Commentary on Psalms 71:20

Psalms 71:20 states: "You who have shown me great and severe troubles, Shall revive me again, And bring me up again from the depths of the earth." This verse is rich in meaning and offers profound insights into God’s character and the believer's experience of suffering and restoration.

Contextual Overview

The context of Psalm 71 is of a believer who has lived a long life filled with trials, seeking refuge in God. This prayer reflects both the psalmist’s personal experience and a broader spiritual truth about God’s deliverance.

Exegesis of Key Terms

• "Great and severe troubles": This phrase highlights the intensity of the suffering the psalmist has experienced. Matthew Henry notes that the troubles mentioned are not just superficial hardships but profound difficulties that have tested the believer's faith.
• "Revive me again": Here, the psalmist expresses a longing for restoration. Albert Barnes interprets this request as a recognition of God's ability to bring spiritual and even physical revival, emphasizing the hope that God can renew His people.
• "From the depths of the earth": Adam Clarke posits that this metaphor indicates the lowest points of despair and affliction. The imagery suggests not only physical plight but also spiritual desolation, from which the psalmist seeks rescue.

Theological Implications

This verse carries significant theological implications regarding God’s sovereignty and the nature of suffering. The psalmist acknowledges that the troubles faced are indeed from God’s hand, which may be perplexing but emphasizes a belief that God is actively involved in the believer's life.

1. Suffering and God's Plan: According to Matthew Henry, suffering has a purpose in the life of the believer. The troubles serve to develop character and reliance on God. The acknowledgment of suffering as part of God's plan invites believers to a deeper trust in God’s goodness.

2. Hope in Despair: The declaration of revival speaks to the hope that undergirds the psalmist’s faith. Albert Barnes reinforces this idea by emphasizing the need for hope in the face of overwhelming troubles. This hope is rooted in the character of God who is a restorer and a revealer of His glory.

3. Divine Resurrection: The phrase "bring me up again from the depths" can be interpreted as a foreshadowing of resurrection themes found throughout Scripture. Clarke indicates that this may serve as an allusion to the hope of resurrection, both in a literal and metaphorical sense, providing a pathway for discussing New Testament hope in Christ.

Application for Believers

This verse encourages believers to understand that their tribulations are not in vain but are used by God for greater purposes. Here are several applicable insights:

• Recognition of God's Work: Believers should recognize that even in suffering, God is present and working. This view aligns with Barnes’ interpretation, suggesting that an understanding of God’s sovereignty transforms the believer’s approach to trials.
• Hope as a Lifeline: The hope expressed by the psalmist serves as a reminder for believers today to cling to hope amidst trials. This emphasis strengthens faith in community worship and personal devotion.
• Encouragement in Discipleship: This passage can also serve as a powerful teaching moment within church communities, encouraging members to bear one another’s burdens and trust in God’s redemptive power.

Conclusion

Psalm 71:20 encapsulates the believer’s journey through suffering into hope and restoration. Through the insights drawn from the public domain commentaries of esteemed scholars such as Matthew Henry, Albert Barnes, and Adam Clarke, we see how the richness of Scripture provides profound comfort and truth for those in ministry, study, and life. As believers reflect on their own lives, they can find solace in knowing that God has the ultimate authority to bring revival from despair.