Psalms 71:16

Context of Psalms 71:16

Psalm 71 is a heartfelt prayer of an aged individual, traditionally believed to be King David, who is facing significant challenges, adversaries, and the vulnerabilities that come with old age. Throughout the psalm, the speaker expresses a lifelong dependence on God, recalling His faithfulness from youth and pleading for continued deliverance in his later years. Verse 16 appears amidst declarations of trust and a resolve to continue praising God despite present difficulties. It reflects a deep personal commitment to rely solely on divine power and to proclaim God's unique character to the world, even as the psalmist anticipates his own mortality.

Key Themes and Messages

• Divine Empowerment: The verse emphasizes that any forward movement, action, or success the psalmist experiences will not be through personal strength or human might, but entirely "in the strength of the Lord GOD." This highlights a profound reliance on God's omnipotence and sustaining power.
• Proclamation of God's Righteousness: The psalmist commits to "make mention of thy righteousness." This is not merely an internal thought but an active declaration, a testimony to God's character. God's righteousness refers to His inherent justice, faithfulness, and His saving acts—His consistent adherence to what is right and good, especially in delivering His people.
• Exclusive Reliance: The phrase "even of thine only" underscores the unique and unparalleled nature of God's righteousness. It signifies that God alone is the source of true strength and the standard of perfect justice and salvation. Human righteousness is insufficient; only God's can be truly relied upon and proclaimed.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "Lord GOD" in the KJV translates the Hebrew Adonai Yahweh. Adonai signifies "Sovereign Lord" or "Master," emphasizing God's absolute authority and ownership. Yahweh is the personal, covenantal name of God, highlighting His faithfulness and self-existence. Together, these titles underscore the psalmist's trust in the all-powerful, covenant-keeping God.

The Hebrew word for "strength" here is koach, denoting power, might, or ability. It implies a dynamic force that enables and sustains. "Righteousness" is tsedaqah, which encompasses not only moral rectitude but also God's saving acts and His deliverance of His people. It is His justice manifest in salvation.

Related Scriptures

This verse beautifully encapsulates a core principle of faith: that believers are to "be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might" (Ephesians 6:10), rather than in their own abilities. The commitment to declare God's righteousness echoes themes found elsewhere, such as in the preceding verse, Psalms 71:15, where the psalmist vows to "shew forth thy righteousness and thy salvation all the day." This concept of God's unique and saving righteousness is also central to the New Testament understanding of salvation, as seen in Romans 1:17.

Practical Application

Psalms 71:16 offers profound encouragement for believers today. It reminds us that:

• Reliance on God is Paramount: In every endeavor, whether personal challenges, professional pursuits, or spiritual battles, our effectiveness comes not from our own skill or wisdom but from the strength God provides. This calls for humility and constant dependence on Him.
• Proclamation is Essential: We are called not only to experience God's righteousness but also to make it known. Sharing testimonies of His faithfulness, His justice, and His saving grace is a vital part of our Christian walk, pointing others to the unique source of all good.
• God is Our Only True Source: In a world that often promotes self-sufficiency, this verse directs us to acknowledge God as the singular, unparalleled source of all power, truth, and salvation. This perspective shapes our worship, our prayers, and our daily living.