What historical context influenced the writing of Psalm 71:21? Text of Psalm 71:21 “You will increase my honor and comfort me once again.” Authorship and Date Internal echoes of Psalm 22, 31, 35, 38, 40, and the precise wording of 71:1 with 31:1 strongly fit King David’s style. The superscription is absent in the Masoretic Text, yet the Septuagint preserves the traditional Davidic attribution (“Of David, of the sons of Jonadab, and the first taken captive”)—a witness at least two centuries before Christ. Placing composition late in David’s life (c. 971–970 BC, Usshur chronology) harmonizes with: • References to youth (v. 5-6) and “old age and gray hairs” (v. 18). • A court environment in which influential adversaries plot (vv. 10-11). • The plea that God “increase honor,” suitable to a king whose reputation has suffered during Absalom’s revolt (2 Samuel 15–19) and Adonijah’s intrigue (1 Kings 1). Political and Social Setting Late-monarchy Jerusalem was a compact, fortified city astride the Kidron and Tyropoeon valleys. Archaeology at the City of David (Mazar, 2005-2023) reveals 10th-century BC public structures—stepped stone retaining walls, large stone buildings—that match the scale of a united-kingdom capital. The Tel Dan (c. 840 BC) and Mesha (c. 840 BC) stelae attest to a royal “House of David,” refuting minimalist claims that David is merely legendary. In such a milieu, an aging monarch’s public “honor” (kābōd) could be eclipsed by palace coups; divine restoration promised re-enthronement of dignity before the watching nations. Personal Circumstances of the Psalmist David’s final seasons were shadowed by familial betrayal, national instability, and bodily frailty. Second Samuel 15-18 chronicles Absalom’s rebellion; First Kings 1 depicts Adonijah’s attempted succession. Psalm 71’s language of abandoned vulnerability—“Do not forsake me when my strength fails” (v. 9)—matches that historical moment. Yet the king remembers lifelong covenant mercies: “From birth I have relied on You” (v. 6). Verse 21’s anticipation of renewed “comfort” draws on the Hebrew root נחם (nḥm), later exalted in messianic prophecy (“Comfort, comfort My people,” Isaiah 40:1), reinforcing Yahweh’s consistent character. Honor and Comfort in Ancient Near Eastern Thought Honor/shame dynamics dominated Semitic cultures. Public honor was tied to land, offspring, and throne. A dethroned king was a by-word of disgrace (cf. Ugaritic Aqhat Epic). Divine “addition” of honor signified vindication at a royal scale: restored throne, expanded influence, international acclaim (cf. 1 Kings 3:13). Comfort included emotional solace and material security; compare the Akkadian verb nâḫu (“to rest, be eased”) used in royal inscriptions promising relief after turmoil. Literary Connections and Intertextuality Psalm 71 weaves earlier psalms (22, 31, 35, 40) into new prayer, illustrating how Scripture self-interprets. Verse 21 parallels Psalm 18:35 (“You stoop down to make me great”) and anticipates Isaiah 61:7 (“Instead of shame you will receive a double portion”). Such intertextuality testifies to a unified canon guided by one Author. Archaeological Corroborations of the Psalm’s Milieu • City of David excavations: 10th-century fortifications establish an administrative center capable of royal psalmody. • Khirbet Qeiyafa ostracon (c. 1000 BC) reflects early Hebrew writing contemporaneous with David, showing literacy to record psalms. • Ketef Hinnom silver scrolls (7th century BC) contain priestly blessing, confirming usage of biblical liturgy centuries before exile. Theological Trajectory Toward Christ David’s expectation that God will “increase honor” foreshadows the resurrection-exaltation motif fulfilled in the Son of David. Jesus endures ultimate shame on the cross yet is “crowned with glory and honor” (Hebrews 2:9). The comfort granted to the psalmist prefigures the Paraclete ministry of the Holy Spirit (John 14:16-17). Thus Psalm 71:21 participates in the grand narrative culminating in Christ’s empty tomb—historically secured by multiple attestation, early creed (1 Corinthians 15:3-7), and the transformed lives of eyewitnesses. Practical Implications Believers facing aging, slander, or declining strength may claim with confidence that God still “adds honor” and “comforts again.” The verse invites expectant praise rooted in the unbroken track record of divine faithfulness, attested in history, archaeology, manuscript evidence, and ultimately in the risen Christ. Conclusion Psalm 71:21 arose from the real-world crisis of an elderly David during late-monarchy turbulence. Historically anchored, textually stable, culturally intelligible, and prophetically alive, the verse radiates timeless assurance that the God who vindicated His servant-king will likewise exalt all who entrust themselves to Him. |
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