Psalms 71:9
Cast me not off in the time of old age; forsake me not when my strength faileth.
Original Language Analysis
אַֽל
H408
אַֽל
Strong's:
H408
Word #:
1 of 8
not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing
תַּ֭שְׁלִיכֵנִי
Cast me not off
H7993
תַּ֭שְׁלִיכֵנִי
Cast me not off
Strong's:
H7993
Word #:
2 of 8
to throw out, down or away (literally or figuratively)
לְעֵ֣ת
in the time
H6256
לְעֵ֣ת
in the time
Strong's:
H6256
Word #:
3 of 8
time, especially (adverb with preposition) now, when, etc
כִּכְל֥וֹת
faileth
H3615
כִּכְל֥וֹת
faileth
Strong's:
H3615
Word #:
5 of 8
to end, whether intransitive (to cease, be finished, perish) or transitive (to complete, prepare, consume)
כֹּ֝חִ֗י
me not when my strength
H3581
כֹּ֝חִ֗י
me not when my strength
Strong's:
H3581
Word #:
6 of 8
vigor, literally (force, in a good or a bad sense) or figuratively (capacity, means, produce)
Cross References
Isaiah 46:4And even to your old age I am he; and even to hoar hairs will I carry you: I have made, and I will bear; even I will carry, and will deliver you.2 Timothy 1:12For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.Psalms 71:18Now also when I am old and grayheaded, O God, forsake me not; until I have shewed thy strength unto this generation, and thy power to every one that is to come.Psalms 90:10The days of our years are threescore years and ten; and if by reason of strength they be fourscore years, yet is their strength labour and sorrow; for it is soon cut off, and we fly away.Psalms 73:26My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever.2 Timothy 4:18And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom: to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.2 Samuel 19:35I am this day fourscore years old: and can I discern between good and evil? can thy servant taste what I eat or what I drink? can I hear any more the voice of singing men and singing women? wherefore then should thy servant be yet a burden unto my lord the king?
Historical Context
Ancient cultures often neglected the elderly and infirm, making old age precarious without family support. God's character as faithful protector contrasted sharply with human fickleness toward the weak.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's promise to sustain you through old age provide peace about aging and mortality?
- What responsibilities do believers have toward elderly saints to demonstrate God's faithful care?
- How can you prepare spiritually now for the physical challenges old age may bring?
Analysis & Commentary
The plea 'Cast me not off in the time of old age' addresses the fear of abandonment when strength fails. 'Forsake me not when my strength faileth' acknowledges aging's vulnerability. This prayer rests on God's covenant faithfulness—He who began the work will complete it (Philippians 1:6). The aged believer's confidence isn't in sustained vigor but in God's unchanging commitment. Physical decline doesn't diminish divine faithfulness.