Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Psalms 71:15
My mouth shall show forth thy righteousness [and] thy salvation all the day; for I know not the numbers [thereof].
15. My mouth shall tell of thy righteousness,
And of thy salvation all the day;
For I know not the tale thereof.
Salvation is coupled with righteousness, because the one is the outcome and visible manifestation of the other. Cp. Psa 71:2; Isa 45:21. There is a play in the Heb. on the words tell and tale. They are derived from the same root, which, like tell in old English, means both to count and to recount. God’s mercies are an inexhaustible theme. Cp. Psa 40:5; Psa 139:17-18.
Fuente: The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges
My mouth shall show forth thy righteousness … – See the notes at Psa 71:8. The word righteousness here refers to the righteous character of God, particularly as manifested in his behalf; the word salvation refers to what God had done to deliver him from his dangers.
For I know not the numbers thereof – That is, I cannot estimate the amount of thy favors; they are innumerable. See the notes at Psa 40:5.
Fuente: Albert Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
Psa 71:15
My mouth shall show forth Thy righteousness and Thy salvation all the day; for I know not the numbers thereof.
An inexhaustible subject
This psalmists words may well be a pattern for old men, who need fear no failure of buoyancy, nor any collapse of gladness, if they will fix their thoughts where this singer did his. Other subjects of thought and speech will pall and run dry; but he whose theme is Gods righteousness and the salvation that flows from it will never lack materials for animating meditation and grateful praise. I know not the numbers thereof. It is something to have fast hold of an inexhaustible subject. It will keep an old man young. (A. Maclaren, D. D.)
Witnessing of Gods grace and salvation
We may wrongly hide our religion so that it evaporates. Too many professing Christians put away their religion as careless housewives might do some precious perfume, Had when they go to take it out, they find nothing but a rotten cork, a faint odour and an empty flask. Take care of burying your religion so deep as dogs do bones, that you cannot find it again, or, if you do, discover when you open the coffin that it holds only a handful of dry dust. (A. Maclaren, D. D.)
Fuente: Biblical Illustrator Edited by Joseph S. Exell
Verse 15. I know not the numbers] I must be continually in the spirit of gratitude, praise, and obedience, for thy blessings to me are innumerable.
Fuente: Adam Clarke’s Commentary and Critical Notes on the Bible
i.e. Of thy salvations and mercies vouchsafed to me, which being innumerable, oblige me the more to celebrate thy praises.
Fuente: English Annotations on the Holy Bible by Matthew Poole
15. for I know . . .thereofinnumerable, as he had not time to count them.
Fuente: Jamieson, Fausset and Brown’s Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible
My mouth shall show forth thy righteousness,…. Both his punitive justice in taking vengeance on his enemies, agreeably to the above imprecations; and his faithfulness in the performance of promises of good things unto him; as also his essential righteousness displayed and glorified in the redemption that is by Christ; and particularly the righteousness of Christ, accepted of God, and imputed by him; which the psalmist with his mouth declared his faith in, expressed his joy at, and set forth in a strong manner the glory and excellency of it, and determined to make mention of it, and of that only, as in Ps 71:16;
[and] thy salvation all the day; both temporal and eternal; the glory of both, and praise for the same;
for I know not the numbers [thereof]; of that righteousness and salvation, the numerous blessings which are contained in them; see
Ps 40:5; or “though I know not the numbers of them” c; though he could not fully declare the glories and excellencies of the righteousness and salvation of God, and the numerous mercies and rich grace included in them; yet he would attempt to set them forth in the best way he could, though in a feeble and imperfect manner.
c “quamvis”, Junius Tremellius, Piscator, Gejerus So Ainsworth.
