Psalm 70 – Come Quickly
When we are troubled and suffering, we want to be rescued immediately, as is the case in Psalm 70 – come quickly.
Psalm 70
Psalm 70 is also found in Psalm 40:13-17. Because of this, many commentaries skip over it, referring us to Psalm 40. However, Psalm 70, the second shortest psalm in the book of Psalm, speaks to many as a personal prayer with an emphasis on haste.
The superscript of Psalm 70 reads, “A psalm of David, to bring to remembrance.” (KJV) But what are we to remember?
“The title tells us that this psalm was designed to bring to remembrance; that is, to put God in remembrance of his mercy and promises.” (Enduring Word Bible Commentary Psalm 70) Thus the writer calls upon God to remember his promise to his people.
The psalm begins with a plea to God to come quickly:
“Hasten, O God, to save me; come quickly, Lord, to help me.” (1)
He then lets God know what he wants God to do.
“May those who want to take my life be put to shame and confusion;
Let all who desire my ruin be turned back in disgrace.
May those who say to me, “Aha! Aha!” turn back because of their shame.” (2-3)
Sometimes the kindest prayer is for our enemies to fail, as one commentator states: “The kindest thing we can pray for people who do wrong is that their plans will fail, for it may be that in their frustration they will see the folly and true end of evil and be reached for God.” (Boice) (Enduring Word Bible Commentary Psalm 70)
Fill our Hearts with Joy
David then prays that God will fill the hearts of his friends with joy.
“But may all who seek you rejoice and be glad in you;
may those who long for your saving help always say, “The Lord is great!” (4)
Psalm 70 – come quickly – ends with a repeat of David’s plea for help.
“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.” (5)
Praying for the Coming of the Messiah
Once I read a story about a rabbi and his family, written from the perspective of the rabbi’s young son. Each day, the rabbi would pray for the coming of the Messiah. Amid all of the struggles faced by his people, the man patiently prayed, placing his trust in God. I don’t remember what happened, but one day, the boy listened as his patient, faith-filled father, prayed again for the Messiah, ending emphatically, “now would be a good time!”
I’ve been thinking about this story as I reflected on Psalm 70 – Come Quickly. Some days you just want to shout at God, come quickly, why are you taking so long?! Now would be a good time!
Daily, the Jewish people pray for the coming of the Messiah, the offspring of David, with the Yigdal prayer: “The offspring of your servant David may you speedily cause to flourish, and enhance his pride through Your salvation, for we hope for Your salvation all day long. Blessed are you, Hashem, Who causes the pride of salvation to flourish.” (Praying For Our Messiah)
The 12th principle from the 13 articles of faith, according to Maimonides in his Mishnah Commentary to Sanhedrin, is stated as “I believe with complete faith in the coming of Moshiach (Messiah). And though he may tarry, I shall wait anticipating his arrival each day.” (Praying For Our Messiah)
And so, we are called to hope daily for salvation and pray for the Lord’s coming.
Psalm 70 – Come Quickly
When we suffer, we want to be relieved of that suffering as quickly as possible. Some commentators see this prayer to come quickly as a lack of faith “It reveals a mistaken conception of God. God never needs to be called upon to hasten. He is never tarrying uselessly or carelessly.” (Morgan) (Enduring Word Bible Commentary Psalm 70)
We are reminded that God’s timing is not our own timing. However, it is human to cry to God in our need, as the rabbi did. As such this is a beautiful, human prayer, calling out to our God in our times of trial, one well worth it’s place in the Psaltery.
Are you waiting for something? Does it seem that God is taking too much time? I would love to hear from you.
(For another take on this psalm, see Psalm 70: Hurry Up! – Patricia M Robertson)
This post is part of a series of blog posts on the Psalms. Sign up to follow this blog and receive a free copy of Still Dancing, the second book in my Dancing through Life Series. click here to sign up
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