I will trust God’s powerful works, magnifying only His perfect righteousness.
I will come with the mighty deeds of the Lord GOD; I will make mention of Your righteousness, Yours alone. (Psalm 71:16)
In this psalm, often attributed to David in his later years, the psalmist declares a bold intention to rely on God’s power rather than his own. He proclaims that he will stand upon the “mighty deeds” of the Lord GOD—recognizing that the Almighty has performed wondrous works throughout history, such as guiding Israel out of bondage in Egypt and sustaining them in battle. By choosing to mention God’s righteousness “alone,” the psalmist confesses that genuine righteousness and deliverance come solely from God, rather than the achievements of humankind. In doing so, he points toward a lifetime of praise rooted in humble dependence on the Lord’s character and faithfulness.
The phrase “mighty deeds of the Lord GOD” underscores the One who conquers all obstacles, from ancient times to the present moment. Much like the deliverance from Egyptian slavery (Exodus 13-14) or David’s rescue from enemies (2 Samuel 22:2-4), these miracles are remembered by later generations in Israel. Such memories inspire worshippers to look beyond themselves and rely on the Creator’s strength, turning away from hollow pursuits and instead focusing on the Author of life. The psalmist’s emphasis on proclaiming “Your righteousness” also parallels New Testament teachings that remind believers their true righteousness is found in Jesus, who fulfilled the law on humanity’s behalf (Romans 10:4).
By calling attention to “Your righteousness, Yours alone,” the psalmist orients his faith and testimony toward God as the sole source of moral uprightness and saving power. This foreshadows the ultimate redemption found in Christ, who accomplished salvation through His sacrificial death and glorious resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:3-4). Dwelling on the Lord’s mighty deeds allows the believer to stand firm in adversity, trusting that the same God who performed wonders in Scripture cares for His people today. Faith in His unfailing righteousness, rather than our own strength, is the heart of Psalm 71:16’s enduring message.
The psalmist exhorts us to praise the Lord for His wondrous acts, and to rest in His righteousness for our salvation.
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Psalms 71:16 meaning
I will come with the mighty deeds of the Lord GOD; I will make mention of Your righteousness, Yours alone. (Psalm 71:16)
In this psalm, often attributed to David in his later years, the psalmist declares a bold intention to rely on God’s power rather than his own. He proclaims that he will stand upon the “mighty deeds” of the Lord GOD—recognizing that the Almighty has performed wondrous works throughout history, such as guiding Israel out of bondage in Egypt and sustaining them in battle. By choosing to mention God’s righteousness “alone,” the psalmist confesses that genuine righteousness and deliverance come solely from God, rather than the achievements of humankind. In doing so, he points toward a lifetime of praise rooted in humble dependence on the Lord’s character and faithfulness.
The phrase “mighty deeds of the Lord GOD” underscores the One who conquers all obstacles, from ancient times to the present moment. Much like the deliverance from Egyptian slavery (Exodus 13-14) or David’s rescue from enemies (2 Samuel 22:2-4), these miracles are remembered by later generations in Israel. Such memories inspire worshippers to look beyond themselves and rely on the Creator’s strength, turning away from hollow pursuits and instead focusing on the Author of life. The psalmist’s emphasis on proclaiming “Your righteousness” also parallels New Testament teachings that remind believers their true righteousness is found in Jesus, who fulfilled the law on humanity’s behalf (Romans 10:4).
By calling attention to “Your righteousness, Yours alone,” the psalmist orients his faith and testimony toward God as the sole source of moral uprightness and saving power. This foreshadows the ultimate redemption found in Christ, who accomplished salvation through His sacrificial death and glorious resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:3-4). Dwelling on the Lord’s mighty deeds allows the believer to stand firm in adversity, trusting that the same God who performed wonders in Scripture cares for His people today. Faith in His unfailing righteousness, rather than our own strength, is the heart of Psalm 71:16’s enduring message.
The psalmist exhorts us to praise the Lord for His wondrous acts, and to rest in His righteousness for our salvation.