Bible Strands
Psalms 71:12
Be not far from me, O God. Hurry, O my God, to help me.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — The psalmist addresses God directly after hearing accusers claim divine abandonment and urge immediate pursuit. He voices a plea for urgent intervention while under active threat.
The words — אֱ֭לֹהִים ('E.lo.Him) literally means God, and חֽוּשָׁ/ה\׃ (Chu.sha/h) commands a literal "make haste." The verse pairs divine identity with a demand for speed.
The thread — The text records repeated cries for God not to remain distant in Psalms 35:22, Psalms 38:21, and Psalms 22:11. These references show a consistent scriptural pattern of seeking rescue through direct appeals for proximity.
Why it lands — The text states a demand for God's nearness and swift action rather than describing a theological concept. It requires the reader to voice explicit dependence and request immediate intervention when facing opposition.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
O God, be not far from me: O my God, make haste for my help.
Cross-references
- Psalms 35:22 O LORD, You have seen it; be not silent. O Lord, be not far from me.
- Psalms 38:21 Do not forsake me, O LORD; be not far from me, O my God.
- Psalms 22:11 Be not far from me, for trouble is near and there is no one to help.
- Psalms 10:1 Why, O LORD, do You stand far off? Why do You hide in times of trouble?
- Psalms 69:18 Draw near to my soul and redeem me; ransom me because of my foes.
- Psalms 70:5 But I am poor and needy; hurry to me, O God. You are my help and my deliverer; O LORD, do not delay.
- Psalms 22:19 But You, O LORD, be not far off; O my Strength, come quickly to help me.
- Psalms 40:13 Be pleased, O LORD, to deliver me; hurry, O LORD, to help me.
- Psalms 70:1 For the choirmaster. Of David. To bring remembrance. Make haste, O God, to deliver me! Hurry, O LORD, to help me!
- Psalms 143:7 Answer me quickly, O LORD; my spirit fails. Do not hide Your face from me, or I will be like those who descend to the Pit.