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    Psalms 71 (KJV)

    Read Psalms chapter 71 in the King James Version of the Holy Bible.

    Psalms 71

    Deep Verse Commentaries in This Chapter

    Psalm 71:5

    "For thou art my hope, O Lord GOD: thou art my trust from my …"

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    Psalms 71 Summary

    Psalm 71 is the prayer of an elderly believer who has trusted God since youth and now asks for continued protection in old age. The psalmist fears being cast aside when strength fails.

    Throughout the psalm, past faithfulness becomes the foundation for present hope. The speaker commits to praising God all day long and declaring His power to the next generation, even as physical vitality fades.

    Key Themes

    Aging and faithLifelong trustDeclaring God to the next generationHope in old age

    Key Verses in Psalms 71

    "Do not cast me away when I am old; do not forsake me when my strength is gone."

    — Psalms 71:9

    A prayer that resonates with anyone facing the vulnerabilities of aging.

    "Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me, my God, till I declare your power to the next generation."

    — Psalms 71:18

    Shows that one of the greatest purposes of a long life is passing faith to those who come after.

    Life Application

    Your life experiences with God are treasures meant to be shared with younger generations. Age doesn't diminish your purpose—it deepens your testimony.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Who wrote Psalm 71?

    It is anonymous, though its themes and language closely connect it to David's psalms, particularly Psalm 70.

    Psalm 71 Commentary & Reflection

    Lament
    Reflective, determined

    Best read for: Aging, retirement, passing on faith

    Overview of Psalm 71: A Prayer in Old Age

    Psalm 71 is an older person's prayer, recalling a lifetime of trusting God from youth and asking not to be cast off in old age when strength fails. The psalmist has been a wonder to many because God was his strong refuge. He asks to declare God's strength to the next generation and resolves to praise God more and more, even when troubles are many and severe.

    Key Themes

    Old Age
    Lifelong Faith
    Legacy
    Continued Praise

    Key Verses to Remember

    “Cast me not off in the time of old age; forsake me not when my strength faileth.”
    — Psalm 71:9 (KJV)
    “Now also when I am old and greyheaded, O God, forsake me not; until I have shewed thy strength unto this generation.”
    — Psalm 71:18 (KJV)

    Reflection

    Growing old in faith means your story of God's faithfulness only gets richer. Don't stop praising — your testimony of decades with God is the most powerful sermon for the next generation.

    Historical Context

    An elderly believer's prayer, looking back on a lifetime of God's faithfulness ('You have taught me from my youth') while facing the vulnerability of old age ('Do not cast me off in the time of old age; do not forsake me when my strength fails'). It is the only psalm in Book II without a superscription.

    How to Apply Psalm 71 Today

    If you're aging, pray this psalm with gratitude for decades of God's faithfulness and confidence for the years ahead. If you're young, pray it prophetically—declaring now that you will still praise God when gray-haired. Also: honor the elderly around you. Their stories of faith are treasures.

    A Prayer from Psalm 71

    In You, O Lord, I put my trust. You have been my hope from my youth. By You I have been upheld from birth. Do not cast me off in old age; do not forsake me when my strength fails. I will go in the strength of the Lord God. Even to old age and gray hairs, O God, do not forsake me, until I declare Your strength to this generation. Amen.

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