Psalms 71:11

Saying, God hath forsaken him: persecute and take him, for there is none to deliuer him. Psalms 71:11 (KJV)

Psalm 71 is a heartfelt prayer of David, who cries out for God’s protection and deliverance amid relentless opposition. Throughout the psalm he recalls God’s past faithfulness and affirms his confidence that the same God who rescued him before will act again. In verse 11 the hostile crowd declares, “God hath forsaken him; persecute and take him; for there is none to deliver him,” echoing the slander and false accusations that David endures.

Trusting God in Difficult Times

Even when enemies suggest abandonment, David models unwavering trust. He does not concede that God has truly left him; rather, he uses the accusation as a backdrop to demonstrate that God’s presence is not dependent on human perception. The verse challenges believers to turn to God and maintain faith, especially when circumstances appear bleak or when others question His faithfulness.

The Reality of Persecution

The psalmist’s foes not only speak against him but also plot physical harm. As illustrated in the adjoining verse, “They set a snare for my soul, they have laid a pit for me; they have set a net for my foot,” the enemies devise traps intended to destroy. This vivid imagery underscores the genuine danger David faces and reminds modern believers that persecution can be both verbal and violent.

None to Deliver

The claim that “there is none to deliver him” reflects the adversaries’ perspective, not David’s reality. Despite the apparent isolation, David remains confident that the true Deliverer is God alone, a theme that runs through the entire Psalter, emphasizing God as the ultimate refuge, strength, and vindicator.

Application

• Trusting God in Trials – When false accusations or hardships arise, we can follow David’s example by placing our trust in God, believing He works behind the scenes for our good even when He seems distant.
• Seeking God’s Deliverance – Rather than relying on human retaliation, we are invited to bring our pleas before the Lord, trusting Him to be our vindicator and protector.
• Encouraging Others – In moments when friends suffer slander, persecution, or feelings of abandonment, we can offer empathy, prayer, and reminders of God’s steadfast faithfulness, urging them to hold fast to the hope of divine deliverance.