Why does the psalm repeat language from earlier psalms?
Mature prayer often inhabits remembered Scripture. Reuse displays canonical meditation, not lack of originality.
PSALM 71 — HOPE FROM YOUTH TO OLD AGE
Why does the psalm repeat language from earlier psalms? Study Psalm 71 with context, apologetic analysis, and cross-references.
Psalm 713 questions
Source linked
Commentary provenance
Dr. Lucas D. Shallua Commentary · PSALM 71 — HOPE FROM YOUTH TO OLD AGE
The precise difficulties
- Why does the psalm repeat language from earlier psalms?
- Does verse 20 blame God for suffering?
- Is resurrection taught in verse 20?
Verse and question study
Does verse 20 blame God for suffering?
It acknowledges providential sovereignty—God has “shown” troubles—without making him morally identical to evil agents. The same God revives and comforts, while enemies remain accountable.
Is resurrection taught in verse 20?
“Depths of earth” can poetically describe mortal danger, but revival from them contributes to the Old Testament's growing hope that God's saving authority reaches death itself.
Historical and literary context
Psalm 71 has no superscription in the Hebrew Psalter and weaves language from Psalms 22, 31, 35, 40, and 70 into a mature testimony. The Greek tradition associates it with David and the sons of Jonadab, but the Hebrew text leaves authorship open. It is an individual lament and confidence psalm shaped by old age. Its absence of a title may link it to Psalm 70, though it functions independently. English Psalm 71 is Psalm 70 in Greek/Latin numbering.
Apologetic note
Psalm 71 gives advanced age theological dignity while honestly naming vulnerability, loss of strength, and opportunistic abuse. Human value rests neither on productivity nor independence. The elderly worshiper remains learner, witness, historian, intercessor, and bearer of hope.
Chapter cross-references
- Psalm 22:9–10 Dependence from the womb
- Psalm 31:1–3 Refuge, righteousness, and rock
- Psalm 40:5 God's wonders are beyond counting
- Psalm 92:12–15 The righteous bear fruit in old age
- Isaiah 46:3–4 God carries his people to gray hairs
- Joel 1:2–3 Divine works are told through generations
- Luke 2:25–38 Simeon and Anna witness faithfully in old age
- Acts 13:36–37 David serves God's purpose in his generation
- 2 Corinthians 4:16–18 Inward renewal amid outward wasting
- 2 Timothy 4:6–8 Mature faith anticipates completed witness
- Titus 2:2–5 Older believers teach faithful life
- Revelation 1:17–18 Christ holds the keys of death
Source and editorial status
Dr. Shallua’s Commentary
This study preserves the hard questions, explanations, context, apologetic note, and references from Dr. Shallua's Commentary.