Psalms 71:24
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Psalms 71:24
24 My tongue also shall talk of thy righteousness all the day long: for they are confounded, for they are brought unto shame, that seek my hurt.
Chapter Context
Psalms 71 is a poetic and liturgical chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of discipleship, hope, faith. 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 establishes important theological principles that resonate throughout Scripture. 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 71:24
24 My tongue also shall talk of thy righteousness all the day long: for they are confounded, for they are brought unto shame, that seek my hurt.
Analysis
My tongue also shall talk of thy righteousness all the day long: for they are confounded, for they are brought unto shame, that seek my hurt. David's vowed praise extends beyond formal worship to continuous daily testimony. "My tongue also shall talk" (גַּם־לְשׁוֹנִי תֶּהְגֶּה/gam-leshoni tehgeh) uses hagah, meaning to meditate, mutter, speak, or declare. This is the same word for meditating on God's law (Psalm 1:2)—constant, repeated, audible engagement with truth. David will make God's righteousness his continual conversation topic.
"All the day long" (כָּל־הַיּוֹם/kol-hayyom) emphasizes constancy. Not merely during worship services but throughout daily life, David's speech will declare God's righteousness. This anticipates New Testament commands for believers' speech to be "always with grace, seasoned with salt" (Colossians 4:6), continually testifying to God's goodness (1 Peter 3:15).
"For they are confounded, for they are brought unto shame, that seek my hurt" (כִּי־בֹשׁוּ כִי־חָפְרוּ מְבַקְשֵׁי רָעָתִי/ki-voshu ki-khaferu mevaqshei ra'ati) provides motivation for continuous praise. Enemies' defeat and confusion demonstrate God's righteousness vindication of His servant. The double "for" (ki) emphasizes the completed reality—enemies have been (or certainly will be) shamed.
Historical Context
The concept of talking about God's righteousness "all day long" reflects Deuteronomic piety: "These words... shall be in thine heart: and thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up" (Deuteronomy 6:6-7). Faith wasn't compartmentalized but integrated into every aspect of life through constant conversation about God's truth.
Enemies' confusion and shame (bosh, khafer) represent covenant curse—the reversal of fortunes where those who attacked God's servant face divine judgment. This theme appears throughout Psalms: "Let them be confounded and put to shame that seek after my soul" (Psalm 35:4, 26, 40:14, 70:2).
Early Christians continued this pattern of continuous testimony. Acts depicts believers constantly speaking about Jesus (Acts 2:46-47, 5:42, 8:4). Paul commanded, "Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God" (1 Corinthians 10:31).
Reflection
- How can you integrate talk of God's righteousness into daily conversation without being forced or artificial?
- What prevents Christians from speaking continuously about God's goodness throughout the day?
- How does enemies' defeat and confusion demonstrate God's righteousness and justice?
Word Studies
- Righteous: צַדִּיק (Tzaddik) H6666 - Righteous one
Cross-References
- Righteousness: Psalms 35:28
- Parallel theme: Psalms 71:13