Psalms 70:4

KJV

Let all those that seek thee rejoice and be glad in thee: and let such as love thy salvation say continually, Let God be magnified.

KJV (with Strong's)

Let all those that seek {H1245}{H8764)} thee rejoice {H7797}{H8799)} and be glad {H8055}{H8799)} in thee: and let such as love {H157}{H8802)} thy salvation {H3444} say {H559}{H8799)} continually {H8548}, Let God {H430} be magnified {H1431}{H8799)}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But may all those who seek you be glad and take joy in you. May those who love your salvation say always, "God is great and glorious!"

Berean Standard Bible

May all who seek You rejoice and be glad in You; may those who love Your salvation always say, “Let God be magnified!”

American Standard Version

Let all those that seek thee rejoice and be glad in thee; And let such as love thy salvation say continually, Let God be magnified.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalm 70:4 serves as a pivot within a fervent prayer for deliverance, shifting focus from the psalmist’s distress to the blessed state and proper response of those who genuinely seek God. It articulates the profound joy and gladness that should characterize those in pursuit of the Divine, culminating in a continuous, unwavering proclamation of God's greatness by all who cherish His saving power. This verse encapsulates the essence of worship born from an intimate relationship with the Almighty, even amidst adversity.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 70 is a concise and urgent prayer, almost identical to the concluding verses of [Psalm 40](/psalms/40 "Psalm 40 - A Prayer for Deliverance and Thanksgiving") (specifically [Psalm 40:13-17](/psalms/40-13 "Psalm 40:13-17 - David's Urgent Plea for Help")). This repetition underscores the intensity and recurring nature of David's plea for divine intervention against his adversaries. The preceding verses ([Psalm 70:1-3](/psalms/70-1 "Psalm 70:1-3 - A Cry for Swift Deliverance")) are marked by a tone of distress, a desperate cry for God to "make haste" and rescue him, while simultaneously wishing shame and confusion upon those who seek his ruin. Verse 4 stands in stark contrast, shifting from the psalmist's personal anguish and imprecation to a universal call for praise and joy among the righteous, providing a theological counterpoint to the surrounding lament. It anticipates the ultimate vindication and glorification of God that will result from His deliverance.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** While the superscription attributes Psalm 70 to David, placing it broadly within the monarchical period of Israel, its precise historical setting is not specified. Given its near-identity with [Psalm 40](/psalms/40 "Psalm 40 - A Prayer of David"), it likely reflects a time of significant personal or national distress, perhaps during Absalom's rebellion or another period of intense opposition. In ancient Israel, the concept of "seeking God" (דרשׁ אלהים, _darash Elohim_) was a fundamental aspect of piety, often involving going to the temple, inquiring of prophets, or earnestly praying for divine guidance and intervention, especially in times of crisis. Salvation (ישׁוּעה, _yeshu'ah_) encompassed not only spiritual deliverance but also physical rescue from enemies, illness, or oppression, which was a constant concern in a volatile geopolitical landscape. The public "magnification" of God was a communal act of worship, reinforcing the covenant relationship and God's sovereignty over all circumstances, a vital practice for maintaining faith and morale within the community.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the Psalter and biblical theology. The theme of **joy in God** is central, emphasizing that true gladness is not circumstantial but rooted in a relationship with the Creator, even when circumstances are dire, as seen in [Habakkuk 3:17-18](/habakkuk/3-17 "Habakkuk 3:17-18 - Joy in the Lord Amidst Despair"). It highlights the **active pursuit of God** ("seek thee") as a prerequisite for experiencing this joy, aligning with the promise that those who seek Him diligently will find Him ([Jeremiah 29:13](/jeremiah/29-13 "Jeremiah 29:13 - Seeking God with All Your Heart")). The concept of **loving God's salvation** underscores a deep appreciation for divine deliverance, whether from sin, enemies, or despair, fostering a grateful heart that acknowledges God as the ultimate rescuer. Finally, the call to **continually magnify God** encapsulates the theme of worship as a perpetual posture of life, not merely an occasional act. This continuous exaltation of God's name, declaring His greatness, is the natural and expected response of a heart transformed by His saving power, echoing the praise found throughout the [book of Psalms](/psalms/1 "The Book of Psalms").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Seek (Hebrew, _darash'_):** This verb (דרשׁ) implies an active, diligent, and earnest pursuit, often with the intention of inquiring, consulting, or searching for something with great care. It suggests more than a passive interest; it denotes a focused effort to find and connect with God, His will, or His presence. In the context of the Psalms, it often refers to seeking God's face, His favor, or His justice, indicating a profound spiritual longing and commitment.
* **Magnified (Hebrew, _gadal'_):** The verb (גָּדַל) means to make great, to extol, to glorify, or to declare great. It does not imply increasing God's inherent size or power, which are infinite, but rather to acknowledge, proclaim, and demonstrate His already existing greatness, majesty, and supreme authority. It is an act of worship and praise that elevates God in the eyes of the worshiper and before others, especially in response to His mighty acts of salvation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Let all those that seek thee rejoice and be glad in thee:"** This opening clause sets forth a divine imperative and a promise. "All those that seek thee" refers to individuals who actively and earnestly pursue a relationship with God, desiring His presence, guidance, and intervention. The expected outcome for such seekers is "rejoice and be glad in thee." This joy is not superficial or circumstantial but is rooted "in thee," meaning it flows from God Himself—His character, His faithfulness, and His saving power. It is an inward, spiritual delight that transcends external circumstances, providing a stark contrast to the psalmist's earlier lament.
* **"and let such as love thy salvation say continually,"** This segment identifies a second group, closely related to the first: those who "love thy salvation." This signifies a deep affection for and appreciation of God's deliverance, whether from sin, enemies, or distress. It implies not just an intellectual acknowledgment but an emotional attachment to God's saving acts. The command is for them to "say continually," emphasizing an ongoing, uninterrupted declaration. This is not a sporadic act but a lifestyle of praise, reflecting a heart perpetually grateful for God's redemptive work.
* **"Let God be magnified."** This is the continuous declaration that those who love God's salvation are to utter. To "magnify God" means to declare His greatness, to extol His attributes, and to elevate His name above all others. It is an act of worship that acknowledges His supreme power, sovereignty, and worth. In the context of a prayer for deliverance, it anticipates that God's intervention will provide further occasion for His people to proclaim His majesty, turning their distress into a testimony of His greatness.

