1 MAKE HASTE, O GOD, TO DELIVER ME; MAKE HASTE TO HELP ME, O LORD.
2 Let them be ashamed and confounded that seek after my soul: let them be turned backward, and put to confusion, that desire my hurt.
3 Let them be turned back for a reward of their shame that say, Aha, aha.
4 Let all those that seek thee rejoice and be glad in thee: and let such as love thy salvation say continually, Let God be magnified.
5 But I am poor and needy: make haste unto me, O God: thou art my help and my deliverer; O LORD, make no tarrying.
Psalm 70, as depicted in the King James Version (KJV) of the Holy Bible, is a passionate plea for divine help and protection. It is a short but intense psalm, filled with desperate cries to God for immediate help against enemies. The psalmist, traditionally believed to be King David, expresses a sense of urgency in his prayer, seeking God's intervention in the face of adversity. This psalm is not only an expression of personal distress but also serves as a timeless reminder of God's steadfast love and deliverance in times of trouble. The central themes of this psalm revolve around the plea for divine help, the nature of the enemy, the confidence in divine deliverance, and the desire for God's glory.
The psalm commences with a desperate plea for help, "Make haste, O God, to deliver me; make haste to help me, O LORD" (Psalm 70:1, KJV). This urgent cry reflects the psalmist's dire circumstances. He feels overwhelmed by his enemies and sees no way out of his predicament except through divine intervention. This plea is a testament to his faith in God's ability to deliver him in times of trouble. The repetition of the call for haste underscores the intensity of his distress and his acute need for immediate divine assistance.
The psalmist provides a vivid depiction of his enemies in this psalm. They are characterized as those who seek his life, those who desire his hurt, and those who say, "Aha, aha" (Psalm 70:2-3, KJV). These descriptions paint a picture of hostile adversaries who not only pose a physical threat but also derive pleasure from his misfortune. The enemies are also depicted as numerous, intensifying the sense of threat and the need for divine intervention.
Despite the dire circumstances, the psalmist expresses confidence in God's deliverance. He prays that those who seek his life be put to shame and confusion, and those who delight in his hurt be driven back and dishonored (Psalm 70:2-3, KJV). His plea for divine retribution against his enemies stems from his firm belief in God's justice and His power to save. This faith in God's deliverance amidst adversity is a recurring theme in the Psalms and serves as a source of comfort and encouragement for believers in times of trouble.
The psalmist's plea is not merely for personal deliverance but also for the glory of God. He prays that those who love God's salvation say continually, "Let God be magnified" (Psalm 70:4, KJV). This desire for God's glory highlights the psalmist's selfless devotion and his recognition of God's sovereignty. His plea is not just for his own deliverance, but ultimately for the exaltation of God's name.
In the final verse of the psalm, the psalmist acknowledges his poverty and need, saying, "But I am poor and needy: make haste unto me, O God: thou art my help and my deliverer; O LORD, make no tarrying" (Psalm 70:5, KJV). This admission of weakness and dependence on God is a powerful testament to his humility and faith. Despite his status as king, David recognizes his need for God's help and deliverance. His plea for God to make no delay in coming to his aid further emphasizes his reliance on divine intervention.
In summary, Psalm 70 is a passionate plea for divine help in the face of adversity. The psalmist's desperate cries to God for immediate help and his faith in divine deliverance provide comfort and encouragement for believers in times of trouble. His desire for God's glory and his humble recognition of his dependence on God serve as powerful reminders of God's sovereignty and our need for His help and deliverance. Despite the brevity of the psalm, it carries a profound message of faith, humility, and reliance on God.
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