Psalms 71:19
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Psalms 71:19
19 Thy righteousness also, O God, is very high, who hast done great things: O God, who is like unto thee!
Chapter Context
Psalms 71 is a poetic and liturgical chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of salvation, mercy, hope. 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 provides essential context for understanding God's covenant relationship with His people. 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 71:19
19 Thy righteousness also, O God, is very high, who hast done great things: O God, who is like unto thee!
Analysis
Thy righteousness also, O God, is very high, who hast done great things: O God, who is like unto thee! After detailing God's faithfulness from youth to old age, David bursts into doxology. "Thy righteousness" (צִדְקָתְךָ/tzidqatekha) encompasses God's just character, right actions, and covenant faithfulness. "Very high" (עַד־מָרוֹם/ad-marom) literally means "unto the heights"—God's righteousness isn't merely good but transcendent, reaching to heaven itself, surpassing human measure.
"Who hast done great things" (אֲשֶׁר־עָשִׂיתָ גְדֹלוֹת/asher-asita gedolot) grounds praise in divine action. God's righteousness isn't abstract theological concept but lived reality demonstrated through mighty deeds of deliverance. The "great things" (gedolot) include all God's redemptive acts—exodus, conquest, David's own deliverance from Saul, victories over enemies, and ongoing preservation throughout life.
"O God, who is like unto thee?" (אֱלֹהִים מִי כָמוֹךָ/Elohim mi kamokhah) is rhetorical question expecting answer "no one." It echoes Moses's song after the Red Sea crossing: "Who is like unto thee, O LORD, among the gods? who is like thee, glorious in holiness, fearful in praises, doing wonders?" (Exodus 15:11). God's incomparability stems from His unique combination of transcendent holiness and immanent faithfulness.
Historical Context
Incomparability questions—"Who is like God?"—appear throughout Scripture as rhetorical devices establishing monotheism and God's uniqueness (Exodus 15:11, Deuteronomy 3:24, 2 Samuel 7:22, Psalm 35:10, 71:19, 89:6-8, 113:5, Micah 7:18). Ancient Near East was polytheistic, with gods ranked by power. Israel's radical claim was that Yahweh wasn't merely supreme among gods but uniquely God—incomparable, without rival or equal.
David's reflection on God's "great things" throughout his life (verses 1-18) climaxes here in worship. From youth (verse 5) through maturity to old age and gray hairs (verse 18), God proved faithful. This longitudinal perspective—decades of experienced faithfulness—undergirds confident worship.
Christian theology applies this incomparability to Christ. Paul writes that God "highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name" (Philippians 2:9). Revelation depicts heavenly worship asking, "Who is like unto thee?" regarding the Lamb (Revelation 15:4, echoing Exodus 15:11).
Reflection
- How does reflecting on God's faithfulness throughout your life—youth to present—strengthen worship and confidence?
- What "great things" has God done in your life that demonstrate His righteousness and faithfulness?
- How does God's incomparability—"who is like unto thee?"—inform your response to competing truth claims and alternative spiritualities?
Word Studies
- Righteous: צַדִּיק (Tzaddik) H6666 - Righteous one
Cross-References
- References God: Psalms 72:18, 86:8, Exodus 15:11, Isaiah 40:18
- Parallel theme: Psalms 35:10, 57:10, Job 5:9, Isaiah 40:25, 55:9, Jeremiah 10:7