PSALM 70 meaning verse by verse

Last Updated on September 22, 2021 by Pastor Ikechukwu Chinedum

Let’s study the book of Psalm 70, the meaning from verse to verse today. David asks simply for deliverance for himself and retribution for his enemies. So also, we can use this psalm to seek the face of God for deliverance and justification.

If we carefully study verses 1-5 of Psalm 70, David prayed for the speedy destruction of the wicked, and the preservation of the godly. This psalm is almost the same as the last five verses (Psalm 40). While here, we behold Jesus Christ outlined in poverty and distress. We also see him pronouncing just and fearful punishment on his Jewish, pagan, and anti-christian enemies; and pleading for the joy and happiness of his friends, to his Father’s honor. Let us apply these things to our troubled circumstances, and in a believing manner, bring them, and the sinful causes thereof, to our remembrance. Urgent trials should always awake fervent prayers.

The book of Psalm 70 is about prayer for deliverance from the enemies. Having known a little about this Psalm, let’s take a study of the verses one after the other.

 Meaning of Psalm 70 Verse by Verse

Verse 1: [Make haste], O God, to deliver me; make haste to help me, O LORD

The phrase, “make haste,” was extracted from the following clause in (Psalm 40:13). It is, “Be pleased, O Lord,” or “Jehovah.” “Make haste to help me, O Lord (see note on Psalm 22:19). We see David in a state of urgency with his prayer. Many times we feel that God has not heard our prayer, because we are not immediately answered.

Verses 2: “Let them be ashamed and confounded that seek after my soul: let them be turned backward, and put to confusion, that desire my hurt.” In Psalm 40:14, it is added, “together” (see note on Psalm 40:14). David was assured that the more they raged, the nearer they were to destruction, and he the nearer to his deliverance. “That seek after my soul”: Or “life.” In (Psalm 40:14), it is added, “to destroy it,”; for that was the end of their seeking after it. “Let them be turned backward”: (see note on Psalm 40:14). David is asking the Lord to make the people who are trying to destroy him, ashamed. This is as if David is saying, I can’t show them, but you show them to me. Lord, make them ashamed of themselves for attacking one of yours.

Verse 3: Let them be turned back for a reward of their shame that says, Aha, aha.

In Psalm 40:15 it is, “let them be desolate”; this in respect to their land and houses, (see notes on Psalm 40:15). By this, we are taught not to mock at others in their misery, lest the same fall on our necks. “That says”: In Psalm 40:15, it is added, “to me,”; not to his people, but himself. “Aha, aha”: Rejoicing at his calamity and distress. Their reward on judgment day will be everlasting punishment. The expression (aha, aha), is used by the devil’s followers. This just shows who they are.

Verse 4: Let all those that seek thee rejoice and be glad in thee: and let such as love thy salvation say continually, Let God be magnified.”

In fourth verse of Psalm 70, King David begged God for those that seek Him. King David prayed that God should help those who seek him to be able rejoice and be glad in the Lord. Also, the song of praises to God should not desist from their lips.

Those that seek God find Him. It appears before, and it bears repeating. Those who have seen the Lord has much to be joyful about. They are the redeemed, and they should say so. The praise of the Lord should never cease from the lips of the redeemed. God should be magnified, not only with our lips but by the lives we live as well.

Verse 5: “But I [am] poor and needy: make haste unto me, O God: thou [art] my help and my deliverer; O LORD, make no tarrying.”

The fifth verse expressed the pain of a common man. Although King David was a wealthy monarch during his time, however, he counts all his wealth and riches to nothing whenever he’s before the Lord. He recognized the fact that he was poor and needy, and he needed help from the Lord.

King David stated that God is his help and deliverer, and he waits upon the Lord for total deliverance. In the same vein, we can also cry to the help who is our present help, especially in a moment of needs, and he would help us.

Notice that the use of “my” in the 5th verse above. This shows that salvation, deliverance, and for that matter, all gifts from God are for the individual. It is a decision we must make one at a time that we need and want God in our life.

When Do We Use This Psalm

1. When we feel troubled in our heart and all hope seems lost like there is no way out, just like the verse one we observe that David was telling God to make haste in delivering him, which means he frustrated and he has no hope again
2. When your needs are urgent, and you need, and it feels like there is no one else to run to for help
3. Whenever you think the enemy is after your downfall from a lofty position
4. When you are confused and no one around you to help or console you

Prayers

1. Oh God today make haste to deliver and liberate me from everything troubling my life in Jesus name
2. Oh Lord, arise this month make haste to help me in the name of Jesus.
3. Every power-seeking after my soul, you are a liar, be frustrated today in Jesus name.
4. In the name of Jesus, I abort every evil desire and plan to hurt me and trouble me; you shall not prosper in Jesus name.
5. Father, this month, give me a sudden miracle that will silence all my mockers and turn my insult to results in Jesus name.
6. Oh Lord, my God, as I seek, you give me joy and gladness all through the days of my life in Jesus name.