Psalms 71:11

Authorized King James Version

Saying, God hath forsaken him: persecute and take him; for there is none to deliver him.

Word-by-Word Analysis

לֵ֭אמֹר

H559

Saying

to say (used with great latitude)

אֱלֹהִ֣ים

H430

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

עֲזָב֑וֹ

H5800

hath forsaken

to loosen, i.e., relinquish, permit, etc

רִֽדְפ֥וּ

H7291

him persecute

to run after (usually with hostile intent; figuratively [of time] gone by)

וְ֝תִפְשׂ֗וּהוּ

H8610

and take

to manipulate, i.e., seize; chiefly to capture, wield, specifically, to overlay; figuratively, to use unwarrantably

כִּי

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

אֵ֥ין

H369

a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle

מַצִּֽיל׃

H5337

him for there is none to deliver

to snatch away, whether in a good or a bad sense

Analysis

This verse develops the suffering and persecution theme central to Psalms. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the development of suffering and persecution within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within worship literature expressing the full range of human experience before God to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of ancient Near Eastern poetry and hymnic literature for worship shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of suffering and persecution within the theological tradition of Psalms Understanding a worldview centered on covenant relationship between God and His people helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

How does the suffering and persecution theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine sovereignty differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
In what ways does understanding divine sovereignty in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about suffering and persecution?