Psalm 70: Commentary By David Guzik

A Plea for Swift Deliverance

Hey guys! Let's dive into Psalm 70, with insights from David Guzik. This psalm is a heartfelt cry for help, a desperate plea for God's speedy intervention. It’s short, but packs a powerful punch, revealing David’s vulnerability and his unwavering faith in the face of adversity. Understanding this psalm can give us a framework for our own prayers in times of trouble. When life throws curveballs, knowing how to articulate our needs to God is super important. This psalm teaches us to be direct, honest, and urgent in our requests. It's like David is saying, "God, I need you, and I need you now!" This urgency isn't a sign of impatience, but rather a reflection of the dire circumstances he faces. It highlights the reality that sometimes, we just can't wait for a solution; we need immediate help. Guzik's commentary helps us unpack the layers of meaning in each verse, showing us the depth of David's emotions and the strength of his belief that God will answer. He emphasizes that it’s okay to come to God in our most vulnerable state, to lay bare our fears and anxieties, and to trust that He hears us. The psalm also reminds us that we're not alone in our struggles. David’s experience is a testament to the universal nature of human suffering and the comfort we can find in knowing that others have walked similar paths. It's encouraging to see how David turns his distress into a prayer, transforming his anxiety into a conversation with God. This is a key takeaway for us: when we're overwhelmed, we can turn to prayer as our first response, not our last resort. Guzik points out that the language David uses is both humble and confident. He acknowledges his need for God's help but also expresses his faith that God is both willing and able to provide that help. This balance of humility and faith is essential in our own prayer lives. It’s about recognizing our dependence on God while also trusting in His power and goodness. So, let's break down this psalm and see what treasures we can uncover together!

To Save Me Speedily

In this section, let's consider the urgency in David’s prayer. Guys, when David cries out, "Make haste, O God, to deliver me! Make haste to help me, O Lord!" (Psalm 70:1), he isn't just casually asking for assistance. He's expressing a deep, pressing need for immediate intervention. The repetition of "make haste" underscores the critical nature of his situation. It's like he's saying, "God, there's no time to waste! I need your help right now!" This urgency can teach us a lot about how to approach God in times of crisis. Often, we might feel like we need to compose ourselves, to present a calm and collected facade before we turn to prayer. But David's example shows us that it's okay to come to God in the midst of our panic and distress. He doesn't hold back his emotions; he lays them bare before the Lord. Guzik’s commentary highlights that this urgency is not a sign of impatience or lack of faith. Rather, it’s an honest expression of the dire circumstances David faces. He’s not demanding that God act on his timeline, but he is communicating the intensity of his need. This is an important distinction. It's okay to ask God to act quickly, but we must also trust in His timing and His wisdom. David’s plea also reveals his complete dependence on God. He knows that he cannot deliver himself from his enemies or his troubles. He needs God's help, and he needs it urgently. This dependence is a hallmark of genuine faith. It's about recognizing our limitations and acknowledging God's power and ability to intervene in our lives. Moreover, the phrase "to deliver me" suggests that David is facing some form of oppression or threat. It could be physical danger, emotional distress, or spiritual attack. Whatever the nature of his struggle, he sees God as his only hope for deliverance. This is a powerful reminder that God is our refuge and our strength in times of trouble. We can turn to Him for protection, comfort, and guidance, knowing that He is always there for us. So, when you find yourself in a situation where you need help urgently, remember David's prayer. Don't hesitate to cry out to God with the same intensity and honesty. He hears your prayers, and He is ready to help you in your time of need.

Let Them Be Ashamed and Confounded

Moving on, let's consider the wish for the discomfiture of his enemies. David doesn't just ask for personal deliverance; he also expresses a desire for his adversaries to be humiliated. He prays, "Let them be ashamed and confounded who seek my life; let them be turned back and confused who desire my hurt" (Psalm 70:2). This might sound harsh to our modern ears, but it's important to understand the context. David wasn't simply seeking revenge; he was praying for justice and for the protection of God's people. Guzik explains that David's concern is not primarily about personal vindication but about the vindication of God's righteousness. When his enemies seek his life, they are also opposing God's plan for him and for Israel. Therefore, David's prayer is a plea for God to defend His own honor and to thwart the plans of those who oppose Him. The language of shame and confusion is significant. Shame is a powerful emotion that can lead to repentance and a turning away from evil. David is essentially praying that his enemies would be confronted with the error of their ways and that they would be moved to change their hearts. Confusion, on the other hand, speaks to the disruption of their plans and the frustration of their evil intentions. David is asking God to throw a wrench in their schemes, to prevent them from succeeding in their attacks against him. It’s also important to note that David is not taking matters into his own hands. He is not seeking to avenge himself but is entrusting his cause to God. This is a crucial aspect of his faith. He believes that God is the ultimate judge and that He will ultimately set things right. By praying for the discomfiture of his enemies, David is affirming his trust in God's justice and His ability to protect him. This teaches us that when we are facing opposition, we should not resort to violence or revenge. Instead, we should commit our cause to God and trust that He will defend us in His own way and in His own time. It's a reminder that our battles are not just physical or emotional; they are also spiritual. And the most effective weapon we have is prayer.

