14 while I stretch out, reaching for you, and daily add praise to praise. 15 I'll write the book on your righteousness, talk up your salvation the livelong day, never run out of good things to write or say. 16 I come in the power of the Lord God, I post signs marking his right-of-way. 17 You got me when I was an unformed youth, God, and taught me everything I know. Now I'm telling the world your wonders; 18 I'll keep at it until I'm old and gray. God, don't walk off and leave me until I get out the news Of your strong right arm to this world, news of your power to the world yet to come, 19 Your famous and righteous ways, O God. God, you've done it all! Who is quite like you? 20 You, who made me stare trouble in the face, Turn me around; Now let me look life in the face. I've been to the bottom; 21 streaming with honors; turn to me, be tender to me, 22 And I'll take up the lute and thank you to the tune of your faithfulness, God. I'll make music for you on a harp, Holy One of Israel. 23 When I open up in song to you, I let out lungsful of praise, my rescued life a song. 24 All day long I'm chanting about you and your righteous ways, While those who tried to do me in slink off looking ashamed.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Psalm 71:14-24
Commentary on Psalm 71:14-24
(Read Psalm 71:14-24)
The psalmist declares that the righteousness of Christ, and the great salvation obtained thereby, shall be the chosen subject of his discourse. Not on a sabbath only, but on every day of the week, of the year, of his life. Not merely at stated returns of solemn devotion, but on every occasion, all the day long. Why will he always dwell on this? Because he knew not the numbers thereof. It is impossible to measure the value or the fulness of these blessings. The righteousness is unspeakable, the salvation everlasting. God will not cast off his grey-headed servants when no longer capable of labouring as they have done. The Lord often strengthens his people in their souls, when nature is sinking into decay. And it is a debt which the old disciples of Christ owe to succeeding generations, to leave behind them a solemn testimony to the advantage of religion, and the truth of God's promises; and especially to the everlasting righteousness of the Redeemer. Assured of deliverance and victory, let us spend our days, while waiting the approach of death, in praising the Holy One of Israel with all our powers. And while speaking of his righteousness, and singing his praises, we shall rise above fears and infirmities, and have earnests of the joys of heaven. The work of redemption ought, above all God's works, to be spoken of by us in our praises. The Lamb that was slain, and has redeemed us to God, is worthy of all blessing and praise.