Fuente: John Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible
15. My mouth shall recount thy righteousness Here he expresses more clearly what sacrifice of praise he resolved to present to God, promising to proclaim continually his righteousness and salvation. I have often before had occasion to observe, that the righteousness of God does not mean that property of his nature by which he renders to every man his own, but the faithfulness which he observes towards his own people, when he cherishes, defends, and delivers them. Hence the inestimable consolation which arises from learning that our salvation is so inseparably linked with the righteousness of God, as to have the same stability with this Divine attribute. The salvation of God, it is very evident, is taken in this place actively. The Psalmist connects this salvation with righteousness, as the effect with the cause; for his confident persuasion of obtaining salvation proceeded solely from reflecting that God is righteous, and that he cannot deny himself. As he had been saved so often, and in so many different ways, and so wonderfully, he engages to apply himself continually to the celebration of the grace of God. The particle כי, ki, which we have translated for, is by some rendered adversatively although, and explained in this way: Although the salvation of God is to me incomprehensible, and transcends my capacity, yet I will recount it. But the proper signification of the word is more suitable in this place, there being nothing which ought to be more effectual in kindling and exciting our hearts to sing the praises of God, than the innumerable benefits which he has bestowed upon us. Although our hearts may not be affected from having experienced only one or two of the Divine benefits; although they may remain cold and unmoved by a small number of them, yet our ingratitude is inexcusable, if we are not awakened from our torpor and indifference when an innumerable multitude of them are lavished upon us. Let us learn then not to taste of the goodness of God slightly, and, as it were, with loathing, but to apply all our faculties to it in all its amplitude, that it may ravish us with admiration. It is surprising that the authors of the Greek version ever thought of translating this clause, I have not known learning, (112) an error unworthy of being noticed, were it not that some fanatics in former times, to flatter themselves in their ignorance, boasted that, after the example of David, all learning and liberal sciences should be despised; even as, in the present day, the Anabaptists have no other pretext for boasting of being spiritual persons, but that they are grossly ignorant (113) of all science.
(112) The present reading of the Septuagint is, Οὐκ ἔγνων πραγματείας, “I know not the affairs of men; ” but Nobilius, in his Notes on the Septuagint, observes, that in some Greek copies it is, γραμματείας, “learning,” of which reading Augustine makes mention; and as the Vulgate reads, “ literaturam,” “learning,” this makes it more probable that the ancient reading of the LXX. was not πραγματείας, but γραμματειάς. Horsley has followed the LXX. He considers this clause as the commencement of a new sentence, and connects it with the 16 verse thus: —
“
Although I am no proficient in learning; I will enter upon [the subject of] the Lord Jehovah’s great might; I will commemorate thy righteousness.”
In a foot-note he refers to Joh 7:15, “How knoweth this man letters, having never learned?” and to Mat 13:54; and in an additional note he says, “It is strange that Houbigant should treat an interpretation with contempt, which is supported by the versions of the LXX., Jerome, and the Vulgate; which the Hebrew words will naturally bear, and which gives great spirit to the sentiment.” Street reads: —
“
Though I am ignorant of books, I will proceed with strength,” etc.;
and observes, that “The word מספר signifies number, but ספר, signifies an epistle, a book. ”
(113) “ Expertes.” — Lat. “ Gros asniers. — Fr.
Fuente: Calvin’s Complete Commentary
(15) Comp. Psa. 40:5, which indicates the meaning here. Mere reminiscence must give place to actual calculation, which too must fail before the sense of Divine interference in his favour.
Fuente: Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers (Old and New Testaments)
15. Thy righteousness and thy salvation Two words literally translated and everywhere well defined. “God’s salvation stands to his righteousness in the relation of effect to cause. God has pledged himself to save those who put their trust in him, and as a righteous God he cannot deny himself.” Perowne. Compare Heb 6:10. See note on Psa 71:19.
I know not the numbers That is, the limits, or measures, (Furst,) of the righteousness and salvation just spoken of. But the Hebrew word, which occurs nowhere else, may be taken in the sense of enumerations, as in English version, and applied to God’s acts of righteousness and salvation; and in this sense corresponds with the declarations of Psa 40:5; Psa 139:17-18. In either sense, however, the doctrine is the same. These numberless and limitless mercies call for endless praises.
