Psalm 70

Last updated
This article is about Psalm 70 in Hebrew (Masoretic) numbering. For Psalm 70 in Greek Septuagint or Latin Vulgate numbering, see Psalm 71 .

Psalm 70
"Make haste, O God, to deliver me"
Mainz stundenbuch.jpg
"Deus in adiutorium meum intende"
in a Mainz Book of Hours, c. 1450
Other name
LanguageHebrew (original)

Psalm 70 is the 70th psalm of the Book of Psalms, beginning in English in the King James Version: "Make haste, O God, to deliver me". The Book of Psalms is part of the third section of the Hebrew Bible, [1] and a book of the Christian Old Testament. In the slightly different numbering system used in the Greek Septuagint and Latin Vulgate translations of the Bible, this psalm is Psalm 69. In Latin, it is known as "Deus, in adiutorium meum intende". [2]

Contents

There are 5 verses (6 in the Hebrew verse numbering). [3] The entire psalm is almost identical to the closing verses of Psalm 40. Verse 1 is used as the liturgical opening prayer to every hour of the Liturgy of the Hours.

The psalm forms a regular part of Jewish, Catholic, Lutheran, Anglican and other Protestant liturgies. It has often been set to music, especially in music for vespers which its beginning opens, such as in Monteverdi's Vespro della Beata Vergine .

Background and themes

The opening verse in the Hebrew identifies this psalm as one of remembrance (Hebrew : להכיר, "to remember"). This opening term appears in only one other psalm, Psalm 38. [4]

This entire psalm is virtually identical to the closing verses of Psalm 40 (verses 14–18 in the Hebrew, 13–17 in the KJV). [4] [5] According to the Malbim, Psalm 40 was composed by David when he was fleeing from Saul, and David repeated this psalm later when he was fleeing from Absalom. [4] The Midrash Tehillim notes a slight discrepancy between verse 6 here ("But I am poor and needy, O God, make haste unto me") and verse 18 in Psalm 40 ("But I am poor and needy, may the Lord think of me"). The Midrash teaches that David was telling God, "Think of me in my poverty and in my need, and You will then make haste to deliver me, for You are my help and my deliverer". [6]

Regarding the similarity between Psalms 40 and 70, Matthew Henry notes that it can sometimes be efficacious to recite the prayers one prayed in similar situations, investing them with new emotion. [5]

The opening verse is literally "God, to deliver me, to my help! Hurry!" It is a sped up and abbreviated version of Psalm 40:14. This is consistent with hasten used repeatedly in the opening. In some views, the first verses of Psalm 40 concern the coming anointed and His deliverance, while the later verses concern the desperate in general. It is the later verses of Psalm 40 carried over to Psalm 70. [7]

Text

Hebrew

The following table shows the Hebrew text [8] [9] of the Psalm with vowels alongside an English translation based upon the JPS 1917 translation (now in the public domain).

VerseHebrewEnglish translation (JPS 1917)
1לַ֝מְנַצֵּ֗חַ לְדָוִ֥ד לְהַזְכִּֽיר׃‎For the Leader. [A Psalm] of David; to make memorial.
2אֱלֹהִ֥ים לְהַצִּילֵ֑נִי יְ֝הֹוָ֗ה לְעֶזְרָ֥תִי חֽוּשָׁה׃‎O God, to deliver me, O LORD, to help me, make haste.
3יֵבֹ֣שׁוּ וְיַחְפְּרוּ֮ מְבַקְשֵׁ֢י נַ֫פְשִׁ֥י יִסֹּ֣גוּ אָ֭חוֹר וְיִכָּלְמ֑וּ חֲ֝פֵצֵ֗י רָעָתִֽי׃‎Let them be ashamed and abashed That seek after my soul; Let them be turned backward and brought to confusion That delight in my hurt.
4יָ֭שׁוּבוּ עַל־עֵ֣קֶב בׇּשְׁתָּ֑ם הָ֝אֹמְרִ֗ים הֶ֘אָ֥ח ׀ הֶאָֽח׃‎Let them be turned back by reason of their shame That say: 'Aha, aha.'
5יָ֘שִׂ֤ישׂוּ וְיִשְׂמְח֨וּ ׀ בְּךָ֗ כׇּֽל־מְבַ֫קְשֶׁ֥יךָ וְיֹאמְר֣וּ תָ֭מִיד יִגְדַּ֣ל אֱלֹהִ֑ים אֹ֝הֲבֵ֗י יְשׁוּעָתֶֽךָ׃‎Let all those that seek Thee rejoice and be glad in Thee; And let such as love Thy salvation say continually: 'Let God be magnified.'
6וַאֲנִ֤י ׀ עָנִ֣י וְאֶבְיוֹן֮ אֱלֹהִ֢ים ח֫וּשָׁה־לִּ֥י עֶזְרִ֣י וּמְפַלְטִ֣י אַ֑תָּה יְ֝הֹוָ֗ה אַל־תְּאַחַֽר׃ {פ‎}But I am poor and needy; O God, make haste unto me; Thou art my help and my deliverer; O LORD, tarry not.

