Psalms 71:20

KJV

[Thou], which hast shewed me great and sore troubles, shalt quicken me again, and shalt bring me up again from the depths of the earth.

KJV (with Strong's)

Thou, which hast shewed {H7200}{H8689)} me great {H7227} and sore {H7451} troubles {H6869}, shalt quicken {H2421}{H8762)} me again {H7725}{H8799)}, and shalt bring me up {H5927}{H8686)} again {H7725}{H8799)} from the depths {H8415} of the earth {H776}.

Complete Jewish Bible

You have made me see much trouble and hardship, but you will revive me again and bring me up from the depths of the earth.

Berean Standard Bible

Though You have shown me many troubles and misfortunes, You will revive me once again. Even from the depths of the earth You will bring me back up.

American Standard Version

Thou, who hast showed us many and sore troubles, Wilt quicken us again, And wilt bring us up again from the depths of the earth.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalm 71:20 is a profound declaration of unwavering faith amidst severe affliction, expressing the psalmist's confident expectation that God, who has allowed his deep suffering, will also powerfully restore him to life and hope. This verse stands as a testament to the Lord's sovereign power to revive and deliver His faithful servants, even from the most desperate circumstances, symbolizing a triumphant return from the brink of death or utter despair.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 71 is a poignant prayer of an aged individual, traditionally attributed to King David in his later years, who is facing multifaceted adversities. The psalm is unique in that it lacks a superscription, yet its themes resonate deeply with David's life, particularly his experiences of betrayal, enemies, and reliance on God from youth to old age. The psalmist frequently recalls God's faithfulness throughout his life (e.g., God's continuous support from his mother's womb, as seen in [Psalms 71:5-6](/psalms/71-5-6 "Psalm 71:5-6 - God, My Hope from Youth")) as a foundational basis for his present plea for deliverance. Verse 20 emerges from a section where the psalmist has been lamenting his dire situation and the malicious intentions of his foes (e.g., their plotting against him in [Psalms 71:10-11](/psalms/71-10-11 "Psalm 71:10-11 - Enemies Plot Against Me")), transitioning into a confident assertion of God's power to reverse his fortunes and restore him to prominence and joy. It serves as a powerful pivot from petition and lament to a prophetic declaration of divine intervention and anticipated triumph.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** While the precise historical setting is not given, the psalm reflects the common experience of an elderly person in ancient Israel facing vulnerability and the threat of enemies. In a society where age often conferred respect and wisdom, the psalmist's lament about his declining strength and the perception of abandonment (e.g., his plea not to be cast off in old age in [Psalms 71:9](/psalms/71-9 "Psalm 71:9 - Do Not Cast Me Off in Old Age")) would have been acutely felt. The "depths of the earth" metaphor draws upon ancient Near Eastern cosmology, where the underworld or "Sheol" was conceived as a deep, dark realm from which return was generally impossible without divine intervention. The psalmist's plea for God to "quicken me again" is not necessarily a literal request for resurrection from physical death (though it could encompass that), but a vivid expression of being brought back from a state of profound despair, near-death illness, or overwhelming oppression, which was culturally understood as a kind of living death or a descent into the grave's shadow.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully encapsulates several overarching themes of Psalm 71 and the broader Psalter. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Sovereignty in Suffering**, acknowledging that God "hast shewed me great and sore troubles." This is not an accusation but a recognition of God's ultimate control, implying that if He allows the suffering, He also possesses the power to deliver from it. This echoes the sentiment found in [Job 1:21](/job/1-21 "Job 1:21 - The Lord Gives and Takes Away"). Secondly, it expresses **Unwavering Hope in Restoration and Revival**. The core expectation, "shalt quicken me again," speaks to a profound belief in God's life-giving power, whether for spiritual, emotional, or even physical renewal, echoing the Lord's ability to bring life from death as seen in [Psalm 30:3](/psalms/30-3 "Psalm 30:3 - God Brings My Soul Up from Sheol"). Thirdly, the verse vividly portrays **Deliverance from Despair and Death-like States**. The phrase "shalt bring me up again from the depths of the earth" serves as a powerful metaphor for God's ability to rescue from the deepest pits of sorrow, affliction, or life-threatening situations, reminiscent of Hannah's prayer in [1 Samuel 2:6](/1_samuel/2-6 "1 Samuel 2:6 - God Brings Down to Sheol and Brings Up"). Finally, it underscores **God's Enduring Faithfulness**, as the psalmist's confidence in future divine action is rooted in a lifetime of experiencing God's steadfast love and deliverance, a theme woven throughout the entire [book of Psalms](/psalms/1 "The Book of Psalms").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Shewed (Hebrew, _rāʾâ'_):** H7200. While often translated "see" or "show," in this context, _rāʾâ'_ carries the nuance of "cause to experience," "allow to encounter," or "make known through experience." The psalmist is not accusing God of inflicting suffering arbitrarily, but rather acknowledging God's sovereign hand in permitting or orchestrating the circumstances that led to his "great and sore troubles." This implies that God is fully aware of his plight and is therefore capable of reversing it. It speaks to a mature faith that recognizes divine providence even in adversity, understanding that God's allowing of hardship is part of His greater, often mysterious, plan.
* **Quicken (Hebrew, _châyâh'_):** H2421. This verb fundamentally means "to live," "to revive," "to restore life," or "to preserve life." It denotes a transition from a state of lifelessness, weakness, or near-death to one of vitality, vigor, and renewed existence. In the context of the psalmist's despair, it signifies a comprehensive restoration—spiritual, emotional, and possibly physical—bringing him back to a flourishing state from one of profound decline. It is a powerful term for divine re-creation and renewal, emphasizing God's unique power to impart life where it seems lost.
* **Depths (Hebrew, _tᵉhôwm'_):** H8415. This word, often translated as "abyss," "deep," or "depths," refers to a surging mass of water or a subterranean water supply, but metaphorically, it signifies extreme lowliness, profound despair, the brink of death, or even the grave itself (Sheol). Coupled with "earth" (H776, _ʼerets_), it evokes a sense of being utterly submerged, overwhelmed, and beyond human rescue. The psalmist's anticipation of being brought "up again" from such a state underscores the miraculous and divine nature of the expected deliverance, highlighting God's power to reach into the lowest points of human experience.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Thou, which hast shewed me great and sore troubles":** This opening clause establishes the psalmist's perspective on his suffering. He attributes his profound difficulties ("great and sore troubles," combining H7227 _rab_ for "great" and H7451 _raʻ_ for "sore" or "evil" with H6869 _tsârâh_ for "troubles" or "distress") not to chance or fate, but to God's sovereign allowance. This acknowledgment is crucial; it demonstrates a deep theological understanding that God is not absent in suffering but is intimately involved, even in the permitting of hardship. This foundation of divine sovereignty then becomes the very basis for his hope in God's power to deliver, as the one who "shewed" the trouble is also the one capable of removing it.
* **"shalt quicken me again":** This is the central declaration of faith and confident expectation. The psalmist confidently asserts that God will restore his life, vitality, and well-being. The word "again" (Hebrew, _šûwb_, H7725) implies a return to a former state of health, joy, or strength, or a renewal after a period of decline. It is a powerful expression of hope for spiritual, emotional, and perhaps physical resurrection from his current state of near-death despair, signifying a divine infusion of life where it had waned.
* **"and shalt bring me up again from the depths of the earth":** This clause amplifies and parallels the previous one, using a vivid metaphor to describe the extent of his anticipated deliverance. "The depths of the earth" signifies the lowest possible state of existence—extreme danger, utter despair, or even the very threshold of the grave (Sheol). To be brought "up again" from such a place signifies a miraculous, complete, and undeniable divine rescue, a reversal of fortune from the deepest pit to a place of life, restoration, and renewed prominence. This imagery emphasizes the absolute power of God to reverse seemingly irreversible circumstances.

