Psalm 71:1-2, 3-4a, 5-6ab, 15ab+17 (6b)

“In you, O Lord, do I take refuge; let me never be put to shame.” (Psalm 71:1)

Psalm 71 has no title, evoking the idea that Psalms 70 and 71 might be viewed as a single unit. In view of their verbal affinities (see “Additional Insights: Corresponding Verbal and Thematic Connections in Psalms 69–72,” following the unit on Ps. 72), the latter psalm, perhaps composed by David himself in his old age, was likely adapted by the compiler of Book 2 to provide a transition to the new era of exile (69:33) that, according to Psalm 89, introduced some spiritual introspection about the failed Davidic dynasty and Israel’s future in the covenant. David’s kingship (or more generally, the monarchy), alongside the sanctuary, is the central institution of the Psalter, and the compiler of Book 2 sought to provide a transition from David the king to David the prophet, the latter “office” being a much more useful figure in the exile.

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