Verse-by-Verse Bible Commentary
Psalms 71:15

Clarke's Commentary

Verse Psalms 71:15. I know not the numbers — I must be continually in the spirit of gratitude, praise, and obedience, for thy blessings to me are innumerable.

Bridgeway Bible Commentary

Psalms 70-71 A lifetime of faithful service

Psalms 70:0 is the same as Psalms 40:13-17 (see notes). It appears in the collection as a separate psalm probably because it was short and suitable for use in temple services on certain occasions.

In Psalms 71:0 the believer is pictured looking back on a long life and recalling how the wicked always have opposed him. But just as God has protected him since childhood, so he will continue to do so now (71:1-6). The psalmist’s life has been a constant example of the believer’s trust and God’s faithfulness (7-8). He prays that now, at this late stage in life, God will not withdraw his protective care. He wants no one to have cause to accuse him or God of unfaithfulness (9-13). From his youth he has proclaimed the great saving acts of God. He prays that God will not disappoint him now, and that he will continue to proclaim the message of divine salvation till life’s end (14-18).

The psalmist is confident that God will give him the extra years and added strength that he needs to complete his life’s work (19-21). Such assurance leads him to a final outburst of praise to this God of faithfulness and righteousness (22-24).

Coffman's Commentaries on the Bible

A PLEDGE TO KEEP ON PRAISING AND TRUSTING GOD

"But I will hope continually, And will praise thee yet more and more. My mouth shall tell of thy righteousness, And of thy salvation all the day; For I know not the numbers thereof. I will come with the mighty acts of the Lord Jehovah: I will make mention of thy righteousness, even of thine only."

"I will hope… my mouth shall tell… I will come… I will make mention" These verbs are all future; and they amount to a pledge that David who has always praised and trusted God will continue to do so "more and more."

"I will praise thee more and more" What a marvelous answer is this to the inevitable encroachments upon life of age and infirmity. It is not a time for slowing down in the pursuit of holiness; it is not a time for leaving everything to the next generation; it is not a time for slackening zeal in our faithfulness to Christ and his Church. Indeed no! It is time for trusting God, "more and more." It is time for greater fidelity, more loving devotion, and "more and more" constancy in our adherence to the "Faith once for all delivered to the saints."

"I know not the numbers thereof" This is David's admission that, "The blessings of God upon him were innumerable."Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible (London: T. Mason and G. Lane, 1837), Vol. III, p. 443.

"Even of thine alone" This simply means that David promised not to make any mention at all of "his" righteousness, and that he would speak only of the marvelous righteousness of God. David had already learned the truth, mentioned in later generations by Isaiah, that, "All our righteousnesses are as a polluted garment" (Isaiah 64:6).

Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible

My mouth shall show forth thy righteousness ... - See the notes at Psalms 71:8. The word “righteousness” here refers to the righteous character of God, particularly as manifested in his behalf; the word “salvation” refers to what God had done to deliver him from his dangers.

For I know not the numbers thereof - That is, I cannot estimate the amount of thy favors; they are innumerable. See the notes at Psalms 40:5.

Calvin's Commentary on the Bible

15.My mouth shall recount thy righteousness Here he expresses more clearly what sacrifice of praise he resolved to present to God, promising to proclaim continually his righteousness and salvation. I have often before had occasion to observe, that the righteousness of God does not mean that property of his nature by which he renders to every man his own, but the faithfulness which he observes towards his own people, when he cherishes, defends, and delivers them. Hence the inestimable consolation which arises from learning that our salvation is so inseparably linked with the righteousness of God, as to have the same stability with this Divine attribute. The salvation of God, it is very evident, is taken in this place actively. The Psalmist connects this salvation with righteousness, as the effect with the cause; for his confident persuasion of obtaining salvation proceeded solely from reflecting that God is righteous, and that he cannot deny himself. As he had been saved so often, and in so many different ways, and so wonderfully, he engages to apply himself continually to the celebration of the grace of God. The particle כי,ki, which we have translated for, is by some rendered adversatively although, and explained in this way: Although the salvation of God is to me incomprehensible, and transcends my capacity, yet I will recount it. But the proper signification of the word is more suitable in this place, there being nothing which ought to be more effectual in kindling and exciting our hearts to sing the praises of God, than the innumerable benefits which he has bestowed upon us. Although our hearts may not be affected from having experienced only one or two of the Divine benefits; although they may remain cold and unmoved by a small number of them, yet our ingratitude is inexcusable, if we are not awakened from our torpor and indifference when an innumerable multitude of them are lavished upon us. Let us learn then not to taste of the goodness of God slightly, and, as it were, with loathing, but to apply all our faculties to it in all its amplitude, that it may ravish us with admiration. It is surprising that the authors of the Greek version ever thought of translating this clause, I have not known learning, ⁽¹¹²⁾ an error unworthy of being noticed, were it not that some fanatics in former times, to flatter themselves in their ignorance, boasted that, after the example of David, all learning and liberal sciences should be despised; even as, in the present day, the Anabaptists have no other pretext for boasting of being spiritual persons, but that they are grossly ignorant ⁽¹¹³⁾ of all science.

