When the psalmist proclaims, “You who have shown me many troubles and distresses Will revive me again, And will bring me up again from the depths of the earth” (v.20), he lifts up a cry of faith in the midst of suffering. Though there is no direct mention of a geographical location, scholars often associate King David as the author. David reigned over Israel roughly between 1010 and 970 BC, a time marked by both military conquests and personal tribulations. The psalmist intimately credits the Lord for having allowed difficulties—described here as “troubles and distresses”—while also confidently expecting restoration and a renewed life. The verse hints at a journey from hardship to hope, emphasizing that God not only sees our suffering but also has the power to rescue us from what feels like utter defeat.
In picturing deliverance from “the depths of the earth,” the text prophetically alludes to God's ability to breathe new life into any dire circumstance. In the greater biblical narrative, this theme recalls instances of resurrection and restoration. Although not explicitly addressed in this psalm, the principle of God’s raising power is fulfilled in the New Testament through Christ’s resurrection. Just as David believed that God would lift him from his troubles, so believers connect this same hope to Jesus, whom God raised up after His suffering. Trials, though intense, do not mark the end of the story for those who put their trust in the Lord.
This verse closely relates to the broader scriptural theme that confidence in God’s restoring power is anchored to His loving nature. The emphasis is not on the avoidance of trouble, but on God’s faithfulness to bring life from places of despair. Psalm 71:20 transcends the psalmist’s immediate context and resonates with everyone who senses they have been “shown many troubles and distresses”—the blessing is in knowing that God’s hand will guide them back to wholeness, however deep their pit might be.
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Psalms 71:20 meaning
When the psalmist proclaims, “You who have shown me many troubles and distresses Will revive me again, And will bring me up again from the depths of the earth” (v.20), he lifts up a cry of faith in the midst of suffering. Though there is no direct mention of a geographical location, scholars often associate King David as the author. David reigned over Israel roughly between 1010 and 970 BC, a time marked by both military conquests and personal tribulations. The psalmist intimately credits the Lord for having allowed difficulties—described here as “troubles and distresses”—while also confidently expecting restoration and a renewed life. The verse hints at a journey from hardship to hope, emphasizing that God not only sees our suffering but also has the power to rescue us from what feels like utter defeat.
In picturing deliverance from “the depths of the earth,” the text prophetically alludes to God's ability to breathe new life into any dire circumstance. In the greater biblical narrative, this theme recalls instances of resurrection and restoration. Although not explicitly addressed in this psalm, the principle of God’s raising power is fulfilled in the New Testament through Christ’s resurrection. Just as David believed that God would lift him from his troubles, so believers connect this same hope to Jesus, whom God raised up after His suffering. Trials, though intense, do not mark the end of the story for those who put their trust in the Lord.
This verse closely relates to the broader scriptural theme that confidence in God’s restoring power is anchored to His loving nature. The emphasis is not on the avoidance of trouble, but on God’s faithfulness to bring life from places of despair. Psalm 71:20 transcends the psalmist’s immediate context and resonates with everyone who senses they have been “shown many troubles and distresses”—the blessing is in knowing that God’s hand will guide them back to wholeness, however deep their pit might be.