Psalms 71:19

19. Thy righteousness Five times in this psalm is the “righteousness” of God mentioned as the source of salvation and the theme of praise. Psalms 71:2; Psalms 71:15-16; Psalms 71:19; Psalms 71:24. It is a technical term for the rectoral justice of God. The Hebrews had no conception of any divine method of salvation, temporal or spiritual, which did not include justice as well as mercy; a vindication of regal rectitude as well as of fatherly pity. Psalms 85:10-11; Psalms 85:13; Romans 3:26. Hence, no acceptable praise can be given him which does not exalt his righteousness, and no salvation can be expected which bears not the seal of his justice. See on Romans 3:25-26. His acts are in harmony with all his attributes.