Fuente: Whedon’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
Psa 71:15. For I know not the numbers thereof Though I know not the number of them; i.e. of thy righteousness or mercies, or thy salvation and deliverances; they being so numerous, that it is not possible to count them, I will go, in the next verse, is rendered by Mudge, I will come; that is, into thy temple, by virtue of these acts of prowess which God has exerted in my favour.
Fuente: Commentary on the Holy Bible by Thomas Coke
DISCOURSE: 617
SALVATION A GROUND OF JOY
Psa 71:15. My mouth shall shew forth thy righteousness and thy salvation all the day; for I know not the numbers thereof.
PERHAPS, of all mankind, no one person ever experienced more signal deliverances than David. In his early life he was exposed to the most imminent dangers from Saul. During his whole reign he was engaged in almost one continual scene of warfare: and in his old age, his own son Absalom conspired against him, and sought his life. It was on this last occasion that he penned this psalm; and gave it to the Church, as a memorial of Gods unbounded mercy and faithfulness towards him.
The spirit which he breathes in the words before us shews,
I.
What should be the subjects of our daily contemplation
We, like David, have numberless mercies to acknowledge at Gods hands. Could we but see one half of the deliverances we have received, we should be perfectly overwhelmed with wonder and astonishment. From our youth up, even to the present moment, his care of us has been unintermitted, and his interpositions truly wonderful. But still greater has been his care for our souls. Behold the salvation he has revealed to us: truly, we cannot know the numbers thereof. Behold, I say,
1.
How inestimable are its blessings!
[Who can ever declare the value of pardon or peace, or holiness or glory? Go down to the dread abodes of hell, and see the misery of unpardoned sin: or go up to the regions of bliss in heaven, and see the joys that are at Gods right hand for evermore: or take the state of Gods people here on earth: and contrast the liberty enjoyed by his children with the bondage endured by the slaves of Satan; and you will see what unspeakable obligations we owe to God for his converting and saving grace.]
2.
How incalculable the price paid for them!
[Truly, it is not with corruptible things, as silver and gold, that we have been redeemed, but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot [Note: 1Pe 1:10.]. In comparison of this, ten thousand worlds would have been a worthless sacrifice. How inconceivable the cost! Truly, We know not the numbers thereof; nor could all the angels in heaven count the mighty sum.]
3.
How unsearchable the grace displayed in them!
[All of them are the fruits of sovereign grace; and all are bestowed on the very chief of sinners; yea, and bestowed, not only unmerited by us, but unsought and unsolicited. In the first instance, they were given to man when he was risen up in rebellion against his Maker: and even still are they conferred on men, not according to their works, but according to Gods purpose and grace, which he purposed from all eternity in Christ Jesus our Lord [Note: 2Ti 1:9.].]
Let us, then, consider,
II.
What should be the frame of our minds in relation to them?
Our determination should resemble that of David Our mouth should shew forth this salvation from day to day
1.
In grateful acknowledgments to God
[It seems really wonderful, that men so indebted to their God should be able to find time for any thing but praise. David in his Psalms, sets us a good example: I will extol thee, my God, O King; and I will bless thy name for ever and ever [Note: ver. 8. with Psa 145:1-2.]. Let us only learn to appreciate aright the mercies we have received, and there will be no bounds to our gratitude, no end to our praise.]
2.
In affectionate commendations to men
[David desired to make known to others the goodness of his God. In the psalm just cited, hear how he dilates upon this subject: I will speak of the glorious honour of thy majesty, and of thy wondrous works: and men shall speak of the might of thy terrible acts; and I will declare thy greatness They shall speak of the glory of thy kingdom, and talk of thy power; to make known to the sons of men his mighty acts, and the glorious majesty of thy kingdom [Note: ver. 24. with Psa 145:5-6; Psa 145:11-12. See also Psa 40:9-10.]. And what other subject of conversation can we ever find so interesting, so useful, so worthy of a rational being, and, above all, so suitable to a redeemed soul?]
Behold, then,
1.
Whatglorioussubjectshaveministerstoproclaim!
