Psalms 71:11 (KJV)

What does Psalms 71:11 mean?

Psalms 71:11 describes enemies claiming that God has abandoned the psalmist, urging each other to pursue and capture him because they believe no one will rescue him. The verse shows the psalmist’s vulnerable position and the confidence his enemies have in his defeat.

The speaker in Psalms 71:11 is the psalmist, likely David or someone in a similar situation, describing what his enemies are saying about him. The enemies interpret the psalmist’s troubles as a sign that God (אֱלֹהִים, Elohim) has forsaken (עָזַב, azav) him, so they feel free to attack without fear of divine intervention. This verse highlights the sense of isolation and danger the psalmist feels, as well as the cruel opportunism of those who oppose him.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 71:11

• אֱלֹהִים (Elohim, “God”): The enemies specifically mention God, showing that their confidence comes from believing the psalmist has lost divine support.
• עָזַב (azav, “forsaken”): This word means to leave or abandon. The enemies see the psalmist’s suffering as proof that God has left him alone.
• רָדַף (radaph, “persecute”): This word often means to chase or pursue. The enemies urge each other to actively hunt the psalmist, not just passively wait for his downfall.
• תָּפַשׂ (taphas, “take”): This word means to seize or capture. The enemies are not just threatening; they plan to physically overpower him.
• נָצַל (natsal, “deliver”): This word means to rescue or save. The enemies believe there is no one left who can save the psalmist, emphasizing his apparent helplessness.

Why Psalms 71:11 matters

• Psalms 71:11 clears up that the psalmist’s enemies are not just attacking him physically but are also attacking his relationship with God, using his suffering as evidence against him.
• The verse highlights a common biblical theme: people often misinterpret hardship as a sign of God’s absence, when it may not be so.
• Understanding this verse helps readers see the depth of the psalmist’s distress and the cruelty of his enemies, setting up the psalmist’s later appeals to God for help and vindication.