Psalms 71:21

Context of Psalms 71:21

Psalm 71 is a heartfelt prayer of an aging believer, often attributed to King David in his later years, who is facing significant distress, likely from enemies and the challenges of old age. Throughout the psalm, the psalmist expresses a lifelong trust in God, recounting how the Lord has been his refuge and strength since birth (Psalm 71:5-6). This verse, "Thou shalt increase my greatness, and comfort me on every side," comes after fervent pleas for deliverance, vindication, and continued divine presence. It reflects a confident expectation that God will not abandon His servant but will instead restore his honor and provide comprehensive solace.

Key Themes and Messages

• Divine Restoration and Vindication: The phrase "Thou shalt increase my greatness" is not a boast of human ambition but a prayer for God to restore dignity, influence, or blessing that may have diminished due to trials or age. It speaks to God's ability to uplift and honor those who trust in Him, even after periods of hardship or humiliation. It's a plea for God's vindication against those who oppose His servant.
• Comprehensive Comfort: "Comfort me on every side" highlights the psalmist's desire for complete and all-encompassing solace. Having likely experienced distress from various directions, this is a profound request for God's peace to envelop him, leaving no area of his life untouched by divine consolation. This points to God's ability to provide comfort in every affliction.
• Enduring Faith in God's Faithfulness: Despite the challenges of old age and opposition, the psalmist maintains a deep conviction that God remains faithful and will act on behalf of His devoted servant. This verse is an expression of hope and unwavering trust in God's power to deliver and bless.

Linguistic Insights

• "Greatness" (Hebrew: gĕdullâ): This word signifies magnitude, dignity, honor, or prosperity. In this context, it refers to an increase in status, influence, or well-being, understood as a gift and restoration from God, rather than a self-achieved worldly ambition. It implies a return to favor and strength.
• "Comfort" (Hebrew: naḥam): This verb means to console, to ease grief, or to bring relief. When applied to God, it signifies His profound compassion and His act of alleviating distress.
• "On every side": This idiomatic expression emphasizes the totality and completeness of the comfort. It suggests that the psalmist has been assailed from all directions, and now seeks God's peace to surround him fully, providing relief from all sources of trouble.

Practical Application

Psalms 71:21 offers enduring hope and encouragement for believers today, particularly for those facing the challenges of aging, adversity, or feeling overlooked. It reminds us that:

• God is the Source of True Honor: Any "greatness" or honor we experience is ultimately a gift from God, not something we achieve by our own power. We can pray for divine restoration and vindication when we feel diminished or wronged.
• God's Comfort is All-Encompassing: No matter the source or direction of our troubles, God promises to provide comprehensive comfort. We can trust Him to surround us with His peace and solace, addressing every area of our distress, much like He provides perfect peace to those who trust in Him.
• Faith Endures Through All Seasons: This verse encourages us to maintain our trust in God's faithfulness throughout our lives, even into old age or through prolonged trials. God does not abandon His servants but continues to work on their behalf.