Overview

Psalm 70 is a brief, impassioned plea for God to come quickly and rescue the psalmist from his enemies. It is a prayer for deliverance in the midst of great distress, echoing themes of urgency and desperation. The psalm begins with a call for God to hasten His intervention and to bring shame and confusion upon the enemies who are seeking the psalmist’s harm. The psalmist also calls upon those who seek God to rejoice and be glad, trusting that God will not delay in answering the righteous. This psalm is a reminder of God’s justice, sovereignty, and faithfulness. The psalm expresses both a personal cry for rescue and a public declaration of faith in God’s ability to save and restore His people.

Theologically, Psalm 70 emphasizes the urgency of God’s intervention in times of suffering and distress. It highlights the psalmist’s confidence in God’s power to bring justice swiftly. It also reminds believers of God’s righteousness, as the psalmist asks for judgment on those who seek to harm him, reinforcing that God will act on behalf of those who trust in Him. The psalm invites God’s people to both seek His immediate intervention in times of trouble and to confidently affirm His sovereign power over all circumstances.

Historical and Literary Context

Psalm 70 is a short but powerful psalm that likely reflects the kind of personal distress faced by King David during his reign. Many scholars believe this psalm was written during a time of crisis, possibly when David was experiencing persecution from enemies or personal betrayal. The psalm reflects a pattern of prayer common in the lament psalms, where the writer calls on God for help and seeks His judgment upon the psalmist’s enemies.

Though not explicitly dated, the theme of urgent prayer and call for divine intervention fits with the troubles David experienced throughout his life, including his flight from Saul, his struggles against foreign enemies, and even the internal strife caused by his son Absalom’s rebellion. In the literary structure, the psalm is very concise and urgent, emphasizing that in times of great distress, believers should not hesitate to call upon God, trusting that He hears and will act on behalf of His people.

In the broader context of the Book of Psalms, Psalm 70 mirrors earlier psalms, particularly Psalm 69, which also emphasizes God’s intervention against the psalmist’s enemies. The brevity and intensity of Psalm 70 make it a powerful expression of a believer’s trust in God in times of trial, reinforcing themes of God’s justice, righteousness, and quick deliverance.

Key Themes and Doctrinal Points

God’s Sovereignty and Justice: The central theme of Psalm 70 is the psalmist’s appeal to God’s sovereignty. The psalmist calls on God to act swiftly, demonstrating His power over the psalmist’s enemies. This reflects the biblical understanding that God is in complete control over the affairs of humanity, even in the face of opposition and injustice. In times of suffering, the psalmist acknowledges God’s power and asks for swift justice against those who seek harm. This highlights God’s role as the righteous judge who brings justice to His people and punishes the wicked.

Urgency of Prayer: The psalm begins with a desperate cry for God’s intervention, demonstrating the urgency with which believers should approach God in times of need. The psalmist’s request for God to “hasten” His help (Psalm 70:1) shows that in moments of deep distress, there is no time to wait; the believer’s need is pressing, and God’s response is necessary for survival. This teaches believers that they are encouraged to approach God boldly and urgently in prayer, trusting in His ability to act immediately and decisively.

God’s Faithfulness to the Righteous: The psalmist recognizes that God acts on behalf of those who seek Him and trust in His deliverance. The psalm calls those who seek God to rejoice and be glad (Psalm 70:4), reinforcing the idea that God rewards the righteous and hears their prayers. This reflects the faithfulness of God to His covenant people—those who earnestly seek God will find His protection, deliverance, and joy.

The Role of the Believer in Times of Crisis: Psalm 70 is also a call for personal faithfulness. The psalmist, in his distress, continues to call out to God, recognizing that even in suffering, God is still worthy of praise and trust. The psalmist’s faith in God’s power to deliver underscores the believer’s role in trusting God’s timing and in continuing to seek Him during hardship.

In terms of Christian doctrine, these themes point to Christ’s ultimate deliverance in the New Testament. Just as the psalmist seeks justice from God, so too does Jesus, through His life, death, and resurrection, bring justice and deliverance to all who trust in Him. The psalm’s urgency for divine help finds its fulfillment in the salvation Jesus offers, which is both immediate in the moment of faith and eternal in its ultimate deliverance.

