The psalmist prays urgently: “May my adversaries be ashamed and consumed; May they be covered with reproach and dishonor, who seek my hurt” (v.13). Here, he petitions God to intervene against those who oppose him, seeking not revenge by his own hand, but divine justice to deal with the wicked. This prayer aligns with the overarching theme of Psalm 71, where the writer—thought by many to be King David, who ruled around 1010-970 BC—reflects on God’s faithfulness throughout his life, even when enemies threaten his wellbeing.
By imploring God to cause his adversaries to be “ashamed and consumed” (v.13), the psalmist highlights a desire for the downfall of evil rather than an outpouring of personal vengeance. This kind of plea is echoed in other parts of the Psalms, where faithful believers ask the Lord to be their defender. Yet, such petitions also find harmony in the New Testament’s teaching that God alone is the righteous Judge (Romans 12:19). The psalmist’s focus remains on trusting the Lord to correct injustice, while he himself continues in worship and reliance upon God.
The phrase “May they be covered with reproach and dishonor” (v.13) captures the idea that those who rebel against God inevitably face shame. Although it may appear harsh on the surface, the psalmist’s plea underscores confidence that evildoers cannot stand unopposed before a holy God. It anticipates the ultimate realization of justice through God’s sovereign plan, a principle that culminates in the person and work of Jesus, who offers salvation yet will return one day to establish His perfect reign (Revelation 19:15).
Set to dark mode
Psalms 71:13 meaning
The psalmist prays urgently: “May my adversaries be ashamed and consumed; May they be covered with reproach and dishonor, who seek my hurt” (v.13). Here, he petitions God to intervene against those who oppose him, seeking not revenge by his own hand, but divine justice to deal with the wicked. This prayer aligns with the overarching theme of Psalm 71, where the writer—thought by many to be King David, who ruled around 1010-970 BC—reflects on God’s faithfulness throughout his life, even when enemies threaten his wellbeing.
By imploring God to cause his adversaries to be “ashamed and consumed” (v.13), the psalmist highlights a desire for the downfall of evil rather than an outpouring of personal vengeance. This kind of plea is echoed in other parts of the Psalms, where faithful believers ask the Lord to be their defender. Yet, such petitions also find harmony in the New Testament’s teaching that God alone is the righteous Judge (Romans 12:19). The psalmist’s focus remains on trusting the Lord to correct injustice, while he himself continues in worship and reliance upon God.
The phrase “May they be covered with reproach and dishonor” (v.13) captures the idea that those who rebel against God inevitably face shame. Although it may appear harsh on the surface, the psalmist’s plea underscores confidence that evildoers cannot stand unopposed before a holy God. It anticipates the ultimate realization of justice through God’s sovereign plan, a principle that culminates in the person and work of Jesus, who offers salvation yet will return one day to establish His perfect reign (Revelation 19:15).