Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me, O God, until I proclaim Your power to the next generation, Your might to all who are to come. Even when I am old and grayThis phrase reflects the psalmist's acknowledgment of the passage of time and the inevitability of aging. In the Hebrew context, old age is often associated with wisdom and experience. The psalmist, likely King David, is expressing a desire for God's continued presence and support even in his later years. The imagery of "gray" hair symbolizes the natural progression of life and the honor that comes with a life lived in faithfulness to God. In a conservative Christian perspective, this can be seen as a call to remain steadfast in faith throughout all stages of life, trusting in God's unchanging nature. do not forsake me
This plea is a heartfelt request for God's enduring presence. The Hebrew root for "forsake" (עזב, 'azab) conveys a sense of abandonment or leaving behind. The psalmist is deeply aware of his dependence on God and seeks assurance that God will not abandon him in his time of need. This reflects a universal human concern for divine companionship and support, especially as one faces the vulnerabilities of old age. In the broader biblical narrative, God repeatedly promises never to leave nor forsake His people, providing comfort and assurance to believers. till I proclaim Your power
Here, the psalmist expresses a desire to continue his mission of declaring God's might. The word "proclaim" (נגד, nagad) in Hebrew suggests a public declaration or announcement. The psalmist's life purpose is intertwined with making known the power and greatness of God. This reflects a commitment to evangelism and testimony, central themes in the Christian faith. The psalmist's longing to share God's power underscores the importance of witnessing to others about God's work in one's life, regardless of age. to the next generation
This phrase emphasizes the importance of passing down faith and knowledge of God to future generations. The Hebrew concept of "generation" (דור, dor) involves a cyclical understanding of time, where each generation has a responsibility to teach the next. In a conservative Christian context, this is seen as a mandate for discipleship and the transmission of biblical truths. The psalmist's concern for the next generation highlights the enduring nature of God's covenant and the role of believers in ensuring its continuity. Your might to all who are to come
The psalmist concludes with a vision of God's power being known by all future generations. The word "might" (גבור, geburah) in Hebrew conveys strength and valor, attributes of God that the psalmist wishes to communicate. This reflects a hope that God's deeds will be remembered and revered by all people, transcending time and cultural boundaries. In the Christian tradition, this is a call to ensure that the message of God's greatness is preserved and shared, fulfilling the Great Commission to make disciples of all nations. The psalmist's prayer is a reminder of the eternal relevance of God's power and the believer's role in proclaiming it. Persons / Places / Events 1. The PsalmistTraditionally attributed to David, the psalmist is an elderly believer who seeks God's continued presence and strength to fulfill his mission of declaring God's power to future generations. 2. GodThe central figure to whom the psalmist appeals for support and presence, emphasizing His power and might. 3. Next GenerationThe future recipients of the psalmist's testimony about God's power and might, highlighting the importance of passing down faith. 4. Old AgeThe stage of life the psalmist is in, characterized by physical decline but also a time of reflection and legacy-building. 5. ProclamationThe act of declaring or making known God's power and might, which is the psalmist's mission. Teaching Points The Importance of LegacyAs believers, we are called to pass on our faith and experiences of God's power to the next generation. This is a vital part of our spiritual legacy. God's Faithfulness in All SeasonsGod remains faithful and present throughout all stages of life, including old age. We can trust Him to sustain us and use us for His purposes. The Role of TestimonySharing personal testimonies of God's might and power can inspire and strengthen the faith of others, especially younger generations. Continued Purpose in Old AgeEven in old age, believers have a purpose and mission. God can use our experiences and wisdom to impact others. Prayer for SustenanceLike the psalmist, we should pray for God's presence and strength to fulfill our calling, regardless of our age or circumstances. