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Psalms 70

5 verses

TL;DR

The psalm is a brief, urgent appeal for divine rescue, coupled with confidence in God's power and a call to praise Him.

Summary

Psalm 70 begins with a rapid, emphatic plea to God for immediate help and deliverance. The psalmist urges those who oppose him to feel shame and confusion, portraying their enemies as doomed. He then contrasts this judgment with a call for those who seek God to rejoice, rejoice in Him, and continually magnify His name. The psalm ends with the psalmist’s own lament, describing himself as poor and needy, yet trusting that God is his help and deliverer. Overall, the passage balances a sense of urgency with hopeful trust and a celebration of God’s righteousness.

Outline
  1. Urgent call for God's swift rescue
  2. Condemnation of enemies and confidence in divine justice
  3. Conclusion with humility and exhortation to praise
Themes
Divine deliveranceFaithful hope in God’s interventionJudgment on the wicked
Keywords
make hastedeliverhelpshameconfusionjoymagnify
People
GodLord
Places
Things
deliverancehelpshameconfusionjoymagnification
Key Verses
  • Psalm 70:1: The opening plea for swift deliverance sets the tone of urgency.
  • Psalm 70:4: The exhortation to rejoice and magnify God reflects the psalm’s call to worship amid deliverance.
Questions
  • What does the psalmist’s plea reveal about his relationship with God?
  • How does the psalm use images of shame and confusion to portray its enemies?
  • In what ways does the psalm balance urgent appeal with confidence and praise?
  • How might this psalm encourage believers facing persecution today?
Sentiment

mixed
Urgent request for help contrasted with hopeful praise and confidence in God's deliverance.