Psalms 71:20

Psalm 71:20 is a powerful declaration of faith and hope in the midst of profound suffering, articulating a psalmist's conviction that God will bring restoration even from the brink of death or utter despair. It’s a testament to God's ability to revive and deliver His faithful servants, no matter how severe their trials.

Context

Psalm 71 is a heartfelt prayer of an aged individual, traditionally thought to be King David in his later years, who is facing multiple adversities. He is surrounded by enemies who seek his downfall, feels abandoned by some, and is acutely aware of his own advancing age and weakness. Throughout the psalm, he pleads for God's continued presence, protection, and deliverance, recounting a lifetime of trusting in the Lord from his youth. Verse 20 stands as a confident plea and prophecy within this context, expressing an unwavering belief in God's power to reverse his dire circumstances.

Key Themes

• Divine Sovereignty in Suffering: The phrase "Thou, which hast shewed me great and sore troubles" acknowledges that God is fully aware of, and in some sense, has allowed the psalmist's severe afflictions. This isn't an accusation, but a recognition of God's sovereign hand even in hardship, implying that He is also capable of delivering from it.
• Hope in Restoration and Revival: The core of the verse is the confident expectation: "shalt quicken me again." This speaks to a profound belief in God's power to restore vitality, bring spiritual or emotional renewal, and even physical healing or deliverance from life-threatening situations. It's a prayer for God's life-giving intervention.
• Deliverance from Despair: "And shalt bring me up again from the depths of the earth" vividly portrays the psalmist's current state as one of extreme lowliness, akin to the grave or absolute despair. This metaphor emphasizes the severity of his troubles and the miraculous nature of the anticipated rescue. It speaks to God's ability to lift us out of the deepest pits of sorrow or affliction, echoing the sentiment of God bringing down to Sheol and bringing up.
• God's Unwavering Faithfulness: Despite the "great and sore troubles" experienced, the psalmist's faith remains steadfast, anticipating God's future action. This highlights God's enduring faithfulness to His covenant people, even when circumstances seem bleak.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word translated "quicken" is chayah (חָיָה), which fundamentally means "to live," "to revive," or "to restore life." It implies a renewal or bringing back to a vibrant state from one of near death or lifelessness. It's a powerful term for divine restoration. The phrase "depths of the earth" (תְּהֹמוֹת הָאָרֶץ, tehomot ha'aretz) is poetic, often referring to deep waters or the underworld/grave, serving as a powerful metaphor for extreme danger, despair, or the brink of death.

Practical Application

Psalm 71:20 offers immense encouragement for anyone facing overwhelming difficulties, be they physical, emotional, spiritual, or relational. It reminds us that:

• God is present in our suffering: He sees and knows the "great and sore troubles" we endure.
• No situation is too dire for God's intervention: Just as He can bring life from "the depths of the earth," He can restore hope and vitality to seemingly hopeless situations. This verse is a powerful reminder that God can lift the lowly.
• Faith looks beyond current trials: The psalmist's confidence is in God's future action, based on His past faithfulness. Our present afflictions do not define God's ultimate plan for our lives.
• We can confidently pray for revival: This verse empowers believers to ask God for renewal, restoration, and deliverance, trusting in His power to "quicken" us again.

It's a timeless declaration of hope, affirming God's power to deliver and restore even when all seems lost, providing comfort and a foundation for trusting in His restorative grace.