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. Though You have shown me many troubles and misfortunesThis phrase acknowledges the reality of suffering and adversity in the life of the believer. The Hebrew root for "troubles" is "ra'ah," which often denotes calamity or distress. Historically, the psalmist, traditionally believed to be David, faced numerous challenges, including persecution by Saul and betrayal by his own son, Absalom. This phrase reflects a deep understanding that God allows His people to experience difficulties, not as a sign of abandonment, but as a means of refining and strengthening their faith. The acknowledgment of "misfortunes" suggests an acceptance of life's unpredictability, yet it is framed within the context of divine sovereignty. You will revive me once again
The promise of revival is central to the hope expressed in this verse. The Hebrew word "chayah" means to live, to revive, or to restore. This assurance of revival is not merely physical but also spiritual, indicating a renewal of strength and spirit. In the broader scriptural context, this reflects the biblical theme of resurrection and new life, as seen in the accounts of Lazarus and ultimately in the resurrection of Christ. The psalmist's confidence in God's ability to restore life and vitality is a testament to his unwavering faith in God's power and mercy. From the depths of the earth
This phrase metaphorically represents the lowest points of human experience, akin to being in a pit or grave. The "depths of the earth" can be understood as a place of despair or death. In the Hebrew context, Sheol was often depicted as a shadowy place beneath the earth. The psalmist's use of this imagery underscores the severity of his trials but also highlights the miraculous nature of God's deliverance. It is a powerful reminder that no situation is beyond God's reach, and He can bring life and hope even from the most desperate circumstances. You will bring me up
The act of being brought up signifies deliverance and exaltation. The Hebrew verb "alah" means to ascend or to rise. This upward movement is symbolic of salvation and redemption, themes that resonate throughout the Bible. In the New Testament, this is echoed in the ascension of Christ, who overcame death and was exalted to the right hand of the Father. For the believer, this promise of being lifted up is both a present reality and a future hope, assuring them of God's continual presence and ultimate victory over all forms of adversity. Persons / Places / Events 1. The PsalmistTraditionally attributed to David, the psalmist is a figure who has experienced significant trials and is expressing trust in God's deliverance. 2. GodThe central figure in the psalm, depicted as the one who allows trials but also promises restoration and revival. 3. Depths of the EarthSymbolic of extreme adversity or even death, from which the psalmist believes God will rescue him. Teaching Points Trust in God's SovereigntyEven in the midst of severe trials, believers are called to trust in God's ultimate control and purpose. Hope in RestorationThe promise of revival and restoration is a recurring theme in Scripture, encouraging believers to maintain hope. God's Faithfulness in TrialsReflect on past experiences of God's faithfulness as a source of strength during current adversities. Spiritual ResurrectionThe imagery of being brought up from the depths can also symbolize spiritual renewal and resurrection, pointing to the hope of eternal life. Perseverance through SufferingSuffering is not without purpose; it can lead to a deeper reliance on God and a stronger faith. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the psalmist's experience of troubles and revival in Psalm 71:20 relate to your personal experiences of adversity and deliverance? 2. In what ways can the imagery of being brought up from the "depths of the earth" be applied to spiritual renewal in your life? 3. How do other biblical figures, such as Job or Jonah, illustrate the theme of deliverance from deep trials, and what can we learn from their accounts? 4. How can reflecting on God's past faithfulness help you trust Him in current or future trials? 5. What practical steps can you take to cultivate hope and perseverance during times of suffering, based on the teachings of Psalm 71:20 and related scriptures? Connections to Other Scriptures Job 5:19This verse speaks of God delivering from multiple troubles, similar to the theme of revival and rescue in Psalm 71:20. Isaiah 38:17Hezekiah's prayer reflects a similar trust in God to deliver from the brink of death. 2 Corinthians 1:8-10Paul speaks of being delivered from deadly peril, echoing the psalmist's confidence in God's power to revive. Jonah 2:6Jonah's prayer from the belly of the fish parallels the imagery of being brought up from the depths. People Psalmist, SolomonPlaces JerusalemTopics Bitter, Bring, Bringest, Deep, Depths, Distresses, Hast, Lifting, Quicken, Restore, Revive, Revivest, Sad, Severe, Shewed, Shewn, Showed, Shown, Sore, Troubles, Turnest, Underworld, Waters, WiltDictionary of Bible Themes Psalm 71:20 9315 resurrection, of believers Psalm 71:20-21 5805 comfort Library December 22. "My Tongue Also Shall Talk of Thy Righteousness all the Day Long" (Ps. Lxxi. 24).
"My tongue also shall talk of Thy righteousness all the day long" (Ps. lxxi. 24). It is a simple law of nature, that air always comes in to fill a vacuum. You can produce a draught at any time, by heating the air until it ascends, and then the cold air rushes in to supply its place. And so we can always be filled with the Holy Spirit by providing a vacuum. This breath is dependent upon exhausting the previous breath before you can inhale a fresh one. And so we must empty our hearts of the last breath …
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth More and More
David had not been slack in praise: indeed, he was a sweet singer in Israel, a very choir-master unto the Lord yet he vowed to praise him more and more. Those who do much already, are usually the people who can do more. He was old. Would he praise God more when he was infirm than he had done when he was young and vigorous? If he could not excel with loudness of voice, yet would he with eagerness of heart; and what his praise might lack in sound, it should gain in solemn earnestness. He was in trouble …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 17: 1871 Of Four Things which Bring Great Peace
"My Son, now will I teach thee the way of peace and of true liberty." 2. Do, O my Lord, as Thou sayest, for this is pleasing unto me to hear. 3. "Strive, My Son, to do another's will rather than thine own. Choose always to have less rather than more. Seek always after the lowest place, and to be subject to all. Wish always and pray that the will of God be fulfilled in thee. Behold, such a man as this entereth into the inheritance of peace and quietness." 4. O my Lord, this Thy short discourse …
Thomas A Kempis—Imitation of Christ Of the Day of Eternity and of the Straitnesses of this Life
Oh most blessed mansion of the City which is above! Oh most clear day of eternity which the night obscureth not, but the Supreme Truth ever enlighteneth! Day always joyful, always secure and never changing its state into those which are contrary. Oh would that this day might shine forth, and that all these temporal things would come to an end. It shineth indeed upon the Saints, glowing with unending brightness, but only from afar and through a glass, upon those who are pilgrims on the earth. …
Thomas A Kempis—Imitation of Christ For Old Age. --Ps. Lxxi.
