Psalms 71

1 Yahweh, I have come to you to (get refuge/be protected); never allow me to become ashamed [because of being defeated].

2 Because you always do what is right, help me and rescue me; listen to me, and save me!

3 Be [like an overhanging] rock [MET] under which I [can be] safe/protected; [be like] a strong fortress in which I am safe [DOU]. You [continually] command (OR, [Continually] command) [your angels] to rescue me.

4 God, rescue me from wicked [people], from the power of unjust and evil men.

5 Yahweh, my Lord, you are the one whom I confidently expect [to help me]; I have trusted in you since I was young.

6 I have depended on you all my life; you have taken care of me [IDM] since the day that I was born, [so] I will always praise you.

7 The manner in which I have conducted my life has been an example to many [people], because [they realize that] you have been my strong defender.

8 I praise you all day long, and I proclaim that you are glorious/wonderful.

9 Now, when I have become an old man, do not reject/abandon me; do not abandon me now, when I am not strong any more.

10 My enemies say [that they want to kill] me; they plan together [how they can do that].

11 They say [about me], “God has abandoned him; so now we can pursue him and seize him, because there is no one who will rescue him.”

12 God, do not stay far away from me; hurry to help me!

13 Cause those who (accuse me/say that I have done things that are wrong) to be defeated and destroyed; cause those who want to harm me to be shamed and disgraced.

14 But [as for me], I will continually and confidently expect [you to do great things for me], and I will praise you more and more.

15 I will tell people that you do what is right; all day long I will tell people how you have saved me, although what you have done is more than I can fully understand.

16 Yahweh, my Lord, I will praise you for your mighty deeds; I will proclaim that only you always act justly.

17 God, you have taught me [many/those things] ever since I was young, and I still tell people about your wonderful deeds.

18 And now, God, when I am old and my hair is gray, do not abandon me. [Stay with me] while I continue to proclaim to my children and grandchildren [HYP] that you are [very] powerful!

19 God, you do many righteous deeds; [it is as though] they extend up to the sky. You have done great things; there is no one like you [RHQ].

20 You have caused me to have many troubles and to suffer much, [but] you will cause me to become strong again; when I am almost dead [HYP], you will keep me alive.

21 You will cause me to be greatly honored and you will encourage/comfort me again.

22 I will also praise you [while I play] my harp; I will praise you, my God, for faithfully [doing what you have promised to do]. I will play hymns to praise you, the holy God whom [we] Israelis [worship].

23 I [SYN] will shout joyfully while I play [the harp] for you; with my entire inner being I will sing because you have rescued me.

24 All day long I will tell people that you act righteously, because those who wanted to harm me will have been defeated and disgraced.