David’s Urgent Plea
Psalm 70, often called David’s psalm of lament, captures the intense cry of the psalmist for divine intervention during a time of great distress. Attributed to David, this psalm expresses his unwavering trust in God and the urgency of his need for deliverance amidst enemy attacks.
Make haste, O God, to deliver me; make haste to help me, O LORD. (Psalm 70:1, KJV)
David’s Need Amid Affliction
This psalm vividly portrays the moments of anguish that all humans face in life. Surrounded by enemies, David found himself in a life-or-death situation, prompting him to cry out for urgent deliverance. His plea reflects not only his distress but also his steadfast confidence in God.
Let them be ashamed and confounded that seek after my soul: let them be turned backward, and put to confusion, that desire my hurt. (Psalm 70:2, KJV)
David understood that his enemies sought his downfall, yet he trusted that God could grant him deliverance. His past experiences, marked by God-given victories, strengthened his faith to face present and future adversities. Likewise, the challenges we encounter today serve as lessons and fortification for the trials yet to come.
Let them be turned back for a reward of their shame that say, Aha, aha. (Psalm 70:3, KJV)
In the era when Psalm 70 was written, it was widely believed that armies marched under the command of their gods. A victory in battle was seen as a triumph of the god served by the army. Thus, David’s enemies aimed not only to defeat him but also to dishonor the God he served.
The Joy of Those Who Seek God
While the wicked take pleasure in their malice toward others, those who fear the Lord delight in living justly and righteously, reflecting the true characteristics of the righteous. David highlights the joy of those who seek God and love His salvation.
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. (Psalm 70:4, KJV)
This joy is a sign of spiritual rebirth and fruitful living, as Jesus teaches:
Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them. (Matthew 7:20, KJV)
Recognizing Our Dependence on God
One of humanity’s greatest challenges is acknowledging its own frailty and dependence on God. David, despite being a king, humbly admits his neediness and cries out for help.
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)
David recognizes that only divine intervention could change his circumstances. He declares God as his help, knowing that nothing he could do on his own would suffice, and as his deliverer, trusting that God’s power surpassed any enemy or affliction, as He had proven in previous deliverances.
Lessons from Psalm 70: Trusting God in Affliction
Psalm 70 teaches us that in times of distress, we must seek help from God, presenting our enemies and adversities to Him. No matter the severity of the problem, God is able to grant victory. David’s trust inspires us to never abandon faith, even in the most extreme situations, and to wait patiently for God’s response.
