Psalms 71:21
You will increase my greatness and comfort me again.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Psalms 71:21
You will increase my greatness and comfort me again.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
The promise of "increasing my greatness" isn't just about regaining lost status, but about God's power to elevate and honor the faithful beyond their previous standing. Furthermore, "comfort me on every side" suggests a complete surrounding of comfort, as if God Himself forms an impenetrable barrier of solace around the one who trusts Him.
This psalm is a prayer from someone who feels abandoned by God and oppressed by enemies, reflecting on a lifetime of trusting in God and seeking His protection. As the psalm concludes, the psalmist looks forward with confidence, assured that God will not only deliver him from his current troubles but will restore him to even greater honor and surround him with comfort. This hopeful anticipation flows from a deep well of past experiences of God's faithfulness, even into old age.
Ever feel like you're just trying to get back to where you were? This verse promises something even better.
When the psalmist says, 'You will increase my greatness,' he’s not just talking about getting back what was lost. Think about David, who faced rebellion from his own son, Absalom. This 'greatness' implies more than just regaining his throne; it’s about God elevating him, perhaps even to a position of greater honor and security than before. It’s about God’s power to not just fix what’s broken, but to build something grander from the ruins.
Life can feel overwhelming, like you're under siege. But God’s comfort is designed to surround you.
The phrase 'comfort me on every side' paints a vivid picture. It’s not a fleeting comfort that only helps from one direction. Imagine being completely encircled, enveloped, and secured by God’s presence and peace. This means no matter which way trouble seems to be coming from, God’s comfort is there, ready to meet you. It’s a total, encompassing solace that guards your heart and mind.
Understand the original words
rabah · Hebrew Verb
To increase or make great; often refers to God's act of magnifying someone's position, status, or influence, particularly in a way that brings glory to His name.
nacham · Hebrew Verb
A divine act of bringing relief, consolation, and strength to one who is suffering or afflicted, often restoring hope and emotional well-being.
This psalm resonates deeply with those who have faced personal crises, usurpation, or the feeling of being overwhelmed by enemies, offering a powerful assurance of God's ultimate vindication and abundant comfort, even in old age.
c. 931 BC
Division of the Kingdom
Following Solomon's death, the united Kingdom of Israel splits into two: the Northern Kingdom of Israel and the Southern Kingdom of Judah. This division often led to conflict and instability.
c. 931-722 BC
Periods of Conflict and Exile
The kingdoms of Israel and Judah experienced numerous periods of internal strife, external wars, and foreign oppression, including invasions and exiles by powerful empires like Assyria.
c. 722 BC
Fall of Samaria and Assyrian Exile
The Northern Kingdom of Israel falls to the Assyrian Empire, and its population is deported. This event serves as a stark warning to the Southern Kingdom of Judah about the consequences of disobedience.
c. 605-586 BC
Babylonian Exile
The Neo-Babylonian Empire conquers Judah, deporting its people and destroying Jerusalem and the Temple in stages. This is a profound trauma for the Judean people, leading to deep reflection and lament.
This verse reflects a similar theme of divine exaltation and security, showing how God's favor elevates individuals to positions of authority and protection, echoing the 'increase of greatness' mentioned in Psalms 71:21.
Isaiah 12:1This passage speaks of joyous praise for God's comfort and strength after past judgments, paralleling the 'comfort me again' sentiment and the anticipated praise in Psalms 71:21.
1 Kings 1:47This verse demonstrates a king's prayer for God's blessing to increase his greatness and secure his reign, aligning with the psalmist's confidence in God's power to enhance his status and provide comprehensive comfort.
Philippians 4:7This New Testament passage promises the peace of God that surpasses all understanding, which guards hearts and minds, offering a profound spiritual parallel to the 'comfort me on every side' assurance of overwhelming divine solace.
Psalm 145:3This verse expresses the greatness of God and the unending praise He deserves, resonating with the psalmist's anticipation of God increasing his own greatness and his commitment to continuous praise.
clarkePsalms 71:21: "Thou shalt increase my greatness, and comfort me on every side."
Thou shalt increase my greatness - Thou wilt restore me to my throne and kingdom; and it shall be done in such a way that all shall see it was the hand of God; and I shall have the more honor on the account. Comfort me on every side - I shall have friends in all quarters; and the tribes on all sides will support me.
poolePsalms 71:21: "Thou shalt increase my greatness, and comfort me on every side."
I am assured that thou wilt not only restore to me that royal majesty which my son hath invaded, but also increase my honour and power.
The promise of "increasing my greatness" isn't just about regaining lost status, but about God's power to elevate and honor the faithful beyond their previous standing. Furthermore, "comfort me on every side" suggests a complete surrounding of comfort, as if God Himself forms an impenetrable barrier of solace around the one who trusts Him.
This psalm is a prayer from someone who feels abandoned by God and oppressed by enemies, reflecting on a lifetime of trusting in God and seeking His protection. As the psalm concludes, the psalmist looks forward with confidence, assured that God will not only deliver him from his current troubles but will restore him to even greater honor and surround him with comfort. This hopeful anticipation flows from a deep well of past experiences of God's faithfulness, even into old age.
This psalm is a prayer from someone who feels abandoned by God and oppressed by enemies, reflecting on a lifetime of trusting in God and seeking His protection. As the psalm concludes, the psalmist looks forward with confidence, assured that God will not only deliver him from his current troubles but will restore him to even greater honor and surround him with comfort. This hopeful anticipation flows from a deep well of past experiences of God's faithfulness, even into old age.
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c. 539 BC
Persian Conquest and Return
Cyrus the Great of Persia conquers Babylon and allows the Judean exiles to return to Jerusalem, beginning the rebuilding of the Temple and their community.
Undated (Likely post-exilic or late monarchy)— this verse
Psalmist's Plea for Restoration
The author of Psalm 71, likely an aging individual or perhaps even representing the nation, feels abandoned and besieged by enemies. He recalls God's faithfulness from youth and pleads for renewed strength, vindication, and comfort.
c. 538 BC onwards
Rebuilding and Continued Challenges
Following the return from exile, the Judean community faces significant challenges in rebuilding their lives, their temple, and their community under foreign rule, often experiencing hardship and opposition.
"You will increase my greatness and comfort me again." — The promise of "increasing my greatness" isn't just about regaining lost status, but about God's power to elevate and honor the faithful beyond their previous standing. Furthermore, "comfort me on ev…