1ALEPH: Blessed are the upright in the way, who walk in the Law of Jehovah. 2Blessed are those who keep His Testimonies, who seek Him with the whole heart. 3They also do no iniquity; they walk in His Ways. 4You have commanded us to keep Your Precepts diligently. 5O that my ways were fixed to keep Your Statutes! 6Then I shall not be ashamed, when I pay attention to all Your Commandments. 7I will give thanks unto You with uprightness of heart, when I learn Your righteous Judgments. 8I will keep Your Statutes; O do not greatly forsake me! 9BETH: How can a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed according to Your Word. 10With my whole heart have I sought You; O let me not wander from Your Commandments! 11Your Word have I hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You. 12Blessed are You, O Jehovah! Teach me Your Statutes! 13With my lips have I declared all the Judgments of Your mouth. 14I have rejoiced in the way of Your Testimonies, as much as in all riches. 15I will meditate on Your Precepts, and pay attention to Your ways. 16I will delight myself in Your Statutes; I will not forget Your Word. 17GIMEL: Deal bountifully with Your servant, that I may live and keep Your Word. 18Open my eyes, that I may see wondrous things from Your Law. 19I am a sojourner in the earth; do not hide Your Commandments from me. 20My soul breaks with longing for Your Justice at all times. 21You have rebuked the proud, the cursed, who go astray from Your Commandments. 22Remove from me reproach and contempt, for I have kept Your Testimonies. 23Princes also have sat and spoken against me, but Your servant meditates on Your Statutes. 24Your Testimonies also are my delight and my counselors. 25DALETH: My soul clings to the dust; revive me according to Your Word. 26I have declared my ways, and You answered me; teach me Your Statutes. 27Make me understand the way of Your Precepts; so shall I meditate on Your wondrous works. 28My soul has wept from grief; strengthen me according to Your Word. 29Remove from me the way of lying, and grant me Your Law graciously. 30I have chosen the way of Truth; Your Justice I have laid before me. 31I have clung to Your Testimonies; O Jehovah, put me not to shame! 32I will run the course of Your Commandments, for You shall enlarge my heart. 33HE: Teach me, O Jehovah, the way of Your Statutes, and I shall keep it to the end. 34Give me understanding, and I shall keep Your Law; yea, I shall keep it with my whole heart. 35Make me tread the path of Your Commandments, for I delight in it. 36Extend my heart to Your Testimonies, and not to unjust gain. 37Turn away my eyes from looking after vanity, and revive me in Your Way. 38Establish Your Word to Your servant, who is devoted to Your fear. 39Turn away my reproach which I have dreaded, for Your Justice is good. 40Behold, I have longed for Your Precepts; revive me in Your righteousness. 41VAU: Let Your mercies come also unto me, O Jehovah; Your salvation according to Your Word. 42So shall I have an answer for him who reproaches me, for I trust in Your Word. 43And do not greatly take the Word of Truth out of my mouth, for I have hoped in Your Justice. 44So shall I keep Your Law continually, forever and ever. 45And I will walk in a broad place, for I seek Your Precepts. 46I will speak of Your Testimonies also before kings, and will not be ashamed. 47And I will delight myself in Your Commandments, which I have loved. 48My hands also will I lift up to Your Commandments, which I have loved; and I will meditate on Your Statutes. 49ZAYIN: Remember the Word to Your servant, upon which You have caused me to hope. 50This is my comfort in my affliction, for Your Word has revived me. 51The proud have me in great derision, yet I have not turned aside from Your Law. 52I remembered Your Justice of old, O Jehovah, and have comforted myself. 53Rage has taken hold upon me because of the wicked who forsake Your Law. 54Your Statutes have been my songs in the house of my pilgrimage. 55I have remembered Your name in the night, O Jehovah, and I keep Your Law. 56This I have, because I have kept Your Precepts. 57CHETH: You are my portion, O Jehovah; I have said that I would keep Your Words. 58I have entreated Your favor with my whole heart; be merciful unto me according to Your Word. 59I have considered my ways, and turned my feet unto Your Testimonies. 60I made haste and did not delay to keep Your Commandments. 61The company of the wicked have surrounded me, but I have not forgotten Your Law. 62At midnight I will rise to give thanks to You, because of Your righteous judgments. 63I am a companion of all who fear You, and of those who keep Your Precepts. 64The earth, O Jehovah, is full of Your mercy; teach me Your Statutes. 65TETH: You have dealt well with Your servant, O Jehovah, according to Your Word. 66Teach me good discretion and knowledge, for I have believed Your Commandments. 67Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I have kept Your Word. 68You are good, and do good; teach me Your Statutes. 69The proud have forged a lie against me, but I will keep Your Precepts with my whole heart. 