(112) The present reading of the Septuagint is, Οὐκ ἔγνων πραγματείας, “I know not the affairs of men; ” but Nobilius, in his Notes on the Septuagint, observes, that in some Greek copies it is, γραμματείας, “learning,” of which reading Augustine makes mention; and as the Vulgate reads, “literaturam,” “learning,” this makes it more probable that the ancient reading of the LXX. was not πραγματείας, but γραμματειάς. Horsley has followed the LXX. He considers this clause as the commencement of a new sentence, and connects it with the 16^th verse thus: —

“Although I am no proficient in learning;
I will enter upon [the subject of] the Lord Jehovah’s great might;
I will commemorate thy righteousness.”

In a foot-note he refers to John 7:15, “How knoweth this man letters, having never learned?” and to Matthew 13:54; and in an additional note he says, “It is strange that Houbigant should treat an interpretation with contempt, which is supported by the versions of the LXX., Jerome, and the Vulgate; which the Hebrew words will naturally bear, and which gives great spirit to the sentiment.” Street reads: —

“Though I am ignorant of books,
I will proceed with strength,” etc.;

and observes, that “The word מספר signifies number, but ספר, signifies an epistle, a book. ”

(113) “Expertes.” —Lat. “Gros asniers. — Fr.

Smith's Bible Commentary

Shall we turn now in our Bibles to Psalms 71:1-24 .

Psalms 71:1-24 is the psalm of the aged man. Probably David as he was getting up into years, and his reddish colored hair had turned gray. David's life was a tough life. He had many devoted friends, but also many avowed enemies. And David is always praying concerning those enemies that are seeking his hurt, seeking to destroy him. And even up into the elder years, as the Lord said to David, "The sword shall not depart from thy house." And so in the elder years of David, there was still that problem of the sword, that problem of enemies. And so a psalm of again calling upon the Lord for His help, for His protection, even in his older years.

In thee, O LORD, do I put my trust: let me never be put to confusion. Deliver me in thy righteousness, and cause me to escape: incline thine ear, and save me. Be thou my strong habitation, whereunto I may continually resort: for thou hast given commandment to save me; for thou art my rock and my fortress ( Psalms 71:1-3 ).

David's prayer that God would be his strong habitation whereunto I may continually resort. We read in the scriptures, "The name Jehovah is a strong tower, the righteous runneth into it and is safe" ( Proverbs 18:10 ). How many times have we run into the protection of the name of the Lord. How many times when faced by danger, just automatically almost, the name of Jesus escapes our lips. We are facing a real problem, and we just sort of unconsciously say, "Oh Jesus." The strong tower, I run in to it for a place of safety, a place of refuge. "Thou art my rock, my fortress, my dwelling place." And how wonderful it is when we have found that glorious dwelling place in Christ Jesus of which the psalmist wrote, "He that dwelleth in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty" ( Psalms 91:1 ). And so he declares the Lord is his habitation. "I continually resort," constantly finding that place of help and strength, comfort and refuge in the Lord. "I continually resort."

Deliver me, O my God, out of the hand of the wicked, and out of the hand of the unrighteous and cruel man. For thou art my hope, O Lord my God: thou art my trust from my youth ( Psalms 71:4-5 ).

So God is not just a place of hope, but He is also the place of trust. I have learned to trust in the Lord, but I am also hoping for His deliverance.