Verse-by-Verse Analysis

Psalm 70:1

“Hasten, O God, to save me; come quickly, Lord, to help me.”

The psalmist opens with an urgent plea for God’s immediate intervention. The use of the word “hasten” and “quickly” emphasizes the dire need for rescue. The psalmist feels surrounded by enemies and is overwhelmed by distress, making the call for God’s quick action crucial. This urgent request reflects the intensity of the psalmist’s situation, illustrating that, in times of suffering, God’s intervention is not just desired but desperately needed.

Theological Insight: The urgency of the psalmist’s cry shows the believer’s dependence on God for deliverance. It underscores the idea that God, though sovereign, is not distant or indifferent to His people’s distress. He is a present help in times of trouble (Psalm 46:1). The psalmist’s cry reflects God’s readiness to intervene on behalf of those who call upon Him.

Application: In moments of difficulty, believers should feel encouraged to call out to God for immediate help. It teaches us to be persistent in prayer and to seek God’s deliverance urgently, knowing He is both able and willing to act on behalf of His people.

Psalm 70:2

“May those who seek my life be put to shame and confusion; may all who desire my ruin be turned back in disgrace.”

Here, the psalmist asks God to bring shame and confusion upon those who are seeking to harm him. The request for disgrace for his enemies reflects the desire for God’s justice to be done, where the wicked who seek the ruin of the righteous are made to face the consequences of their actions.

Theological Insight: The psalmist’s desire for justice reflects the biblical understanding that God is the righteous judge who will ultimately vindicate His people and punish the wicked (Romans 12:19). While Christians are called to love their enemies, it is right to call upon God to act in justice, especially in cases where His people are being harmed unjustly. This highlights the duality of God’s nature—He is both merciful and just, bringing justice to the wicked and grace to the righteous.

Application: When facing persecution or injustice, Christians can bring their concerns before God, trusting in His justice. Though we are called to forgive and love our enemies, we can also ask God to bring about justice in the face of wrongdoing, knowing that He sees all and will respond in His timing.

Psalm 70:3

“May they be turned back because of their shame, who say to me, ‘Aha! Aha!'”

The enemies of the psalmist are described as mocking him with the phrase “Aha! Aha!”—a common expression of scorn or mockery in the Bible (see Psalm 35:21). The psalmist prays that those who mock and delight in his suffering will face their own shame and humiliation. This request is a call for the enemies’ boastful mocking to be turned back upon them, demonstrating that God’s justice will put an end to their arrogance.

Theological Insight: The mocking of the righteous by the wicked is a recurrent theme in Scripture (see Luke 23:35-36, where Jesus is mocked on the cross). Jesus experienced the ultimate mockery by the world as He suffered for humanity’s sins. The psalmist’s plea for God to bring justice speaks to the reality that, in the end, God will vindicate His people and silence the taunts of the wicked (Psalm 37:38).

Application: Christians should take comfort in knowing that God sees the mocking and persecution they face. Though the world may laugh at their faith or sufferings, God promises to vindicate them in the end. Believers are called to remain faithful, knowing that God’s justice will eventually silence the mocking voices of the wicked.

Psalm 70:4

“May all who seek you rejoice and be glad in you; may those who long for your saving help always say, ‘Let God be exalted!'”

This verse shifts the focus from the psalmist’s enemies to those who seek God’s help and salvation. The psalmist prays that those who trust in God will experience joy and gladness in His deliverance, leading them to exalt and praise God. The prayer reflects a desire for God’s name to be magnified through the salvation of His people.

Theological Insight: This verse reflects the biblical truth that the righteous should rejoice in God’s salvation. As believers experience God’s deliverance, their joy should lead to worship and praise, acknowledging God’s goodness and sovereignty. This also connects to the broader theological theme of God’s glory being revealed through His salvation (Psalm 34:3, Psalm 96:9).

Application: Christians are called to rejoice in God’s salvation, which is experienced both personally and collectively. When God answers our prayers for deliverance, it should lead to praise and worship, not only for personal salvation but as a testimony to others of His greatness. Believers are encouraged to celebrate God’s work in their lives, giving Him glory for His goodness and mercy.

Psalm 70:5

“But as for me, I am poor and needy; come quickly to me, O God. You are my help and my deliverer; Lord, do not delay.”