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the psalmist's desire to proclaim God's power to the next generation challenge your current approach to sharing your faith? 2. In what ways can you actively contribute to the spiritual growth of the next generation within your community or family? 3. Reflect on a time when you experienced God's faithfulness in a challenging season. How can sharing this testimony encourage others? 4. How does the promise of God's presence in old age, as seen in Isaiah 46:4, provide comfort and assurance for your future? 5. Consider the role of prayer in seeking God's strength and presence. How can you incorporate this practice more intentionally in your daily life? Connections to Other Scriptures Deuteronomy 6:6-7This passage emphasizes the importance of teaching God's commandments to the next generation, similar to the psalmist's desire to proclaim God's power. Isaiah 46:4God promises to sustain and carry His people even into old age, reflecting the psalmist's plea for God's continued presence. 2 Timothy 1:5Paul acknowledges the faith passed down from Timothy's grandmother and mother, illustrating the generational transmission of faith. People Psalmist, SolomonPlaces JerusalemTopics Age, Arm, Clear, Declare, Declared, Forsake, Generation, Generations, Gray, Gray-haired, Grayheaded, Gray-headed, Grey, Greyheaded, Grey-headed, Hairs, Hoary, O, Power, Proclaim, Proclaimed, Shewed, Shown, Strength, Till, Yea, YesDictionary of Bible Themes Psalm 71:18 1105 God, power of
5061 sanctity of life
5167 mouth
5694 generation
5727 old age, attitudes
5770 abandonment
5854 experience, of God
5887 inexperience Library December 22. "My Tongue Also Shall Talk of Thy Righteousness all the Day Long" (Ps. Lxxi. 24).
"My tongue also shall talk of Thy righteousness all the day long" (Ps. lxxi. 24). It is a simple law of nature, that air always comes in to fill a vacuum. You can produce a draught at any time, by heating the air until it ascends, and then the cold air rushes in to supply its place. And so we can always be filled with the Holy Spirit by providing a vacuum. This breath is dependent upon exhausting the previous breath before you can inhale a fresh one. And so we must empty our hearts of the last breath …
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth More and More
David had not been slack in praise: indeed, he was a sweet singer in Israel, a very choir-master unto the Lord yet he vowed to praise him more and more. Those who do much already, are usually the people who can do more. He was old. Would he praise God more when he was infirm than he had done when he was young and vigorous? If he could not excel with loudness of voice, yet would he with eagerness of heart; and what his praise might lack in sound, it should gain in solemn earnestness. He was in trouble …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 17: 1871 Of Four Things which Bring Great Peace
"My Son, now will I teach thee the way of peace and of true liberty." 2. Do, O my Lord, as Thou sayest, for this is pleasing unto me to hear. 3. "Strive, My Son, to do another's will rather than thine own. Choose always to have less rather than more. Seek always after the lowest place, and to be subject to all. Wish always and pray that the will of God be fulfilled in thee. Behold, such a man as this entereth into the inheritance of peace and quietness." 4. O my Lord, this Thy short discourse …
Thomas A Kempis—Imitation of Christ Of the Day of Eternity and of the Straitnesses of this Life
Oh most blessed mansion of the City which is above! Oh most clear day of eternity which the night obscureth not, but the Supreme Truth ever enlighteneth! Day always joyful, always secure and never changing its state into those which are contrary. Oh would that this day might shine forth, and that all these temporal things would come to an end. It shineth indeed upon the Saints, glowing with unending brightness, but only from afar and through a glass, upon those who are pilgrims on the earth. …
Thomas A Kempis—Imitation of Christ For Old Age. --Ps. Lxxi.
For Old Age.--Ps. lxxi. Lord, I have put my trust in Thee, Turn not my confidence to shame; Thy promise is a rock to me, A tower of refuge is Thy name. Thou hast upheld me from the womb; Thou wert my strength and hope in youth; Now trembling, bending o'er the tomb, I lean upon Thine arm of truth. Though I have long outlived my peers, And stand amid the world alone, (A stranger left by former years), I know my God,--by Him am known. Cast me not off in mine old age, Forsake me not in my last hour; …
James Montgomery—Sacred Poems and Hymns They all Hold Swords, Being Expert in War; Every Man Hath his Sword Upon his Thigh Because of Fear in the Night.