#### Literary Devices
Psalm 71:20 is rich in literary artistry that enhances its emotional and theological impact. The most prominent device is **Metaphor**, specifically in the phrase "depths of the earth," which vividly portrays the psalmist's state of extreme despair or near-death as being buried alive or submerged in an abyss. This powerful imagery conveys the overwhelming nature of his troubles and magnifies the miraculous quality of God's anticipated deliverance. **Parallelism** is also evident, as the two clauses "shalt quicken me again" and "and shalt bring me up again from the depths of the earth" convey a similar idea of restoration and rescue. This synonymous parallelism reinforces each other through reiteration, emphasizing the certainty and totality of God's life-giving intervention. Furthermore, the psalmist employs **Anthropomorphism** by attributing the act of "showing" troubles to God, implying a personal, active involvement of the divine in his circumstances. This personal address ("Thou") underscores the intimate relationship between the psalmist and his God, making the declaration of faith all the more powerful and personal.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalm 71:20 articulates a profound theological truth: God's sovereignty extends not only to the permitting of suffering but also, and more powerfully, to the capacity for ultimate restoration. It is a testament to the divine prerogative over life and death, despair and hope. The psalmist's confidence in being "quickened" and brought "up again from the depths" speaks to a God who is not confined by human limitations or the finality of death. This verse anticipates the broader biblical narrative of God's redemptive power, His ability to breathe life into dry bones, to raise the dead, and to bring hope where there is none. It establishes a pattern of divine intervention that moves from the lowest point of human experience to the highest expression of divine life, demonstrating God's ultimate control over all circumstances and His unwavering commitment to His covenant people.

