19 Your righteousness, O God, is very high; you have done great things; O God, who is like you?
For your mercy is great, stretching up to the heavens, and your righteousness goes up to the clouds.
All my bones will say, Lord, who is like you? The saviour of the poor man from the hands of the strong, of him who is poor and in need from him who takes his goods.
For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.
For who is there in the heavens in comparison with the Lord? who is like the Lord among the sons of the gods? God is greatly to be feared among the saints, and to be honoured over all those who are about him. O Lord God of armies, who is strong like you, O Jah? and your unchanging faith is round about you.
For he who is strong has done great things for me; and holy is his name.
Who would not have fear of you, O King of the nations? for it is your right: for among all the wise men of the nations, and in all their kingdoms, there is no one like you.
Who is like you, O Lord, among the gods? who is like you, in holy glory, to be praised with fear, doing wonders?
But the Lord of armies is lifted up as judge, and the Holy God is seen to be holy in righteousness.
Acting wisely is the way of life, guiding a man away from the underworld.
Such knowledge is a wonder greater than my powers; it is so high that I may not come near it.
There is no god like you, O Lord; there are no works like your works.
Praise be to the Lord God, the God of Israel, the only doer of wonders.
Worthy.Bible » Commentaries » Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible » Commentary on Psalms 71
Commentary on Psalms 71 Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible
PSALM 71
Ps 71:1-24. The Psalmist, probably in old age, appeals to God for help from his enemies, pleading his past favors, and stating his present need; and, in confidence of a hearing, he promises his grateful thanks and praise.
1-3. (Compare Ps 30:1-3).
3. given commandment—literally, "ordained," as in Ps 44:4; 68:28.
rock … fortress—(Ps 18:2).
4, 5. cruel man—corrupt and ill-natured—literally, "sour."
5. trust—place of trust.
6-9. His history from early infancy illustrated God's care, and his wonderful deliverances were at once occasions of praise and ground of confidence for the future.
my praise … of thee—literally, "in" or "by Thee" (Ps 22:25).
10, 11. The craft and malicious taunts of his enemies now led him to call for aid (compare the terms used, 2Sa 17:12; Ps 3:2; 7:2).
12. (Compare Ps 22:19; 40:4).
13. (Compare Ps 35:4; 40:14).
14-16. The ruin of his enemies, as illustrating God's faithfulness, is his deliverance, and a reason for future confidence.
15. for I know … thereof—innumerable, as he had not time to count them.
16. in the strength—or, relying on it.
thy righteousness—or, faithful performance of promises to the pious (Ps 7:17; 31:1).
17-21. Past experience again encourages.
taught me, &c.—by providential dealings.
19. is very high—distinguished (Ps 36:5; Isa 55:9).
20. depths of the earth—debased, low condition.
21. increase, &c.—that is, the great things done for me (Ps 71:19; compare Ps 40:5).
22-24. To the occasion of praise he now adds the promise to render it.
will … praise—literally, "will thank."
even thy truth—as to Thy truth or faithfulness.