They all hold swords to engage in combat with the soul which, by a secret presumption, attributes to self what belongs to God only; and this causes them to exclaim with united voice; Who is like unto God? The Divine Righteousness is the first that comes to fight with and destroy the self-righteousness of the creature, and then comes strength to bring to naught the power of man, and causing him to enter by experience of his own infinite weakness into the strength of the Lord (Psalm lxxi. 16), teaches …
Madame Guyon—Song of Songs of Solomon Letter Xlv (Circa A. D. 1140) to the Canons of Lyons, on the Conception of S. Mary.
To the Canons of Lyons, on the Conception of S. Mary. Bernard states that the Festival of the Conception was new; that it rested on no legitimate foundation; and that it should not have been instituted without consulting the Apostolic See, to whose opinion he submits. 1. It is well known that among all the Churches of France that of Lyons is first in importance, whether we regard the dignity of its See, its praiseworthy regulations, or its honourable zeal for learning. Where was there ever the vigour …
Saint Bernard of Clairvaux—Some Letters of Saint Bernard, Abbot of Clairvaux The Baptismal Covenant Can be Kept Unbroken. Aim and Responsibility of Parents.
We have gone "to the Law and to the Testimony" to find out what the nature and benefits of Baptism are. We have gathered out of the Word all the principal passages bearing on this subject. We have grouped them together, and studied them side by side. We have noticed that their sense is uniform, clear, and strong. Unless we are willing to throw aside all sound principles of interpretation, we can extract from the words of inspiration only one meaning, and that is that the baptized child is, by virtue …
G. H. Gerberding—The Way of Salvation in the Lutheran Church But Concerning True Patience, Worthy of the Name of this virtue...
12. But concerning true patience, worthy of the name of this virtue, whence it is to be had, must now be inquired. For there are some [2650] who attribute it to the strength of the human will, not which it hath by Divine assistance, but which it hath of free-will. Now this error is a proud one: for it is the error of them which abound, of whom it is said in the Psalm, "A scornful reproof to them which abound, and a despising to the proud." [2651] It is not therefore that "patience of the poor" which …
St. Augustine—On Patience The Christian's Hope
Scripture references: 1 Timothy 1:1; Colossians 1:27; Psalm 130:5; 43:5; Proverbs 10:8; Acts 24:15; Psalm 71:5; Romans 5:1-5; 12:12; 15:4; 1 Corinthians 9:10; Galatians 5:5; Ephesians 1:18; Philippians 1:20; Colossians 1:5; 1 Thessalonians 1:3; 2:19; Titus 1:2; 2:13; 3:7; Psalm 31:24; 71:14,15. HOPE IN THE PRESENT LIFE That which a man ardently hopes for he strives to realize. If he desires fame, office or wealth he will seek to set forces in motion, here and now, which will bring him that which …
Henry T. Sell—Studies in the Life of the Christian Let Thus Much have Been Said with Regard to Charity...
20. Let thus much have been said with regard to charity, without which in us there cannot be true patience, because in good men it is the love of God which endureth all things, as in bad men the lust of the world. But this love is in us by the Holy Spirit which was given us. Whence, of Whom cometh in us love, of Him cometh patience. But the lust of the world, when it patiently bears the burdens of any manner of calamity, boasts of the strength of its own will, like as of the stupor of disease, not …
St. Augustine—On Patience Psalms
The piety of the Old Testament Church is reflected with more clearness and variety in the Psalter than in any other book of the Old Testament. It constitutes the response of the Church to the divine demands of prophecy, and, in a less degree, of law; or, rather, it expresses those emotions and aspirations of the universal heart which lie deeper than any formal demand. It is the speech of the soul face to face with God. Its words are as simple and unaffected as human words can be, for it is the genius …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Psalm 71:18 NIVPsalm 71:18 NLTPsalm 71:18 ESVPsalm 71:18 NASBPsalm 71:18 KJV
Psalm 71:18 Commentaries
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