By thee have I been held up from the womb: you took me out of my mother's womb: my praise shall be continually of thee. For I am as a wonder unto many; but thou art my strong refuge. Let my mouth be filled with thy praise and with thy honor all the day. Cast me not off in the time of old age ( Psalms 71:6-9 );

And so here is a hint to the time of the writing of the psalm, and later on he will refer to his gray hairs.

forsake me not when my strength fails ( Psalms 71:9 ).

The weakening position of the old age.

For mine enemies speak against me; and they that lay wait for my soul take counsel together, Saying, God has forsaken him: persecute and take him; for there is none to deliver him. O God, be not far from me: O my God, make haste for my help. Let them be confounded and consumed that are adversaries to my soul; let them be covered with reproach and dishonor that seek my hurt ( Psalms 71:10-13 ).

So, again, David's prayers for his enemies that God would take care of them. But, again, the tragedy that in the older years, there are still those enemies of David. No rest. Because of the sin with Bathsheba, the sword is not to depart from his house.

But I will hope continually, and will yet praise thee more and more ( Psalms 71:14 ).

David, a man after God's own heart, even though he was oppressed by the enemy, yet he was close to the heart of God. And part of the reason for that is David's continual praise. "Lord, I will praise You more and more."

My mouth shall show forth your righteousness and thy salvation all the day; for I know not the numbers. I will go in the strength of the Lord God: I will make mention of thy righteousness, even of thine only. O God, thou hast taught me from my youth: and hitherto have I declared thy wondrous works. Now also when I am old and gray haired, O God, forsake me not; until I have showed thy strength unto this generation, and thy power unto all that is to come. Thy righteousness also, O God, is very high, who hast done great things: O God, who is like unto thee! Thou, which hast showed me great and sore troubles, shalt quicken me again, and shalt bring me up again from the depths of the eaRuth ( Psalms 71:15-20 ).

So here is David's declaration concerning his confidence in the resurrection. "Lord, You will make me alive again. You will bring me up from the depths of the earth." Again, we read, and it is, of course, declared to be prophetic concerning Christ, "Thou wilt not leave my soul in hell, neither will You allow Your Holy One to see corruption." But there was that belief in the resurrection from the dead. "You will make me alive again. You will bring my soul up from the depths of the earth."

The Bible teaches that the place of the grave, Sheol, or Hades, is more than just the grave where a body is buried, a sepulcher, a sarcophagus, where a body is placed. But there is a place of consciousness in the heart of the earth. And when David said, "You will make me alive again, that You shall bring me up again from the depths of the earth," he is actually making reference to this place where the spirit of man went upon death. Prior to the resurrection of Jesus Christ, there were two areas divided by a gulf. One, a place of comfort with Abraham; the other, a place of torment. Jesus, when asked for a sign, said, "A wicked and an adulterous generation seeks after a sign, but no sign will be given except the sign of the prophet Jonah. For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the whale, so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the depths, or in the heart of the earth" ( Matthew 12:39-40 ). So Jesus went down and preached to those souls that were in prison, and He led them from that captivity. "He who is ascended is the same one who first of all descended into the lower parts of the earth. And when He ascended, He led the captives from their captivity" ( Ephesians 4:8-9 ), fulfilling the prophecy of Isaiah 61:1-11 .

So David makes mention here of his hope in the resurrection. You will not find much in the Old Testament written concerning the resurrection from the dead. Job made mention, "I know that though the worms eat this body, yet in my flesh I am going to see Him when He stands upon the earth in the last days," and so forth. And his hope of the resurrection, and yet Job vacillated so much. But David, here he is old now, and he is thinking of death, "But You are going to make me alive again."

Thou shalt increase my greatness, and comfort me on every side. I will also praise thee with the psaltery, even the truth, O my God: unto thee will I sing with the harp, O thou Holy One of Israel. My lips shall greatly rejoice when I sing unto thee; and my soul, which thou hast redeemed. My tongue also shall talk of thy righteousness all the day long: for they are confounded, for they are brought unto shame, that seek my hurt ( Psalms 71:21-24 ).

