Psalm 70: Praying Through The Psalms

Make haste, O God, to deliver me! Make haste to help me, O Lord! (Ps. 70:1)

In the first verse, the psalmist declares “make haste” and “deliver me.” These two imperatives in the Hebrew ח֭וּשָׁה and לְהַצִּילֵ֑נִי, show an urgency and desperation for the Lord to help. It shows the author’s complete dependence on the Lord almighty and a current conflict they are in.

O God, deliver us in the same way. When life surrounds us with difficult tasks or situations, give us wisdom and insight to get through them all. When we are experiencing suffering, please shower us with your peace and love.

Let them be ashamed and confounded who seek my life; Let them be turned back and confused who desire my hurt. (Ps. 70:2)

Holy Father, there are times when you call us to make imprecatory prayers. These prayers are to speak out loud about the injustices of the world and those who seek to destroy us. May those who fight against your will be ashamed and confused.

I am reminded of the story of Haman in the book of Esther, where his own evil schemes against Mordecai and Ester result in his own downfall (Esther 7:9-10). Heavenly King, this verse reminds me of David’s prayers in 2 Samuel 15:31, where he asks God to turn the counsel of Ahithophel into foolishness, demonstrating the consistent biblical pattern of calling on God to confound the plans of the wicked.

Lord of peace, this verse reminds me to turn to you in times of suffering and opposition. Instead of trying to seek justice ourselves, remind me that you are the god who will seek vengeance on those who oppose you. I must live peaceably with all people, as you told us to love our enemies and do good to those who persecute us.

Protect my heart from bitterness. Open the eyes to the wicked so that they may come to know your love and repent of their evil ways. I only hope to give grace to those who surround me, and I desire that all people get saved and come to the knowledge of your truth.

Let them be turned back because of their shame, Who say, “Aha, aha!” (Ps. 70:3)

King of kings, the Hebrew, אָחָה (aha) carries the idea of malicious delight, emphasizing the arrogance of those who take pleasure in another’s misfortune. May they repent of these evil thoughts and be reminded that all of us are created in your image. Every human being has value and should be respected, no matter the circumstances.

O Lord, I am reminded of Nehemiah 4:4-5, where the prophet prays for God to deal with those who ridicule the rebuilding of Jerusalem’s walls. Similarly, in 2 Kings 19:16, Hezekiah calls upon God to hear the reproach of Sennacherib and act in defense of His name. I am here now, asking you to not allow people to ridicule me. Instead, may you be glorified in my life and they be surprised by how you turned my defeat into victory. Praise be your holy name.

Gracious king, you see the hearts of those who mock and scorn. I ask that You turn their hearts away from their harmful words and actions, and if they persist, let their shame be evident so that they might realize their wrongs. Help me not to respond in anger or retaliation but to remain steadfast in You

Let all those who seek You rejoice and be glad in You; And let those who love Your salvation say continually, “Let God be magnified!” (Ps. 70:4)

Righteous King, let us continue to seek you with all our heart, mind, soul, and strength. The verbs “rejoice” (יָשִׂישׂוּ) and “be glad” (יָגִ֣ילוּ) are both in the jussive mood, which conveys a spiritual joy that arises from seeking God’s presence. Let us follow the same mood as the Psalmist, knowing that you are the God to be magnified in our lives!

The phrase “God is great!” (יִגְדַּ֥ל אֱלֹהִֽים) is a declaration of your inherent greatness, an acknowledgment of your majesty and the reverence due to you alone. I am reminded of Psalm 34:3, “Oh, magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt His name together.” May we forever praise you for all your glory.