Psalms 71:15
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Psalms 71:15
15 My mouth shall shew forth thy righteousness and thy salvation all the day; for I know not the numbers thereof.
Chapter Context
Psalms 71 is a poetic and liturgical chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of sacrifice, worship, righteousness. Written during various periods (c. 1000-400 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Temple worship utilized these compositions across various periods of Israel's history.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-24: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it offers practical wisdom for godly living in a fallen world. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Psalms and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Psalms 71:15
15 My mouth shall shew forth thy righteousness and thy salvation all the day; for I know not the numbers thereof.
Analysis
The commitment to declare God's righteousness and salvation 'all the day' mirrors verse 8's 'all the day' praise. 'I know not the numbers thereof' acknowledges God's deeds are innumerable—impossible to fully catalog. This humility before divine abundance produces ongoing testimony. Believers never exhaust reasons to praise God; new mercies appear daily (Lamentations 3:22-23). Worship based on God's character and works remains perpetually fresh.
Historical Context
Israel's festivals rehearsed God's mighty acts—Exodus, conquest, provision. Yet even these comprehensive celebrations couldn't exhaust the full scope of divine faithfulness across generations.
Reflection
- How can you develop the habit of declaring God's righteousness throughout each day?
- What does acknowledging you 'know not the numbers' of God's deeds teach about humility in worship?
- How can regular reflection on God's past faithfulness fuel ongoing testimony and praise?
Word Studies
- Salvation: יְשׁוּעָה (Yeshuah) H8668 - Salvation, deliverance
Cross-References
- Righteousness: Psalms 35:28, 71:24, 89:16
- Parallel theme: Psalms 30:12, 40:5, 40:12, 71:8, 145:2