So David, speaking of praising the Lord with a psaltery. That is, praising Him with the music, praising Him with the song, accompanied by the harp. Singing of God, greatly rejoicing and talking of God's righteousness all day long. "

Dr. Constable's Expository Notes

Psalms 71

This individual lament psalm expresses the faith of an older person in need who had trusted in God for many years. The writer is unknown to us. He combined elements that we find in several other psalms to communicate his thoughts (cf. Psalms 22; Psalms 31; Psalms 35; Psalms 40).

Dr. Constable's Expository Notes

Regardless of the outcome in his case, the writer determined to continue trusting and praising God. The Lord had demonstrated His righteousness, salvation, and mighty deeds for a long time and in many ways. Therefore, the psalmist vowed to speak of them forever, even if he could not tally up all of God’s faithful acts. If God forsook him, he could not fully relate these testimonials to the present generation of his people.

Dr. Constable's Expository Notes

3. A new commitment to continued trust 71:14-24

Gill's Exposition of the Whole Bible

My mouth shall show forth thy righteousness,.... Both his punitive justice in taking vengeance on his enemies, agreeably to the above imprecations; and his faithfulness in the performance of promises of good things unto him; as also his essential righteousness displayed and glorified in the redemption that is by Christ; and particularly the righteousness of Christ, accepted of God, and imputed by him; which the psalmist with his mouth declared his faith in, expressed his joy at, and set forth in a strong manner the glory and excellency of it, and determined to make mention of it, and of that only, as in Psalms 71:16;

[and] thy salvation all the day; both temporal and eternal; the glory of both, and praise for the same;

for I know not the numbers [thereof]; of that righteousness and salvation, the numerous blessings which are contained in them; see

Psalms 40:5; or "though I know not the numbers of them" c; though he could not fully declare the glories and excellencies of the righteousness and salvation of God, and the numerous mercies and rich grace included in them; yet he would attempt to set them forth in the best way he could, though in a feeble and imperfect manner.

c כי "quamvis", Junius Tremellius, Piscator, Gejerus So Ainsworth.

Henry's Complete Commentary on the Bible

      14 But I will hope continually, and will yet praise thee more and more.   15 My mouth shall show forth thy righteousness and thy salvation all the day; for I know not the numbers thereof.   16 I will go in the strength of the Lord GOD: I will make mention of thy righteousness, even of thine only.   17 O God, thou hast taught me from my youth: and hitherto have I declared thy wondrous works.   18 Now also when I am old and grayheaded, O God, forsake me not; until I have showed thy strength unto this generation, and thy power to every one that is to come.   19 Thy righteousness also, O God, is very high, who hast done great things: O God, who is like unto thee!   20 Thou, which hast showed me great and sore troubles, shalt quicken me again, and shalt bring me up again from the depths of the earth.   21 Thou shalt increase my greatness, and comfort me on every side.   22 I will also praise thee with the psaltery, even thy truth, O my God: unto thee will I sing with the harp, O thou Holy One of Israel.   23 My lips shall greatly rejoice when I sing unto thee; and my soul, which thou hast redeemed.   24 My tongue also shall talk of thy righteousness all the day long: for they are confounded, for they are brought unto shame, that seek my hurt.

      David is here in a holy transport of joy and praise, arising from his faith and hope in God; we have both together Psalms 71:14; Psalms 71:14, where there is a sudden and remarkable change of his voice; his fears are all silenced, his hopes raised, and his prayers turned into thanksgivings. "Let my enemies say what they will, to drive me to despair, I will hope continually, hope in all conditions, in the most cloudy and dark day; I will live upon hope and will hope to the end." Since we hope in one that will never fail us, let not our hope in him fail us, and then we shall praise him yet more and more. "The more they reproach me the more closely will I cleave to thee; I will praise thee more and better than ever I have done yet." The longer we live the more expert we should grow in praising God and the more we should abound in it. I will add over and above all thy praise, all the praise I have hitherto offered, for it is all too little. When we have said all we can, to the glory of God's grace, there is still more to be said; it is a subject that can never be exhausted, and therefore we should never grow weary of it. Now observe, in these verses,