For Old Age.--Ps. lxxi. Lord, I have put my trust in Thee, Turn not my confidence to shame; Thy promise is a rock to me, A tower of refuge is Thy name. Thou hast upheld me from the womb; Thou wert my strength and hope in youth; Now trembling, bending o'er the tomb, I lean upon Thine arm of truth. Though I have long outlived my peers, And stand amid the world alone, (A stranger left by former years), I know my God,--by Him am known. Cast me not off in mine old age, Forsake me not in my last hour; …
James Montgomery—Sacred Poems and Hymns They all Hold Swords, Being Expert in War; Every Man Hath his Sword Upon his Thigh Because of Fear in the Night.
They all hold swords to engage in combat with the soul which, by a secret presumption, attributes to self what belongs to God only; and this causes them to exclaim with united voice; Who is like unto God? The Divine Righteousness is the first that comes to fight with and destroy the self-righteousness of the creature, and then comes strength to bring to naught the power of man, and causing him to enter by experience of his own infinite weakness into the strength of the Lord (Psalm lxxi. 16), teaches …
Madame Guyon—Song of Songs of Solomon Letter Xlv (Circa A. D. 1140) to the Canons of Lyons, on the Conception of S. Mary.
To the Canons of Lyons, on the Conception of S. Mary. Bernard states that the Festival of the Conception was new; that it rested on no legitimate foundation; and that it should not have been instituted without consulting the Apostolic See, to whose opinion he submits. 1. It is well known that among all the Churches of France that of Lyons is first in importance, whether we regard the dignity of its See, its praiseworthy regulations, or its honourable zeal for learning. Where was there ever the vigour …
Saint Bernard of Clairvaux—Some Letters of Saint Bernard, Abbot of Clairvaux The Baptismal Covenant Can be Kept Unbroken. Aim and Responsibility of Parents.
We have gone "to the Law and to the Testimony" to find out what the nature and benefits of Baptism are. We have gathered out of the Word all the principal passages bearing on this subject. We have grouped them together, and studied them side by side. We have noticed that their sense is uniform, clear, and strong. Unless we are willing to throw aside all sound principles of interpretation, we can extract from the words of inspiration only one meaning, and that is that the baptized child is, by virtue …
G. H. Gerberding—The Way of Salvation in the Lutheran Church But Concerning True Patience, Worthy of the Name of this virtue...
12. But concerning true patience, worthy of the name of this virtue, whence it is to be had, must now be inquired. For there are some [2650] who attribute it to the strength of the human will, not which it hath by Divine assistance, but which it hath of free-will. Now this error is a proud one: for it is the error of them which abound, of whom it is said in the Psalm, "A scornful reproof to them which abound, and a despising to the proud." [2651] It is not therefore that "patience of the poor" which …
St. Augustine—On Patience The Christian's Hope
Scripture references: 1 Timothy 1:1; Colossians 1:27; Psalm 130:5; 43:5; Proverbs 10:8; Acts 24:15; Psalm 71:5; Romans 5:1-5; 12:12; 15:4; 1 Corinthians 9:10; Galatians 5:5; Ephesians 1:18; Philippians 1:20; Colossians 1:5; 1 Thessalonians 1:3; 2:19; Titus 1:2; 2:13; 3:7; Psalm 31:24; 71:14,15. HOPE IN THE PRESENT LIFE That which a man ardently hopes for he strives to realize. If he desires fame, office or wealth he will seek to set forces in motion, here and now, which will bring him that which …
Henry T. Sell—Studies in the Life of the Christian Let Thus Much have Been Said with Regard to Charity...
20. Let thus much have been said with regard to charity, without which in us there cannot be true patience, because in good men it is the love of God which endureth all things, as in bad men the lust of the world. But this love is in us by the Holy Spirit which was given us. Whence, of Whom cometh in us love, of Him cometh patience. But the lust of the world, when it patiently bears the burdens of any manner of calamity, boasts of the strength of its own will, like as of the stupor of disease, not …
St. Augustine—On Patience Psalms
The piety of the Old Testament Church is reflected with more clearness and variety in the Psalter than in any other book of the Old Testament. It constitutes the response of the Church to the divine demands of prophecy, and, in a less degree, of law; or, rather, it expresses those emotions and aspirations of the universal heart which lie deeper than any formal demand. It is the speech of the soul face to face with God. Its words are as simple and unaffected as human words can be, for it is the genius …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Psalm 71:20 NIVPsalm 71:20 NLTPsalm 71:20 ESVPsalm 71:20 NASBPsalm 71:20 KJV
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