70Their heart has been as fat without feeling, but I delight in Your Law. 71It is good for me that I have been afflicted, that I may learn Your Statutes. 72The Law of Your mouth is better to me than thousands of gold and silver. 73JOD: Your hands have made me and formed me; give me understanding, that I may learn Your Commandments. 74Those who fear You will be glad when they see me, because I have hoped in Your Word. 75I know, O Jehovah, that Your judgments are right, and that in faithfulness You have afflicted me. 76I beseech You, let Your merciful kindness be for my comfort, according to Your Word to Your servant. 77Let Your tender mercies come to me, that I may live; for Your Law is my delight. 78Let the proud be ashamed, for they have dealt perversely with deception; but I will meditate on Your Precepts. 79Let those who fear You return to me, those who have known Your Testimonies. 80Let my heart be whole regarding Your Statutes, that I may not be ashamed. 81KAPH: My soul is spent for Your salvation; I hope in Your Word. 82My eyes fail for Your Word, saying, When will You comfort me? 83For I have become like a wineskin in smoke, yet I do not forget Your Statutes. 84How many are the days of Your servant? When will You execute judgment upon those who persecute me? 85The proud, who are not according to Your Law, have dug pits for me. 86All Your Commandments are faithful; they persecute me with deception; help me! 87They had almost made an end of me on earth, but I did not forsake Your Precepts. 88Revive me according to Your lovingkindness, so that I may keep the Testimony of Your mouth. 89LAMED: Forever, O Jehovah, Your Word stands firm in the heavens. 90Your faithfulness is from generation to generation; You have established the earth, and it remains. 91They have stood to this day according to Your ordinances, for they all are Your servants. 92Unless Your Law had been my delight, I should then have perished in my affliction. 93I will never forget Your Precepts, for by them You have given me life. 94I am Yours, save me; for I have sought Your Precepts. 95The wicked have waited for me to destroy me; but I will pay attention to Your Testimonies. 96I have seen the end of all perfection, but Your Commandment is exceedingly broad. 97MEM: O how I love Your Law! It is my meditation all the day. 98You, through Your Commandments, make me wiser than my enemies; for they are always with me. 99I have more understanding than all my teachers, for Your Testimonies are my meditation. 100I understand more than the elders, because I keep Your Precepts. 101I have restrained my feet from every evil way, that I may keep Your Word. 102I have not departed from Your Justice, for You have taught me. 103How sweet are Your Words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth! 104Through Your Precepts I get understanding; therefore I hate every false way. 105NUN: Your Word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. 106I have sworn and will fulfill, that I will keep Your righteous judgments. 107I am very much afflicted; revive me, O Jehovah, according to Your Word. 108Accept, I beseech You, the freewill offerings of my mouth, O Jehovah, and teach me Your justice. 109My life is continually in my hand, yet I do not forget Your Law. 110The wicked have laid a snare for me, yet I have not wandered from Your Precepts. 111Your Testimonies I have taken as a heritage forever, for they are the rejoicing of my heart. 112I have extended my heart to perform Your Statutes always to the end. 113SAMECH: I hate the double-minded, but I love Your Law. 114You are my hiding place and my shield; I hope in Your Word. 115Depart from me, you evildoers, for I will keep the Commandments of my God. 116Uphold me according to Your Word, that I may live; and let me not be ashamed of my hope. 117Sustain me, and I shall be safe, and I will gaze upon Your Statutes continually. 118You have lightly tossed aside all those who stray from Your Statutes, for their deception is treachery. 119You have removed all the wicked of the earth like dross; therefore I love Your Testimonies. 120My flesh trembles in fear of You, and I am afraid of Your judgments. 121AYIN: I have done justice and righteousness; do not abandon me to those who oppress me. 122Be surety for Your servant for good; let not the arrogant ones oppress me. 123My eyes have failed for Your salvation, and for the Word of Your righteousness. 124Deal with Your servant according to Your mercy, and teach me Your Statutes. 125I am Your servant; give me understanding, that I may know Your Testimonies. 126It is time for You to act, O Jehovah, for they have regarded Your Law as void. 127Therefore I have loved Your Commandments more than gold, yea, than fine gold. 128Therefore all Your Precepts have been esteemed upright; I have hated every false way. 129PE: Your Testimonies are wonderful; therefore my soul keeps them. 130The entrance of Your Words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple. 131I opened my mouth and panted, for I longed for Your Commandments. 132Look upon me and be merciful unto me with justice, for I love Your name. 133Direct my steps in Your Word, and let no iniquity have dominion over me. 134Redeem me from the oppression of man, that I may keep Your Precepts. 