Psalms – Chapter 70

Old Testament24 Verses

1A psalm for David. Of the sons of Jonadab, and the former captives. In thee, O Lord, I have hoped, let me never be put to confusion:

2Deliver me in thy justice, and rescue me. Incline thy ear unto me, and save me.

3Be thou unto me a God, a protector, and a place of strength: that thou mayst make me safe. For thou art my firmament and my refuge.

4Deliver me, O my God, out of the hand of the sinner, and out of the hand of the transgressor of the law and of the unjust.

5For thou art my patience, O Lord: my hope, O Lord, from my youth.

6By thee have I been confirmed from the womb: from my mother's womb thou art my protector. Of thee I shall continually sing:

7I am become unto many as a wonder, but thou art a strong helper.

8Let my mouth be filled with praise, that I may sing thy glory; thy greatness all the day long.

9Cast me not off in the time of old age: when my strength shall fail, do not thou forsake me.

10For my enemies have spoken against me; and they that watched my soul have consulted together,

11Saying: God hath forsaken him: pursue and take him, for there is none to deliver him.

12O God, be not thou far from me: O my God, make haste to my help.

13Let them be confounded and come to nothing that detract my soul; let them be covered with confusion and blame that seek my hurt.

14But I will always hope; and will add to all thy praise.

15My mouth shall shew forth thy justice; thy salvation all the day long. Because I have not known learning,

16I will enter into the powers of the Lord: O Lord, I will be mindful of thy justice alone.

17Thou hast taught me, O God, from my youth: and till now I will declare thy wonderful works.

18And unto old age and grey hairs: O God, forsake me not, Until I shew forth thy arm to all the generation that is to come: Thy power,

19And thy justice, O God, even to the highest great things thou hast done: O God, who is like to thee?

20How great troubles hast thou shewn me, many and grievous: and turning thou hast brought me to life, and hast brought me back again from the depths of the earth:

21Thou hast multiplied thy magnificence; and turning to me thou hast comforted me.

22For I will also confess to thee thy truth with the instruments of psaltery: O God, I will sing to thee with the harp, thou holy one of Israel.

23My lips shall greatly rejoice, when I shall sing to thee; and my soul which thou hast redeemed.

24Yea and my tongue shall meditate on thy justice all the day; when they shall be confounded and put to shame that seek evils to me.

Reflection for Today

Psalms Chapter 70 continues the biblical theme of prayer, praise, and the full range of human emotion before God. According to Catholic teaching, the Psalms are the prayer book of the Church, prayed daily in the Liturgy of the Hours (CIC 2585-2589). This chapter invites us to reflect on God invites us to bring all our emotions to Him.

The Church Fathers and saints have meditated on these passages for centuries, finding in them nourishment for the spiritual life. The Catechism teaches that "the Sacred Scriptures contain the Word of God and, because they are inspired, they are truly the Word of God" (CIC 135). As we read this chapter, we join the great Tradition of Catholic biblical interpretation.

Catholic spirituality encourages us to approach Scripture with faith, seeking not merely information but transformation. Through the practice of lectio divina—reading, meditation, prayer, and contemplation—we allow God's Word to penetrate our hearts. May this chapter deepen your love for God and neighbor, and strengthen your commitment to live the Gospel in daily life.

💡Catholic Reflection • Church Teachings

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