Be to me a rock of refuge, to which I may continually come; you have given the command to save me, for you are my rock and my fortress.
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
Be thou my strong habitation. Permit me to enter into thee, and be as much at home as a man in his own house, and then suffer me to remain in thee as my settled abode. Whereas foes molest me, I need a dwelling framed and bulwarked, to sustain a siege and resist the attacks of armies; let, then, thine omnipotence secure me, and be as a fortress unto me.
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