      I. How his heart is established in faith and hope; and it is a good thing that the heart be so established. Observe,

      1. What he hopes in, Psalms 71:16; Psalms 71:16. (1.) In the power of God: "I will go in the strength of the Lord God, not sit down in despair, but stir up myself to and exert myself in my work and warfare, will go forth and go on, not in any strength of my own, but in God's strength--disclaiming my own sufficiency and depending on him only as all-sufficient--in the strength of his providence and in the strength of his grace." We must always go about God's work in his strength, having our eyes up unto him to work in us both to will and to do. (2.) In the promise of God: "I will make mention of thy righteousness, that is, thy faithfulness to every word which thou hast spoken, the equity of thy disposals, and thy kindness to thy people that trust in thee. This I will make mention of as my plea in prayer for thy mercy." We may very fitly apply it to the righteousness of Christ, which is called the righteousness of God by faith, and which is witnessed by the law and the prophets; we must depend upon God's strength for assistance and upon Christ's righteousness for acceptance. In the Lord have I righteousness and strength,Isaiah 45:24.

      2. What he hopes for.

      (1.) He hopes that God will not leave him in his old age, but will be the same to him to the end that he had been all along, Psalms 71:17; Psalms 71:18. Observe here, [1.] What God had done for him when he was young: Thou hast taught me from my youth. The good education and good instructions which his parents gave him when he was young he owns himself obliged to give God thanks for as a great favour. It is a blessed thing to be taught of God from our youth, from our childhood to know the holy scriptures, and it is what we have reason to bless God for. [2.] What he had done for God when he was middle-aged: He had declared all God's wondrous works. Those that have not good when they are young must be doing good when they are grown up, and must continue to communicate what they have received. We must own that all the works of God's goodness to us are wondrous works, admiring he should do so much for us who are so undeserving, and we must make it our business to declare them, to the glory of God and the good of others. [3.] What he desired of God now that he was old: Now that I am old and gray-headed, dying to this world and hastening to another, O God! forsake me not. This is what he earnestly desires and confidently hopes for. Those that have been taught of God from their youth, and have made it the business of their lives to honour him, may be sure that he will not leave them when they are old and gray-headed, will not leave them helpless and comfortless, but will make the evil days of old age their best days, and such as they shall have occasion to say they have pleasure in. [4.] What he designed to do for God in his old age: "I will not only show thy strength, by my own experience of it, to this generation, but I will leave my observations upon record for the benefit of posterity, and so who it to every one that is to come." As long as we live we should be endeavouring to glorify God and edify one another; and those that have had the largest and longest experience of the goodness of God to them should improve their experiences for the good of their friends. It is a debt which the old disciples of Christ owe to the succeeding generations to leave behind them a solemn testimony to the power, pleasure, and advantage of religion, and the truth of God's promises.

      (2.) He hopes that God would revive him and raise him up out of his present low and disconsolate condition (Psalms 71:20; Psalms 71:20): Thou who hast made me to see and feel great and sore troubles, above most men, shalt quicken me again. Note, [1.] The best of God's saints and servants are sometimes exercised with great and sore troubles in this world. [2.] God's hand is to be eyed in all the troubles of the saints, and that will help to extenuate them and make them seem light. He does not say, "Thou hast burdened me with those troubles," but "shown them to me," as the tender father shows the child the rod to keep him in awe. [3.] Though God's people be brought ever so low he can revive them and raise them up. Are they dead? he can quicken them again. See 2 Corinthians 1:9. Are they buried, as dead men out of mind? he can bring them up again from the depths of the earth, can cheer the most drooping spirit and raise the most sinking interest. [4.] If we have a due regard to the hand of God in our troubles, we may promise ourselves, in due time, a deliverance out of them. Our present troubles, though great and sore, shall be no hindrance to our joyful resurrection from the depths of the earth, witness our great Master, to whom this may have some reference; his Father showed him great and sore troubles, but quickened him and brought him up from the grave.

      (3.) He hopes that God would not only deliver him out of his troubles, but would advance his honour and joy more than ever (Psalms 71:21; Psalms 71:21): "Thou shalt not only restore me to my greatness again, but shalt increase it, and give me a better interest, after this shock, than before; thou shalt not only comfort me, but comfort me on every side, so that I shall see nothing black or threatening on any side." Note, Sometimes God makes his people's troubles contribute to the increase of their greatness, and their sun shines the brighter for having been under a cloud. If he make them contribute to the increase of their goodness, that will prove in the end the increase of their greatness, their glory; and if he comfort them on every side, according to the time and degree wherein he has afflicted them on every side, they will have no reason to complain. When our Lord Jesus was quickened again, and brought back from the depths of the earth, his greatness was increased, and he entered on the joy set before him.

