In Psalm 71:6, how can the psalmist claim reliance on God “from birth” if an infant cannot consciously exercise faith? I. Overview of Psalm 71:6 Psalm 71:6 reads: “I have leaned on You since birth; You pulled me from my mother’s womb. My praise is always for You.” At first glance, the notion of “leaning on God” from birth might appear puzzling, since an infant does not possess a developed ability to form explicit thoughts, let alone verbalize faith. However, this passage reflects a profound theological reality: God’s care and relationship with His people extend back even to infancy—and beyond. Below, we will explore the context, language, and theology surrounding this verse to understand how the psalmist can claim reliance on God “from birth.” II. Context and Literary Framework A. The Setting of Psalm 71 Psalm 71 is often understood as a prayer of an older believer looking back over a lifetime of divine protection and guidance (see also Psalm 71:17–18). Throughout the psalm, the writer acknowledges God’s faithful support at every stage of life. This comprehensive scope naturally includes the earliest period—infancy. Such language is a recurring feature in biblical poetry (e.g., Psalm 22:9–10; 139:13) to show that God’s sovereign care begins long before a person is consciously aware of His presence. B. Hebrew Idiomatic Expressions Biblical writers often employ language that sweeps across one’s entire life, using vivid word pictures. Saying one has “leaned on God from birth” poetically conveys dependence on God as a lifelong reality. This time-inclusive expression does not necessarily describe infant cognition of faith but emphasizes that God’s nurturing hand has encompassed the psalmist’s entire existence, starting in the womb. III. Reliance From Birth: Theological Considerations A. God’s Sovereign Knowledge and Care Scripture affirms God’s sovereignty in creating every individual and knowing each one intimately, even from the womb (Jeremiah 1:5; Psalm 139:13–16). These passages illustrate that God’s activity and care for a human being precede conscious faith. The child, though unable to articulate trust, is still under God’s protective watch and lovingly upheld by His power. B. Continuity of Covenant Relationship In ancient Israel, infants were counted as part of the covenant community (Genesis 17:7–12). They received the covenant sign, expressing that they belonged to God and rested under His promises even before personal, conscious faith developed. Psalm 71:6 reflects this mindset that God has always been the psalmist’s steadfast support. While the infant does not “exercise” faith in the adult sense, God’s grace and covenant faithfulness surround the child from the earliest moments. C. Progressive Development of Faith Human beings do not immediately begin life with the capacity for reasoned thought or deliberate trust. Still, spiritual growth and recognition of God unfold over time. The psalmist’s poetic phrasing highlights the continuity of divine benevolence rather than an assertion that infants can articulate theological beliefs. As the psalmist’s life progresses, awareness of God’s sustaining hand grows—yet God’s presence and grace have been in place all along. IV. Scriptural and Interpretative Insights A. Parallel Examples in Scripture • Psalm 22:9 declares, “Yet You brought me out of the womb; You made me secure at my mother’s breast.” This similar claim underscores a biblical perspective that God’s involvement in the life of a believer predates their conscious remembrance. • Psalm 139:13 states, “For You formed my inmost being; You knit me together in my mother’s womb.” This verse also demonstrates God’s intimate role in a person’s life from the earliest point of existence. B. The Nature of Poetic Hyperbole Phrases like “from birth” should be understood in the broader poetic sense. The psalmist underscores God’s faithful work at every phase—even at times or ages when the individual could not have verbalized dependence. Thus, it is not a literal claim that an infant “confesses faith” but rather a testimony that God’s guidance and support cover a person’s entire life. C. Harmonizing with the New Testament Perspective In the New Testament, Jesus likewise teaches that children belong to the kingdom of God (Mark 10:14). This principle complements the Old Testament portrayal of a covenant relationship that begins early. God’s encompassing care—whether for an infant or an adult—reveals His loving character and consistent faithfulness. V. Answering the Concern Directly 1. Infants and Conscious Faith An infant, of course, cannot formulate faith in the same manner as an adult. Psalm 71:6 does not suggest that a baby exercises a fully developed trust. Rather, the verse highlights that God’s presence and the child’s standing under His care are realities initiated by God’s favor, not by human effort. 2. Reliance on God as Covenant Language When the psalmist claims reliance “from birth,” it is covenant-focused language, indicating that from the earliest possible moment of existence, the psalmist was under the umbrella of God’s covenant promises. It expresses complete dependence on God, retrospectively recognizing that every day from infancy forward was marked by His sustaining grace. 3. Faith Maturing Over Time As the psalmist grew older and truly recognized God’s ongoing sustenance, it became clear that this had always been the case, even in those earliest years. Thus, “leaning on God” is a lifelong process, beginning with God’s unmerited favor and culminating in active, conscious trust once the individual matures. VI. Practical Implications A. Assurance of God’s Ever-Present Care This verse reminds readers that God’s hand shapes and sustains life from its beginning. Reflecting on the psalmist’s words can encourage believers to trust God’s omnipotent guidance, even (and especially) when our understanding is limited. B. Importance of Nurturing in the Faith Though infants cannot articulate faith, families and faith communities have biblical warrant to raise children in the knowledge of God (Deuteronomy 6:6–7). This continues God’s covenantal faithfulness, providing the environment in which that child may one day personally exercise and claim faith in Christ. VII. Conclusion Psalm 71:6 offers a powerful testimony of God’s faithfulness throughout a believer’s life—even before conscious faith is possible. The statement “from birth” underscores that divine care originates in God’s initiative, sustained by His covenantal promise. From an infant’s first moments and onward, God’s overarching providence holds us, culminating in the time when each person can consciously praise, trust, and follow the Lord. In this way, Psalm 71:6 does not contradict the understanding that an infant cannot knowingly believe. Instead, it affirms the profound encouragement that God is already working, drawing us to Himself, and guiding our paths long before we grasp the fullness of who He is. |
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