In the final verse of the psalm, the psalmist again pleads for God’s swift intervention, acknowledging his own poverty and neediness. The psalmist emphasizes his utter dependence on God, affirming that God is his help and deliverer. The plea for God to not delay underscores the urgency of the psalmist’s situation, expressing complete trust in God as the source of his rescue.

Theological Insight: The psalmist’s admission of poverty and neediness highlights the biblical theme of human dependence on God. Believers are encouraged to acknowledge their need for God in every area of life, recognizing that apart from Him, they can do nothing (John 15:5). The psalmist’s confidence in God’s ability to save reflects the New Testament doctrine of God’s grace—that salvation is God’s work alone, and believers are completely dependent on His mercy.

Application: Christians should approach God in humility, recognizing their need for His help in every circumstance. This humble admission invites God to act on behalf of His people. In moments of difficulty, believers can confidently trust that God will come to their aid, as He has promised in His Word. We can trust in God’s faithfulness to deliver and restore His people, even in the most desperate situations.

Theological Implications and Connection to Jesus Christ

Psalm 70 points directly to Christ in its themes of urgency in prayer, trust in God’s deliverance, and the righteous judgment of God. The psalmist’s call for God to hasten His intervention in the face of overwhelming opposition is echoed in the cries of Jesus during His time on earth, particularly in His passion and death. As the psalmist pleads for swift deliverance from his enemies, Jesus, too, faced imminent danger and cried out for God’s intervention—most poignantly in His final moments on the cross when He expressed the deep anguish of feeling forsaken by the Father (Matthew 27:46).

Psalm 70’s theme of mockery and scorn from enemies (Psalm 70:3) is especially connected to Christ’s suffering, as He was mocked and scorned by both religious leaders and the Roman soldiers (Matthew 27:29-31, Mark 15:29-32). The psalmist’s appeal for justice—asking that those who harm him be put to shame—mirrors Christ’s ultimate victory over sin and death. Just as the psalmist calls for God’s swift judgment on the wicked, Jesus’ death and resurrection represent the final judgment of God, where evil is decisively dealt with and the righteous are ultimately delivered.

Jesus is the fulfillment of the psalmist’s longing for salvation and justice. Through His sacrificial death on the cross, Jesus, the innocent suffering servant, took upon Himself the penalty of sin, providing deliverance for those who believe. He is the ultimate deliverer that the psalmist cries out for, not just from physical enemies but from the power of sin and death, ensuring the redemption of God’s people.

Connection to the Father

Psalm 70 speaks of the psalmist’s utter dependence on God for deliverance. This trust in God’s sovereignty and salvation directly connects to the Father’s plan of redemption through Jesus Christ. The Father is the one who delivers His people, and Psalm 70 affirms the faithful belief that God will act in accordance with His character to bring about salvation. Jesus, the Son, repeatedly expressed His dependence on the Father throughout His earthly ministry. His own suffering in the Garden of Gethsemane and on the cross was done in obedience to the Father’s will (Luke 22:42), demonstrating the ultimate alignment between the Son’s mission and the Father’s redemptive purpose.

The psalmist’s plea for God to not delay in delivering him reflects the urgency of God’s redemptive plan in Christ. Just as the Father sent Jesus at the appointed time to bring about salvation (Galatians 4:4-5), the psalmist’s request for immediate action is echoed in Christ’s second coming, when God the Father will send His Son to judge the living and the dead (Matthew 25:31-46). This shows that God’s timing in salvation and justice is perfectly aligned with His will and purpose, both in the past through Christ’s first coming and in the future through His return.

Connection to the Holy Spirit

Though the Holy Spirit is not explicitly mentioned in Psalm 70, the Spirit’s role is inherently tied to the themes of deliverance and God’s presence throughout the Scriptures. The Spirit empowers believers to pray with urgency and to trust in God’s intervention, just as the psalmist urgently calls on God for rescue. The psalmist’s desperate cry for help can be understood in light of the Holy Spirit’s work of intercession, as the Spirit helps believers in their weakness, interceding for them when they do not know what to pray (Romans 8:26).

The Holy Spirit also empowers believers to endure suffering and to remain faithful, even in the face of opposition, just as the psalmist, despite his pain and distress, continues to trust in God’s ultimate deliverance. This is particularly important in the life of a believer, as the Spirit strengthens the believer’s faith and assures them of the promises of God, especially in times of trouble.