135Make Your face shine upon Your servant, and teach me Your Statutes. 136Rivers of water run down from my eyes, because they do not keep Your Law. 137TZADDI: Righteous are You, O Jehovah, and upright are Your judgments. 138Your Testimonies, which You have commanded, are righteous and very faithful. 139My zeal has consumed me, because my enemies have forgotten Your Words. 140Your Word is very pure; therefore Your servant loves it. 141I am small and despised, yet I do not forget Your Precepts. 142Your righteousness is an eternal righteousness, and Your Law is truth. 143Distress and anguish have come upon me, yet Your Commandments are my delight. 144The righteousness of Your Testimonies is eternal; give me understanding, and I shall live. 145QOPH: I have cried out with my whole heart; hear me, O Jehovah! I will keep Your Statutes. 146I have cried out to You; save me, and I will keep Your Testimonies. 147I have risen before the dawn and cried out for help; I have hoped in Your Word. 148My eyes have met the night watches, that I may meditate on Your Word. 149Hear my voice according to Your lovingkindness; O Jehovah, revive me according to Your justice. 150They have drawn near, those who follow after wickedness; they have been far from Your Law. 151You are near, O Jehovah, and all Your Commandments are truth. 152Concerning Your Testimonies, I have known of old that You have founded them forever. 153RESH: Look upon my affliction and rescue me, for I do not forget Your Law. 154Plead my case and redeem me; revive me according to Your Word. 155Salvation is far from the wicked, for they do not seek Your Statutes. 156Great are Your tender mercies, O Jehovah; revive me according to Your justice. 157Many are my persecutors and my enemies, yet I have not turned aside from Your Testimonies. 158I have seen the treacherous, and am filled with loathing, because they have not kept Your Word. 159Observe how I love Your Precepts; revive me, O Jehovah, according to Your lovingkindness. 160Your Word is truth since the beginning, and every one of Your righteous judgments is everlasting. 161SHIN: Princes have persecuted me without a cause, but my heart stands in awe of Your Word. 162I rejoice at Your Word, as one who finds great spoils. 163I have hated and abhor lying, but I love Your Law. 164Seven times a day have I praised You, because of Your righteous judgments. 165Great peace have those who love Your Law, and nothing causes them to stumble. 166Jehovah, I have hoped for Your salvation, and have done Your Commandments. 167My soul has kept Your Testimonies, and I love them exceedingly. 168I have kept Your Precepts and Your Testimonies, for all my ways are before You. 169TAU: Let my cry draw near to Your face, O Jehovah; give me understanding according to Your Word. 170Let my supplication enter before Your face; deliver me according to Your Word. 171My lips shall utter praise, for You teach me Your Statutes. 172My tongue shall testify of Your Word, for all Your Commandments are righteousness. 173Let Your hand help me, for I have chosen Your Precepts. 174I have longed for Your salvation, O Jehovah, and Your Law is my delight. 175Let my soul live, and it shall praise You; and let Your justice help me. 176I have gone astray like a lost sheep; seek Your servant, for I have not forgotten Your Commandments.
Jamieson Fausset Brown Bible Commentary 1 ALEPH. (
Ps 119:1-
Ps 119:8).
This celebrated Psalm has several peculiarities. It is divided into twenty-two parts or stanzas, denoted by the twenty-two letters of the Hebrew alphabet. Each stanza contains eight verses, and the first letter of each verse is that which gives name to the stanza. Its contents are mainly praises of God's Word, exhortations to its perusal, and reverence for it, prayers for its proper influence, and complaints of the wicked for despising it. There are but two verses (
Ps 119:122,
Ps 119:132) which do not contain some term or description of God's Word. These terms are of various derivations, but here used, for the most part, synonymously, though the use of a variety of terms seems designed, in order to express better the several aspects in which our relations to the revealed word of God are presented. The Psalm does not appear to have any relation to any special occasion or interest of the Jewish Church or nation, but was evidently "intended as a manual of pious thoughts, especially for instructing the young, and its peculiar artificial structure was probably adopted to aid the memory in retaining the language." (Psa. 119:1-176)
undefiled--literally, "complete," perfect, or sincere (compare
Ps 37:37).
in--or, "of"
the way--course of life.
walk--act
in the law--according to it (compare
Luke 1:6).
law--from a word meaning "to teach," is a term of rather general purport, denoting the instruction of God's Word.
2 testimonies--The word of God is so called, because in it He testifies for truth and against sin.
seek him--that is, a knowledge of Him, with desire for conformity to His will.
3 his ways--the course He reveals as right.
