Psalms 71:17

O God, thou hast taught me from my youth: and hitherto have I declared thy wondrous works.

Word-by-Word Analysis

אֱֽלֹהִ֗ים

H430

O God

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

לִמַּדְתַּ֥נִי

H3925

thou hast taught

properly, to goad, i.e., (by implication) to teach (the rod being an middle eastern incentive)

מִנְּעוּרָ֑י

H5271

me from my youth

(only in plural collective or emphatic form) youth, the state (juvenility) or the persons (young people)

וְעַד

H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

הֵ֝֗נָּה

H2008

hither or thither (but used both of place and time)

אַגִּ֥יד

H5046

and hitherto have I declared

properly, to front, i.e., stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to

נִפְלְאוֹתֶֽיךָ׃

H6381

thy wondrous works

properly, perhaps to separate, i.e., distinguish (literally or figuratively); by implication, to be (causatively, make) great, difficult, wonderful

Analysis

This verse develops the worship and praise theme central to Psalms. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the proper human response to God's character and works. The divine name or title here functions within worship literature expressing the full range of human experience before God to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of ancient Near Eastern poetry and hymnic literature for worship shapes this text's meaning. Israel's liturgical traditions developed through centuries of temple worship and personal devotion Understanding a worldview centered on covenant relationship between God and His people helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does understanding divine sovereignty in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about worship and praise?
How does the worship and praise theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of the progressive revelation of God's purposes throughout Scripture, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?