Psalm 70

October 24, 2015

Yahweh is my help (Ps 70:4-70:5)

“Let all who seek you

Rejoice and be glad in you!

Let those who love your salvation

Say evermore.

‘God is great!’

But I am poor.

I am needy.

Hasten to me!

O God!

You are my help!

You are my deliverer!

Yahweh!

Do not delay!”

Again almost word for word from parts of Psalm 40, this psalm ends with a plea for Yahweh to not delay. Yahweh was the answer for those who sought a life with rejoicing and gladness. Yahweh has a steadfast love for his followers since they continually say, “Great is Yahweh.” This is somewhat like the Islamic “Allah is great.” As for David, he admits that that he is poor and needy. However, he puts his trust in Yahweh, who will help deliver him from various problems. All he asks is that there be no delay.

October 24, 2015

Shame my enemies (Ps 70:1-70:3)

To the choirmaster leader, a psalm of David, for the memorial offering

“Be pleased!

O God!

To deliver me!

Yahweh!

Make haste to help me!

Anyone who seeks my life,

Let those be put to shame!

Anyone who seeks my life,

Let those be put to confusion!

Anyone who desires to hurt me,

Let those be turned back!

Anyone who desires to hurt me,

Let those be brought to dishonor!

Let those who say.

‘Aha, Aha!’

Turn back

Because of their shame.”

This short Psalm 70 is almost identical word for word to parts of Psalm 40. This a choral psalm of David that is associated with a sacrifice offering. David wanted Yahweh to deliver him or rescue him. He wanted it done quickly. This psalmist or David wanted his enemies put to shame and confusion. His enemies were those who were trying to kill and hurt him. He wanted them turned back and put to shame. These were the people who were taunting him. He wanted them shamed, pure and simple.