Psalm 71 (70):10Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

This statement refers to Christ. He, who through the immense power of the Godhead and in full equality with the Father, brought the dead back to life, suddenly found Himself vulnerable in the hands of His adversaries, captured as if devoid of strength. When would He have been subdued had they not first harbored the thought that God had abandoned Him? Where did that anguished cry on the Cross originate: My God, My God, why hast Thou forsaken Me? Thus, God turned away from Christ, even though through Christ, God reconciled the world to Himself (2 Cor. 5:19). Although Christ was indeed divine, descended from the Jews according to the flesh, and blessed forever as God overall (Rom. 9:5), did God truly forsake Him? Absolutely not.

I will become the target of my foes. The phrase is expressed as "as my foes" rather than "so that my foes may say, Let us seize him; he shall be our victim, for the Lord does not aid him."

Those who harbor ill will towards me speak ill of my troubles and enact all manner of harm, believing that I am abandoned by Your protection and assuming that I am eternally rejected, no longer able to benefit from Your guidance. Therefore, I earnestly implore You, O my God, do not forsake me; O my God.

I am the recipient of God's message, and I am the one addressed by the Lord. They engaged in discussion among themselves. The guardians of my spirit deliberated together, and this illuminates the previous verse. The phrase "deliberating together" is used in place of "making decisions," referring to those who contend against me, including both apparent and unseen adversaries.

It is impossible to fully articulate the depth of the struggle and sorrow that David faced when the wicked labeled him as a man abandoned by God. They maliciously declared, "God has forsaken him," fully believing in David's supposed unrighteousness that warranted such divine rejection. Nevertheless, David responded to their unjust accusations with valor, placing his faith in the mercy of the Most High and seeking Him earnestly. Clearly, by referring to God as his own, he was able to fend off the intense and cruel challenges that came his way, as if he wielded a protective shield. In addition to seeking God's assistance, he simultaneously prays for the shame of his adversaries, until they are completely removed. Since we have previously examined the meaning of these oaths, it is unnecessary to reiterate them here.

The descendants of Jonadab symbolize obedience, as they faithfully adhered to their father Jonadab's instructions until the end, earning eternal commendation from God (Jeremiah 35:18-19). They serve as a paradigm of unwavering obedience, contrasting with the first captives — Adam and Eve — who fell victim to sin and were taken into Babylon due to their disregard for the Heavenly Father's command. Unlike those who were initially held captive in Babylon due to their rebellion against God's law, the sons of Jonadab exemplify those who listened to and upheld their father’s teachings. This psalm highlights their legacy for the encouragement of all who willingly follow God’s commandments and offers admonition for those who do not heed His Divine directives.