Ps. 71 THE ARGUMENT The matter of this Psalm plainly showeth that it was written in a time of David’s great distress, and his old age, mentioned Ps. 71:9, Ps. 71:18 which proves that it belongs not to Saul’s time, but rather to the time of Absalom’s rebellion, which happened in his old age.

This verse and the next are taken out of Ps. 31:1–2.

Commandment; by which he understands God’s purpose and promise, and his providence watching to execute them; all which are as certain and powerful as a command.

From the womb, i.e. from the time when I came out of the womb. My mother’s bowels, i.e. out of her womb; which he justly mentions as a great and wonderful, though a common and neglected, work of God’s power and goodness.

A wonder, or prodigy; either, 1. Of mercy, for the wonderful protections and deliverances which God hath given me. Or rather, 2. Of judgment, for my many and sore calamities, as appears from the next words.

Give me occasion to multiply my praises to thee, for delivering me out of my present distress.

When I am most feeble, and most need thy help, and one who is grown old in thy service.

Lay wait for my soul, or watch it, that they may find occasion to destroy it, and that it may not escape their hands.

God hath forsaken him, for his adultery, and murder, and other wickednesses, and therefore we shall certainly prevail against him.

For which I know thou wilt yet give me abundant occasion.

i.e. Of thy salvations and mercies vouchsafed to me, which being innumerable, oblige me the more to celebrate thy praises.

I will not sit down in despair, but I will go on or proceed in my business courageously and cheerfully, in making necessary provisions for my own defence; relying only upon thy strength, and not upon my own military preparations.

Taught me; partly by thy word and Spirit, convincing and assuring me; and partly by my own experience of thy righteousness last mentioned, the wondrous effects whereof I have received and declared from time to time, as it here follows.

Thy strength; either, 1. This further act or instance of thy strength. Or rather, 2. Thy great power, which will more eminently appear in this than it hath done in former deliverances, as my danger is now greater, because this is a civil war, and the generality of mine own people are engaged…

Very high, i.e. most eminent and evident, as high things are.

i.e. From the grave; for I was like one dead and buried, and past all hope of deliverance, without thy almighty assistance.

I am assured that thou wilt not only restore to me that royal majesty which my son hath invaded, but also increase my honour and power.