Psalms 71:23

Psalms 71:23

Verse 23 deepens the personal experience of worship: “My lips shall greatly rejoice when I sing unto thee; and my soul, which thou hast redeemed.” It couples vocal rejoicing with a profoundly personal sense of redemption. The psalmist recognizes the redemption of the soul as a central motive for joy, not merely external circumstances. The act of singing is presented as natural response to divine deliverance.

Thematic continuity with earlier verses about God’s strength and righteousness reinforces the integrated life of worship—the heart, lips, and soul align in praise.

This verse foregrounds redemption as the foundation of joy. It ties salvation to worship, showing that true joy is anchored in God’s saving work. The language of the soul being redeemed points to an enacted salvation that transforms identity and orientation, shaping how a person relates to God and others.

Practical steps: make space for heart-level rejoicing. When you sense redemption, pause to vocalize it—sing, whistle, or hum a tune of gratitude. If you’re in a place of spiritual dryness, remember God’s past redemptive acts to rekindle your joy. Share songs of redemption with others as a form of encouragement, especially to someone who may doubt God’s mercy.

Cross-References: Isaiah 35:10; Luke 1:68-69; Romans 8:38-39; Psalm 34:1; Psalm 107:21-22