Psalm 70

The superscription of this psalm, a "memorial"or "petition,"literally means, "to bring to remembrance"(cf. Ps. 38).

"Perhaps this was a note that the psalm was to be used in connection with the offerings (cf. 1 Chron. 16:4), which would help remind' the Lord of the petitioner's request."¹³²

The subject matter of this psalm is very similar to that of Psalm 69, though the treatment is much shorter.

 1. A plea for immediate help 70:1-3

70:1 David needed and cried out for God's immediate help (cf. 31:2).

70:2-3 He needed help quickly because enemies were trying to ruin him. He prayed that God would bring shame on those who sought to shame David. His enemies were evidently trying to kill him.

 2. A prayer for God's glory 70:4-5

As a result of God's deliverance other righteous people would glorify God and rejoice in Him. The psalm ends as it began with a request for fast relief. David was stressing how desperately he needed God's assistance by beginning and ending the psalm with these petitions.

Sometimes when believers are under attack by others who oppose God's will all they can do is cry out to God for help (cf. Neh. 2:4-5). Even in brief prayers such as this we should base our petitions on God's glory as this psalmist did.