In connection with Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit is sent as the Helper and the One who glorifies Christ. As the Spirit empowered Jesus during His earthly ministry, so too does the Spirit empower believers to continue the mission of spreading the gospel of Christ, which is rooted in the deliverance and justice depicted in Psalm 70.

Connection to God’s Love

Psalm 70 reveals God’s deep love and care for His people, particularly in times of trouble and oppression. The psalmist calls out to God, trusting in His deliverance and justice. This demonstrates the relationship between human need and divine love—even in the darkest times, God’s people can turn to Him, knowing He will respond with mercy and salvation. This love is not passive but active, as God is intimately involved in the lives of His people, providing protection and rescue when they cry out to Him.

In the New Testament, God’s love is most fully revealed in Jesus Christ, whose life and sacrifice are the ultimate expressions of God’s care for humanity. Jesus came to redeem a broken world, suffering on behalf of humanity to restore us to a relationship with the Father. In Psalm 70, God’s active care for His people is seen in the psalmist’s call for deliverance. This is fulfilled in Christ’s work on the cross, where He decisively acts to rescue humanity from sin and its consequences. Through Christ, God’s love and justice meet, providing not only deliverance from suffering but eternal restoration and reconciliation with the Father.

The psalmist’s appeal for God to act on his behalf reflects a deep faith in God’s love for His people, a love that is displayed in both mercy and justice. Jesus, in His sacrificial love, endured suffering to bring ultimate restoration to humanity. In Psalm 70, we see the seeds of that love—God’s justice, mercy, and readiness to act on behalf of His people—that are fully realized in Christ.

Sermon Outline and Flow

Title: A Cry for Deliverance and Justice: Trusting God’s Timing and Justice

Introduction

• Hook: Begin with a story or illustration about a person facing a difficult, urgent situation—perhaps an individual in immediate danger, needing rescue, or a person facing an unjust situation. Relate this to the psalmist’s plea in Psalm 70 for God to act swiftly in the face of danger.
• Transition: Just as this person calls out for help in their time of need, Psalm 70 is a prayer that cries out to God for immediate intervention and justice. This psalm teaches us how to trust God during our most desperate moments, believing that He hears our cries and will act swiftly in His perfect timing.
• Main Point: Psalm 70 teaches us to cry out to God in urgency, trust in His immediate intervention, and believe in His justice and mercy.

I. A Cry for Immediate Help (Psalm 70:1)

• Main Point: In moments of distress, we are encouraged to call on God urgently, trusting in His ability to deliver us.
• Key Verses: Psalm 70:1
• Explanation: The psalmist begins with an urgent cry for God’s help. His language of hastening and quickness underscores the dire nature of the situation.
• Application: In times of deep distress, we must not hesitate to call on God. He is always ready to answer the cries of His people, even in the most pressing circumstances. Just as we would urgently seek help from a trusted friend in an emergency, we must cry out to God in our time of need, trusting in His faithfulness.
• Illustration: Share a personal story or modern-day example of someone who faced a crisis and immediately turned to God in prayer, experiencing peace or deliverance as a result.
• Transition: Just as the psalmist cries for urgent deliverance, he also calls for justice, which leads us to the next part of the psalm.

II. A Cry for Justice (Psalm 70:2-3)

• Main Point: In moments of suffering or persecution, we can confidently ask God to bring justice against those who seek our harm.
• Key Verses: Psalm 70:2-3
• Explanation: The psalmist requests that those who seek his ruin be put to shame, reflecting a cry for God’s righteous judgment. This call for justice is rooted in the psalmist’s belief that God, as the righteous judge, will vindicate the innocent and punish the wicked.
• Application: Christians can take comfort in knowing that God will ultimately bring justice. While we are called to love our enemies, there are times when God’s justice must be sought, particularly when we face wrongs and oppression. We can trust that God sees every injustice and will right the wrongs in His perfect timing.
• Illustration: Use a story of a person who suffered injustice—whether in the workplace, the legal system, or elsewhere—and found comfort in trusting that God would bring justice, even if it took time.
• Transition: As we cry for justice, we also express our trust in God’s faithfulness to deliver. The psalmist’s confidence in God’s salvation leads to the next section, which highlights the joy of those who seek God.

