6 By Thee I have been supported from the womb, From my mother's bowels Thou dost cut me out, In Thee `is' my praise continually.
For thou `art' He bringing me forth from the womb, Causing me to trust, On the breasts of my mother. On Thee I have been cast from the womb, From the belly of my mother Thou `art' my God.
My substance was not hid from Thee, When I was made in secret, Curiously wrought in the lower part of earth. Mine unformed substance Thine eyes saw, And on Thy book all of them are written, The days they were formed -- And not one among them.
`Before I form thee in the belly, I have known thee; and before thou comest forth from the womb I have separated thee, a prophet to nations I have made thee.'
Hearken unto Me, O house of Jacob, And all the remnant of Israel, Who are borne from the belly, Who are carried from the womb, Even to old age I `am' He, and to grey hairs I carry, I made, and I bear, yea, I carry and deliver.
And I continually do wait with hope, And have added unto all Thy praise.
Praise by David. I exalt Thee, my God, O king, And bless Thy name to the age and for ever. Every day do I bless Thee, And praise Thy name to the age and for ever.
Hearken, O isles, unto me, And attend, O peoples, from afar, Jehovah from the womb hath called me, From the bowels of my mother He hath made mention of my name.
Hast thou not henceforth called to Me, `My father, Thou `art' the leader of my youth?
and when God was well pleased -- having separated me from the womb of my mother, and having called `me' through His grace --
Worthy.Bible » Commentaries » Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible » Commentary on Psalms 71
Commentary on Psalms 71 Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible
PSALM 71
Ps 71:1-24. The Psalmist, probably in old age, appeals to God for help from his enemies, pleading his past favors, and stating his present need; and, in confidence of a hearing, he promises his grateful thanks and praise.
1-3. (Compare Ps 30:1-3).
3. given commandment—literally, "ordained," as in Ps 44:4; 68:28.
rock … fortress—(Ps 18:2).
4, 5. cruel man—corrupt and ill-natured—literally, "sour."
5. trust—place of trust.
6-9. His history from early infancy illustrated God's care, and his wonderful deliverances were at once occasions of praise and ground of confidence for the future.
my praise … of thee—literally, "in" or "by Thee" (Ps 22:25).
10, 11. The craft and malicious taunts of his enemies now led him to call for aid (compare the terms used, 2Sa 17:12; Ps 3:2; 7:2).
12. (Compare Ps 22:19; 40:4).
13. (Compare Ps 35:4; 40:14).
14-16. The ruin of his enemies, as illustrating God's faithfulness, is his deliverance, and a reason for future confidence.
15. for I know … thereof—innumerable, as he had not time to count them.
16. in the strength—or, relying on it.
thy righteousness—or, faithful performance of promises to the pious (Ps 7:17; 31:1).
17-21. Past experience again encourages.
taught me, &c.—by providential dealings.
19. is very high—distinguished (Ps 36:5; Isa 55:9).
20. depths of the earth—debased, low condition.
21. increase, &c.—that is, the great things done for me (Ps 71:19; compare Ps 40:5).
22-24. To the occasion of praise he now adds the promise to render it.
will … praise—literally, "will thank."
even thy truth—as to Thy truth or faithfulness.