#### Literary Devices
Psalm 70:4 employs several **literary devices** to convey its profound message. The most prominent is **Parallelism**, specifically synonymous parallelism, where the two main clauses ("Let all those that seek thee rejoice and be glad in thee" and "let such as love thy salvation say continually, Let God be magnified") express similar ideas using different but related phrasing. "Seeking God" and "loving His salvation" are complementary aspects of devotion, and "rejoicing and being glad in Him" is the spiritual fruit that leads to "magnifying God." This parallelism reinforces the unity of spiritual pursuit and its joyful, worshipful outcome. There is also a strong element of **Imperative Mood** ("Let... rejoice," "let... say"), which functions as a prayerful petition to God for His people to respond appropriately, but also as a prescriptive call to action for believers. The phrase "continually" acts as an **Adverb of Time**, emphasizing the enduring and unwavering nature of this praise, transcending momentary feelings. Finally, the verse contains a powerful **Contrast** with the preceding verses of lament, offering a vision of hope and worship even amidst the psalmist's distress, highlighting the transformative power of faith.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalm 70:4 beautifully articulates the intrinsic connection between seeking God, experiencing His salvation, and expressing worship. It posits that genuine spiritual pursuit naturally culminates in profound joy and an unceasing declaration of God's greatness. This theological truth underscores that our ultimate purpose is to glorify God, not only in times of blessing but especially as a response to His saving acts in the midst of our trials. The verse serves as a powerful reminder that even when we cry out for deliverance, our focus should ultimately return to God's character and His worthiness of praise, transforming our lament into an anthem of magnification.

