Psalms 70

Chapter Summary

The chapter begins with a plea for God to hasten to the psalmist's aid, citing his enemies' taunts and plots against him (Psalms 70:1-3). He then expresses his trust in God, asking for deliverance and salvation (Psalms 70:4-5). The psalmist also prays for his enemies to be ashamed and turned back, while he is brought to joy and gladness (Psalms 70:2-3, 6). The chapter concludes with a statement of confidence in God's power to save and a call to all the afflicted to seek refuge in Him (Psalms 70:5). Throughout the chapter, the psalmist's focus is on God's character, His faithfulness, and His ability to deliver those who trust in Him.

Context for the Chapter

Psalms 70 is part of the fifth book of Psalms, which includes psalms that express trust in God's power and faithfulness. The chapter is likely a prayer of David, who wrote many of the psalms in this book. The psalmist's situation, where he is surrounded by enemies and cries out to God for deliverance, is reminiscent of David's experiences as king of Israel. The chapter's themes of trust, deliverance, and salvation are also reflected in other psalms in this book, such as Psalms 69 and 71.

Heart Application

As we read Psalms 70, we are reminded to trust in God's power and faithfulness, even in the midst of trouble and opposition. We can apply this by crying out to God in prayer, seeking His deliverance and protection, and trusting in His ability to save us. We can also rejoice and be glad in God, exalting His name and loving His salvation.

What Does This Chapter Mean?

Psalms 70 is a prayer for help and protection from God. The psalmist is in trouble and asks God to save him from his enemies. He trusts in God's power and faithfulness, and asks all who seek God to rejoice and be glad in Him. We can learn from the psalmist's example by trusting in God and seeking His deliverance in our own times of trouble.

Voices from the Church

“The psalmist's cry to God is a model for our own prayers, where we should seek God's deliverance and protection with urgency and trust.”

— Charles Spurgeon

“The psalmist's trust in God is a testament to the power of faith, which can overcome even the greatest challenges and opposition.”

— John Calvin

Outline for Preaching

1. Introduction: A Cry for Help (Psalms 70:1-3) — The psalmist cries out to God for deliverance and protection, citing his enemies' taunts and plots against him.
2. Trust in God's Power (Psalms 70:4-5) — The psalmist expresses his trust in God's power and faithfulness, asking for deliverance and salvation.
3. A Prayer for Enemies (Psalms 70:2-3, 6) — The psalmist prays for his enemies to be ashamed and turned back, while he is brought to joy and gladness.
4. Confidence in God's Salvation (Psalms 70:4-5) — The psalmist states his confidence in God's power to save and calls all the afflicted to seek refuge in Him.
5. Conclusion: Exalting God's Name (Psalms 70:4) — The psalmist concludes by asking God to be exalted and calling all who seek Him to rejoice and be glad in His presence.

Core Doctrines

The Doctrine of God's Sovereignty

Psalms 70 teaches that God is sovereign over all things, including the lives of His people and the actions of their enemies. This is seen in verses like Psalms 70:4, where the psalmist asks God to be exalted.

The Doctrine of Salvation

The chapter emphasizes God's work of delivering His people from sin and its consequences. This is seen in verses like Psalms 70:5, where the psalmist asks God to save him.

The Doctrine of Faith

The psalmist's trust in God is a model for our own faith, which should be characterized by trust, obedience, and perseverance. This is seen in verses like Psalms 70:1 and 5, where the psalmist cries out to God for deliverance and protection.

The Doctrine of Prayer

Psalms 70 teaches that prayer is a vital part of the Christian life, where we can seek God's deliverance and protection with urgency and trust. This is seen in verses like Psalms 70:1-3, where the psalmist cries out to God for help.

Lessons from Psalms 70

1. The Importance of Trusting in God — The psalmist's trust in God is a model for our own faith, which should be characterized by trust, obedience, and perseverance.
2. The Power of Prayer — Psalms 70 teaches that prayer is a vital part of the Christian life, where we can seek God's deliverance and protection with urgency and trust.
3. The Importance of Rejoicing in God — The psalmist's joy and gladness in God are a model for our own response to God's salvation and presence in our lives.
4. The Doctrine of God's Sovereignty — Psalms 70 teaches that God is sovereign over all things, including the lives of His people and the actions of their enemies.
5. The Importance of Exalting God's Name — The psalmist's call to exalt God's name is a reminder of the importance of worship and praise in our lives, where we can glorify God for His power and faithfulness.

Themes from Psalms 70

1. Trust in God — The psalmist's trust in God is a central theme of the chapter, where he cries out to God for deliverance and protection.
2. Deliverance from Enemies — The psalmist's prayer for deliverance from his enemies is a major theme of the chapter, where he asks God to save him from those who seek to destroy him.
3. Rejoicing in God — The psalmist's joy and gladness in God are a theme of the chapter, where he asks all who seek God to rejoice and be glad in His presence.
4. God's Sovereignty — The chapter teaches that God is sovereign over all things, including the lives of His people and the actions of their enemies.
5. The Importance of Prayer — Psalms 70 teaches that prayer is a vital part of the Christian life, where we can seek God's deliverance and protection with urgency and trust.

Questions for Meditation

1. What are some ways you can trust in God's power and faithfulness in your own life, like the psalmist in Psalms 70?
2. How can you apply the psalmist's example of crying out to God in prayer, as seen in Psalms 70:1-3?
3. What are some ways you can rejoice and be glad in God, as the psalmist does in Psalms 70:4?
4. How can you trust in God's salvation, as the psalmist does in Psalms 70:5?
5. What are some ways you can exalt God's name, as the psalmist does in Psalms 70:4?

Detailed Chapter Outline

Frequently Asked Questions

Top Cross References

Sermons on Psalms 70

	Sermon	Description
	The Art of Pleading to God by Tim Conway	This sermon emphasizes the importance of prayer and the art of pleading with God. It delves into the disciples' request to Jesus to teach them to pray, highlighting the need for Go
	Exchanged Life by Hudson Taylor	Charles Simeon preaches on the significance of anamnesis, which involves awakening the mind to guilt before God and realizing the hindrance sin creates in our communion with Him. T
	Psalm 70 by Henry Law	Henry Law preaches about finding respite from trouble through earnest prayer and unwavering faith in God's deliverance. He emphasizes the importance of seeking God's help in times

Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Psalms 70

Matthew Henry's commentary on Psalms 70 emphasizes the psalmist's trust in God's power and faithfulness, even in the midst of trouble and opposition. Henry notes that the psalmist's cry to God for deliverance and protection is a model for our own prayers, where we should seek God's help with urgency and trust. He also highlights the psalmist's statement of confidence in God's power to save, which is reminiscent of the gospel message, where all who seek God can find salvation and rejoice in His presence. Throughout the commentary, Henry emphasizes the importance of trusting in God's sovereignty and providence, even in the midst of uncertainty and difficulty. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →

What Do You Notice?