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# Psalm 71
## Prayer in Time of Old Age
### I
1 In you, LORD, I take refuge; ^psalm-71-1
let me never be put to shame.
2 In your justice rescue and deliver me; ^psalm-71-2
listen to me and save me!
3 Be my rock of refuge, ^psalm-71-3
my stronghold to give me safety;
for you are my rock and fortress.
4 My God, rescue me from the hand of the wicked, ^psalm-71-4
from the clutches of the evil and violent.
5 You are my hope, Lord; ^psalm-71-5
my trust, G OD, from my youth.
6 On you I have depended since birth; ^psalm-71-6
from my mother’s womb you are my strength;
my hope in you never wavers.
7 I have become a portent to many, ^psalm-71-7
but you are my strong refuge!
8 My mouth shall be filled with your praise, ^psalm-71-8
shall sing your glory every day.
### II
9 Do not cast me aside in my old age; ^psalm-71-9
as my strength fails, do not forsake me.
10 For my enemies speak against me; ^psalm-71-10
they watch and plot against me.
11 They say, “God has abandoned him. ^psalm-71-11
Pursue, and seize him!
No one will come to the rescue!”
12 God, be not far from me; ^psalm-71-12
my God, hasten to help me.
13 Bring to a shameful end ^psalm-71-13
those who attack me;
Cover with contempt and scorn
those who seek my ruin.
14 I will always hope in you ^psalm-71-14
and add to all your praise.
15 My mouth shall proclaim your just deeds, ^psalm-71-15
day after day your acts of deliverance,
though I cannot number them all.
16 I will speak of the mighty works of the Lord; ^psalm-71-16
O G OD, I will tell of your singular justice.
### III
17 God, you have taught me from my youth; ^psalm-71-17
to this day I proclaim your wondrous deeds.
18 Now that I am old and gray, ^psalm-71-18
do not forsake me, God,
That I may proclaim your might
to all generations yet to come,
Your power
19 and justice, God, ^psalm-71-19
to the highest heaven.
You have done great things;
O God, who is your equal?
20 Whatever bitter afflictions you sent me, ^psalm-71-20
you would turn and revive me.
From the watery depths of the earth
once more raise me up.
21 Restore my honor; ^psalm-71-21
turn and comfort me,
22 That I may praise you with the lyre ^psalm-71-22
for your faithfulness, my God,
And sing to you with the harp,
O Holy One of Israel!
23 My lips will shout for joy as I sing your praise; ^psalm-71-23
my soul, too, which you have redeemed.
24 Yes, my tongue shall recount ^psalm-71-24
your justice day by day.
For those who sought my ruin
have been shamed and disgraced.
\* (Psalm 71) A lament of an old person ([Ps 71:9], [18]) whose afflictions are interpreted by enemies as a divine judgment ([Ps 71:11]). The first part of the Psalm pleads for help ([Ps 71:1] – [4]) on the basis of a hope learned from a lifetime’s experience of God; the second part describes the menace ([Ps 71:9] – [13]) yet remains buoyant ([Ps 71:14] – [16]); the third develops the theme of hope and praise.
\* (71:7) A portent to many: the afflictions of the sufferer are taken as a manifestation of God’s anger, cf. [Dt 28:46]; [Ps 31:12].
a. (71:1] – [3) [Ps 31:2] – [4].
b. (71:1) ([[psalm-25|Ps 25]]:2].
c. (71:3) ([[psalm-18|Ps 18]]:3].
d. (71:4) [Ps 140:2].
e. (71:6) ([[psalm-22|Ps 22]]:11].
f. (71:10) ([[psalm-03|Ps 3]]:2]; [22:8].
g. (71:12) ([[psalm-22|Ps 22]]:20].
h. (71:13) [Ps 35:4]; [40:15]; [70:3].
i. (71:15) [Ps 35:28].
j. (71:18) [Is 46:3] – [4].
k. (71:18) ([[psalm-22|Ps 22]]:31] – [32]; [48:14] – [15]; [145:4].
l. (71:19) [Ps 72:18].
m. (71:19) [Ps 86:8].
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_New American Bible, revised edition_ (2010, 1991, 1986, 1970) Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, Washington, D.C.
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