Psalms 71:2

Authorized King James Version

Deliver me in thy righteousness, and cause me to escape: incline thine ear unto me, and save me.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
בְּצִדְקָתְךָ֗
me in thy righteousness
rightness (abstractly), subjectively (rectitude), objectively (justice), morally (virtue) or figuratively (prosperity)
#2
תַּצִּילֵ֥נִי
Deliver
to snatch away, whether in a good or a bad sense
#3
וּֽתְפַלְּטֵ֑נִי
and cause me to escape
to slip out, i.e., escape; causatively, to deliver
#4
הַטֵּֽה
incline
to stretch or spread out; by implication, to bend away (including moral deflection); used in a great variety of application (as follows)
#5
אֵלַ֥י
near, with or among; often in general, to
#6
אָ֝זְנְךָ֗
thine ear
broadness. i.e., (concrete) the ear (from its form in man)
#7
וְהוֹשִׁיעֵֽנִי׃
unto me and save
properly, to be open, wide or free, i.e., (by implication) to be safe; causatively, to free or succor

Analysis

Within the broader context of Psalms, this passage highlights worship and praise through declarative statements that establish theological truth. The theological weight of righteousness connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about righteousness, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Psalms.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of ancient Near Eastern poetry and hymnic literature for worship shapes this text's meaning. Israel's liturgical traditions developed through centuries of temple worship and personal devotion Understanding a worldview centered on covenant relationship between God and His people helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes righteousness in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection