Psalms 71:2
Deliver me in thy righteousness, and cause me to escape: incline thine ear unto me, and save me.
Psalms 71:2 (KJV)
Context
Psalm 71 is a prayer of King David when he faced enemies and deep trouble. In this psalm, David expresses steady trust in God while asking for help. The verse is part of a larger song in which David promises to praise God and declare His righteousness (Psalm 71:14-19). Deliverance and worship belong together.
Meaning
David asks God to deliver him “in thy righteousness.” He does not claim his own goodness. Instead, he appeals to God’s just and faithful character. God’s righteousness means He always acts in a way that is true to who He is, so His saving help is certain and right.
The request to “cause me to escape” points to present danger from enemies and affliction. It also looks ahead to the final rescue from wrath and eternal death, which only God’s righteousness can provide. The phrase “incline thine ear” is a picture of God bending down to listen. This is an act of grace: the Creator stoops to hear the cry of His servant.
The verse ends with the simple plea “save me.” This is not a vague wish but a direct cry for rescue from every trouble. The order of the verse matters: it moves from God’s character to God’s action. Salvation is rooted in who God is, not in what we deserve.
Biblical connections
The parallel language in Psalm 31:1-2, where David asks God to “bow down thine ear to me; deliver me speedily,” reinforces the urgency and the psalmist’s complete dependence on God’s attentive care. Both psalms show the same pattern: acknowledge God’s character, make the specific request, and trust in His saving response.
Application
Trust in God’s righteousness: We can rely on God’s justice and faithfulness when we need help. Our confidence is not in our own merit but in God’s character and His promises.
Depend on God’s intervention: Like David, we should admit our need and bring our concerns to God, knowing He is able to deliver us.
Pray with persistence: David’s plea for God to incline His ear shows a heart that keeps praying. We can pour out our hearts to God with perseverance.
Rest in God’s attentiveness: God hears His children. He listens to our cries and is always ready to respond.
Reflection
When trouble comes, our first instinct may be to rely on our own strength. This verse invites us to do the opposite. We can pray with boldness because God’s righteousness is the foundation of our hope. His character guarantees that He will act for our good, and His ear is always open to our voice.