Let Them Be Turned Back

Now, let’s look into the repercussions for those who rejoice in his hurt. Continuing his prayer, David asks, "Let them be turned back because of their shame, who say, 'Aha, Aha!'" (Psalm 70:3). This verse highlights the malicious joy that David's enemies take in his suffering. They don't just passively observe his misfortune; they actively celebrate it, mocking him with cries of "Aha, Aha!" This kind of gloating is particularly offensive because it reveals a deep-seated hatred and a lack of empathy. Guzik points out that the exclamation "Aha, Aha!" is an expression of triumph over someone else's misfortune. It's a way of rubbing salt in the wound, of reveling in their pain. David is asking that those who engage in this kind of behavior be turned back in shame. He wants them to experience the same humiliation and disappointment that they have inflicted on him. The phrase "turned back" suggests that their plans will be thwarted and that their hopes will be dashed. They will not succeed in their efforts to harm David, and they will be forced to face the consequences of their actions. This is a powerful reminder that our words and actions have consequences. When we rejoice in the suffering of others, we are sowing seeds of negativity that will eventually come back to haunt us. Conversely, when we show compassion and empathy, we are creating a positive ripple effect that can bring healing and restoration. David's prayer also underscores the importance of taking our emotional and spiritual well-being seriously. When we are surrounded by people who delight in our pain, it can be incredibly damaging to our self-esteem and our sense of worth. It's essential to protect ourselves from these toxic influences and to seek out supportive and encouraging relationships. Remember, guys, it's okay to distance ourselves from those who bring us down and to surround ourselves with people who lift us up. David's prayer is a call for justice, but it's also a reminder that we have a responsibility to treat others with kindness and respect. Even when we are facing adversity, we should strive to be a source of encouragement and support for those around us. In doing so, we not only protect ourselves from negativity but also contribute to a more compassionate and loving world.

Let All Those Who Seek You Rejoice

Okay, let's jump into the positive aspirations for the righteous. In stark contrast to his pleas for the discomfiture of his enemies, David also expresses a desire for the joy and prosperity of those who seek God. He prays, "Let all those who seek You rejoice and be glad in You; and let those who love Your salvation say continually, 'Let God be magnified!'" (Psalm 70:4). This verse reveals David's heart for the righteous and his longing for them to experience the fullness of God's blessings. He wants them to rejoice and be glad, not in material possessions or worldly success, but in God Himself. Guzik emphasizes that true joy and gladness are found in a relationship with God. When we seek Him with all our hearts, we discover a source of joy that transcends our circumstances. This joy is not dependent on external factors but is rooted in the unchanging love and faithfulness of God. David also prays that those who love God's salvation would continually proclaim, "Let God be magnified!" This is a call to worship and to exalt God's name. It's about recognizing His greatness and His goodness and declaring it to the world. The phrase "let God be magnified" suggests that our lives should be a reflection of His glory. Our words, our actions, and our attitudes should all point to His greatness and His love. This is a challenge to live our lives in a way that honors God and inspires others to seek Him. It's also a reminder that we are part of a larger community of believers. We are not alone in our faith journey. We are surrounded by others who share our love for God and our desire to see Him glorified. Together, we can encourage one another, support one another, and lift one another up. David's prayer is a call to unity and to mutual edification. It's a reminder that we are stronger together than we are apart. When we focus on seeking God and magnifying His name, we create a positive and uplifting environment that can transform our lives and the lives of those around us. So, let's strive to be people who seek God with all our hearts and who continually proclaim His greatness. Let our lives be a testimony to His love and His power. And let us rejoice in the joy that He alone can provide.

But I Am Poor and Needy

Alright guys, let's look at David’s humble self-assessment. David concludes this psalm with a poignant acknowledgment of his own vulnerability and dependence on God. He says, "But I am poor and needy; make haste to me, O God! You are my help and my deliverer; O Lord, do not delay" (Psalm 70:5). This verse encapsulates the essence of David's prayer: a humble recognition of his own inadequacy and a confident reliance on God's provision. When David describes himself as "poor and needy," he is not just referring to his material circumstances. He is also acknowledging his spiritual poverty and his desperate need for God's grace and mercy. Guzik explains that this is not a sign of weakness but a declaration of dependence. David understands that he cannot rely on his own strength or wisdom to overcome his challenges. He needs God's help, and he knows it. This humility is a crucial element of genuine faith. It's about recognizing our limitations and acknowledging our need for God's intervention in our lives. It's about surrendering our pride and our self-sufficiency and casting ourselves upon His mercy. David's plea, "make haste to me, O God!" echoes the urgency of his earlier request for deliverance. He is not just casually asking for help; he is pleading with God to act quickly. He knows that his situation is dire, and he needs God's immediate intervention. The phrase "You are my help and my deliverer" is a powerful affirmation of David's trust in God. He knows that God is his only source of hope and that He is both willing and able to rescue him from his troubles. This is a reminder that we can always turn to God in our times of need. He is our refuge, our strength, and our deliverer. He is always there for us, ready to help us through our challenges and to guide us on our path. David's final plea, "O Lord, do not delay," underscores the intensity of his need and his unwavering faith in God's ability to act. He is not just hoping that God will help him; he is confidently expecting it. This is a testament to the power of prayer and the importance of persevering in our requests to God. So, let's follow David's example and approach God with humility, honesty, and unwavering faith. Let us acknowledge our own inadequacy and rely on His provision. And let us never cease to pray for His help and His deliverance.

In conclusion, Psalm 70, illuminated by David Guzik's commentary, is a powerful reminder of the importance of urgent, honest prayer and unwavering faith in times of trouble. It teaches us to approach God with humility and confidence, trusting in His ability to deliver us from our challenges. Remember, guys, God is always there for us, ready to help us through whatever we face. Keep the faith!