* [Philippians 4:4](/philippians/4-4 "Philippians 4:4 - Rejoice in the Lord Always")
* [Luke 1:46](/luke/1-46 "Luke 1:46 - Mary's Magnificat")
* [Psalm 34:3](/psalms/34-3 "Psalm 34:3 - Oh, Magnify the Lord with Me")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This verse offers a profound spiritual anchor for believers navigating life's inevitable challenges. In a world often characterized by anxiety, despair, and a focus on self, Psalm 70:4 calls us to reorient our gaze towards God. It reminds us that authentic joy is not contingent on the absence of problems, but rather on the presence of God in our lives and our active pursuit of Him. When we genuinely "seek" Him—through prayer, Scripture, and obedience—we discover a wellspring of gladness that transcends circumstances. Furthermore, the call to "love His salvation" encourages a deep, grateful appreciation for every instance of God's deliverance, whether from sin, fear, or difficult situations. This love naturally overflows into a continuous magnification of His name, transforming our complaints into praise and our burdens into opportunities to declare His greatness. This perspective empowers us to live lives of perpetual worship, turning every moment into an occasion to glorify the One who saves.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What does it truly mean for me to "seek God" in my daily life, beyond formal religious practices?**
* **How does my current experience of joy compare to the "rejoice and be glad in thee" described in this verse? What might be hindering that deeper joy?**
* **In what specific ways have I experienced God's "salvation," and how does that impact my love for Him?**
* **Am I truly saying "Let God be magnified" continually, or only when circumstances are favorable? How can I cultivate a more consistent attitude of praise?**

### FAQ
**How does this verse relate to the rest of Psalm 70, which is a prayer of lament?**

Answer: Psalm 70:4 serves as a crucial pivot within the psalm. While the preceding verses ([Psalm 70:1-3](/psalms/70-1 "Psalm 70:1-3 - A Cry for Swift Deliverance")) express the psalmist's urgent plea for deliverance from enemies and shame, verse 4 shifts the focus from personal distress to the universal and proper response of the righteous. It anticipates the outcome of God's intervention: not just the psalmist's relief, but the glorification of God by all who seek Him and love His salvation. It demonstrates that even in the midst of lament, the ultimate aim of the believer is to see God magnified, providing a theological framework of hope and worship that transcends immediate suffering.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalm 70:4 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The "salvation" that believers are called to love and for which they continually magnify God is most fully realized in the redemptive work of Christ on the cross. He is the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), offering a deliverance far greater than any temporal rescue from enemies—deliverance from sin and death itself. Those who "seek God" in the New Covenant era do so primarily by seeking Christ, for [He is the way, the truth, and the life](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus, the Way, Truth, and Life"), and no one comes to the Father except through Him. Our "rejoicing and being glad in Him" is rooted in the finished work of Christ, His resurrection, and the promise of eternal life that we have in Him ([1 Peter 1:8-9](/1_peter/1-8 "1 Peter 1:8-9 - Joy in Believing")). Furthermore, the call to "continually, Let God be magnified" becomes a Christ-centered magnification. As believers, we magnify God by proclaiming the gospel, sharing the good news of what God has done through His Son, Jesus. This aligns with the apostolic mission to [make known the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ](/2_corinthians/4-6 "2 Corinthians 4:6 - The Light of the Knowledge of the Glory of God"). Thus, Psalm 70:4 is not merely a call to general piety but a prophetic anticipation of the joy and worship that would flow from the ultimate salvation accomplished by our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Lamentations 3:25

The LORD [is] good unto them that wait for him, to the soul [that] seeketh him.

Psalms 40:16

Let all those that seek thee rejoice and be glad in thee: let such as love thy salvation say continually, The LORD be magnified.

Psalms 35:27

Let them shout for joy, and be glad, that favour my righteous cause: yea, let them say continually, Let the LORD be magnified, which hath pleasure in the prosperity of his servant.

Psalms 97:12

Rejoice in the LORD, ye righteous; and give thanks at the remembrance of his holiness.

Isaiah 61:10

¶ I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh [himself] with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth [herself] with her jewels.

Isaiah 65:13

Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD, Behold, my servants shall eat, but ye shall be hungry: behold, my servants shall drink, but ye shall be thirsty: behold, my servants shall rejoice, but ye shall be ashamed:

Isaiah 65:14

Behold, my servants shall sing for joy of heart, but ye shall cry for sorrow of heart, and shall howl for vexation of spirit.