Psalms 71:4
Deliver me, O my God, out of the hand of the wicked, out of the hand of the unrighteous and cruel man.
Original Language Analysis
אֱֽלֹהַ֗י
me O my God
H430
אֱֽלֹהַ֗י
me O my God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
1 of 7
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
פַּ֭לְּטֵנִי
Deliver
H6403
פַּ֭לְּטֵנִי
Deliver
Strong's:
H6403
Word #:
2 of 7
to slip out, i.e., escape; causatively, to deliver
מִיַּ֣ד
out of the hand
H3027
מִיַּ֣ד
out of the hand
Strong's:
H3027
Word #:
3 of 7
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
רָשָׁ֑ע
of the wicked
H7563
רָשָׁ֑ע
of the wicked
Strong's:
H7563
Word #:
4 of 7
morally wrong; concretely, an (actively) bad person
מִכַּ֖ף
out of the hand
H3709
מִכַּ֖ף
out of the hand
Strong's:
H3709
Word #:
5 of 7
the hollow hand or palm (so of the paw of an animal, of the sole, and even of the bowl of a dish or sling, the handle of a bolt, the leaves of a palm-
Historical Context
Throughout his life, David faced wicked opponents—Saul, Absalom, surrounding nations. Each threat drove him to deeper dependence on God rather than political maneuvering or military might alone.
Questions for Reflection
- Who are the 'wicked and unrighteous' opposing God's work in your sphere of influence?
- How do you balance practical wisdom in dealing with threats while trusting God as ultimate deliverer?
- What does Christ's example of committing Himself to God teach about responding to cruel opposition?
Analysis & Commentary
The plea to be delivered from 'the wicked' and 'unrighteous and cruel man' acknowledges real human threats. Yet the appeal is to God, not human allies or personal strength. The descriptors escalate: wicked (evil), unrighteous (unjust), cruel (violent)—comprehensive opposition. Believers face genuine enemies, but victory comes through divine intervention, not self-defense. Christ faced such opposition perfectly, yet committed Himself to God who judges justly (1 Peter 2:23).