May my accusers be put to shame and consumed; with scorn and disgrace may they be covered who seek my hurt.
Though this psalm bears no title, the tradition of the Church ascribes it to David in his old age, likely during Absalom's uprising. He opens by casting himself entirely upon God's faithfulness, then mingles petition for deliverance with complaint against his enemies' arrogance, before resolving to praise God for mercies already received.
AI summary
Commenting on Psalm 71:1-24
Let them be confounded and consumed that are adversaries to my soul. It will be all this to them to see thy servant preserved; their envy and malice, when disappointed, will fill them with life consuming bitterness. The defeat of their plans shall nonplus them, they shall be confounded as they enquire the reason for their overthrow; the men they seek to destroy seem so...
David prays two things: that he be never ashamed of trusting God, and that his persecutors be confounded. He who has truly chosen the God of Jacob for his help, who is entirely satisfied with God's all-sufficiency and the truth of His promise, will freely do and suffer all for Him and may boldly say, In thee, O Lord, do I put my trust.
AI summary
Commenting on Psalm 71:1-13