Saying, God hath forsaken him: persecute and take him; for there is none to deliver him.
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
God hath forsaken him, there is no sharper arrow in hell's quiver. This barbed shaft pierced our Lord Himself, and His disciples must not be astonished to feel it also. But it is a barefaced lie; persecutors only grow bold because they suppose none will rescue him, yet his faith cries to his Lord and he endures their cruelty.
AI summary
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