Understanding Psalms 71:16

Psalms 71:16 states:

"I will go in the strength of the Lord GOD: I will make mention of thy righteousness, even of thine only."

This verse encapsulates a deep sense of reliance on God's strength and emphasizes the importance of acknowledging His righteousness. Through a combination of insights from renowned public domain commentaries, we can explore the rich meanings embedded in this verse.

Summary of the Meaning

In Psalms 71:16, the psalmist expresses a profound commitment to depend on God’s divine strength rather than his own. This dependence is not just a passive recognition; it is an active decision to "go in the strength of the Lord GOD." The use of "strength" indicates that the psalmist recognizes his own limitations and turns to God, who is the source of all true power and resilience.

Furthermore, the phrase "I will make mention of thy righteousness" highlights the importance of God's character in the life of the believer. The psalmist commits to acknowledging God’s righteousness, which not only reassures the faithful but also acts as a witness to others about the Lord's nature.

Insights from Commentaries

• Matthew Henry:

  Henry emphasizes the notion of divine strength, noting that for the believer, true strength is drawn from God. He contrasts the fleeting strength found in worldly power with the eternal strength of the Lord. Additionally, he highlights that mentioning God's righteousness is an act of faith, teaching that to declare His righteousness is crucial for spiritual growth.

• Albert Barnes:

  Barnes focuses on the psalmist's determination to trust in God amid adversity. He explains that the reference to God’s righteousness is a dedication of the psalmist to credit God's good deeds and moral character, emphasizing the relationship between divine strength and righteousness in the believer's life.

• Adam Clarke:

  Clarke notes that the mention of God’s righteousness serves to remind believers of their moral obligations. He suggests that by acknowledging God's righteousness, believers align themselves with divine truth, ensuring their paths align with God's will. Clarke encourages believers to trust confidently in God's provision.

Bible Verse Cross-References

To further deepen the understanding of Psalms 71:16, we can identify several cross-references within the Scriptures that echo similar themes of reliance on God's strength and acknowledgment of His righteousness:

• 1 Chronicles 16:11: "Seek the LORD and His strength; seek His face continually." - This verse echoes the call to seek divine strength.
• Philippians 4:13: "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." - Paul emphasizes dependence on Christ's strength.
• Psalm 28:7: "The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in Him, and I am helped." - This reinforces the theme of Divine support.
• Isaiah 41:10: "Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee." - God's promise of strength in times of trouble.
• Romans 1:16: "For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation." - Paul recognizes the power inherent in God's righteousness.
• Psalms 18:32: "It is God that girdeth me with strength, and maketh my way perfect." - This verse also acknowledges God's role in providing strength.
• Matthew 5:6: "Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled." - A reminder of the desire for God’s righteousness.

Thematic Connections

The themes of strength and righteousness found in Psalms 71:16 are prevalent throughout the Bible, and connecting these verses through a cross-reference approach enriches our understanding:

• Trust and Strength: Many verses, such as Proverbs 3:5-6 and Isaiah 40:31, discuss trusting in the Lord for strength.
• God’s Righteousness: Verses like Psalm 119:142 and Romans 3:22 highlight the importance of God's righteousness.
• Faithfulness in Trials: Passages such as James 1:2-4 emphasize the growth of faith through trials, resonating with the psalmist's trust in God’s strength.

Using Bible Cross-References

For those seeking to deepen their study of Scripture, using Bible cross-references can illuminate connections between verses. Here are some tools and methods to utilize:

• Bible Concordance: A Bible concordance can help locate specific themes or verses related to strength and righteousness.
• Bible Cross-Reference Guide: A guide can assist in discovering interrelated verses across different books of the Bible.
• Cross-Reference Bible Study: Engage in structured studies that allow for comparison and thematic exploration of related verses.
• Bible Chain References: Create chains of scripture that interlink themes found within different books, reinforcing connections.

In conclusion, Psalms 71:16 offers powerful encouragement to rely on God’s strength and recognize His righteousness. The insights from various commentaries bolster our understanding, while cross-referencing with other scriptures provides a broader context and deeper appreciation of God's promises and character. Whether in personal study or sermon preparation, engaging with these biblical themes enriches the believer’s spiritual journey.