King James Version

  1. Make haste, O God, to deliver me; make haste to help me, O LORD.
  2. Let them be ashamed and confounded that seek after my soul: let them be turned backward, and put to confusion, that desire my hurt.
  3. Let them be turned back for a reward of their shame that say, Aha, aha.
  4. Let all those that seek thee rejoice and be glad in thee: and let such as love thy salvation say continually, Let God be magnified.
  5. But I 𝘢𝘮 poor and needy: make haste unto me, O God: thou art my help and my deliverer; O LORD, make no tarrying.

Uses

Psalm 69 (psalm 70 in the Hebrew numbering), "Deus, in adiutorium meum intende," and the beginning of psalm 68 (69), "Salvum me fac, Deus", in Les Tres Riches Heures du duc de Berry, Folio 153v the Musee Conde, Chantilly. Folio 153v - Psalm LXVIII.jpg
Psalm 69 (psalm 70 in the Hebrew numbering), "Deus, in adiutorium meum intende," and the beginning of psalm 68 (69), "Salvum me fac, Deus", in Les Très Riches Heures du duc de Berry , Folio 153v the Musée Condé, Chantilly.

Judaism

Psalm 70 is traditionally recited in wartime. [10]

Catholic

The first verse of this psalm, "Deus in adjutorium meum intende" (O God, come to my assistance), with the response, "Domine ad adjuvandum me festina" (O Lord, make haste to help me), forms the introductory prayer to every Hour of the Roman, monastic, and Ambrosian Breviaries, except during the last three days of Holy Week, and in the Office of the Dead. While these words are said or sung, all present sign themselves with the sign of the cross. [11]

Book of Common Prayer

In the Church of England's Book of Common Prayer , this psalm is appointed to be read on the evening of the 13th day of the month. [12]

Musical settings

As the standard phrase to open liturgical Hours, the beginning of Psalm 70 was often set to music, especially as part of music for vespers services. Claudio Monteverdi wrote a six-part setting with orchestra to begin his Vespro della Beata Vergine , published in 1610, using a revised version of the opening Toccata of his opera L'Orfeo , scored for two cornettos, three trombones, strings, and continuo. It has been described as a "call to attention" and "a piece whose brilliance is only matched by the audacity of its conception". [13] [14]

William Byrd wrote a setting for six voices early in his career, but did not publish it for public consumption; the manuscript is found in the Baldwin Partbooks, with the exception of the tenor partbook, which has been lost.

Heinrich Schütz set the psalm in a metred version in German, "Eil, Herr mein Gott, zu retten mich", SWV 167, as part of the Becker Psalter , first published in 1628.

Baldassare Galuppi composed a four-part setting of the complete psalm in Latin for choir and orchestra. [15]

In 1691, Michel-Richard de Lalande composed a grand motet (catalogué S.33) for chorus, soloists and treble strings. Henry Desmarest composed a grand motet "Deus in adjuditorium" (unknown date).