4 precepts--are those directions which relate to special conduct, from a word meaning "to inspect."
statutes--or ordinances, positive laws of permanent nature. Both words originally denote rather positive than moral laws, such as derive force from the divine appointment, whether their nature or the reasons for them are apprehended by us or not.
commandments--or institutions. The term is comprehensive, but rather denotes fundamental directions for conduct, both enjoining and forbidding.
have respect unto--or regard carefully as to their whole purport.
7 judgments--rules of conduct formed by God's judicial decisions; hence the wide sense of the word in the Psalms, so that it includes decisions of approval as well as condemnation.
8 Recognizes the need of divine grace.
9 BETH. (
Ps 119:9-
Ps 119:16).
The whole verse may be read as a question; for,
by taking heed--is better, "for" taking heed, that is, so as to do it. The answer is implied, and inferable from
Ps 119:5,
Ps 119:10,
Ps 119:18, &c., that is, by God's grace.
10 We must carefully treasure up the word of God, declare it to others, meditate on it, and heartily delight in it; and then by His grace we shall act according to it.
17 GIMEL. (
Ps 119:17-
Ps 119:24).
Life is desirable in order to serve God; that we may do so aright, we should seek to have our eyes opened to behold His truth, and earnestly desire fully to understand it.
21 God will rebuke those who despise His word and deliver His servants from their reproach, giving them boldness in and by His truth, even before the greatest men.
25 DALETH. (
Ps 119:25-
Ps 119:32).
Submitting ourselves in depression to God, He will revive us by His promises, and lead us to declare His mercy to others.
28 In order to adhere to His word, we must seek deliverance from temptations to sin as well as from despondency.
enlarge--or, "expand"
my heart--with gracious affections.
33 HE. (
Ps 119:33-
Ps 119:40).
To encourage us in prayer for divine aid in adhering to His truth, we are permitted to believe that by His help we shall succeed.
the way of thy statutes--that is, the way or manner of life prescribed by them. The help we hope to obtain by prayer is to be the basis on which our resolutions should rest.
37 Turn away mine eyes--literally, "Make my eyes to pass, not noticing evil."
vanity--literally, "falsehood;" all other objects of trust than God; idols, human power, &c. (
Ps 31:6;
Ps 40:4;
Ps 60:11;
Ps 62:9).
quicken . . . in thy way--make me with living energy to pursue the way marked out by Thee. Revive me from the death of spiritual helplessness (
Ps 119:17,
Ps 119:25,
Ps 119:40,
Ps 119:50;
Ps 116:3).
38 who is devoted to thy fear--or better, "which (that is, Thy word) is for Thy fear," for producing it. "Which is to those who fear Thee." God's word of promise belongs peculiarly to such (compare
Gen 18:19;
1Kgs 2:4;
1Kgs 8:25) [HENGSTENBERG].
39 Our hope of freedom from the reproach of inconsistency is in God's power, quickening us to live according to His Word, which He leads us to love.
for thy judgments are good--The time must therefore be at hand when Thy justice will turn the "reproach" from Thy Church upon the world (
Isa 25:8;
Isa 66:5;
Zeph 2:8-
Zeph 2:10).
41 VAU. (
Ps 119:41-
Ps 119:48).
The sentiment more fully carried out. God's mercies and salvation, as revealed in His Word, provide hope of forgiveness for the past and security in a righteous course for the future.
42 The possession of God's gift of "salvation" (
Ps 119:41) will be the Psalmist's answer to the foe's "reproach," that his hope was a fallacious one.
45 To freedom from reproach, when imbued with God's truth, there is added "great boldness in the faith" [
1Tim 3:13], accompanied with increasing delight in the holy law itself, which becomes an element of happiness.
48 My hands . . . lift up unto . . . commandments--that is, I will prayerfully (
Ps 28:2) direct my heart to keep Thy commandments.
49 ZAIN. (
Ps 119:49-
Ps 119:56).
Resting on the promises consoles under affliction and the tauntings of the insolent.
upon which--rather, "Remember Thy word unto Thy servant, because," &c. So the Hebrew requires [HENGSTENBERG].
50 for--rather, "This is my comfort . . . that," &c. [MAURER].
hath quickened--What the Word has already done is to faith a pledge of what it shall yet do.
52 The pious take comfort, when harassed and distressed by wickedness of men who forsake God's law, in remembering that the great principles of God's truth will still abide; and also God's
judgments of old--that is, His past interpositions in behalf of His people are a pledge that He will again interpose to deliver them; and they become the theme of constant and delightful meditation. The more we keep the more we love the law of God.
53 Horror--rather, "vehement wrath" [HENGSTENBERG].
54 songs--As the exile sings songs of his home (
Ps 137:3), so the child of God, "a stranger on earth," sings the songs of heaven, his true home (
Ps 39:12). In ancient times, laws were put in verse, to imprint them the more on the memory of the people. So God's laws are the believer's songs.
house of my pilgrimage--present life (
Gen 17:8;
Gen 47:9;
Heb 11:13).
