What does Psalms 71:16 mean?
"I will go in the strength of the Lord GOD: I will make mention of thy righteousness, even of thine only." - Psalms 71:16
"Psalm 71:16 (KJV): I will go in the strength of the Lord God: I will make mention of thy righteousness, even of thine only."
The book of Psalms is a collection of prayers, hymns, and poems that express a range of emotions, from despair and doubt to praise and thanksgiving. Psalm 71, in particular, is attributed to the authorship of King David and is a prayer for deliverance and protection in old age. In verse 16, the psalmist declares his intention to rely on the strength of the Lord and to proclaim His righteousness.
The verse begins with the declaration, "I will go in the strength of the Lord God." This statement reflects the psalmist's unwavering faith and trust in the power of God to guide and sustain him. It also speaks to the psalmist's willingness to rely on the Lord's strength rather than his own abilities. This acknowledgment of reliance on God's strength is a recurring theme in the book of Psalms and emphasizes the importance of having faith in God's ability to provide for and protect His people.
The psalmist goes on to say, "I will make mention of thy righteousness, even of thine only." Here, the psalmist affirms his commitment to proclaiming God's righteousness above all else. This declaration not only highlights the psalmist's dedication to praising God but also serves as a reminder of the righteousness and faithfulness of God. By emphasizing God's righteousness, the psalmist seeks to inspire a sense of reverence and awe for God's character and attributes.
In this verse, the psalmist's commitment to relying on God's strength and proclaiming His righteousness carries broader themes of trust, worship, and humility. The psalmist's acknowledgment of God's strength over his own is an important message of humility and reliance on God's grace. It serves as a reminder that true strength comes from God and that believers should place their trust in Him rather than in their own abilities.
Furthermore, the psalmist's determination to proclaim God's righteousness reflects the theme of worship and praise. By making mention of God's righteousness, the psalmist demonstrates a desire to honor and glorify God. This act of praise not only acknowledges God's character but also serves to uplift and inspire others to recognize and worship Him.
In the broader context of the book of Psalms, this verse also carries symbolic significance. The "strength of the Lord God" represents the power and might of God, while "righteousness" signifies His moral perfection and justice. As such, this verse can be seen as a symbolic representation of the believer's reliance on God's power and the proclamation of His moral character.
In summary, Psalm 71:16 is a powerful declaration of faith, trust, and worship. It emphasizes the psalmist's commitment to relying on God's strength and proclaiming His righteousness. By doing so, the psalmist sets an example of humility, reverence, and reliance on God's grace. This verse serves as a reminder for believers to place their trust in God's strength and to exalt His righteousness above all else.
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Psalms 71:16 - "I will go in the strength of the Lord GOD: I will make mention of thy righteousness, even of thine only."
"I will go in the strength of the Lord GOD: I will make mention of thy righteousness, even of thine only." - Psalms 71:16
Psalms 71:14 - "But I will hope continually, and will yet praise thee more and more."
Psalms 71:21 - "Thou shalt increase my greatness, and comfort me on every side."
Psalms 71:8 - "Let my mouth be filled with thy praise and with thy honour all the day."
Psalms 71:7 - "I am as a wonder unto many; but thou art my strong refuge."
Psalms 71:11 - "Saying, God hath forsaken him: persecute and take him; for there is none to deliver him."
Psalms 119:71 - "It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn thy statutes."
Psalms 71:9 - "Cast me not off in the time of old age; forsake me not when my strength faileth."
Psalms 71:12 - "O God, be not far from me: O my God, make haste for my help."
Psalms 71:10 - "For mine enemies speak against me; and they that lay wait for my soul take counsel together,"
Psalms 71:1 - "In thee, O LORD, do I put my trust: let me never be put to confusion."
"O God, be not far from me: O my God, make haste for my help." - Psalms 71:12
Psalms 71:4 - "Deliver me, O my God, out of the hand of the wicked, out of the hand of the unrighteous and cruel man."
Psalms 71:5 - "For thou art my hope, O Lord GOD: thou art my trust from my youth."
Psalms 71:2 - "Deliver me in thy righteousness, and cause me to escape: incline thine ear unto me, and save me."
Psalms 71:13 - "Let them be confounded and consumed that are adversaries to my soul; let them be covered with reproach and dishonour that seek my hurt."
Psalms 78:71 - "From following the ewes great with young he brought him to feed Jacob his people, and Israel his inheritance."
"Deliver me, O my God, out of the hand of the wicked, out of the hand of the unrighteous and cruel man." - Psalms 71:4
Psalms 71:15 - "My mouth shall shew forth thy righteousness and thy salvation all the day; for I know not the numbers thereof."
Psalms 71:17 - "O God, thou hast taught me from my youth: and hitherto have I declared thy wondrous works."
Psalms 71:23 - "My lips shall greatly rejoice when I sing unto thee; and my soul, which thou hast redeemed."
Psalms 71:24 - "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."
"But I will hope continually, and will yet praise thee more and more." - Psalms 71:14
"Deliver me in thy righteousness, and cause me to escape: incline thine ear unto me, and save me." - Psalms 71:2
Psalms 71:19 - "Thy righteousness also, O God, is very high, who hast done great things: O God, who is like unto thee!"
"But I will hope continually, and will yet praise thee more and more." - Psalms 71:14
"From following the ewes great with young he brought him to feed Jacob his people, and Israel his inheritance." - Psalms 78:71
Psalms 71:20 - "Thou, which hast shewed me great and sore troubles, shalt quicken me again, and shalt bring me up again from the depths of the earth."
"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." - Psalms 71:22