This untitled lament by an aging believer is more of a confession of confidence and hope than the cry of someone abandoned by God. The psalmist experienced God’s power and protection in his youth (71:5–8) and now prays for rescue from the adversaries who stalk him in his old age (71:9–13). Even in the midst of his peril, he continues to tell of God’s past faithfulness and looks forward with hope to a time when he can testify to the next generation that God is faithful and righteous.
The poet has learned to acknowledge God as the reliable rock who will do what is right toward him and his oppressors. See also 31:1–3.
The psalmist has trusted God throughout his life (see 22:9).
The aging believer turns to the Lord for hope. As questions from his adversaries get under his skin and his own strength fails, he asks God to answer his prayers. He does not seek answers to prayer for himself but so that he can tell the story to the next generation.
God’s righteous character provides encouragement and strength in the midst of suffering. The wounded psalmist confesses faith in God’s ability to transform his misery and weakness into abundant life.
As he awaits God’s rescue, the psalmist prepares himself to declare with instruments and voice that God is faithful and righteous.