeable faith and urgent prayer in times of dire need. It reminds us that God is a constant deliverer, a source of joy, and an impetus for praise, irrespective of our current circumstances. Like David, in our poor and needy moments, we can cry out to God, trusting fully in His timely deliverance and ultimately celebrating His great deeds. Verses 1-2: Plea for Swift Deliverance David starts the Psalm with an urgent plea to God to hasten to save him. He asks for his enemies, those who seek to harm him, to be put to shame and confusion. Verses 3-4: Reversal of Fortunes David prays for a reversal of fortunes - that those who gloat over his distress should retreat and be disgraced, while those who seek God and value His salvation rejoice and continually say, "God is great!" Verse 5: Affirmation of Dependence and Praise The Psalm concludes with David acknowledging his poor and needy state and re-emphasizing his dependence on God. Despite his desperate situation, he affirms God as his help and deliverer, ending with a plea to God not to delay. 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. 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.") 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. 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. Bible Study 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? 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. Bible Hub Chapter Summaries and Bible Study Questions