Worthy.Bible » YLT » Psalms » Chapter 71 » Verse 18-24

Psalms 71:18-24 Young's Literal Translation (YLT)

18 And also unto old age and grey hairs, O God, forsake me not, Till I declare Thy strength to a generation, To every one that cometh Thy might.

19 And Thy righteousness, O God, `is' unto the heights, Because Thou hast done great things, O God, who `is' like Thee?

20 Because Thou hast showed me many and sad distresses, Thou turnest back -- Thou revivest me, And from the depths of the earth, Thou turnest back -- Thou bringest me up.

21 Thou dost increase my greatness, And Thou surroundest -- Thou comfortest me,

22 I also thank Thee with a vessel of psaltery, Thy truth, O my God, I sing to Thee with a harp, O Holy One of Israel,

23 My lips cry aloud when I sing praise to Thee, And my soul that Thou hast redeemed,

24 My tongue also all the day uttereth Thy righteousness, Because ashamed -- because confounded, Have been those seeking my evil!

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.