A prayer song of an individual in great distress: Interpretation and analysis of Psalm 70 by Hans-Joachim Kraus

From PSALMS 60 - 150 (1993, Fortress Press) translated by Hilton C. Oswald:
FORM
With but few textual variants, Psalm 70 is transmitted again in Psalm 40: 13 - 17; it must therefore be an independent song that was appended so Psalm 40:1 - 12.  The role played by Psalm 40:12 can hardly be ascertained any longer. . . Psalm 70 belongs to the category of prayer song of an individual in great distress.  The idea of petition, especially of the wish to overcome the enemies, predominates.  We may assume that prayer songs of this type lay ready as formularies in the temple area, as was also customary in the ancient Near East.  In comparison with other prayer songs, the unusual brevity and terseness of Psalm 70 is conspicuous. . .In verse 4 a hopeful outlook to the future breaks through.  The afflicted person looks forward to the moment of joy and thanksgiving.  He visualizes that phase of the liturgy of the festival of thanksgiving in which those who have been rescued and who sought for Yahweh will be called on to engage in thankful praise. .  . The short, packed psalm closes with a cry for help and a prayer (pages 66 - 68).