14 And I continually do wait with hope, And have added unto all Thy praise. 15 My mouth recounteth Thy righteousness, All the day Thy salvation, For I have not known the numbers. 16 I come in the might of the Lord Jehovah, I mention Thy righteousness—Thine only. 17 God, Thou hast taught me from my youth, And hitherto I declare Thy wonders. 18 And also unto old age and grey hairs, O God, forsake me not, Till I declare Thy strength to a generation, To every one that cometh Thy might. 19 And Thy righteousness, O God, 'is' unto the heights, Because Thou hast done great things, O God, who 'is' like Thee? 20 Because Thou hast showed me many and sad distresses, Thou turnest back—Thou revivest me, And from the depths of the earth, Thou turnest back—Thou bringest me up. 21 Thou dost increase my greatness, And Thou surroundest—Thou comfortest me, 22 I also thank Thee with a vessel of psaltery, Thy truth, O my God, I sing to Thee with a harp, O Holy One of Israel, 23 My lips cry aloud when I sing praise to Thee, And my soul that Thou hast redeemed, 24 My tongue also all the day uttereth Thy righteousness, Because ashamed—because confounded, Have been those seeking my evil!
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.