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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Psalm 71:9 Do not discard me in my old age; do not forsake me when my strength fails.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/psalms/71-9.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/11/19_Psa_071_009.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Psalm 71:9 - In You, O LORD, I Have Taken Refuge" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Do not discard me in my old age; do not forsake me when my strength fails." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/psalms/71-9.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/psalms/71-9.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/psalms/">Psalms</a> > <a href="/psalms/71.htm">Chapter 71</a> > Verse 9</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad9.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/psalms/71-8.htm" title="Psalm 71:8">◄</a> Psalm 71:9 <a href="/psalms/71-10.htm" title="Psalm 71:10">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/psalms/71.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/psalms/71.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />Do not cast me away when I am old; do not forsake me when my strength is gone.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/psalms/71.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />And now, in my old age, don’t set me aside. Don’t abandon me when my strength is failing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/psalms/71.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Do not cast me off in the time of old age; forsake me not when my strength is spent.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/psalms/71.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Do not discard me in my old age; do not forsake me when my strength fails.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/psalms/71.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Cast me not off in the time of old age; forsake me not when my strength faileth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/psalms/71.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Do not cast me off in the time of old age; Do not forsake me when my strength fails.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/psalms/71.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Do not cast me away at the time of <i>my</i> old age; Do not abandon me when my strength fails.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/psalms/71.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Do not cast me off in the time of old age; Do not forsake me when my strength fails.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/psalms/71.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Do not cast me off in the time of old age; Do not forsake me when my strength fails.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/psalms/71.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Do not cast me off in the time of old age; Do not forsake me when my strength fails.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/psalms/71.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Do not cast me off <i>nor</i> send me away in the time of old age; Do not abandon me when my strength fails <i>and</i> I am weak.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/psalms/71.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Don’t discard me in my old age. As my strength fails, do not abandon me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/psalms/71.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Don&#8217t discard me in my old age; as my strength fails, do not abandon me. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/psalms/71.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Cast me not off in the time of old age; Forsake me not when my strength faileth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/psalms/71.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Don't throw me aside when I am old; don't desert me when my strength is gone. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/psalms/71.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Cast me not off in the time of old age; forsake me not when my strength faileth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/psalms/71.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Do not reject me when I am old or abandon me when I lose my strength.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/psalms/71.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Do not reject me now that I am old; do not abandon me now that I am feeble. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/psalms/71.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Don't throw me away when I am old; do not abandon me when my strength fails.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/psalms/71.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Do not discard me in my old age; do not forsake me when my strength fails.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/psalms/71.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Do not reject me in my old age! When my strength fails, do not abandon me! <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/psalms/71.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Do not reject me in my old age. Do not forsake me when my strength fails.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/psalms/71.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Cast me not off in the time of old age; forsake me not when my strength faileth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/psalms/71.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Don’t reject me in my old age. Don’t forsake me when my strength fails. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/psalms/71.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />Do not cast me off at the time of old age, "" Do not forsake me according to the consumption of my power.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/psalms/71.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> Cast me not off at the time of old age, According to the consumption of my power forsake me not.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/psalms/71.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />Thou wilt not cast me off to the time of old age; as my strength fails thou wilt not forsake me.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/psalms/71.