Psalms70
New American Standard
1 God, hurry to save me; Lord, hurry to help me!
2 May those who seek my life Be put to shame and humiliated; May those who delight in my harm Be turned back and dishonored.
3 May those who say, “Aha, aha!” be turned back Because of their shame.
4 May all who seek You rejoice and be glad in You; And may those who love Your salvation say continually, “May God be exalted!”
5 But I am afflicted and needy; Hurry to me, God! You are my help and my savior; Lord, do not delay.
Study
Psalms 70Public-domain commentary and original-language notes for Psalms 70. The full AI study guide (summary, themes, context) has its own page.
Chapter Summary
In this chapter: The speedy destruction of the wicked, and the preservation of the godly. (1-5).
vv1-5
This psalm is almost the same as the last five verses of Ps 40. While here we behold Jesus Christ set forth in poverty and distress, we also see him denouncing just and fearful punishment on his Jewish, heathen, and antichristian enemies; and pleading for the joy and happiness of his friends, to his Father's honour. Let us apply these things to our own troubled circumstances, and in a believing manner bring them, and the sinful causes thereof, to our remembrance. Urgent trials should always awake fervent prayers.
Key Words
נָצַח: properly, to glitter from afar, i.e. to be eminent (as a superintendent, especially of the Temple services and its music); to be permanent
דָּוִד: David, the youngest son of Jesse
זָכַר: properly, to mark (so as to be recognized), i.e. to remember; by implication, to mention; to be male
אֱלֹהִים: gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme God; occasionally applied by way of deference to magistrates; and sometimes as a superlative
נָצַל: to snatch away, whether in a good or a bad sense
חוּשׁ: to hurry; figuratively, to be eager with excitement or enjoyment
עֶזְרָה: aid
בּוּשׁ: properly, to pale, i.e. by implication to be ashamed; also (by implication) to be disappointed or delayed
חָפֵר: to blush; figuratively, to be ashamed, disappointed; causatively, to shame, reproach
בָּקַשׁ: to search out (by any method, specifically in worship or prayer); by implication, to strive after
Cross References
Psalms 70Psalm 70 is a nearly verbatim copy of the closing portion of Psalm 40.
Supported by Matthew Henry, Matthew Poole, JFB
Parallel text with a minor variation from 'thinketh upon me' to 'make haste unto me.'
Supported by JFB
Parallel text matching the petition for adversaries seeking his soul to be confounded.
Supported by Matthew Poole
Parallel text regarding the shame of those saying 'Aha, aha.'
Supported by Matthew Poole
Parallel text matching the prayer for seekers of God to rejoice and magnify Him.
Supported by Matthew Poole
Shares the unique title 'to bring to remembrance' with Psalm 38.
Supported by JFB
Verbal parallel of enemies saying 'Aha, aha' in mockery of David.
Parallels the plea of being 'poor and sorrowful/needy' but trustful in God.