Psalms 71:5

"Rescue me, my God, from the hand of the wicked, from the hand of the unrighteous and cruel man."

Key Reflection

In first-century Israel, Psalms 71:5 spoke directly to individuals facing persecution from those who were morally corrupt and oppressive. The psalmist appeals to God for deliverance not just from physical harm, but also from the evil intentions of wicked people who might seek to harm or control them unjustly. This cry for protection reflects a common concern among the faithful during times when social and political unrest could lead to personal danger.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

For thou art my hope, O Lord God -The ground of my hope and my expectation is in thee. (1) I have no other help; no other defense; but (2) I “have” confidence; on thee I “do” rely. Thou art my trust from my youth -From my earliest years. The meaning is, that he had always trusted in God, and had always found him a helper. All that he was, and all that he possessed, he owed to God; and he felt now that God had been his protector from his earliest years.

More from Psalms 71

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