Bible Commentaries

Psalms 70.

David soliciteth God to the speedy destruction of the wicked, and preservation of the godly.

To the chief Musician, A psalm of David, to bring to remembrance.

Title. להזכיר לדוד למנצח lamnatseach ledavid lehazkiir.— This psalm is almost word for word the same with the latter part of the 40th; but as there is some little difference in every verse, Bishop Patrick thinks that in some new danger, and probably that into which Absalom brought him, David took a review of the 40th, and, with some little alteration, composed this as a distinct prayer. The LXX add, by way of explanation to the end of the title, "That God had saved him."

Psalms 70:1. Make haste— Or, be pleased. This is a word added from Psalms 40:13.; and indeed I take that word, says Mr. Mudge, together with the two former verses, properly to belong to this psalm.

REFLECTIONS.—1. David here seeks for help in haste, because his danger was imminent. Note; Urgent trials should awaken fervent prayer.

2. He prays that his enemies may be disappointed and confounded. They were maliciously bent to hurt him; sought after his soul, to ensnare him with sin, or to rob him of his life; and already triumphed, as if they had succeeded; but he expects to see them turned backward, and their wicked devices baffled.

3. He prays that the people of God may rejoice, especially on observing his gracious interposition in his deliverance, and magnify God for his mercy. They are described as seeking God, this being the constant delightful task of the faithful, to pray and not faint; as loving his salvation, loving Jesus, the author of the salvation, and holiness, the appointed way.

4. He expresses his confidence of help, while he pleads his wants. I am poor and needy; spiritually needy, and poor in spirit; but thou art my help and my deliverer, my Almighty Saviour in time of need.

Jesus was thus sought for, his precious life pursued, and his enemies confident of success; but in his prayer he prevailed: Satan and all his emissaries were confounded in the day of his resurrection, and God, his helper and deliverer, made no tarrying, nor suffered his Holy One to see corruption; therefore does his church triumph in their exalted head, and say with joy, The Lord be magnified.

The faithful servants of God are also the mark of the world's enmity, and the devil's hatred; and they may expect many a sore thrust from both: but they know where their help lies, and make haste to God in prayer; and though he may sometimes seem to delay his coming, he is not slack concerning his promises, but exercises their graces to confirm and strengthen them, and makes no tarrying when their deliverance is necessary. However sorely they may be exercised, the issue of their trials will be peace and joy; and they who love God's salvation, and seek him without ceasing, will, in time and eternity, by delightful experience, bear testimony to his rich grace, and ascribe to him the everlasting praise.