Benjamin Britten set this psalm to music as part of the score he wrote for the play This Way to the Tomb in 1945. [16] In 1951 Alan Hovhaness set the first verse in his choral work Make Haste. [17]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Psalm 108</span> Sacred song in the Hebrew Bible

Psalm 108 is the 108th psalm in the Book of Psalms. It is a hymn psalm, beginning in English in the King James Version: "O God, my heart is fixed; I will sing and give praise, even with my glory". In the slightly different numbering system used in the Greek Septuagint version of the bible, and in the Latin Vulgate, this psalm is Psalm 107.In Latin, it is known as "Paratum cor meum Deus". It is attributed to David.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Psalm 150</span> Biblical psalm

Psalm 150 is the 150th and final psalm of the Book of Psalms, beginning in English in the King James Version: "Praise ye the LORD. Praise God in his sanctuary". In Latin, it is known as "Laudate Dominum in sanctis eius". In Psalm 150, the psalmist urges the congregation to praise God with music and dancing, naming nine types of musical instruments.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Psalm 6</span> Biblical psalm

Psalm 6 is the sixth psalm of the Book of Psalms, beginning in English in the King James Version: "O LORD, rebuke me not in thine anger, neither chasten me in thy hot displeasure". In Latin, it is known as "Domine ne in furore tuo arguas me". This penitential psalm is traditionally attributed to David.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Psalm 7</span> Biblical psalm

Psalm 7 is the seventh psalm of the Book of Psalms, beginning in English in the King James Version: "O LORD my God, in thee do I put my trust: save me from all them that persecute me, and deliver me". In Latin, it is known as "Domine Deus meus in te speravi". Its authorship is traditionally assigned to King David. The message in the psalm is that the righteous may seem weak, but ultimately will prevail against the wicked.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Psalm 40</span> Biblical psalm

Psalm 40 is the 40th psalm of the Book of Psalms, beginning in English in the King James Version: "I waited patiently for the LORD". The Book of Psalms is part of the third section of the Hebrew Bible, and a book of the Christian Old Testament. In the slightly different numbering system used in the Greek Septuagint and Latin Vulgate translations of the Bible, this psalm is Psalm 39. In Latin, it is known by the incipit, "Expectans expectavi Dominum". It is described by the Jerusalem Bible as a "song of praise and prayer for help".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Psalm 143</span>

Psalm 143 is the 143rd psalm of the Book of Psalms, beginning in English in the King James Version: "Hear my prayer, O LORD". In the slightly different numbering system used in the Greek Septuagint version of the Bible, and the Latin Vulgate, this psalm is Psalm 142. In Latin, it is known as "Domine exaudi orationem meam". It is part of the final Davidic collection of psalms, comprising Psalms 138 to 145, which are specifically attributed to David in their opening verses. It is one of the seven Penitential Psalms. The New King James Version calls it "An Earnest Appeal for Guidance and Deliverance". The psalm has two equal sections, verses 1-6 and 7-12, separated by a Selah.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Psalm 131</span>

Psalm 131 is the 131st psalm of the Book of Psalms, beginning in English in the King James Version: "Lord, my heart is not haughty". In Latin, it is known as "Domine non est exaltatum cor meum". In the slightly different numbering system used in the Greek Septuagint version of the bible and in the Latin Vulgate, this psalm is Psalm 130.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Psalm 122</span>

Psalm 122 is the 122nd psalm of the Book of Psalms, beginning in English in the King James Version: "I was glad" and in Latin entitled Laetatus sum. It is attributed to King David and one of the fifteen psalms described as A song of ascents. Its title, I was glad, is reflected in a number of choral introits by various composers.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Psalm 54</span> Biblical psalm

Psalm 54 is the 54th psalm of the Book of Psalms, beginning in English in the King James Version: "Save me, O God, by thy name, and judge me by thy strength". In the slightly different numbering system used in the Greek Septuagint and Latin Vulgate translations of the Bible, this psalm is Psalm 53. In Latin, it is known as "Deus in nomine tuo salvum me fac", Attributed to David, it was written for one who finds oneself betrayed by a friend.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Psalm 55</span> Biblical psalm

