Psalms 71:24

24. For they are confounded The preterit tense of the verb contemplates the act as past have been ashamed, have been confounded, which illustrates the vigour of his faith, and, like its author, “calleth those things which be not as though they were,” (Romans 4:17;) or, possibly the tidings of victory had even now reached him. See introductions to this and the two preceding psalms. It is true, however, that David often uses the historic sense to express the lively assurance of his faith, in events yet to come, or the evidence that his prayer is answered.