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Cast me not off in the time of old age: when my strength shall fail, do not thou forsake me. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/psalms/71.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br /><V 70:9>Do not cast me off in the time of old age. Do not abandon me when my strength will fail.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/psalms/71.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Do not cast me aside in my old age; as my strength fails, do not forsake me. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/psalms/71.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Do not cast me off in the time of old age; do not forsake me when my strength is spent.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/psalms/71.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Cast me not off in the time of old age; forsake me not when my strength fails.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/psalms/71.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />Do not cast me off at the time of old age; when my power fails, do not leave me<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/psalms/71.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />Cast me not off in the time of old age; When my strength faileth, forsake me not.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/psalms/71.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />Cast me not off at the time of old age; forsake me not when my strength fails.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/psalms/71-9.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/nFaD2oDhKPc?start=8503" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/psalms/71.htm">In You, O LORD, I Have Taken Refuge</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">8</span>My mouth is filled with Your praise and with Your splendor all day long. <span class="reftext">9</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/408.htm" title="408: ’al- (Adv) -- Not (a subjective neg.). A negative particle; not; once as a noun, nothing.">Do not</a> <a href="/hebrew/7993.htm" title="7993: taš·lî·ḵê·nî (V-Hifil-Imperf-2ms:: 1cs) -- To throw, fling, cast. A primitive root; to throw out, down or away.">discard me</a> <a href="/hebrew/6256.htm" title="6256: lə·‘êṯ (Prep-l:: N-csc) -- Time. From ad; time, especially now, when, etc."></a> <a href="/hebrew/2209.htm" title="2209: ziq·nāh (N-fs) -- Old age. Feminine of zaqen; old age.">in my old age;</a> <a href="/hebrew/408.htm" title="408: ’al- (Adv) -- Not (a subjective neg.). A negative particle; not; once as a noun, nothing.">do not</a> <a href="/hebrew/5800.htm" title="5800: ta·‘az·ḇê·nî (V-Qal-Imperf-2ms:: 1cs) -- To loosen, relinquish, permit. A primitive root; to loosen, i.e. Relinquish, permit, etc.">forsake me</a> <a href="/hebrew/3581.htm" title="3581: kō·ḥî (N-msc:: 1cs) -- Or kowach; from an unused root meaning to be firm; vigor, literally or figuratively; also a large lizard.">when my strength</a> <a href="/hebrew/3615.htm" title="3615: kiḵ·lō·wṯ (Prep-k:: V-Qal-Inf) -- To be complete, at an end, finished, accomplished, or spent. A primitive root; to end, whether intransitive or transitived.">fails.</a> </span><span class="reftext">10</span>For my enemies speak against me, and those who lie in wait for my life conspire,…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/46-4.htm">Isaiah 46:4</a></span><br />Even to your old age, I will be the same, and I will bear you up when you turn gray. I have made you, and I will carry you; I will sustain you and deliver you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_corinthians/4-16.htm">2 Corinthians 4:16</a></span><br />Therefore we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, yet our inner self is being renewed day by day.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/41-10.htm">Isaiah 41:10</a></span><br />Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will surely help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/31-6.htm">Deuteronomy 31:6</a></span><br />Be strong and courageous; do not be afraid or terrified of them, for it is the LORD your God who goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/13-5.htm">Hebrews 13:5</a></span><br />Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, for God has said: “Never will I leave you, never will I forsake you.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/40-29.htm">Isaiah 40:29-31</a></span><br />He gives power to the faint and increases the strength of the weak. / Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall. / But those who wait upon the LORD will renew their strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not faint.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_timothy/4-16.htm">2 Timothy 4:16-17</a></span><br />At my first defense, no one stood with me, but everyone deserted me. May it not be charged against them. / But the Lord stood by me and strengthened me, so that through me the message would be fully proclaimed, and all the Gentiles would hear it. So I was delivered from the mouth of the lion.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/37-25.htm">Psalm 37:25</a></span><br />I once was young and now am old, yet never have I seen the righteous abandoned or their children begging for bread.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/5-7.htm">1 Peter 5:7</a></span><br />Cast all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/42-16.htm">Isaiah 42:16</a></span><br />I will lead the blind by a way they did not know; I will guide them on unfamiliar paths. I will turn darkness into light before them and rough places into level ground. These things I will do for them, and I will not forsake them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_corinthians/12-9.htm">2 Corinthians 12:9-10</a></span><br />But He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly in my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest on me. / That is why, for the sake of Christ, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/92-14.htm">Psalm 92:14</a></span><br />In old age they will still bear fruit; healthy and green they will remain,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/philippians/4-13.htm">Philippians 4:13</a></span><br />I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/lamentations/3-31.htm">Lamentations 3:31-32</a></span><br />For the Lord will not cast us off forever. / Even if He causes grief, He will show compassion according to His abundant loving devotion.