Psalm 71:9

Translations

Modern

Do not discard me in my old age; do not forsake me when my strength fails.

Traditional

Cast me not off in the time of old age; forsake me not when my strength faileth.

Literal

Do not cast me off in the time of old age; according to the consumption of my strength do not forsake me.

Latin

Ne projicias me in tempore senectutis; cum defecerit virtus mea, ne derelinquas me.

Original

Hebrew

English

Do not discard me in my old age; do not forsake me when my strength fails.

Notes

Psalms 71:9

The poet prays for continued fellowship with God (see Psalm 9:10; 51:11). In his weakness, the poet needs the Lord's strength even more (see Psalm 143:7).

Psalms 71:9–18

The aging believer turns to the Lord for hope. As questions from his adversaries get under his skin and his own strength fails, he asks God to answer his prayers. He does not seek answers to prayer for himself but so that he can tell the story to the next generation.

Psalms 71:1–24

This untitled lament by an aging believer is more a confession of confidence and hope than a cry of abandonment by God. The psalmist experienced God's power and protection in his youth (Psalm 71:5–8) and now prays for rescue from enemies who pursue him in his old age (Psalm 71:9–13).

Even in danger, he continues to speak of God's past faithfulness and looks forward with hope to sharing with the next generation that God is faithful and righteous.

Psalms 69:1–72:20

These last four psalms of Book Two contrast with the earlier psalms that describe God’s mighty acts in creation and redemption, ending with God’s march to Zion (Psalms 65–68). Psalms 69–71 describe the king's suffering, and Psalm 72 responds with a prayer for God to bless the king.

Theme notes and profiles

David

Related verses

Isaiah 46:4
Even to your old age, I will be the same, and I will bear you up when you turn gray. I have made you, and I will carry you; I will sustain you and deliver you.
2 Timothy 1:12
For this reason, even though I suffer as I do, I am not ashamed; for I know whom I have believed, and I am convinced that He is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him for that day.
Psalm 71:18
Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me, O God, until I proclaim Your power to the next generation, Your might to all who are to come.
Psalm 73:26
My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.
Psalm 90:10
The length of our days is seventy years—or eighty if we are strong—yet their pride is but labor and sorrow, for they quickly pass, and we fly away.
Psalm 92:13–15
Planted in the house of the LORD, they will flourish in the courts of our God.
2 Timothy 4:18
And the Lord will rescue me from every evil action and bring me safely into His heavenly kingdom. To Him be the glory forever and ever. Amen.
Ecclesiastes 12:1–7
Remember your Creator in the days of your youth, before the days of adversity come and the years approach of which you will say, “I find no pleasure in them,”
2 Samuel 19:35
I am now eighty years old. Can I discern what is good and what is not? Can your servant taste what he eats or drinks? Can I still hear the voice of singing men and women? Why should your servant be an added burden to my lord the king?
2 Samuel 21:15–17
Once again the Philistines waged war against Israel, and David and his servants went down and fought against the Philistines. But David became exhausted.

Glossary

David Imprecatory Psalms Music Psalms, Book of

Topics

Afflictions and Adversities: Prayer In Consolation Under Affliction: Under the Infirmities of Age Elderly Old Age: General Scriptures Concerning Taking Care of the Elderly

Psalm 71:9

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