56 Rather, "This is peculiarly mine (literally, to me), that I keep Thy precepts" [HENGSTENBERG and MAURER].
57 CHETH. (
Ps 119:57-
Ps 119:64).
Sincere desires for God's favor, penitence, and activity in a new obedience, truly evince the sincerity of those who profess to find God a portion (
Num 18:20;
Ps 16:5;
Lam 3:24).
58 favour--Hebrew, "face" (
Ps 45:12).
59 So the prodigal son, when reduced to straits of misery (
Luke 15:17-
Luke 15:18).
61 This the more, if opposition of enemies, or love of ease is overcome in thus honoring God's law.
have robbed me--better, surrounded me, either as forcible constraints like fetters, or as the cords of their nets. HENGSTENBERG translates, "snares."
62 At midnight--HENGSTENBERG supposes a reference to the time when the Lord went forth to slay the Egyptian first-born (
Exod 11:4;
Exod 12:29; compare
Job 34:20). But it rather refers to the Psalmist's own praises and prayers in the night time. Compare Paul and Silas (
Acts 16:25; compare
Ps 63:6).
63 The communion of the saints. Delight in their company is an evidence of belonging to them (
Ps 16:3;
Amos 3:3;
Mal 3:16).
64 While opposed by the wicked, and opposing them, the pious delight in those who fear God, but, after all, rely for favor and guidance not on merit, but mercy.
65 TETH. (
Ps 119:65-
Ps 119:72).
The reliance on promises (
Ps 119:49) is strengthened by experience of past dealings according with promises, and a prayer for guidance, encouraged by sanctified affliction.
66 Teach me good judgment and knowledge--namely, in Thy word (so as to fathom its deep spirituality); for the corresponding expression (
Ps 119:12,
Ps 119:64,
Ps 119:68), is, "Teach me Thy statutes."
67 Referred by HENGSTENBERG to the chastening effect produced on the Jews' minds by the captivity (
Jer 31:18-
Jer 31:19). The truth is a general one (
Job 5:6;
John 15:2;
Heb 12:11).
68 Compare as to the Lord Jesus (
Acts 10:38).
69 The crafty malice of the wicked, in slandering him, so far from turning him away, but binds him closer to God's Word, which they are too stupid in sin to appreciate. HENGSTENBERG refers the "lie" to such slanders against the Jews during the captivity, as that in
Ezra 4:1-
Ezra 4:6, of sedition.
70 fat as grease--spiritually insensible (
Ps 17:10;
Ps 73:7;
Isa 6:10).
71 So also affliction of any kind acts as a wholesome discipline in leading the pious more highly to value the truth and promises of God.
73 JOD. (
Ps 119:73-
Ps 119:80).
As God made, so He can best control, us. So as to Israel, he owed to God his whole internal and external existence (
Deut 32:6).
74 So when He has led us to rely on His truth, He will "make us to the praise of His grace" by others. "Those who fear Thee will be glad at my prosperity, as they consider my cause their cause" (
Ps 34:2;
Ps 142:7).
75 in faithfulness--that is, without in the least violating Thy faithfulness; because my sins deserved and needed fatherly chastisement. Enduring chastisement with a filial temper (
Heb 12:6-
Heb 12:11), God's promises of mercy (
Rom 8:28) will be fulfilled, and He will give comfort in sorrow (
Lam 3:22;
2Cor 1:3-4).
77 Let thy tender mercies come unto me--As I am not able to come unto them. But the wicked will be confounded.
78 but I . . . meditate in thy precepts--and so shall not be "ashamed," that is, put to shame (
Ps 119:80).
79 Those who may have thought his afflictions an evidence of God's rejection will then be led to return to Him; as the friends of Job did on his restoration, having been previously led through his afflictions to doubt the reality of his religion.
80 Let my . . . be sound--that is, perfect, sincere.
ashamed--disappointed in my hope of salvation.
81 CAPH. (
Ps 119:81-
Ps 119:88).
In sorrow the pious heart yearns for the comforts of God's promises (
Ps 73:26;
Ps 84:2).
82 Mine eyes fail for thy word--that is, with yearning desire for Thy word. When the eyes fail, yet faith must not.
83 bottle in the smoke--as a skin bottle dried and shriveled up in smoke, so is he withered by sorrow. Wine bottles of skin used to be hung up in smoke to dry them, before the wine was put in them [MAURER].
84 The shortness of my life requires that the relief afforded to me from mine enemies should be speedy.
85 pits--plots for my destruction.
which--rather, "who," that is, "the proud"; "pits" is not the antecedent.