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/28-20.htm">Matthew 28:20</a></span><br />and teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Cast me not off in the time of old age; forsake me not when my strength fails.</p><p class="hdg">Cast</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/71-18.htm">Psalm 71:18</a></b></br> Now also when I am old and grayheaded, O God, forsake me not; until I have shewed thy strength unto <i>this</i> generation, <i>and</i> thy power to every one <i>that</i> is to come.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/92-13.htm">Psalm 92:13-15</a></b></br> Those that be planted in the house of the LORD shall flourish in the courts of our God… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/isaiah/46-4.htm">Isaiah 46:4</a></b></br> And <i>even</i> to <i>your</i> old age I <i>am</i> he; and <i>even</i> to hoar hairs will I carry <i>you</i>: I have made, and I will bear; even I will carry, and will deliver <i>you</i>.</p><p class="hdg">old age.</p><p class="hdg">when</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/73-26.htm">Psalm 73:26</a></b></br> My flesh and my heart faileth: <i>but</i> God <i>is</i> the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/90-10.htm">Psalm 90:10</a></b></br> The days of our years <i>are</i> threescore years and ten; and if by reason of strength <i>they be</i> fourscore years, yet <i>is</i> their strength labour and sorrow; for it is soon cut off, and we fly away.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_samuel/19-35.htm">2 Samuel 19:35</a></b></br> I <i>am</i> this day fourscore years old: <i>and</i> can I discern between good and evil? can thy servant taste what I eat or what I drink? can I hear any more the voice of singing men and singing women? wherefore then should thy servant be yet a burden unto my lord the king?</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/psalms/71-1.htm">Age</a> <a href="/psalms/68-4.htm">Cast</a> <a href="/nehemiah/9-31.htm">Consumption</a> <a href="/psalms/49-8.htm">Faileth</a> <a href="/psalms/40-12.htm">Fails</a> <a href="/psalms/38-21.htm">Forsake</a> <a href="/psalms/71-2.htm">Help</a> <a href="/psalms/68-35.htm">Power</a> <a href="/psalms/44-23.htm">Reject</a> <a href="/psalms/39-10.htm">Spent</a> <a href="/psalms/68-35.htm">Strength</a> <a href="/psalms/71-5.htm">Time</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/psalms/71-18.htm">Age</a> <a href="/psalms/73-18.htm">Cast</a> <a href="/proverbs/5-11.htm">Consumption</a> <a href="/psalms/73-26.htm">Faileth</a> <a href="/psalms/73-26.htm">Fails</a> <a href="/psalms/71-18.htm">Forsake</a> <a href="/psalms/71-12.htm">Help</a> <a href="/psalms/71-18.htm">Power</a> <a href="/psalms/77-7.htm">Reject</a> <a href="/proverbs/5-11.htm">Spent</a> <a href="/psalms/71-16.htm">Strength</a> <a href="/psalms/71-17.htm">Time</a><div class="vheading2">Psalm 71</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/71-1.htm">David, in confidence of faith, and experience of God's favor, prays both for himself, </a></span><br><span class="reftext">10. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/71-10.htm">and against the enemies of his soul</a></span><br><span class="reftext">14. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/71-14.htm">He promises constancy</a></span><br><span class="reftext">17. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/71-17.htm">He prays for perseverance</a></span><br><span class="reftext">19. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/71-19.htm">He praises God, and promises to do it cheerfully</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/psalms/71.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/psalms/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/psalms/71.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>Do not discard me in my old age;</b><br>This plea reflects the psalmist's deep concern about being abandoned in a time of vulnerability. In ancient Israel, the elderly were often respected and cared for within the family unit, but there was also a fear of being neglected as one's physical abilities waned. The psalmist's request can be seen as a call for God's continued presence and support, emphasizing the value and dignity of life at every stage. This phrase resonates with the biblical theme of God's faithfulness, as seen in <a href="/isaiah/46-4.htm">Isaiah 46:4</a>, where God promises to sustain and carry His people even to their old age.<p><b>do not forsake me when my strength fails.</b><br>The acknowledgment of failing strength highlights the human condition and the inevitable decline that comes with aging. This vulnerability is a common theme in the Psalms, where the writers often express their dependence on God in times of weakness. The psalmist's appeal for God's presence during this period mirrors the assurance found in <a href="/deuteronomy/31-6.htm">Deuteronomy 31:6</a>, where God promises never to leave nor forsake His people. This phrase also foreshadows the New Testament revelation of Jesus Christ, who promises rest and support to those who are weary and burdened (<a href="/matthew/11-28.htm">Matthew 11:28-30</a>), embodying God's unwavering commitment to His followers.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/d/david.htm">David (Traditionally Attributed Author)</a></b><br>While the author of <a href="/bsb/psalms/71.htm">Psalm 71</a> is not explicitly named, it is traditionally attributed to David, who often expressed reliance on God throughout his life, especially in times of weakness or distress.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/o/old_age.htm">Old Age</a></b><br>The psalmist refers to a period in life characterized by declining physical strength and increased vulnerability, a time when reliance on God becomes even more crucial.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/g/god.htm">God (Yahweh)</a></b><br>The central figure to whom the psalmist appeals for continued presence and support, emphasizing God's faithfulness and enduring care.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_faithfulness_in_all_seasons.htm">God's Faithfulness in All Seasons</a></b><br>God remains faithful and present throughout every stage of life, including old age. Believers can trust in His unchanging nature and care.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_value_of_lifelong_dependence_on_god.htm">The Value of Lifelong Dependence on God</a></b><br>The psalmist's plea highlights the importance of maintaining a relationship with God throughout life, recognizing our need for His strength and support.