Psalms 70:5

Authorized King James Version

But I am poor and needy: make haste unto me, O God: thou art my help and my deliverer; O LORD, make no tarrying.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַאֲנִ֤י׀
i
#2
עָנִ֣י
But I am poor
depressed, in mind or circumstances
#3
וְאֶבְיוֹן֮
H34
and needy
destitute
#4
אֱלֹהִ֪ים
unto me O God
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
#5
ח֫וּשָׁה
make haste
to hurry; figuratively, to be eager with excitement or enjoyment
#6
לִּ֥י
H0
#7
עֶזְרִ֣י
thou art my help
aid
#8
וּמְפַלְטִ֣י
and my deliverer
to slip out, i.e., escape; causatively, to deliver
#9
אַ֑תָּה
thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you
#10
יְ֝הוָ֗ה
O LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#11
אַל
not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing
#12
תְּאַחַֽר׃
make no tarrying
to loiter (i.e., be behind); by implication to procrastinate

Analysis

The worship and praise theme here intersects with the broader canonical witness to God's character and purposes. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of progressive revelation that finds its culmination in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine sovereignty contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's consistent character and purposes.

Historical Context

The historical context of the monarchic period, particularly David's reign (c. 1000-970 BCE) provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The Israelite monarchy with its temple worship, court life, and constant military threats created the liturgical and emotional context for these prayers and praises. The ancient Israelite worship practices and court culture would have shaped how the original audience understood divine sovereignty. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Temple archaeology and ancient musical instruments illuminate the liturgical context of Israelite worship.

Questions for Reflection