Psalm 71:2
ESV
In your righteousness deliver me and rescue me; incline your ear to me, and save me!
NIV
In your righteousness, rescue me and deliver me; turn your ear to me and save me.
NASB
In Your righteousness rescue me and save me; Extend Your ear to me and help me.
CSB
In your justice, rescue and deliver me; listen closely to me and save me.
NLT
Save me and rescue me, for you do what is right. Turn your ear to listen to me, and set me free.
KJV
Deliver me in thy righteousness, and cause me to escape: incline thine ear unto me, and save me.
NKJV
Deliver me in Your righteousness, and cause me to escape; Incline Your ear to me, and save me.
What does Psalm 71:2 mean?
Please see our chapter commentary on Psalm 71, verse-level content coming soon!Psalm 71:1–4 resembles the beginning phrases of psalms 31 and 35. This suggests it may have also been written by David, but the song is technically anonymous. This is both a prayer for rescue and an expression of confidence. The psalmist ties his assurance to God's righteous nature, speaking as if the Lord has already given the desired order.
The psalmist—possibly David—repeats a prayer for rescue resembling the opening verses of psalm 31. After a lifetime of noticeable faithfulness, the psalmist is fully confident that God will provide a rescue from his troubles. Again, the psalmist asks God to be with him despite his old age. When the expected salvation is accomplished, the psalmist plans to continue to worship the Lord and invite others to do the same.
