Psalms Chapter 70 — A Plea for Urgent Deliverance
Psalm 70 is an urgent prayer asking God for immediate rescue from enemies and a call for those who seek God to rejoice.
1Hurry, God, to deliver me.
2Let them be disappointed and confounded who seek my soul.
3Let them be turned because of their shame
4Let all those who seek you rejoice and be glad in you.
5But I am poor and needy.
WEB Translation
Notable Verses
Psalms 70:1
“Hurry, God, to deliver me. Come quickly to help me, Yahweh.”
This verse sets the tone of the entire psalm as an urgent appeal for God’s immediate presence and assistance.
Psalms 70:4
“Let all those who seek you rejoice and be glad in you. Let those who love your salvation say continually, 'Let God be magnified!'”
It highlights the collective joy and praise experienced by those who remain faithful to God despite hardship.
Psalms 70:5
“But I am poor and needy. Come to me quickly, God. You are my help and my deliverer. Yahweh, don't delay.”
The psalmist admits his personal vulnerability and total dependence on God for rescue.
Chapter Summary
Psalm 70 is a short, intense prayer for immediate divine intervention. Often attributed to David, the text begins with a desperate plea for God to hurry and provide deliverance. The psalmist asks that those who seek his life be confounded and turned back in shame, particularly those who mock him with words of derision. In contrast, the prayer requests that those who seek God and love His salvation find joy and gladness, constantly magnifying the Lord. The chapter concludes by acknowledging the psalmist's own humble state as 'poor and needy,' reiterating the call for God to act quickly as his only help and deliverer. This psalm is nearly identical to the concluding verses of Psalm 40, emphasizing its specific role as a standalone petition during times of extreme crisis and vulnerability.
Frequently Asked Questions
The main theme is the urgent need for God's assistance during a time of crisis. The psalmist expresses deep vulnerability while asking God to act quickly against those who seek his harm.
Psalm 70 is almost identical to the final five verses of Psalm 40 (verses 13-17). It serves as a focused, standalone version of that earlier prayer for deliverance.
The psalm is traditionally attributed to David, who describes himself as 'poor and needy' while being pursued by enemies who mock his misfortune and seek his soul.
Study Note
Psalm 70 is categorized as a petition psalm intended to 'bring to remembrance,' a liturgical note indicating its use in seeking God's attention during distress.
Related Chapters
Psalms Chapter 40
Psalm 70 is nearly identical to the conclusion of Psalm 40, showing its use in different liturgical contexts.
Psalms Chapter 69
The preceding chapter also deals with themes of suffering and the urgent plea for God to save the psalmist.
Psalms Chapter 141
This is another urgent prayer for God to come quickly and protect the speaker from the snares of evil.
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