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/strength_in_weakness.htm">Strength in Weakness</a></b><br>When physical strength wanes, spiritual strength can flourish. God's power is often most evident in our weaknesses, inviting us to rely more fully on Him.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_the_community_of_faith.htm">The Role of the Community of Faith</a></b><br>As believers age, the community of faith plays a vital role in providing support and encouragement, reflecting God's care through tangible acts of love and service.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_psalm_71.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Psalm 71</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_fear_abandonment_in_old_age.htm">In Psalm 71:9, why does the psalmist fear abandonment in old age if God’s presence is said to be constant elsewhere in the Bible? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_leads_your_heart_to_truth.htm">What does the Bible say about aging?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_the_bible_say_on_elder_care.htm">What guidance does the Bible offer on elder care?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_the_bible_say_about_aging.htm">What does the Bible say about aging?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/psalms/71.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(9-11) This piece may be compared with <a href="/context/psalms/41-6.htm" title="And if he come to see me, he speaks vanity: his heart gathers iniquity to itself; when he goes abroad, he tells it.">Psalm 41:6-8</a>. The formal "saying" (<a href="/psalms/71-11.htm" title="Saying, God has forsaken him: persecute and take him; for there is none to deliver him.">Psalm 71:11</a>), introducing a quotation, is an indication of a late date, the early literature employing no signs of quotation. (See, <span class= "ital">e.g., </span><a href="/psalms/68-12.htm" title="Kings of armies did flee apace: and she that tarried at home divided the spoil.">Psalm 68:12</a>; <a href="/psalms/68-26.htm" title="Bless you God in the congregations, even the Lord, from the fountain of Israel.">Psalm 68:26</a>.)<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/psalms/71.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 9.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Cast me not off in the lime of old age.</span> This expression, combined with the allusion to old age and grey hairs in ver. 18, indicates that the writer was drawing near to the natural term of human life, and already felt the infirmities of old age creeping upon him. This note of date suits better the time of Adonijah's rebellion than that of Absalom's. <span class="cmt_word">Forsake me not when my strength faileth.</span> An appeal to the Divine compassion. If God was his "Rock and Fortress" (ver. 3), his "strong Refuge" (ver. 7), when he was in his full vigour, much more will he support and befriend him when be is weak and helpless. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/psalms/71-9.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">Do not</span><br /><span class="heb">אַֽל־</span> <span class="translit">(’al-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_408.htm">Strong's 408: </a> </span><span class="str2">Not</span><br /><br /><span class="word">discard me</span><br /><span class="heb">תַּ֭שְׁלִיכֵנִי</span> <span class="translit">(taš·lî·ḵê·nî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - second person masculine singular | first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7993.htm">Strong's 7993: </a> </span><span class="str2">To throw out, down, away</span><br /><br /><span class="word">in my old age;</span><br /><span class="heb">זִקְנָ֑ה</span> <span class="translit">(ziq·nāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2209.htm">Strong's 2209: </a> </span><span class="str2">Old age</span><br /><br /><span class="word">do not</span><br /><span class="heb">אַֽל־</span> <span class="translit">(’al-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_408.htm">Strong's 408: </a> </span><span class="str2">Not</span><br /><br /><span class="word">forsake me</span><br /><span class="heb">תַּעַזְבֵֽנִי׃</span> <span class="translit">(ta·‘az·ḇê·nî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular | first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5800.htm">Strong's 5800: </a> </span><span class="str2">To loosen, relinquish, permit</span><br /><br /><span class="word">when my strength</span><br /><span class="heb">כֹּ֝חִ֗י</span> <span class="translit">(kō·ḥî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3581.htm">Strong's 3581: </a> </span><span class="str2">A small reptile (of unknown species)</span><br /><br /><span class="word">fails.</span><br /><span class="heb">כִּכְל֥וֹת</span> <span class="translit">(kiḵ·lō·wṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-k | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3615.htm">Strong's 3615: </a> </span><span class="str2">To be complete, at an end, finished, accomplished, or spent</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/psalms/71-9.htm">Psalm 71:9 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/psalms/71-9.htm">Psalm 71:9 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/psalms/71-9.htm">Psalm 71:9 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/psalms/71-9.htm">Psalm 71:9 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/psalms/71-9.htm">Psalm 71:9 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/psalms/71-9.htm">Psalm 71:9 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/psalms/71-9.htm">Psalm 71:9 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/psalms/71-9.htm">Psalm 71:9 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/psalms/71-9.htm">Psalm 71:9 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/psalms/71-9.htm">Psalm 71:9 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/psalms/71-9.htm">OT Poetry: Psalm 71:9 Don't reject me in my old age (Psalm Ps Psa.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/psalms/71-8.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Psalm 71:8"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Psalm 71:8" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/psalms/71-10.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Psalm 71:10"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Psalm 71:10" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>