What is the meaning of Psalm 71:16?

I will come

• The psalmist’s resolve is active; he chooses to “come” rather than wait passively (cf. James 4:8, “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you”).

• His approach is personal and continual, echoing Psalm 27:4 where David longs to “dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life.”

• We, too, are invited to draw near repeatedly—Hebrews 4:16 urges believers, “Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence.”

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in the strength of the Lord GOD

• The source of power is not self-generated. Psalm 28:7 declares, “The LORD is my strength and my shield,” underscoring that God supplies what His servants lack.

• Isaiah 40:29-31 reinforces this truth: “He gives power to the faint… they who wait for the LORD will renew their strength.”

• Relying on divine strength guards against pride (John 15:5, “apart from Me you can do nothing”) and provides courage when human capacity fails (2 Corinthians 12:9).

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I will proclaim Your righteousness

• The psalmist moves from private reliance to public testimony. Psalm 40:10 models this: “I proclaim righteousness in the great assembly.”

• God’s righteousness is His perfect moral character displayed in saving acts—seen supremely at the cross (Romans 3:25-26).

• Proclamation is vocal and visible; Acts 1:8 promises power to witness “to the ends of the earth,” linking Spirit-given strength with bold testimony.

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Yours alone

• The exclusivity is emphatic; no human merit stands beside God’s. Isaiah 64:6 reminds us “all our righteous acts are like a polluted garment.”

• Salvation is entirely His work (Ephesians 2:8-9), so glory belongs solely to Him (Psalm 115:1, “Not to us, O LORD, not to us, but to Your name give glory”).

• This guards against syncretism—mixing God’s righteousness with worldly philosophies or personal achievements (Galatians 1:6-9).

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summary

Psalm 71:16 invites believers to approach God decisively, depending on His unlimited power, and to broadcast His flawless righteousness without sharing credit. The verse moves from personal determination (“I will come”) to confident reliance (“in the strength of the Lord GOD”), then outward to bold witness (“I will proclaim”), ending with exclusive praise (“Yours alone”). Every step highlights our need for His strength and our duty to exalt His character—never ours.