Deliver me in thy righteousness - See the notes at Psalm 31:1. The first three verses of this psalm seem in fact to have been taken, with slight variations, from the first three verses of Psalm 31.

And cause me to escape - That is, from impending dangers; from the power of my enemies.

Incline thine ear unto me - In Psalm 31:2, this is, "Bow down thine ear to me." The idea is the same. See the notes at that place. Compare the notes at Psalm 17:6.

And save me - In Psalm 31:2, this is, "Deliver me speedily."

Deliver me in thy righteousness,.... By it, or "for the sake of it" (q); See Gill on Psalm 31:1;

and cause me to escape; present danger, and out of the hands of enemies, as well as wrath to come, and eternal death; which nothing but the righteousness of God can deliver from, or cause to escape;

incline thine ear unto me; or "bow it"; See Gill on Psalm 31:2;

and save me; out of all troubles and afflictions, and from wicked and unreasonable men.

(q) "propter justitiam tuam", Pagninus, Piscator; so Schmidt.

Deliver me in thy {b} righteousness, and cause me to escape: incline thine ear unto me, and save me.

(b) By declaring yourself true to your promises.

71:1-13 David prays that he might never be made ashamed of dependence upon God. With this petition every true believer may come boldly to the throne of grace. The gracious care of Divine providence in our birth and infancy, should engage us to early piety. He that was our Help from our birth, ought to be our Hope from our youth. Let none expect ease or comfort from the world. Those who love the Lord, often are hated and persecuted; men wondered at for their principles and conduct; but the Lord has been their strong refuge. The faithful servants of God may be assured that he will not cast them off in old age, nor forsake them when their strength fails.