Psalm 71 (70):2Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

In Your righteousness, rescue me and deliver me (Psalm 70:2). Not based upon my own, but Yours; because if it were my own, I would be among those described as not comprehending the righteousness of God, and striving to establish their own righteousness, they have not submitted to the righteousness of God (Rom. 10:3). Thus, it must be according to Your righteousness, not mine. What is my own? My transgressions have gone ahead of me. And whenever I am deemed righteous, it will be Your righteousness: for through the righteousness You have bestowed upon me, I will be made righteous; it will be as much mine as it is Yours, that is, granted to me by You. For I trust in Him who justifies the sinner, so that my faith is credited as righteousness (Rom. 4:5).

Through your righteousness rescue me. The righteousness of the Father is embodied in the Son, who liberates us from the sin that bound us in decay.

In Your righteousness, rescue and remove me. I earnestly request that You render judgment upon the Babylonians and myself, issuing a fair verdict against them. Then I will be liberated from their oppression. Please listen to my plea and save me. See v. 3.

INSCRIPTION. This psalm attributed to David, designated for the sons of Jonad and the initial captives, does not appear in the Hebrew writings. The absence of this title in the Hebrew text is reflected in our translation, indicating it was not recorded by the Hebrews. CONTENT. David begins by expressing his reliance on God, urgently seeking His assistance and lamenting the arrogance of his foes. Then, to bolster his faith, he shifts to affirming his gratitude. Art. 1) In You, O Lord, I place my trust, that I may not be put to shame eternally. Art. 2) In Your righteousness, rescue me and deliver me; lend Your ear to me and save me. Art. 3) You shall be my defender, O God, and my stronghold of salvation: for You are my cornerstone and my sanctuary.

This psalm does not include a title in the Hebrew version, leading some scholars to link it with Psalm 39 and attribute it to David. Both the LXX and Vulgate versions also associate it with David, likely due to traditional beliefs. It remains challenging to determine whether the psalm reflects a personal experience, possibly from the later years of David's life during Absalom’s rebellion, or serves a broader purpose, encapsulating the emotions of an elderly sufferer. Some commentators suggest it may originate from the prophet Jeremiah, based on the phrase in the title referring to "the sons of Jonadab." These sons clearly signify the Rechabites, as seen in Jeremiah 25:4 and 2 Samuel 10:15-23; 1 Samuel 2:25.

The descendants of Jonadab are exemplars of obedience, as they faithfully adhered to their father Jonadab's commandments throughout their lives, earning commendation from God (Jeremiah 35:18-19). They serve as a model of devoted obedience, contrasting with the first humans, Adam and Eve, who became captives due to their transgression of the Divine commandment and were led into Babylonian exile. Similarly, the Jewish people were initially taken into Babylon due to their rebellion against God's law. The sons of Jonadab, who hearkened to their father's directives, are honored in the title of this psalm, representing both an encouragement for those who willingly follow God's law and a warning for those who disregard His Holy instruction.