Meaning of Psalms 71:21

This verse from Psalm 71:21 expresses a profound declaration of faith and hope, even amidst personal affliction and a sense of past suffering. The psalmist, likely an aging individual reflecting on a life marked by trials, anticipates a future restoration of dignity and solace from God. The phrase "increase my honor" speaks to a reversal of circumstances, where former shame or diminishment will be replaced by renewed respect and a restored standing, not necessarily in worldly terms, but in the eyes of God and perhaps in the community. "Comfort me once more" acknowledges a period of distress and hardship, and expresses a confident expectation that God, who has sustained the psalmist thus far, will again provide deep spiritual and emotional solace, bringing peace and contentment. This is not a passive wish, but an active declaration of trust in God's character and faithfulness.

Context and Background

Psalm 71 is a psalm of old age and prayer for deliverance. The psalmist is acutely aware of his advanced years and the accompanying vulnerabilities, including the potential for weakness, abandonment by friends, and the taunting of enemies who might see his afflictions as divine judgment (Psalm 71:9-13). He recalls God's consistent faithfulness from his youth and appeals to this history as grounds for present and future divine intervention. The verse in question, 71:21, appears towards the end of the psalm, representing a culmination of his plea and a confident affirmation of God's promised action. It reflects a mature faith that has weathered storms and learned to rely on God's enduring strength.

Key Themes and Messages

• Divine Restoration and Vindication: The verse highlights God's power to reverse negative circumstances and restore what has been lost or diminished. This includes not only physical comfort but also a sense of honor and dignity.
• Hope in Adversity: Despite acknowledging past suffering ("comfort me once more"), the psalmist expresses a forward-looking hope grounded in the certainty of God's character. This demonstrates a resilient faith that perseveres through trials.
• God's Faithfulness: The expectation of increased honor and comfort is rooted in the psalmist's understanding of God as a faithful covenant partner who does not forget or abandon His people, even in their old age and distress.
• The Interplay of Past and Future: The verse bridges the past experience of suffering with a confident anticipation of future divine action, suggesting that God's mercies are new every morning and are continually at work in the lives of His faithful.

Spiritual Significance and Application

For believers today, Psalm 71:21 offers a powerful reminder that God is concerned with all aspects of our lives, including our dignity and emotional well-being. It encourages us to cast our anxieties on Him, especially during times of hardship, aging, or when we feel diminished. The verse teaches that our ultimate honor is not found in worldly accolades but in our relationship with God and the vindication He provides. It calls for a deep and abiding trust, knowing that God's comfort is not a one-time event but a continuous supply, and that He can and will restore and elevate His people. This verse can serve as a source of encouragement for those facing personal challenges, helping them to look beyond present difficulties to the enduring mercies of God.

Relation to the Broader Biblical Narrative

This theme of divine restoration and vindication is a recurring motif throughout Scripture. In the Old Testament, God repeatedly delivered His people from oppression, restored their fortunes, and granted them peace and honor. The story of Joseph, who went from a slave to a ruler, exemplifies this principle. In the New Testament, the ultimate restoration and vindication are found in Jesus Christ. His resurrection is the supreme act of God's power over death and suffering, and through Him, believers are granted new honor as children of God and are promised eternal comfort and peace. The resurrection of believers themselves represents the final fulfillment of God's promise to overcome all affliction and grant everlasting glory.

Analogies

One analogy for "increase my honor and comfort me once more" is that of a gardener tending to a withered plant. The gardener, recognizing the potential for life, diligently waters, fertilizes, and prunes the plant. Though it may have appeared beyond hope, with consistent care, it not only revives but flourishes, producing new blossoms and fruit, thus restoring its beauty and purpose. Similarly, God, in His faithfulness, tends to His people through trials, and at the appointed time, brings about a renewal that surpasses the previous state, bringing honor and deep comfort. Another analogy is that of a sculptor working with a rough stone. The initial state may be unrefined, but through careful chipping and polishing, the sculptor reveals the inherent beauty and form within, transforming it into a masterpiece.

Relation to Other Verses

Psalm 71:21 resonates with numerous other biblical passages. It echoes the promise in Psalm 23:3: "He refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name's sake," highlighting God's restorative power. The sentiment of vindication is present in Psalm 37:6: "He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn, the justice of your cause like the noonday sun," indicating that God will bring truth and honor to light. The promise of God's unfailing comfort is found in Isaiah 40:1: "Comfort, comfort my people, says your God," and Matthew 5:4: "Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted." The concept of God increasing His people's honor finds a parallel in 1 Samuel 2:30: "I said, ‘I will honor those who honor me,’ but those who despise me will be cursed." Ultimately, the ultimate increase in honor and eternal comfort is assured in the New Testament through Christ, as described in Romans 8:18: "For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us."