What is the meaning of Psalm 70?

Psalm 70 is a brief yet poignant plea for divine intervention and deliverance. This psalm, attributed to David, is a cry for help in the face of immediate danger and distress. It is a psalm that resonates with the urgency and desperation of someone who finds themselves in dire circumstances and seeks the swift intervention of God. To understand its meaning, it is crucial to delve into its context, structure, and the theological themes it presents.

Psalm 70 is almost a duplicate of Psalm 40:13-17, which suggests that it was a prayer David found particularly meaningful and thus repeated in a slightly altered form. This repetition underscores the timeless nature of the human experience of distress and the need for divine rescue.

The psalm opens with an urgent plea:

"Hasten, O God, to save me; come quickly, Lord, to help me." (Psalm 70:1, NIV)

This verse sets the tone for the entire psalm. The urgency in David's voice is palpable. He is not merely asking for help; he is begging for immediate intervention. The repetition of the plea for God to "hasten" and "come quickly" indicates that David is in a situation where delay could mean disaster. This verse reflects a deep trust in God's ability to save and a profound recognition of human vulnerability.

The next verses focus on David's enemies:

"May those who want to take my life be put to shame and confusion; may all who desire my ruin be turned back in disgrace. May those who say to me, 'Aha! Aha!' turn back because of their shame." (Psalm 70:2-3, NIV)

Here, David prays for the defeat and humiliation of his adversaries. The request is not just for personal vindication but for the enemies to experience the same confusion and shame they intend for him. The phrase "Aha! Aha!" is an expression of malicious glee, indicating that David's enemies are not just indifferent to his plight but are actively rejoicing in his suffering. By asking God to turn them back in disgrace, David is invoking divine justice, aligning his cause with God's righteousness.

In verse 4, the focus shifts from David's enemies to those who seek God:

"But may all who seek you rejoice and be glad in you; may those who long for your saving help always say, 'The Lord is great!'" (Psalm 70:4, NIV)

This verse contrasts the fate of the wicked with the joy of the righteous. Those who seek God and long for His salvation are called to rejoice and proclaim God's greatness. This is a common theme in the Psalms, where the faithful are encouraged to find their joy and security in God's presence and deliverance. It serves as a reminder that even in times of distress, there is a community of believers who find their hope and joy in God.

The psalm concludes with a personal plea from David:

"But as for me, I am poor and needy; come quickly to me, O God. You are my help and my deliverer; Lord, do not delay." (Psalm 70:5, NIV)

David's self-description as "poor and needy" highlights his humility and dependence on God. Despite being a king, he acknowledges his vulnerability and need for divine assistance. This verse encapsulates the essence of the psalm: a desperate cry for help from someone who recognizes their own insufficiency and God's sufficiency. The plea for God not to delay reiterates the urgency of the situation.

Theologically, Psalm 70 speaks to several key themes:

1. The Urgency of Prayer: David's repeated requests for God to "hasten" and "come quickly" reflect the urgency with which we can approach God in times of need. It teaches that it is appropriate to bring our immediate concerns to God and to seek His swift intervention.

2. Divine Justice: The psalm reflects a belief in divine justice, where the wicked are put to shame and the righteous are vindicated. It reassures believers that God is aware of their plight and will act justly on their behalf.

3. Community of Faith: By including a prayer for all who seek God to rejoice and proclaim His greatness, the psalm emphasizes the importance of the community of faith. It reminds us that we are not alone in our struggles and that there is a collective witness to God's goodness.

4. Humility and Dependence on God: David's acknowledgment of his poverty and neediness underscores the importance of humility in our relationship with God. It is a reminder that regardless of our status or achievements, we are ultimately dependent on God's grace and intervention.

In the broader context of the Psalms, Psalm 70 serves as a model of honest, urgent prayer. It encourages believers to bring their deepest fears and needs to God, trusting in His ability to save and deliver. It also provides a framework for understanding the relationship between personal distress and communal faith, highlighting the interconnectedness of individual and collective experiences of God's salvation.

Psalm 70's brevity does not diminish its depth. On the contrary, its concise nature amplifies its emotional intensity and theological richness. It is a powerful reminder that in moments of desperation, we can cry out to God with urgency and confidence, knowing that He is our help and deliverer.