87 consumed me upon earth--HENGSTENBERG translates, "in the land"; understanding "me" of the nation Israel, of which but a small remnant was left. But English Version is simpler; either, "They have consumed me so as to leave almost nothing of me on earth"; or, "They have almost destroyed and prostrated me on the earth" [MAURER].
I forsook not--Whatever else I am forsaken of, I forsake not Thy precepts, and so am not mistaken of Thee (
Ps 39:5,
Ps 39:13;
2Cor 4:8-9), and the injuries and insults of the wicked increase the need for it. But, however they act regardless of God's law, the pious, adhering to its teaching, receive quickening grace, and are sustained steadfast.
89 LAMED. (
Ps 119:89-
Ps 119:96).
In all changes God's Word remains firm (
1Pet 1:25). Like the heavens, it continually attests God's unfailing power and unchanging care (
Ps 89:2).
is settled in--that is, stands as firmly as the heaven in which it dwells, and whence it emanated.
90 thou hast established the earth, and it abideth-- (
Ps 33:9).
91 They--the heaven (
Ps 119:89) and the earth (
Ps 119:90). HENGSTENBERG translates, "They stand for thy judgment," that is, ready, as obedient servants, to execute them. The usage of this Psalm favors this view. But see
Jer 33:25.
92 Hence the pious are encouraged and inclined to seek a knowledge of it, and persevere amidst the efforts of those planning and waiting to destroy them.
my delights--plural, not merely delight, but equal to all other delights.
93 The bounds of created perfection may be defined, but those of God's law in its nature, application, and influence, are infinite. There is no human thing so perfect but that something is wanting to it; its limits are narrow, whereas God's law is of infinite breadth, reaching to all cases, perfectly meeting what each requires, and to all times (
Ps 19:3,
Ps 19:6-
Ps 19:11;
Eccl 3:11). It cannot be cramped within any definitions of man's dogmatical systems. Man never outgrows the Word. It does not shock the ignorant man with declared anticipations of discoveries which he had not yet made; while in it the man of science finds his newest discoveries by tacit anticipations provided for.
97 MEM. (
Ps 119:97-
Ps 119:104).
This characteristic love for God's law (compare
Ps 1:2) ensures increase.
98 of knowledge, both of the matter of all useful, moral truth, and an experience of its application.
wiser than mine enemies--with all their carnal cunning (
Deut 4:6,
Deut 4:8).
they are ever with me--The Hebrew is, rather singular, "it is ever with me"; the commandments forming ONE complete whole, Thy law.
99 understanding--is practical skill (
Ps 2:10;
Ps 32:8).
100 more than the ancients--Antiquity is no help against stupidity, where it does not accord with God's word [LUTHER] (
Job 32:7-
Job 32:9). The Bible is the key of all knowledge, the history of the world, past, present, and to come (
Ps 111:10). He who does the will of God shall know of the doctrine (
John 7:17).
101 Avoidance of sinful courses is both the effect and means of increasing in divine knowledge (compare
Ps 19:10).
105 NUN. (
Ps 119:105-
Ps 119:112).
Not only does the Word of God inform us of His will, but, as a light on a path in darkness, it shows us how to follow the right and avoid the wrong way. The lamp of the Word is not the sun. He would blind our eyes in our present fallen state; but we may bless God for the light shining as in a dark place, to guide us until the Sun of Righteousness shall come, and we shall be made capable of seeing Him (
2Pet 1:19;
Rev 22:4). The lamp is fed with the oil of the Spirit. The allusion is to the lamps and torches carried at night before an Eastern caravan.
106 Such was the national covenant at Sinai and in the fields of Moab.
108 freewill offerings--the spontaneous expressions of his gratitude, as contrasted with the appointed "offerings" of the temple (
Hos 14:2;
Heb 13:15). He determines to pursue this way, relying on God's quickening power (
Ps 119:50) in affliction, and a gracious acceptance of his "spiritual sacrifices of prayer and praise" (
Ps 50:5,
Ps 50:14,
Ps 50:23).
109 In the midst of deadly perils (the phrase is drawn from the fact that what we carry in our hands may easily slip from them,
Judg 12:3;
1Sam 28:21;
Job 13:14; compare
1Sam 19:5), and exposed to crafty enemies, his safety and guidance is in the truth and promises of God.
111 These he joyfully takes as his perpetual heritage, to perform the duties and receive the comforts they teach, evermore.
113 SAMECH. (
Ps 119:113-
Ps 119:120).
vain thoughts--better, "unstable persons," literally, "divided men," those of a divided, doubting mind (
Jas 1:8); "a double-minded man" [HENGSTENBERG], skeptics, or, skeptical notions as opposed to the certainty of God's word.
