In You, O LORD, I have taken refuge;
This phrase emphasizes the psalmist's trust and reliance on God as a place of safety and protection. The concept of God as a refuge is a recurring theme in the Psalms, reflecting the ancient Near Eastern understanding of deities as protectors. In biblical times, cities of refuge were established as safe havens for those seeking asylum (Numbers 35:9-15), symbolizing God's role as a divine protector. This imagery is also seen in other scriptures such as Psalm 46:1, where God is described as "our refuge and strength." The use of "LORD" (YHWH) signifies a personal relationship with the covenant-keeping God of Israel, highlighting the psalmist's faith in God's unchanging nature.

let me never be put to shame.
Shame in the biblical context often refers to public disgrace or dishonor. In ancient Israel, honor and shame were significant cultural values, affecting one's social standing and community relationships. The plea to "never be put to shame" reflects a desire for vindication and divine justice, trusting that God will uphold the psalmist's honor. This request is echoed in other Psalms, such as Psalm 25:2-3, where the psalmist seeks deliverance from enemies and the avoidance of shame. Theologically, this can be seen as a foreshadowing of the ultimate vindication found in Christ, who bore our shame on the cross (Hebrews 12:2) and offers believers a place of honor in God's kingdom.

1. The Psalmist
Traditionally attributed to David, the psalmist is seeking refuge and deliverance from God, expressing trust and dependence on the Lord.

2. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant name of God, emphasizing His faithfulness and relationship with His people.

3. Enemies/Oppressors
Though not mentioned in this specific verse, the context of the psalm includes adversaries from whom the psalmist seeks protection.Trust in God as Refuge
The Hebrew word for "refuge" (chasah) implies seeking shelter and protection. Believers are encouraged to actively place their trust in God, especially in times of trouble.

Avoiding Shame through Faith
The plea to "never be put to shame" reflects a deep trust that God will uphold His promises. Believers can have confidence that their faith in God will not lead to disgrace.

God's Faithfulness
The use of "LORD" (Yahweh) emphasizes God's covenant faithfulness. This assures believers that God is reliable and steadfast in His promises.

Prayer as a Means of Seeking Refuge
The psalmist's direct address to God models how believers can approach God in prayer, seeking His protection and deliverance.

Living with Confidence in God's Protection
Understanding God as a refuge allows believers to live with confidence and peace, knowing that God is their ultimate protector.1. What is the meaning of Psalm 71:1?

2. How does Psalm 71:1 inspire trust in God's protection and deliverance today?

3. What does "take refuge" in Psalm 71:1 teach about seeking God's safety?

4. How can Psalm 71:1 guide us in times of fear or uncertainty?

5. Which other scriptures emphasize trusting God as a refuge and deliverer?

6. How can we apply the trust expressed in Psalm 71:1 in daily life?

7. How does Psalm 71:1 reflect trust in God during times of adversity?

8. What historical context influenced the writing of Psalm 71:1?

9. How does Psalm 71:1 relate to the theme of divine protection?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Psalm 71?

11. In light of biblical accounts where the righteous do suffer (e.g., Job), does Psalm 91 contradict other Scriptures regarding God's protection?

12. Psalm 31:1 refers to God as a 'refuge,' so why do historical records still depict David facing ongoing military defeats?

13. In Psalm 110:1, how could David refer to the Messiah as 'my Lord' if the Messiah was supposed to be his descendant?

14. Psalm 32:7 depicts God as a hiding place from trouble; why do devout individuals still face suffering and calamities?In You

- The psalmist begins by fixing his gaze exclusively on God. Nothing else—no achievement, resource, or human ally—is worthy of ultimate trust.

- Psalm 62:1-2 echoes this single-minded focus: “My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from Him. He alone is my rock and my salvation.”

- Jeremiah 17:7-8 paints the result of such trust: those who rely on the Lord are “like a tree planted by the waters,” thriving even in drought.

- By saying “In You,” the writer positions God as the sole source of hope and safety, rejecting every competing refuge.

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O LORD

- “LORD” (YHWH) is the covenant name God revealed in Exodus 3:15. It reminds the reader that the One being addressed is faithful, personal, and committed to His people.

- Psalm 18:2 celebrates this same covenant faithfulness: “The LORD is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer.”

- Invoking the covenant name turns a general cry for help into a personal appeal to the God who promised, “I will never leave you nor forsake you” (Hebrews 13:5).

- Because the psalmist speaks to the covenant-keeping Lord, the plea that follows is grounded in unbreakable promises, not wishful thinking.

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I have taken refuge

- The verb pictures someone fleeing to a fortified stronghold.

• Psalm 91:1-2: “He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty…He is my refuge and my fortress.”

• Proverbs 18:10: “The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.”

- This is not a temporary hideout but a settled choice: “I have taken refuge.” The writer has already stepped inside God’s fortress and closed the door behind him.

- 2 Samuel 22:3 shows the same confidence: “My God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation.”

- By declaring refuge in the Lord, the psalmist publicly identifies with God, trusting Him to protect and vindicate.

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Let me never be put to shame

- “Shame” here means public defeat or disgrace, the humiliating outcome of misplaced trust.

- Psalm 25:2-3 voices the same plea: “Do not let me be put to shame, for none who wait for You will be put to shame.”

- Romans 10:11 applies this Old Testament assurance to believers in Christ: “Everyone who believes in Him will not be put to shame.”

- The request is bold but not presumptuous; it rests on God’s character. Because God’s honor is linked to the safety of those who trust Him, the psalmist can confidently ask never to be disgraced.

- 1 Peter 2:6 reaffirms this promise, citing Isaiah: “Whoever believes in Him will never be put to shame.” Faith in the Lord is never futile.

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summary

Psalm 71:1 unfolds like a confident declaration: the writer sets all trust “in” the covenant-keeping “LORD,” has already “taken refuge” in Him, and therefore prays never to be “put to shame.” Each phrase invites believers to do the same—turn away from self-reliance, run into God’s fortress, and rest assured that those who lean on Him will never face ultimate disgrace.

(1-3) These verses are borrowed, with some verbal alterations, from Psalm 31:1-3, where see Note.

Verse 1. - In thee, O Lord, do I put my trust let me never be put to confusion; rather, as in Psalm 31:1, "let me never Be ashamed;" or, let me never be put to shame (Cheyne).

Parallel Commentaries ...


In You,
בְּךָֽ־ (bə·ḵā-)
Preposition | second person masculine singular
Strong's Hebrew

O LORD,
יְהוָ֥ה (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

I have taken refuge;
חָסִ֑יתִי (ḥā·sî·ṯî)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common singular
Strong's 2620: To flee for, protection, to confide in

let me never
אַל־ (’al-)
Adverb
Strong's 408: Not

be put to shame.
אֵב֥וֹשָׁה (’ê·ḇō·wō·šāh)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect Cohortative - first person common singular
Strong's 954: To pale, to be ashamed, to be disappointed, delayed


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OT Poetry: Psalm 71:1 In you Yahweh I take refuge (Psalm Ps Psa.)