9 Cast me not off at the time of old age, According to the consumption of my power forsake me not. 10 For mine enemies have spoken against me, And those watching my soul have taken counsel together, 11 Saying, 'God hath forsaken him, Pursue and catch him, for there is no deliverer.' 12 O God, be not far from me, O my God, for my help make haste. 13 They are ashamed, they are consumed, Who are opposing my soul, They are covered 'with' reproach and blushing, Who are seeking my evil,
14 And I continually do wait with hope, And have added unto all Thy praise. 15 My mouth recounteth Thy righteousness, All the day Thy salvation, For I have not known the numbers. 16 I come in the might of the Lord Jehovah, I mention Thy righteousness—Thine only. 17 God, Thou hast taught me from my youth, And hitherto I declare Thy wonders. 18 And also unto old age and grey hairs, O God, forsake me not, Till I declare Thy strength to a generation, To every one that cometh Thy might.
.png)
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Psalm 71:9-18
Commentary on Psalm 71:1-13
(Read Psalm 71:1-13)
David prays that he might never be made ashamed of dependence upon God. With this petition every true believer may come boldly to the throne of grace. The gracious care of Divine providence in our birth and infancy, should engage us to early piety. He that was our Help from our birth, ought to be our Hope from our youth. Let none expect ease or comfort from the world. Those who love the Lord, often are hated and persecuted; men wondered at for their principles and conduct; but the Lord has been their strong refuge. The faithful servants of God may be assured that he will not cast them off in old age, nor forsake them when their strength fails.
Commentary on Psalm 71:14-24
(Read Psalm 71:14-24)
The psalmist declares that the righteousness of Christ, and the great salvation obtained thereby, shall be the chosen subject of his discourse. Not on a sabbath only, but on every day of the week, of the year, of his life. Not merely at stated returns of solemn devotion, but on every occasion, all the day long. Why will he always dwell on this? Because he knew not the numbers thereof. It is impossible to measure the value or the fulness of these blessings. The righteousness is unspeakable, the salvation everlasting. God will not cast off his grey-headed servants when no longer capable of labouring as they have done. The Lord often strengthens his people in their souls, when nature is sinking into decay. And it is a debt which the old disciples of Christ owe to succeeding generations, to leave behind them a solemn testimony to the advantage of religion, and the truth of God's promises; and especially to the everlasting righteousness of the Redeemer. Assured of deliverance and victory, let us spend our days, while waiting the approach of death, in praising the Holy One of Israel with all our powers. And while speaking of his righteousness, and singing his praises, we shall rise above fears and infirmities, and have earnests of the joys of heaven. The work of redemption ought, above all God's works, to be spoken of by us in our praises. The Lamb that was slain, and has redeemed us to God, is worthy of all blessing and praise.