114 hiding-place--(Compare
Ps 27:5).
shield-- (
Ps 3:3;
Ps 7:10).
hope in thy word--confidently rest on its teachings and promises.
115 Hence he fears not wicked men, nor dreads disappointment, sustained by God in making His law the rule of life.
Depart from me--Ye can do nothing with me; for, &c. (
Ps 6:8).
118 But the disobedient and rebellious will be visited by God's wrath, which impresses the pious with wholesome fear and awe.
their deceit is falsehood--that is, all their cunning deceit, wherewith they seek to entrap the godly, is in vain.
120 The "judgments" are those on the wicked (
Ps 119:119). Joyful hope goes hand in hand with fear (
Hab 3:16-
Hab 3:18).
121 AIN. (
Ps 119:121-
Ps 119:128).
On the grounds of his integrity, desire for God's word, and covenant relation to Him, the servant of God may plead for His protecting care against the wicked, gracious guidance to the knowledge of truth, and His effective vindication of the righteous and their cause, which is also His own.
122 Be surety--Stand for me against my oppressors (
Gen 43:9;
Isa 38:14).
127 Therefore--that is, In view of these benefits, or, Because of the glory of Thy law, so much praised in the previous parts of the Psalm.
I love . . . [and] Therefore (repeated)--All its precepts, on all subjects, are estimable for their purity, and lead one imbued with their spirit to hate all evil (
Ps 19:10). The Word of God admits of no eclecticism; its least title is perfect (
Ps 12:6;
Matt 5:17-
Matt 5:19).
129 PE. (
Ps 119:129-
Ps 119:136).
wonderful--literally, "wonders," that is, of moral excellence.
130 The entrance--literally, "opening"; God's words, as an open door, let in light, or knowledge. Rather, as HENGSTENBERG explains it, "The opening up," or, "explanation of thy word." To the natural man the doors of God's Word are shut.
Luke 24:27,
Luke 24:31;
Acts 17:3;
Eph 1:18, confirm this view, "opening (that is, explaining) and alleging," &c.
unto the simple--those needing or desiring it (compare
Ps 19:7).
131 An ardent desire (compare
Ps 56:1-
Ps 56:2) for spiritual enlightening, establishment in a right course, deliverance from the wicked, and evidence of God's favor is expressed
I opened my mouth, and panted--as a traveller in a hot desert pants for the cooling breeze (
Ps 63:1;
Ps 84:2).
132 Look . . . upon me--opposed to hiding or averting the face (compare
Ps 25:15;
Ps 86:6;
Ps 102:17).
as thou usest to do--or, "as it is right in regard to those who love Thy name." Such have a right to the manifestations of God's grace, resting on the nature of God as faithful to His promise to such, not on their own merits.
133 Order my steps--Make firm, so that there be no halting (
Ps 40:2).
any iniquity--
Ps 119:34 favors HENGSTENBERG, "any iniquitous man," any "oppressor." But the parallel first clause in this (
Ps 119:33) favors English Version (
Ps 19:13). His hope of deliverance from external oppression of man (
Ps 119:34) is founded on his deliverance from the internal "dominion of iniquity," in answer to his prayer (
Ps 119:33).
136 Zealous himself to keep God's law, he is deeply afflicted when others violate it (compare
Ps 119:53). Literally, "Mine eyes come down (dissolved) like water brooks" (
Lam 3:48;
Jer 9:1).
because, &c.--(Compare
Ezek 9:4;
Jer 13:17).
137 TZADDI. (
Ps 119:137-
Ps 119:144).
God's justice and faithfulness in His government aggravate the neglect of the wicked, and more excite the lively zeal of His people.
139 (
Ps 69:9).
140 very pure--literally, "refined," shown pure by trial.
141 The pious, however despised of men, are distinguished in God's sight by a regard for His law.
142 The principles of God's government are permanent and reliable, and in the deepest distress His people find them a theme of delightful meditation and a source of reviving power (
Ps 119:17,
Ps 119:116).
law is the truth--It therefore cannot deceive as to its promises.
everlasting-- (
Ps 111:3), though to outward appearance seeming dead.
145 KOPH. (
Ps 119:145-
Ps 119:152).
An intelligent devotion is led by divine promises and is directed to an increase of gracious affections, arising from a contemplation of revealed truth.
147 prevented--literally, "came before," anticipated not only the dawn, but even the usual periods of the night; when the night watches, which might be expected to find me asleep, come, they find me awake (
Ps 63:6;
Ps 77:4;
Lam 2:19). Such is the earnestness of the desire and love for God's truth.
149 quicken me--revive my heart according to those principles of justice, founded on Thine own nature, and revealed in Thy law, which specially set forth Thy mercy to the humble as well as justice to the wicked (compare
Ps 119:30).
