Psalms 70:4

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.

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)}.

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!"

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

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.

Context

Psalm 70 is a fervent prayer of King David, a cry for urgent deliverance from his enemies and from shame. It is almost identical to the latter part of Psalm 40:13-17, indicating a deep and repeated plea for divine intervention. While the preceding verses express distress and a desire for the downfall of his adversaries, verse 4 shifts focus to the blessed state of the righteous, those who align themselves with God's will and trust in His saving power.

Key Themes

  • Joy in God: The verse begins by highlighting the expected response of those who genuinely seek God: rejoicing and gladness in Him. This joy is not dependent on external circumstances but springs from a deep relationship with the Divine.
  • Seeking God: To "seek thee" implies a conscious, active pursuit of God's presence, wisdom, and will. It's a fundamental posture of faith, recognizing God as the ultimate source of help and satisfaction.
  • Love for God's Salvation: Those who "love thy salvation" are not merely intellectual adherents but individuals who have experienced and deeply cherish God's deliverance, whether from sin, distress, or enemies. This love is a natural outflow of gratitude.
  • Continual Magnification of God: The ultimate outcome and expression of this joy and love is the constant proclamation, "Let God be magnified." This isn't a one-time event but a continuous lifestyle of worship and praise, elevating God above all else.

Linguistic Insights

The word translated "magnified" is the Hebrew verb gadal (גָּדַל), which means to make great, to extol, to glorify, or to declare great. It does not mean to make God physically larger, but rather to recognize and proclaim His inherent greatness, power, and majesty. It's an act of worship that acknowledges God's supreme authority and worth, especially in the context of His saving acts.

Related Scriptures

The call to rejoice in the Lord is a recurring theme in Scripture, echoing Paul's exhortation in Philippians 4:4, "Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice." Similarly, the idea of continually magnifying God is exemplified by Mary's song of praise in Luke 1:46, "My soul doth magnify the Lord." The concept of seeking God and finding Him is also promised in Jeremiah 29:13.

Practical Application

This verse offers a powerful antidote to anxiety and despair. Even in times of trouble, as depicted in the rest of Psalm 70, believers are called to shift their focus from their problems to God's character. It reminds us that our joy should be rooted in who God is, not just what He does for us. For those who genuinely seek God's face and cherish His salvation, a continuous attitude of praise and magnification of His name is the natural and proper response. This perspective transforms difficult circumstances into opportunities to glorify God and experience deeper joy in Him.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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.
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