Psalms 71:20
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.
Psalms 71:20 (KJV)
Context
Psalm 71 is a prayer of David in his old age, asking for deliverance and protection. Throughout the psalm, he repeats his trust in God’s faithfulness and calls for help. In verse 20, he speaks plainly about the “great and sore troubles” he has experienced. The Hebrew phrase “shewed me” means “made me to see,” that is, to experience. These troubles include persecution by Saul and painful family conflicts, such as the rebellion of Absalom. David does not hide his suffering; he brings it honestly before God.
Meaning
The word “quicken” means to revive or restore life. David looks to God as the source of renewal, even after severe suffering. The phrase “bring me up again from the depths of the earth” uses the picture of rising from the grave. It expresses hope that God will lift him from despair and death-like darkness. This confidence is not vague; it is rooted in God’s past faithfulness and His power over life and death. God is sovereign over both troubles and restoration.
Biblical connections
This resurrection hope finds its fullest answer in Christ, who was raised from the dead. The same power that raised Jesus guarantees that believers will also be raised. So the verse points beyond David’s own deliverance to the future resurrection of all God’s people.
Application
When we face overwhelming hardships, we can pray with the same confidence. God allows trials, but He also revives and raises up. We can ask Him to renew our strength and lift us from the depths of our own despair. Trust in His power to restore life, even from the brink of death.
Reflection
This verse invites us to look back at God’s past help and forward to His promised restoration. Even when troubles are many and bitter, we can trust that the God who has shown us trials will also show us His saving power. He who brought the psalmist through will bring us through as well.