Psalm 55 is the 55th psalm of the Book of Psalms, beginning in English in the King James Version, "Give ear to my prayer, O God, and hide not thyself from my supplication". The Book of Psalms forms part of the ketuvim, the third section of the Hebrew Bible, and is part of the Christian Old Testament. In the slightly different numbering system of the Greek Septuagint version of the Bible, and in the Latin Vulgate, this psalm is Psalm 54. In Latin, it is known as "Exaudi Deus orationem meam". The psalm is a lament in which the author grieves because he is surrounded by enemies, and one of his closest friends has betrayed him.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Psalm 56</span> Biblical psalm

Psalm 56 is the 56th psalm of the Book of Psalms, beginning in English in the King James Version: "Be merciful unto me, O God: for man would swallow me up". In the slightly different numbering system of the Greek Septuagint version of the Bible and the Latin Vulgate, this psalm is Psalm 55. In Latin, it is known as "Miserere mei Deus quoniam conculcavit me homo". The psalm is the first of a series of five psalms in this part of the book which are referred to as Miktams. It is attributed to King David and may be considered representative of him or anyone else hiding from an enemy.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Psalm 60</span> Sacred song from the Hebrew Bible

Psalm 60 is the 60th psalm of the Book of Psalms, beginning in English in the King James Version: "O God, thou hast cast us off, thou hast scattered us". In the slightly different numbering system of the Greek Septuagint version of the Bible and the Latin Vulgate, this psalm is Psalm 59. In Latin, it is known as "Deus reppulisti nos et destruxisti nos". It is addressed "to the chief Musician upon Shushan Eduth", referring to the title of a song, presumably identifying the intended melody, mentioned only here and in Psalm 80, and described as "a Michtam of David, when he strove with Aramnaharaim and with Aramzobah, when Joab returned, and smote of Edom in the valley of salt twelve thousand." The heading text in the Revised Standard Version and the New American Bible Revised Edition refers to Aram-Zobah, whereas in the New King James Version the reference is to Zobah. The psalm has been called a psalm of communal lament.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Psalm 75</span>

Psalm 75 is the 75th psalm of the Book of Psalms, beginning in English in the King James Version: "Unto thee, O God, do we give thanks". The Book of Psalms forms part of the Ketuvim section of the Hebrew Bible and part of the Christian Old Testament. In the slightly different numbering system of the Greek Septuagint version of the bible, and in its Latin translation, the Vulgate, this psalm is Psalm 74. In Latin, it is known as "Confitebimur tibi Deus". It is one of the psalms of Asaph.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Psalm 76</span>

Psalm 76 is the 76th psalm of the Book of Psalms, beginning in English in the King James Version: "In Judah is God known; His name is great in Israel". The Book of Psalms forms part of the Ketuvim section of the Hebrew Bible and part of the Christian Old Testament. In the slightly different numbering system of the Greek Septuagint version of the bible, and in the Latin Vulgate, this psalm is Psalm 75. In Latin, it is known as "Notus in Judaea". It is one of the psalms of Asaph. It refers to the "Majesty of God in Judgment". The Jerusalem Bible regards it as an "ode to God the awe-inspiring".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Psalm 80</span> 80th psalm in the biblical Book of Psalms

Psalm 80 is the 80th psalm of the Book of Psalms, beginning in English in the King James Version: "Give ear, O Shepherd of Israel, thou that leadest Joseph like a flock". In the slightly different numbering system used in the Greek Septuagint and Latin Vulgate translations of the Bible, this psalm is Psalm 79. In Latin, it is known as "Qui regis Israel intende". It is one of the 12 Psalms of Asaph. The New American Bible calls it "a prayer for Jerusalem". The Jerusalem Bible describes it as "a prayer for the restoration of Israel".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Psalm 81</span>

Psalm 81 is the 81st psalm of the Book of Psalms, beginning in English in the King James Version: "Sing aloud unto God our strength". In the slightly different numbering system used in the Greek Septuagint and Latin Vulgate translations of the Bible, this psalm is Psalm 80. In Latin, it is known as "Exultate deo adiutori nostro". It is one of the 12 Psalms of Asaph. Its themes relate to celebration and repentance. In the New King James Version its sub-title is "An Appeal for Israel's Repentance".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Psalm 88</span>