III. A Call for Joy in God’s Deliverance (Psalm 70:4)

• Main Point: Even in the midst of trial, those who seek God should rejoice in His deliverance, knowing that He will act for their good.
• Key Verse: Psalm 70:4
• Explanation: Despite his distress, the psalmist envisions a community of believers who will rejoice in God’s intervention. This is an invitation to praise God even before the deliverance is fully realized, trusting that God’s salvation is certain.
• Application: Christians are called to live in anticipation of God’s deliverance, not only asking for help but also rejoicing in the hope of what God will do. We are to have a posture of praise and thanksgiving, even in times of uncertainty, knowing that God’s salvation is assured in Christ.
• Illustration: Share a modern example of someone who, despite facing significant challenges, chose to live with a mindset of praise and gratitude for what God was going to do. Perhaps a story of someone enduring illness or hardship who remained joyful in hope.
• Transition: As we trust in God’s deliverance and rejoice in His salvation, we also acknowledge our dependence on Him, just as the psalmist does in the final verse.

IV. A Humble Dependence on God (Psalm 70:5)

• Main Point: We are to humbly acknowledge our need for God’s help, trusting in His mercy and deliverance.
• Key Verse: Psalm 70:5
• Explanation: The psalmist recognizes his own poverty and neediness, appealing to God as the ultimate source of help and deliverance. The psalmist’s plea is not based on his own merit but on God’s grace and mercy.
• Application: Christians are called to live in humility, acknowledging our dependence on God in every area of life. We should never rely on our own strength or resources but should always turn to God for help. Whether in times of crisis or in everyday life, our dependence on God is crucial for spiritual growth.
• Illustration: Share a personal story or example of a believer who humbled themselves before God in a moment of need, finding peace and strength in God’s help.
• Transition: As we close, we will reflect on how we can respond to God’s deliverance and justice in our own lives.

Conclusion: Call to Action

• Summary: Psalm 70 teaches us to cry out to God urgently in times of distress, trusting that He will bring both justice and deliverance. The psalm also invites us to rejoice in God’s salvation, remain humble before Him, and live lives marked by faith and praise.
• Call to Action: I challenge you today to bring your urgent requests to God—whether you are in a season of trial, facing injustice, or seeking God’s guidance. Do not hesitate to cry out, knowing that God will answer. Rejoice in His deliverance, even before it comes, and trust that His justice will prevail in your life and in the world.
• Closing Prayer: Close with a prayer asking for God’s intervention, justice, and peace. Ask the Lord to help the congregation trust in His timing and deliverance, and to praise Him through all circumstances.

Illustrations and Examples

1. The Story of a Father’s Protection: Share a story of a parent who had to defend their child against an unjust accusation or physical harm, trusting that God would act on their behalf. Relate this to how God acts as our defender when we cry out for His help.
2. Living in Joy Despite Hardship: Use the example of someone who faced a significant personal loss but chose to maintain a posture of thanksgiving and joy, believing that God would ultimately restore and redeem the situation. This is a practical illustration of Psalm 70:4, where the psalmist invites us to rejoice even in difficulty.

Application for Today’s Christian

1. Discipleship: In moments of distress, Christians are reminded to trust in God’s power to deliver. Discipleship involves learning to cry out to God in faith and trusting His justice to prevail, even in the hardest of times.
2. Stewardship: God calls His people to steward their lives by recognizing their dependence on Him. Whether in times of plenty or need, Christians are to be faithful in acknowledging that all help and deliverance come from God. Stewardship involves trusting God with all areas of life and responding to His grace by living obediently.
3. Living Out Faith: Psalm 70 challenges Christians to live authentically in their faith—crying out to God when in need, rejoicing in His deliverance, and remaining humble in all circumstances. Living out one’s faith involves not only seeking God’s help but also sharing with others the joy and confidence that comes from trusting in Him.

Reflection Questions

1. How do you respond when facing urgent needs or distress? Do you call out to God with the same urgency as the psalmist?
2. How can you trust in God’s justice in situations where you feel wronged or unjustly persecuted?
3. In what ways can you cultivate a heart of praise and thanksgiving, even in the midst of trial, trusting that God’s deliverance is certain?
4. How can you live in humility, acknowledging your dependence on God, and how does this shape your response to the challenges you face?