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Book of Psalms - Chapter 70 - Verse 5

70:5
But I am poor and needy: make haste unto me, O God: thou art my help and my deliverer; O LORD, make no tarrying.

Meaning

Psalm 70:5 is a cry for help from a place of desperation and need. The speaker acknowledges their impoverished state and their complete reliance on God for assistance. The plea for God to come quickly to their aid demonstrates a sense of urgency and desperation in the speaker's request. By referring to God as their help and deliverer, the speaker is expressing their faith and trust in God's ability to rescue them from their current circumstances. The phrase "O Lord, make no tarrying" further emphasizes the speaker's desire for God to act swiftly and without delay. This verse serves as a reminder that even in our most vulnerable moments, we can turn to God for help and find comfort in His intervention.

Theological Overview

In this verse, the psalmist acknowledges their vulnerable state, stating "But I am poor and needy." The term "poor" can be understood not only in a material sense but also as a recognition of one's spiritual emptiness and dependence on God. This declaration sets the stage for the psalmist's plea for God's immediate intervention, as they cry out, "make haste unto me, O God." The urgency of this request reflects the psalmist's deep sense of reliance on God for help and deliverance. The psalmist reassures themselves of God's role in their life, declaring, "thou art my help and my deliverer." The use of these terms emphasizes God's protection and salvation in times of trouble. The psalmist concludes the verse by appealing to the divine nature of God, urging, "O LORD, make no tarrying." This final plea highlights the psalmist's trust in God's prompt response to their cry for help, reinforcing the theme of dependence and faith throughout the verse.

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