* [Deuteronomy 32:39](/deuteronomy/32-39 "Deuteronomy 32:39 - God Kills and Makes Alive")
* [1 Samuel 2:6](/1_samuel/2-6 "1 Samuel 2:6 - God Brings Down to Sheol and Brings Up")
* [Psalm 30:3](/psalms/30-3 "Psalm 30:3 - God Brings My Soul Up from Sheol")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalm 71:20 offers immense encouragement for anyone navigating periods of profound difficulty, whether they manifest as physical illness, emotional despair, spiritual dryness, or overwhelming external pressures. It reminds us that our suffering, however "great and sore," is not outside of God's knowledge or sovereign allowance. More importantly, it anchors our hope in God's unparalleled power to intervene and reverse even the most dire circumstances. This verse calls us to cultivate a faith that looks beyond the immediate pain and despair, trusting in God's proven faithfulness to "quicken" us again. It empowers us to pray boldly for restoration, revival, and deliverance, knowing that no "depths of the earth" are too low for God's redemptive reach. Our present afflictions do not define God's ultimate plan for our lives; rather, they become the backdrop against which His glorious power to restore can be most clearly displayed, transforming our deepest valleys into testimonies of His unfailing grace and strength.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does acknowledging God's sovereignty in allowing "great and sore troubles" change your perspective on personal suffering?**
* **In what "depths of the earth" (metaphorically speaking) do you currently find yourself, and how does this verse inspire hope for your "quickening"?**
* **What past experiences of God's faithfulness can you recall that strengthen your trust in His ability to restore you "again"?**
* **How might this verse encourage you to pray more boldly for revival and deliverance, both for yourself and for others?**

### FAQ

**Does "quicken me again" imply literal resurrection from death, or is it metaphorical?**

Answer: While the language of "quicken me again" and "bring me up again from the depths of the earth" certainly evokes imagery of resurrection, in the immediate context of Psalm 71, it is primarily understood as a powerful metaphor for restoration from a state of extreme despair, near-death illness, or overwhelming oppression. The psalmist is likely not physically dead but feels as if he is at the brink of death or in a state of living death due to his severe troubles and the attacks of his enemies. Therefore, "quicken me again" signifies a renewal of life, vitality, hope, and deliverance from his dire circumstances. However, the profound language also carries an underlying theological truth about God's power over life and death, foreshadowing literal resurrection as seen in later biblical revelation. This verse affirms God's ability to bring life out of any form of "death," whether spiritual, emotional, or physical, as He did with Lazarus in [John 11:43-44](/john/11-43-44 "John 11:43-44 - Jesus Raises Lazarus from the Dead").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalm 71:20 finds its ultimate and most glorious fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The psalmist's plea to be "quickened again" and brought "up again from the depths of the earth" is perfectly embodied in Christ's journey from profound suffering to triumphant resurrection. Jesus truly experienced "great and sore troubles"—the agony of Gethsemane, the betrayal, the brutal crucifixion, and the descent into the grave, which was the ultimate "depths of the earth." Yet, it was God the Father who "quickened" Him, raising Him from the dead on the third day, thereby demonstrating ultimate victory over sin, death, and the grave (as powerfully declared in [Romans 8:11](/romans/8-11 "Romans 8:11 - The Spirit of Him Who Raised Jesus Dwells in You") and [Acts 2:24](/acts/2-24 "Acts 2:24 - God Raised Him Up, Loosing the Pangs of Death")). For believers, Christ's resurrection is not merely a historical event but the divine guarantee of our own future quickening and deliverance from spiritual death and despair. Through faith in Him, we are spiritually "quickened" even now, raised with Him to newness of life (as articulated in [Ephesians 2:5-6](/ephesians/2-5-6 "Ephesians 2:5-6 - Made Us Alive Together with Christ")), and we anticipate the ultimate bodily resurrection when He returns, bringing us up from the literal "depths of the earth" to eternal life (a promise beautifully captured in [John 11:25-26](/john/11-25-26 "John 11:25-26 - Jesus is the Resurrection and the Life") and [1 Thessalonians 4:16](/1_thessalonians/4-16 "1 Thessalonians 4:16 - The Dead in Christ Will Rise First")). Thus, the psalmist's cry for restoration becomes a prophetic echo of the resurrection power found uniquely and fully in Christ.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Psalms 138:7

Though I walk in the midst of trouble, thou wilt revive me: thou shalt stretch forth thine hand against the wrath of mine enemies, and thy right hand shall save me.

Psalms 60:3

Thou hast shewed thy people hard things: thou hast made us to drink the wine of astonishment.

Psalms 86:13

For great [is] thy mercy toward me: and thou hast delivered my soul from the lowest hell.

Hosea 6:1

¶ Come, and let us return unto the LORD: for he hath torn, and he will heal us; he hath smitten, and he will bind us up.

Hosea 6:2

After two days will he revive us: in the third day he will raise us up, and we shall live in his sight.

Ezekiel 37:12

Therefore prophesy and say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, O my people, I will open your graves, and cause you to come up out of your graves, and bring you into the land of Israel.

Ezekiel 37:13

And ye shall know that I [am] the LORD, when I have opened your graves, O my people, and brought you up out of your graves,