Psalms 71:19

Thy righteousness also, O God, [is] very high, who hast done great things: O God, who [is] like unto thee!

Thy righteousness {H6666} also, O God {H430}, is very high {H4791}, who hast done {H6213}{H8804)} great things {H1419}: O God {H430}, who is like unto thee!

your righteousness too, God, which reaches to the heights. God, you have done great things; who is there like you?

Your righteousness reaches to the heavens, O God, You who have done great things. Who, O God, is like You?

Thy righteousness also, O God, is very high; Thou who hast done great things, O God, who is like unto thee?

Commentary

Context of Psalms 71:19

Psalm 71 is a heartfelt prayer of an older individual, likely King David or a similar figure, who is facing significant challenges and opposition in old age. Throughout the psalm, the psalmist expresses a lifelong trust in God, recalling how God has been his refuge and strength from youth. This verse, Psalms 71:19, comes amidst declarations of God's faithfulness and pleas for continued deliverance and vindication from enemies. It serves as a profound declaration of God's character, upon which the psalmist's hope is firmly built.

Key Themes and Messages

  • God's Transcendent Righteousness: The phrase "Thy righteousness also, O God, [is] very high" emphasizes God's perfect moral uprightness, justice, and faithfulness, which far exceed human comprehension or attainment. It speaks to His unwavering integrity in all His dealings. This divine righteousness is the foundation of His promises and actions.
  • God's Mighty Works: "Who hast done great things" points to God's powerful acts throughout history and creation. These "great things" encompass His providential care, His deliverance of His people, and His overall sovereignty over all things. They are tangible proofs of His power and benevolent character, reinforcing the psalmist's trust. For another perspective on God's mighty acts, consider Psalms 106:2.
  • God's Incomparability: The rhetorical question, "O God, who [is] like unto thee!" declares God's absolute uniqueness and supremacy. There is no one, no power, no being, no deity that can compare to Him in character, power, or faithfulness. This affirmation highlights His singular position as the one true and living God, distinct from all created things and false gods. This theme is echoed in passages like Isaiah 40:25.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "righteousness" in this context is tsedaqah (ืฆึฐื“ึธืงึธื”), which signifies not only justice but also God's faithfulness to His covenant promises and His standard of right living. It's a comprehensive term for His perfect moral attributes. The "great things" (gadol, ื’ึธึผื“ื•ึนืœ) refer to deeds of immense power and significance, often associated with God's miraculous interventions and creative acts.

Practical Application

This verse offers profound encouragement for believers today. When facing life's challenges, especially in seasons of vulnerability or old age, reflecting on God's "very high" righteousness assures us of His unwavering commitment to justice and His promises. His past "great things" serve as a reminder of His ability to act powerfully in our present circumstances. The declaration that "who is like unto thee!" inspires worship and strengthens our confidence that we serve an incomparable God who is fully capable of sustaining us through any trial. It calls us to place our trust solely in Him, knowing His character is flawless and His power limitless.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Psalms 35:10

    All my bones shall say, LORD, who [is] like unto thee, which deliverest the poor from him that is too strong for him, yea, the poor and the needy from him that spoileth him?

  • Psalms 36:5

    ยถ Thy mercy, O LORD, [is] in the heavens; [and] thy faithfulness [reacheth] unto the clouds.

  • Psalms 36:6

    Thy righteousness [is] like the great mountains; thy judgments [are] a great deep: O LORD, thou preservest man and beast.

  • Psalms 57:10

    For thy mercy [is] great unto the heavens, and thy truth unto the clouds.

  • Isaiah 55:9

    For [as] the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.

  • Isaiah 40:25

    To whom then will ye liken me, or shall I be equal? saith the Holy One.

  • Psalms 72:18

    ยถ Blessed [be] the LORD God, the God of Israel, who only doeth wondrous things.