Psalms 71:23
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Psalms 71:23
23 My lips shall greatly rejoice when I sing unto thee; and my soul, which thou hast redeemed.
Chapter Context
Psalms 71 is a poetic and liturgical chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of covenant, love, 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 contributes to the biblical metanarrative of redemption. 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 71:23
23 My lips shall greatly rejoice when I sing unto thee; and my soul, which thou hast redeemed.
Analysis
My lips shall greatly rejoice when I sing unto thee; and my soul, which thou hast redeemed. David describes the internal and external dimensions of anticipated worship. "My lips shall greatly rejoice" (תְּרַנֵּנָּה שְׂפָתַי/terannenah sefatai) uses ranan, meaning to cry out, sing for joy, shout with gladness. This isn't somber, formal worship but exuberant celebration. The lips—organs of speech and song—will overflow with joy expressed vocally and publicly.
"My soul, which thou hast redeemed" (נַפְשִׁי אֲשֶׁר פָּדִיתָ/nafshi asher padita) identifies the deeper source of joy. Nefesh (soul/life) represents the whole person—emotions, will, and being. This soul has been "redeemed" (פָּדִיתָ/padita), using redemption language typically applied to buying back enslaved family members or property (Leviticus 25:25-55). God has purchased David back from bondage to sin, death, and enemies.
The connection between redemption and joy is profound: genuine joy flows from experienced salvation. Lips rejoice because the soul has been redeemed. External worship expresses internal transformation. This anticipates Christian understanding of redemption through Christ's blood (Ephesians 1:7, 1 Peter 1:18-19) producing joy that overflows in worship (Acts 2:46-47, 1 Peter 1:8).
Historical Context
Redemption (padah) was commercial and legal term in ancient Israel, referring to buying back enslaved relatives, lost property, or pledged items (Exodus 13:13, Leviticus 25:25-55, 27:13-33, Ruth 4:4-10). God "redeemed" Israel from Egyptian slavery (Exodus 6:6, 15:13, Deuteronomy 7:8, 9:26, 13:5), establishing redemption as central salvation metaphor. Every subsequent deliverance recalled this foundational redemption.
The psalm's movement from lament (verses 1-13) through petition (verses 14-18) to confident praise (verses 19-24) reflects Israel's worship pattern. Corporate and individual laments moved toward praise as worshipers remembered God's past faithfulness and anticipated future deliverance.
Jesus declared He came "to give his life a ransom for many" (Mark 10:45), using redemption language. Paul wrote, "ye are bought with a price" (1 Corinthians 6:20, 7:23). Peter taught that believers are redeemed "with the precious blood of Christ" (1 Peter 1:18-19).
Reflection
- How does the connection between redemption and joy shape your understanding of worship as response to salvation?
- What is the relationship between inner transformation (redeemed soul) and outer expression (rejoicing lips)?
- In what ways does Old Testament redemption language inform Christian understanding of Christ's atoning work?
Word Studies
- Redeem: גָּאַל (Gaal) H6299 - To redeem, act as kinsman-redeemer
Cross-References
- Sin: Psalms 104:33
- Redemption: Psalms 103:4, 2 Samuel 4:9