19 And thy righteousness, O God, reacheth on high, thou who hast done great things: O God, who is like unto thee?
For thy loving-kindness is great unto the heavens, and thy truth unto the clouds.
All my bones shall say, Jehovah, who is like unto thee, who deliverest the afflicted from one stronger than he, yea, the afflicted and the needy from him that spoileth him!
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 in the heaven can be compared to Jehovah? [who] among the sons of the mighty shall be likened to Jehovah? ùGod is greatly to be feared in the council of the saints, and terrible for all that are round about him. Jehovah, God of hosts, who is like unto thee, the strong Jah? And thy faithfulness is round about thee.
For the Mighty One has done to me great things, and holy [is] his name;
Who would not fear thee, O King of nations? For to thee doth it appertain; for among all the wise men of the nations, and in all their kingdoms, there is none like unto thee.
Who is like unto thee, Jehovah, among the gods? Who is like unto thee, glorifying thyself in holiness, Fearful [in] praises, doing wonders?
and Jehovah of hosts shall be exalted in judgment, and the holy ùGod hallowed in righteousness.
The path of life is upwards for the wise, that he may depart from Sheol beneath.
O knowledge too wonderful for me! it is high, I cannot [attain] unto it.
Among the gods there is none like unto thee, Lord, and there is nothing like unto thy works.
Blessed be Jehovah Elohim, the God of Israel, who alone doeth wondrous things!
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.