Psalm 70[a](A)

For the director of music. Of David. A petition.

Hasten, O God, to save me;
    come quickly, Lord, to help me.(B)

May those who want to take my life(C)
    be put to shame and confusion;
may all who desire my ruin
    be turned back in disgrace.(D)
May those who say to me, “Aha! Aha!”(E)
    turn back because of their shame.
But may all who seek you(F)
    rejoice and be glad(G) in you;
may those who long for your saving help always say,
    “The Lord is great!”(H)

But as for me, I am poor and needy;(I)
    come quickly to me,(J) O God.
You are my help(K) and my deliverer;(L)
    Lord, do not delay.(M)

Footnotes

  1. Psalm 70:1 In Hebrew texts 70:1-5 is numbered 70:2-6.

David wrote this song for the music leader, to ask God to help him.

A prayer for help[a]

70 God, please save me!
    Lord, come quickly to help me!
Stop the people who want to kill me,
    so that they become ashamed and confused.
Chase the people who want to hurt me,
    so that they run away in shame.
When people laugh at me,
    make them ashamed for what they have done.
God, may those who want to know you be very happy.
Everyone who loves you because you have saved them
    should never stop saying, ‘Praise God.’
But I am poor and weak, God.
    Please hurry to give me help.
You are the one who helps me
    and who saves me.
Lord, come quickly to help me!

Footnotes

  1. 70:1 This psalm is the same as Psalms 40:13-17. Also see Psalms 35:4,21,26,27.

O Lord, Do Not Delay

To the choirmaster. Of David, (A)for the memorial offering.

70 (B)Make haste, O God, to deliver me!
    O Lord, make haste to help me!
Let them be put to shame and confusion
    who seek my life!
Let them be turned back and brought to dishonor
    who delight in my hurt!
Let them turn back because of their shame
    who say, “Aha, Aha!”

May all who seek you
    rejoice and be glad in you!
May those who love your salvation
    say evermore, “God is great!”
But I am poor and needy;
    (C)hasten to me, O God!
You are my help and my deliverer;
    O Lord, do not delay!