711 In thee, O Jehovah, do I take refuge: Let me never be put to shame. 2 Deliver me in thy righteousness, and rescue me: Bow down thine ear unto me, and save me. 3 Be thou to me a rock of habitation, whereunto I may continually resort: Thou hast given commandment to save me; For thou art my rock and my fortress. 4 Rescue me, O my God, out of the hand of the wicked, Out of the hand of the unrighteous and cruel man. 5 For thou art my hope, O Lord Jehovah: [Thou art] my trust from my youth. 6 By thee have I been holden up from the womb; Thou art he that took me out of my mother's bowels: My praise shall be continually of thee. 7 I am as a wonder unto many; But thou art my strong refuge. 8 My mouth shall be filled with thy praise, And with thy honor all the day. 9 Cast me not off in the time of old age; Forsake me not when my strength faileth. 10 For mine enemies speak concerning me; And they that watch for my soul take counsel together, 11 Saying, God hath forsaken him: Pursue and take him; For there is none to deliver. 12 O God, be not far from me; O my God, make haste to help me. 13 Let them be put to shame [and] consumed that are adversaries to my soul; Let them be covered with reproach and dishonor that seek my hurt.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Psalm 71:1-13
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.