◄ Psalm 71 ►
Book Study • Verse Study • Study Que
Summary Be My Rock of Refuge Psalm 71 beautifully encapsulates the unwavering faith and trust in God's righteousness and deliverance. The Psalmist's lifelong journey serves as an encouragement for every believer to remain steadfast in their faith regardless of circumstances, confidently seeking refuge in God. Despite adversities and aging, praising God and witnessing His deeds to others serve as a beacon of hope. Supplication for Deliverance (Verses 1-4) The Psalmist starts by seeking refuge in God and pleading for His deliverance from unrighteous and cruel adversaries. He beseeches God to rescue him and uphold His justice. Affirmation of God's Righteousness (Verses 5-8) The Psalmist declares his trust in God's righteousness, confessing his reliance on God since his youth. He expresses his intent to continually praise God for His wondrous deeds and His faithfulness. Reflection on Age and God's Consistency (Verses 9-13) The Psalmist pleads to God not to forsake him in his old age. He prays for God's continued protection against enemies who have become bolder with his aging. Yet, he reasserts his confidence in God's deliverance. Celebration of God's Deeds (Verses 14-18) Despite adversities, the Psalmist vows to persistently hope and praise God, narrating His great deeds and righteousness to the coming generation. He prays to God to continue His strength and protection into his old age. God's Deliverance and Praise (Verses 19-24) The Psalmist affirms God's wonderful acts and His divine intervention in his life. He celebrates God's deliverance from his dire circumstances and anticipates singing praises to God all day long, concluding with a powerful note of trust and praise in God's faithfulness. 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. 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. 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. 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. Bible Study 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? 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. Bible Hub Chapter Summaries and Bible Study Questions