20 Though you have made me see troubles, many and bitter, you will restore my life again; from the depths of the earth you will again bring me up.
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.
20 You who have made me see many troubles and calamities will revive me again; from the depths of the earth you will bring me up again.
20 You, who made me stare trouble in the face, Turn me around; Now let me look life in the face. I've been to the bottom;
20 You, who have shown me great and severe troubles, Shall revive me again, And bring me up again from the depths of the earth.
20 You have allowed me to suffer much hardship, but you will restore me to life again and lift me up from the depths of the earth.
25 I am laid low in the dust; preserve my life according to your word.
25 DALETH. My soul cleaveth unto the dust: quicken thou me according to thy word.
25 My soul clings to the dust; give me life according to your word!
25 I'm feeling terrible - I couldn't feel worse! Get me on my feet again. You promised, remember?
25 My soul clings to the dust; Revive me according to Your word.
25 I lie in the dust; revive me by your word.
(Read Psalm 119:25-32)
While the souls of the children of this world cleave to the earth as their portion, the children of light are greatly burdened, because of the remains of carnal affections in their hearts. It is unspeakable comfort to a gracious soul, to think with what tenderness all its complaints are received by a gracious God. We can talk of the wonders of redeeming love, when we understand the way of God's precepts, and walk in that way. The penitent melts in sorrow for sin: even the patient spirit may melt in the sense of affliction, it is then its interest to pour out its soul before God. The way of lying means all false ways by which men deceive themselves and others, or are deceived by Satan and his instruments. Those who know and love the law of the Lord, desire to know it more, and love it better. The way of serious godliness is the way of truth; the only true way to happiness: we must always have actual regard to it. Those who stick to the word of God, may in faith expect and pray for acceptance with God. Lord, never leave me to do that by which I shall shame myself, and do not thou reject my services. Those that are going to heaven, should still press forward. God, by his Spirit, enlarges the hearts of his people when he gives them wisdom. The believer prays to be set free from sin.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Psalm 71:20
Commentary on Psalm 71:14-24
(Read Psalm 71:14-24)
The psalmist declares that the righteousness of Christ, and the great salvation obtained thereby, shall be the chosen subject of his discourse. Not on a sabbath only, but on every day of the week, of the year, of his life. Not merely at stated returns of solemn devotion, but on every occasion, all the day long. Why will he always dwell on this? Because he knew not the numbers thereof. It is impossible to measure the value or the fulness of these blessings. The righteousness is unspeakable, the salvation everlasting. God will not cast off his grey-headed servants when no longer capable of labouring as they have done. The Lord often strengthens his people in their souls, when nature is sinking into decay. And it is a debt which the old disciples of Christ owe to succeeding generations, to leave behind them a solemn testimony to the advantage of religion, and the truth of God's promises; and especially to the everlasting righteousness of the Redeemer. Assured of deliverance and victory, let us spend our days, while waiting the approach of death, in praising the Holy One of Israel with all our powers. And while speaking of his righteousness, and singing his praises, we shall rise above fears and infirmities, and have earnests of the joys of heaven. The work of redemption ought, above all God's works, to be spoken of by us in our praises. The Lamb that was slain, and has redeemed us to God, is worthy of all blessing and praise.