How does Psalm 71:11 reflect the theme of divine abandonment? Verse Text “They say, ‘God has forsaken him; pursue him and seize him, for there is no one to rescue him.’” (Psalm 71:11) Historical-Literary Setting Psalm 71 is a prayer of an aging believer—traditionally attributed to David—who looks back on a lifetime of divine faithfulness (vv. 5-6, 17) while confronting new threats (vv. 9-13). In the Ancient Near Eastern honor-shame context, public claims that one’s god has abandoned him were devastating. The psalmist’s adversaries interpret his frailty and declining public power as proof that Yahweh has “forsaken” (ʿ āzab) him, opening the door for assault without fear of divine reprisal. Theme of Apparent Divine Abandonment in the Psalter Psalm 71:11 stands in a thematic line with Psalm 22:1 (“My God, My God, why have You forsaken me?”), Psalm 38:21, and Psalm 88:14-18. These passages articulate the believer’s anguish when circumstances seem to contradict covenant promises. The laments validate raw emotion while simultaneously driving the sufferer to reaffirm trust (Psalm 71:14). Covenantal Tension and Resolution Under the Mosaic and Davidic covenants Yahweh’s chesed (“steadfast love”) guarantees ultimate faithfulness (2 Samuel 7:15-16). Psalm 71 contrasts human accusation (“God has forsaken him”) with divine reality: “You are my hope, O Lord GOD, my confidence from my youth” (v. 5). The psalm resolves the tension by appealing to past acts of deliverance (vv. 17-19), reinforcing that perceived abandonment is never actual abandonment for the covenant community. Canonical Coherence Scripture consistently denies ultimate divine desertion of the righteous. Compare Isaiah 49:15-16; Matthew 28:20; Hebrews 13:5. Psalm 71:11 showcases the enemies’ slander, not God’s stance. Their claim is reversed when God vindicates His servant (vv. 24). Christological Foreshadowing The taunt anticipates accusations hurled at Jesus: “He trusts in God; let God deliver Him now” (Matthew 27:43, quoting Psalm 22:8). On the cross Christ experiences real dereliction (“My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?”), assuming our abandonment so believers never will (2 Corinthians 5:21). Psalm 71:11 thus prophetically participates in the Passion narrative, affirming substitutionary atonement and resurrection vindication (Acts 2:24-32). Psychological and Pastoral Dimensions Behavioral studies on aging confirm heightened vulnerability to isolation. Psalm 71 models adaptive coping: honest lament, memory rehearsal of past divine aid, and public proclamation of future hope (vv. 15-18). Practically, the verse invites today’s elderly to counter feelings of abandonment with worship, community involvement, and Scripture meditation. Theological Implications for Perseverance Psalm 71:11 clarifies that divine silence is not divine absence. The believer’s security rests on God’s immutable character, not on fluctuating emotions or external assessments. Romans 8:38-39 seals the promise: nothing “will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Practical Application for Worship and Evangelism When believers face accusations that “God has left you,” they may answer with the gospel narrative of a Savior who was truly forsaken in their place and now lives to intercede (Hebrews 7:25). For skeptics, the psalm invites honest appraisal of suffering and directs them to the risen Christ, the definitive proof that God has not abandoned humanity but has entered history to redeem it. Summary Psalm 71:11 reflects the theme of divine abandonment by recording the enemies’ assertion that God has deserted His servant, an accusation contradicted by covenant fidelity, vindicated by resurrection power, and pastorally transformed into assurance for every believer that “God has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.’” |
    |