Psalm 88 is the 88th psalm of the Book of Psalms, beginning in English in the King James Version: "O LORD God of my salvation, I have cried day and night before thee". In the slightly different numbering system used in the Greek Septuagint and Latin Vulgate translations of the Bible, this psalm is Psalm 87. In Latin, it is known as "Domine Deus salutis meae". According to the title, it is a "psalm of the sons of Korah" as well as a "maskil of Heman the Ezrahite".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Psalm 112</span>

Psalm 112 is the 112th psalm of the Book of Psalms, beginning in English in the King James Version: "Praise ye the LORD. Blessed is the man that feareth the LORD". In the slightly different numbering system used in the Greek Septuagint and Latin Vulgate translations of the Bible, this psalm is Psalm 111. In Latin, it is known as Beatus vir qui timet Dominum. It is a psalm "in praise of the virtuous". This psalm, along with Psalm 111, is acrostic by phrase, that is, each 7-9 syllable phrase begins with a letter of the Hebrew alphabet in order.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Psalm 113</span> Biblical psalm

Psalm 113 is the 113th psalm of the Book of Psalms, beginning in English in the King James Version: "Praise ye the Lord, O ye servants of the Lord". The Book of Psalms is part of the third section of the Hebrew Bible, and a book of the Christian Old Testament. In Latin, it is known as 'Laudate pueri Dominum.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Psalm 61</span> Biblical psalm

Psalm 61 is the 61st psalm of the Book of Psalms, beginning in English in the King James Version: "Hear my cry, O God; attend unto my prayer.". In the slightly different numbering system of the Greek Septuagint version of the Bible and the Latin Vulgate, this psalm is Psalm 60. In Latin, it is known as "Exaudi Deus". The psalm is to be played on a neginah or stringed instrument. The Psalm is attributed to King David. The Jerusalem Bible calls it a "prayer of an exile".

References

  1. ↑ Mazor 2011, p. 589.
  2. ↑ "Parallel Latin/English Psalter / Psalmus 69 (70)". medievalist.net. Retrieved 26 March 2019.
  3. ↑ Psalm 70: A Hebrew - English Bible according to the Masoretic Text and the JPS 1917 Edition
  4. 1 2 3 Abramowitz, Rabbi Jack (2019). "Remember Psalm 40?". Orthodox Union . Retrieved 12 December 2021.
  5. 1 2 Henry, Matthew (2019). "Psalm 70 Bible Commentary". Christianity.com. Retrieved 26 March 2019.
  6. ↑ "Midrash Tehillim / Psalms 70" (PDF). matsati.com. October 2012. Retrieved 26 March 2019. (Password: https://www.matsati.com)
  7. ↑ Notes from The Gospel Transformation Bible, Crossway 2013, p. 716
  8. ↑ "Psalms – Chapter 70". Mechon Mamre.
  9. ↑ "Psalms 70 - JPS 1917". Sefaria.org.
  10. ↑ "Protection". Daily Tehillim. Archived from the original on 14 December 2018. Retrieved 26 March 2019.
  11. ↑ Herbermann 1913.
  12. ↑ Church of England, Book of Common Prayer: The Psalter as printed by John Baskerville in 1762, pp. 196ff
  13. ↑ Whenham, John (1997). Monteverdi: Vespers 1610. Cambridge, UK: Cambridge University Press. pp. 61–62. ISBN   978-0-521-45377-6.
  14. ↑ Free scores by Vespro della Beata Vergine (Claudio Monteverdi) in the Choral Public Domain Library (ChoralWiki)
  15. ↑ Free scores by Domine ad adjuvandum me (Baldassare Galuppi) in the Choral Public Domain Library (ChoralWiki)
  16. ↑ "BTC974 This Way to the Tomb". Britten Thematic Catalogue. Retrieved 20 September 2021.
  17. ↑ "Alan Hovhaness List of Works by Opus Number". www.hovhaness.com. Retrieved 30 October 2022.

Cited sources

Attribution
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.