Psalms 71:15

Psalms 71:15 is a profound declaration of continuous praise and testimony from an individual deeply aware of God's boundless goodness. The psalmist commits to proclaiming God's righteousness and salvation without end, acknowledging that these divine attributes are beyond human comprehension or enumeration.

Context

Psalm 71 is a prayer attributed to an elderly person, often thought to be David in his later years, who is facing significant adversity and relying on God as a lifelong refuge. Throughout the psalm, the speaker recounts God's faithfulness from childhood, expresses dependence on Him in old age, and pleads for deliverance from enemies. Verse 15 marks a turning point of resolute commitment, where the psalmist vows to respond to God's past and present faithfulness with unending praise and proclamation. It flows from a deep personal history with the God who has always been faithful.

Key Themes

• Unending Proclamation: The phrase "all the day" signifies a continuous, perpetual commitment to declare God's character and saving acts. It's not a fleeting moment of praise but a lifestyle of testimony, reflecting a heart overflowing with gratitude. This echoes the sentiment found in Psalms 34:1, "I will bless the LORD at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth."
• God's Boundless Nature: The admission "for I know not the numbers thereof" highlights the immeasurable, innumerable nature of God's righteousness and salvation. These divine qualities are infinite, inexhaustible, and beyond human ability to fully grasp or quantify. This theme of God's countless wonderful works is also seen in Psalms 40:5.
• Divine Righteousness and Salvation: The verse centers on two core attributes of God. His righteousness refers to His inherent justice, faithfulness to His covenant, and His right actions in dealing with humanity. His salvation encompasses His acts of deliverance, rescue, and preservation. These are the foundations upon which the psalmist's praise is built.

Linguistic Insights

• The Hebrew word for "righteousness" is tzedeq (צֶדֶק), which carries a rich meaning of justice, rectitude, and faithfulness. It speaks to God's moral perfection and His consistent adherence to His covenant promises.
• "Salvation" comes from the Hebrew yeshua (יְשׁוּעָה), a broad term denoting deliverance, rescue, and victory. This word is foundational to understanding God's redemptive work throughout the Old Testament and ultimately points to the ultimate salvation found in Christ Jesus (whose name, Yeshua, shares this root).
• The phrase "I know not the numbers thereof" (לֹא יָדַעְתִּי סְפֹרוֹת) literally means "I do not know their numbers," powerfully conveying the countless, immeasurable nature of God's acts of righteousness and salvation.

Practical Application

Psalms 71:15 invites believers to:

• Cultivate a Spirit of Continuous Praise: Just as the psalmist committed to declaring God's goodness "all the day," we are encouraged to live a life of ongoing gratitude and worship, acknowledging God's hand in every circumstance.
• Bear Witness to God's Faithfulness: Our personal experiences of God's righteousness and salvation are not meant to be kept secret. This verse calls us to vocalize His goodness, sharing His character and saving power with others, becoming His witnesses in the world.
• Rest in God's Limitless Nature: Recognizing that God's acts of righteousness and salvation are "innumerable" should fill us with comfort and confidence. His capacity to save, deliver, and act justly is boundless, assuring us of His unfailing help in all seasons of life. This truth is a cornerstone of Christian faith, reminding us of the righteousness of God revealed through faith.