Psalms 71:16 Commentary

Psalms 71:16 states:

"I will go in the strength of the Lord God: I will make mention of thy righteousness, even of thine only."

Introduction

This verse expresses a profound commitment to relying on God's strength and proclaiming His righteousness. It encapsulates a deep theological insight concerning the nature of God’s support in times of need and the psalmist's commitment to acknowledge God's righteousness above all.

Exegesis and Thematic Insights

• Divine Strength:

  Matthew Henry emphasizes that the psalmist’s determination to move forward in the strength of the Lord reflects a vital truth for believers. In their own weaknesses and trials, they must rely on God as their source of strength. Henry notes that God is the ultimate foundation on which all spiritual endeavors are to be built. The acknowledgment of one's own frailty coupled with divine strength is a theme seen throughout Scripture.

• The Righteousness of God:

  Albert Barnes points out that the phrase "thy righteousness" indicates not just God's moral purity but His faithfulness to His promises. He argues that God's righteousness is an anchor for believers, assuring them of His right order in all things. This rousing declaration by the psalmist reflects an understanding that God's righteousness is the basis for all prayer and trust when facing adversities.

• Mention of God's Righteousness:

  Adam Clarke highlights that the psalmist intends to publicly declare God's righteousness. This commitment to proclaim God's attributes fosters both personal faith and corporate worship. Clarke notes that proclaiming God's righteousness serves as a reminder to the community about the character of God and encourages believers to recommit to His ways.

Theological Reflections

The interplay between human weakness and divine strength is a salient theme in both the Old and New Testaments. The psalmist’s declaration serves as a microcosm of this biblical truth:

• Human Frailty:

  In the journey of faith, human frailty is a consistent theme. The psalmist begins by acknowledging his limitations, which sets a stage for God's strength to be displayed effectively. The biblical notion that His power is made perfect in weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9) is echoed here.

• God’s Righteousness:

  God's righteousness is not merely a legal attribute but embodies His nature. This perspective invites a broader understanding of righteousness as both a relationship and a reflection of God’s character. Community and personal spirituality can be deeply enriched by recognizing and proclaiming God's righteousness as central to one’s faith journey.

Pastoral Applications

For pastors and leaders, the implications of Psalms 71:16 are manifold:

• Encouragement in Trials:

  Leaders ought to remind their congregations that true strength comes from the Lord. When faced with life’s adversities, believers are encouraged to turn to God rather than relying solely on personal capacity.

• Proclamation of God’s Righteousness:

  There is an encouraged call to openly declare the righteousness of God in both personal testimonies and public gatherings. This proclamation builds faith within the church and showcases God’s goodness to the world.

Conclusion

Psalms 71:16 serves as a powerful reminder that in the journey of faith, reliance on God's strength and the proclamation of His righteousness are essential. The rich insights gathered from the commentaries of Henry, Barnes, and Clarke guide us toward deeper appreciation and application of these timeless truths. In all aspects of life, believers are invited to move forward with confidence anchored in divine strength and to make known the righteousness of God, which stands as the ultimate source of hope and truth.