      (4.) He hopes that all his enemies would be put to confusion, Psalms 71:24; Psalms 71:24. He speaks of it with the greatest assurance as a thing done, and triumphs in it accordingly: They are confounded, they are brought to shame, that seek my hurt. His honour would be their disgrace and his comfort their vexation.

      II. Let us now see how his heart is enlarged in joy and praises, how he rejoices in hope, and sings in hope for we are saved by hope.

      1. He will speak of God's righteousness and his salvation, as great things, things which he was well acquainted with, and much affected with, which he desired God might have the glory of and others might have the comfortable knowledge of (Psalms 71:15; Psalms 71:15): My mouth shall show forth thy righteousness and thy salvation; and again (Psalms 71:24; Psalms 71:24), My tongue shall talk of thy righteousness, and this all the day. God's righteousness, which David seems here to be in a particular manner affected with, includes a great deal: the rectitude of his nature, the equity of his providential disposals, the righteous laws he has given us to be ruled by, the righteous promises he has given us to depend upon, and the everlasting righteousness which his Son has brought in for our justification. God's righteousness and his salvation are here joined together; let no man think to put them asunder, nor expect salvation without righteousness, Psalms 50:23. If these two are made the objects of our desire, let them be made the subjects of our discourse all the day, for they are subjects that can never be exhausted.

      2. He will speak of them with wonder and admiration, as one astonished at the dimensions of divine love and grace, the height and depth, the length and breadth, of it: "I know not the numbers thereof,Psalms 71:15; Psalms 71:15. Though I cannot give a particular account of thy favours to me, they are so many, so great (if I would count them, they are more in number than the sand,Psalms 40:5), yet, knowing them to be numberless, I will be still speaking of them, for in them I shall find new matter," Psalms 71:19; Psalms 71:19. The righteousness that is in God is very high; that which is done by him for his people is very great: put both together, and we shall say, O God! who is like unto thee? This is praising God, acknowledging his perfections and performances to be, (1.) Above our conception; they are very high and great, so high that we cannot apprehend them, so great that we cannot comprehend them. (2.) Without any parallel; no being like him, no works like his: O God! who is like unto thee? None in heaven, none on earth, no angel, no king. God is a non-such; we do not rightly praise him if we do not own him to be so.

      3. He will speak of them with all the expressions of joy and exultation, Psalms 71:22; Psalms 71:23. Observe,

      (1.) How he would eye God in praising him. [1.] As a faithful God: I will praise thee, even thy truth. God is made known by his word; if we praise that, and the truth of that, we praise him. By faith we set to our seal that God is true; and so we praise his truth. [2.] As a God in covenant with him: "O my God! whom I have consented to and avouched for mine." As in our prayers, so in our praises, we must look up to God as our God, and give him the glory of our interest in him and relation to him. [3.] As the Holy One of Israel, Israel's God in a peculiar manner, glorious in his holiness among that people and faithful to his covenant with them. It is God's honour that he is a Holy One; it is his people's honour that he is the Holy One of Israel.

      (2.) How he will express his joy and exultation. [1.] With his hand, in sacred music--with the psaltery, with the harp; at these David excelled, and the best of his skill shall be employed in setting forth God's praises to such advantage as might affect others. [2.] With his lips, in sacred songs: "Unto thee will I sing, to thy honour, and with a desire to be accepted of thee. My lips shall greatly rejoice when I sing unto thee, knowing they cannot be better employed." [3.] In both with his heart: "My soul shall rejoice which thou hast redeemed." Note, First, Holy joy is the very heart and life of thankful praise. Secondly, We do not make melody to the Lord, in singing his praises, if we do not do it with our hearts. My lips shall rejoice, but that is nothing; lip-labour, though ever so well laboured, if that be all, is but lost labour in serving God; the soul must be at work, and with all that is within us we must bless his holy name, else all about us is worth little. Thirdly, Redeemed souls ought to be joyful thankful souls. The work of redemption ought, above all God's works, to be celebrated by us in our praises. The Lamb that was slain, and has redeemed us to God, must therefore be counted worthy of all blessing and praise.