Psalm 70: Deliver Me, O Lord!

Psalm 70 “is the cry of a soul in deep distress, perhaps representative of the nation of Israel in its realization of its utter need of God. It has two contrasting stanzas: vs. 1–3 are concerned with the enemies of God; vs. 4, 5, with those who seek Him. It has been suggested that these verses may have been taken from Ps. 40 to form a separate psalm for use in Temple worship.” The wording of Psalm 40:14 is taken almost verbatim and used in Psalm 70:2.

The events of David’s life were an unending sequence of turmoil: Initially hailed as a national hero, he was later chased from home and family into the wilderness, hunted like a wild animal. King Saul first treated David like a son, but later, in fits of jealous rage, the king twice tried to impale David with a javelin. Once acclaimed as a great warrior by the women of Israel, he was later declared an outlaw and traitor. David was twice betrayed by the Ziphites, whom he thought to be his protectors. Hounded from one hiding place to another, he knew the depths of danger and despair. Finally, David found refuge with Israel’s enemies.

Yet even they distrusted him. The Philistines would not fight with David in their ranks. The village of Ziklag was raided, and his family and possessions were carted off into the desert. His best friend, Jonathan, was slain in battle. Although David was anointed as king by Judah, the nation was still divided, and he did not have the full allegiance of Israel.

Joab killed Abner, who was under the protection of the king.

The transport of the ark to Jerusalem had resulted in the death of Uzzah.

David had been denied his wish to build the temple.

Falling into the trap of lust, he had committed adultery, deceit, and murder.

Even though he repented of those sins, his child with Bathsheba had died.

His daughter Tamar was raped by her brother.

Absalom killed Amnon and fled.

Now Absalom, his oldest remaining son, had risen against him and forced him into exile with just the clothes on his back. All seemed lost.

Was it any wonder that David described himself as “poor and needy” (v. 5)? “I need Thee, precious Jesus, / For I am very poor; / A stranger and a pilgrim, / I have no earthly store.”