150 Though the wicked are near to injure, because far from God's law, He is near to help, and faithful to His word, which abides for ever.
153 RESH. (
Ps 119:153-
Ps 119:160).
Though the remembering of God's law is not meritorious, yet it evinces a filial temper and provides the pious with promises to plead, while the wicked in neglecting His law, reject God and despise His promises (compare
Ps 9:13;
Ps 43:1;
Ps 69:18).
154 Plead, &c.--HENGSTENBERG translates, "Fight my fight." (See
Ps 35:1;
Ps 43:1;
Mic 7:9).
156 (See on
Ps 119:149).
157 (Compare
Ps 119:86-
Ps 119:87,
Ps 119:95).
158 (Compare
Ps 119:136).
transgressors--or, literally, "traitors," who are faithless to a righteous sovereign and side with His enemies (compare
Ps 25:3,
Ps 25:8).
159 (Compare
Ps 119:121-
Ps 119:126,
Ps 119:153-
Ps 119:155).
quicken me, O Lord, according to thy lovingkindness-- (
Ps 119:88). This prayer occurs here for the ninth time, showing a deep sense of frailty.
160 God has been ever faithful, and the principles of His government will ever continue worthy of confidence.
from the beginning--that is, "every word from Genesis (called so by the Jews from its first words, 'In the beginning') to the end of the Scriptures is true." HENGSTENBERG translates more literally, "The sum of thy words is truth." The sense is substantially the same. The whole body of revelation is truth. "Thy Word is nothing but truth" [LUTHER].
161 SCHIN. (
Ps 119:161-
Ps 119:168).
(Compare
Ps 119:46,
Ps 119:86).
awe--reverential, not slavish fear, which could not coexist with love (
Ps 119:163;
1John 4:8). Instead of fearing his persecutors, he fears God's Word alone (
Luke 12:4-
Luke 12:5). The Jews inscribe in the first page of the great Bible (
Gen 28:17), "How dreadful is this place! This is none other but the house of God, and this is the gate of heaven!"
162 (Compare
Matt 13:44-
Matt 13:45). Though persecuted by the mighty, the pious are not turned from revering God's authority to seek their favor, but rejoice in the possession of this "pearl of great price," as great victors in spoils. Hating falsehood and loving truth, often, every day, praising God for it, they find peace and freedom from temptation.
163 lying--that is, as in
Ps 119:29, unfaithfulness to the covenant of God with His people; apostasy.
165 nothing shall offend them--or, "cause them to offend" (compare Margin).
166 As they keep God's law from motives of love for it, and are free from slavish fear, the are ready to subject their lives to His inspection.
168 all my ways are before thee--I wish to order my ways as before Thee, rather than in reference to man (
Gen 19:1;
Ps 73:23). All men's ways are under God's eye (
Pro 5:21); the godly alone realize the fact, and live accordingly.
169 TAU. (
Ps 119:169-
Ps 119:176).
The prayer for understanding of the truth precedes that for deliverance. The fulfilment of the first is the basis of the fulfilment of the second (
Ps 90:11-
Ps 90:17). On the terms "cry" and "supplication" (compare
Ps 6:9;
Ps 17:1).
171 shall utter--or, "pour out praise" (compare
Ps 19:2); shall cause Thy praises to stream forth as from a bubbling, overflowing fountain.
172 My tongue shall speak of thy word--literally, "answer Thy Word," that is, with praise, respond to Thy word. Every expression in which we praise God and His Word is a response, or acknowledgment, corresponding to the perfections of Him whom we praise.
173 (Compare
Ps 119:77,
Ps 119:81,
Ps 119:92).
I have chosen--in preference to all other objects of delight.
175 Save me that I may praise Thee.
thy judgments--as in
Ps 119:149,
Ps 119:156.
176 Though a wanderer from God, the truly pious ever desires to be drawn back to Him; and, though for a time negligent of duty, he never forgets the commandments by which it is taught.
lost--therefore utterly helpless as to recovering itself (
Jer 50:6;
Luke 15:4). Not only the sinner before conversion, but the believer after conversion, is unable to recover himself; but the latter, after temporary wandering, knows to whom to look for restoration.
Ps 119:175-
Ps 119:176 seem to sum up the petitions, confessions, and professions of the Psalm. The writer desires God's favor, that he may praise Him for His truth, confesses that he has erred, but, in the midst of all his wanderings and adversities, professes an abiding attachment to the revealed Word of God, the theme of such repeated eulogies, and the recognized source of such great and unnumbered blessings. Thus the Psalm, though more than usually didactic, is made the medium of both parts of devotion--prayer and praise.