[The Apostles preached to men the unsearchable riches of Christ [Note: Eph 3:8.]. And so filled with this subject was the Apostle Paul, that he determined to know nothing among his people but Jesus Christ, and him crucified [Note: 1Co 2:2.]. This is a subject utterly inexhaustible: in it are contained all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge [Note: Col 2:3.]. O, that every minister would bring it forth to his people! Surely his hearers should soon be enriched; for it cannot be that the Saviour should ever be exhibited in vain, and his salvation be offered unto men in vain. But,]
2.
How unlike to David are the generality of men!
[David would think and speak of nothing else but Gods righteousness and salvation; but the generality of men scarcely ever speak or think of it at all. Indeed, this is the one subject which, beyond all others, is, as it were, by universal consent, proscribed: so that we may mix in company for years and scores of years, and never once hear it brought forward in the way that David and the Apostles spake of it. And even good men are too little impressed with it, either in their conversations with men, or in their secret addresses at the Throne of Grace. Mark the frame of your minds, Brethren, from day to day, and see whether you have not reason to blush and be ashamed for the little impression which this subject makes upon your minds. But as for the world at large, if any thing under heaven can shew them how far they are from God, methinks they must see it by comparing their experience with that of David in our text.]
3.
What a resemblance to heaven is the saints life on earth!
[Let us suppose a saint resembling David, and uttering from his inmost soul the expressions in my text; and you will immediately be reminded of the heavenly host, who rest not day and night, ascribing, without a moments intermission, and with all the powers they possess, salvation to God and to the Lamb. Take this view, then, of real piety, and seek, my Brethren, to begin your heaven upon earth.]
Fuente: Charles Simeon’s Horae Homileticae (Old and New Testaments)
Psa 71:15 My mouth shall shew forth thy righteousness [and] thy salvation all the day; for I know not the numbers [thereof].
Ver. 15. My mouth shall show forth thy righteousness and thy salvation ] Lo, here, a sweet and comfortable conjunction of God’s righteousness and our salvation. See 2Th 1:6-7 .
For I know not the numbers thereof
Littora quot conchas, quot amaena rosaria flores,
Quotve soporiferum grana papaver habet:
Sylva feras quot alit, quot piscibus unda natatur,
Et tenerum pennis acra pulsar avis (Ovid.).
So many, and ten thousand times more, are God’s lovingkindnesses. The psalmist elsewhere venteth himself by an exclamation, Psa 31:19
Fuente: John Trapp’s Complete Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
the numbers. Compare Psa 40:5.
Fuente: Companion Bible Notes, Appendices and Graphics
My mouth: Psa 71:8, Psa 71:24, Psa 22:22-25, Psa 30:12, Psa 40:9, Psa 40:10, Psa 145:2, Psa 145:5-14
all the day: Psa 35:28, Psa 89:16
I know: Psa 40:5, Psa 40:12, Psa 139:17, Psa 139:18
Reciprocal: 1Ch 16:23 – show forth 2Ch 19:2 – hate the Lord Job 9:10 – great things Job 26:3 – plentifully Psa 7:17 – according Psa 34:1 – General Psa 37:30 – General Psa 51:14 – tongue Psa 71:16 – thy righteousness Psa 84:4 – they will Psa 92:2 – show Psa 96:2 – show Psa 108:1 – my glory Psa 119:13 – I declared Psa 145:7 – sing Psa 145:21 – My mouth Psa 146:2 – While I live Pro 5:2 – thy lips Pro 15:7 – lips Ecc 9:10 – thy hand Ecc 10:12 – words Son 4:11 – lips Isa 48:6 – and will Mic 6:5 – know Luk 6:45 – good man Joh 7:26 – he speaketh Joh 21:25 – there Rom 1:16 – I am Rom 10:3 – God’s righteousness 1Co 1:30 – righteousness Phi 3:9 – the righteousness Col 4:6 – your 1Th 3:9 – what
Fuente: The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
71:15 My mouth shall shew forth thy righteousness [and] thy salvation all the day; {k} for I know not the numbers [thereof].
(k) Because your benefits toward me are innumerable, I cannot but continually meditate and rehearse them.