1 ALEPH. Blessed H835 are the undefiled H8549 in the way, H1870 who walk H1980 in the law H8451 of the LORD. H3068
2 Blessed H835 are they that keep H5341 his testimonies, H5713 and that seek H1875 him with the whole heart. H3820
3 They also do H6466 no iniquity: H5766 they walk H1980 in his ways. H1870
4 Thou hast commanded H6680 us to keep H8104 thy precepts H6490 diligently. H3966
5 O that H305 my ways H1870 were directed H3559 to keep H8104 thy statutes! H2706
6 Then shall I not be ashamed, H954 when I have respect H5027 unto all thy commandments. H4687
7 I will praise H3034 thee with uprightness H3476 of heart, H3824 when I shall have learned H3925 thy righteous H6664 judgments. H4941
8 I will keep H8104 thy statutes: H2706 O forsake H5800 me not utterly. H3966
9 BETH. Wherewithal shall a young man H5288 cleanse H2135 his way? H734 by taking heed H8104 thereto according to thy word. H1697
10 With my whole heart H3820 have I sought H1875 thee: O let me not wander H7686 from thy commandments. H4687
11 Thy word H565 have I hid H6845 in mine heart, H3820 that I might not sin H2398 against thee.
12 Blessed H1288 art thou, O LORD: H3068 teach H3925 me thy statutes. H2706
13 With my lips H8193 have I declared H5608 all the judgments H4941 of thy mouth. H6310
14 I have rejoiced H7797 in the way H1870 of thy testimonies, H5715 as much as in H5921 all riches. H1952
15 I will meditate H7878 in thy precepts, H6490 and have respect H5027 unto thy ways. H734
16 I will delight H8173 myself in thy statutes: H2708 I will not forget H7911 thy word. H1697
17 GIMEL. Deal bountifully H1580 with thy servant, H5650 that I may live, H2421 and keep H8104 thy word. H1697
18 Open H1540 thou mine eyes, H5869 that I may behold H5027 wondrous things H6381 out of thy law. H8451
19 I am a stranger H1616 in the earth: H776 hide H5641 not thy commandments H4687 from me.
20 My soul H5315 breaketh H1638 for the longing H8375 that it hath unto thy judgments H4941 at all times. H6256
21 Thou hast rebuked H1605 the proud H2086 that are cursed, H779 which do err H7686 from thy commandments. H4687
22 Remove H1556 from me reproach H2781 and contempt; H937 for I have kept H5341 thy testimonies. H5713
23 Princes H8269 also did sit H3427 and speak H1696 against me: but thy servant H5650 did meditate H7878 in thy statutes. H2706
24 Thy testimonies H5713 also are my delight H8191 and my counsellors. H582 H6098
25 DALETH. My soul H5315 cleaveth H1692 unto the dust: H6083 quicken H2421 thou me according to thy word. H1697
26 I have declared H5608 my ways, H1870 and thou heardest H6030 me: teach H3925 me thy statutes. H2706
27 Make me to understand H995 the way H1870 of thy precepts: H6490 so shall I talk H7878 of thy wondrous works. H6381
28 My soul H5315 melteth H1811 for heaviness: H8424 strengthen H6965 thou me according unto thy word. H1697
29 Remove H5493 from me the way H1870 of lying: H8267 and grant me thy law H8451 graciously. H2603
30 I have chosen H977 the way H1870 of truth: H530 thy judgments H4941 have I laid H7737 before me.
31 I have stuck H1692 unto thy testimonies: H5715 O LORD, H3068 put me not to shame. H954
32 I will run H7323 the way H1870 of thy commandments, H4687 when thou shalt enlarge H7337 my heart. H3820
33 HE. Teach H3384 me, O LORD, H3068 the way H1870 of thy statutes; H2706 and I shall keep H5341 it unto the end. H6118
34 Give me understanding, H995 and I shall keep H5341 thy law; H8451 yea, I shall observe H8104 it with my whole heart. H3820
35 Make me to go H1869 in the path H5410 of thy commandments; H4687 for therein do I delight. H2654
36 Incline H5186 my heart H3820 unto thy testimonies, H5715 and not to covetousness. H1215
37 Turn away H5674 mine eyes H5869 from beholding H7200 vanity; H7723 and quicken H2421 thou me in thy way. H1870
38 Stablish H6965 thy word H565 unto thy servant, H5650 who is devoted to thy fear. H3374
39 Turn away H5674 my reproach H2781 which I fear: H3025 for thy judgments H4941 are good. H2896
40 Behold, I have longed H8373 after thy precepts: H6490 quicken H2421 me in thy righteousness. H6666
41 VAU. Let thy mercies H2617 come H935 also unto me, O LORD, H3068 even thy salvation, H8668 according to thy word. H565
42 So shall I have wherewith H1697 to answer H6030 him that reproacheth H2778 me: for I trust H982 in thy word. H1697
43 And take H5337 not the word H1697 of truth H571 utterly H3966 out of my mouth; H6310 for I have hoped H3176 in thy judgments. H4941
44 So shall I keep H8104 thy law H8451 continually H8548 for ever H5769 and ever. H5703
45 And I will walk H1980 at liberty: H7342 for I seek H1875 thy precepts. H6490
46 I will speak H1696 of thy testimonies H5713 also before kings, H4428 and will not be ashamed. H954
47 And I will delight H8173 myself in thy commandments, H4687 which I have loved. H157
48 My hands H3709 also will I lift up H5375 unto thy commandments, H4687 which I have loved; H157 and I will meditate H7878 in thy statutes. H2706
49 ZAIN. Remember H2142 the word H1697 unto thy servant, H5650 upon which thou hast caused me to hope. H3176
50 This is my comfort H5165 in my affliction: H6040 for thy word H565 hath quickened H2421 me.
51 The proud H2086 have had me greatly H3966 in derision: H3887 yet have I not declined H5186 from thy law. H8451
52 I remembered H2142 thy judgments H4941 of old, H5769 O LORD; H3068 and have comforted H5162 myself.
53 Horror H2152 hath taken hold H270 upon me because of the wicked H7563 that forsake H5800 thy law. H8451
54 Thy statutes H2706 have been my songs H2158 in the house H1004 of my pilgrimage. H4033
55 I have remembered H2142 thy name, H8034 O LORD, H3068 in the night, H3915 and have kept H8104 thy law. H8451
56 This I had, because I kept H5341 thy precepts. H6490
57 CHETH. Thou art my portion, H2506 O LORD: H3068 I have said H559 that I would keep H8104 thy words. H1697
58 I intreated H2470 thy favour H6440 with my whole heart: H3820 be merciful H2603 unto me according to thy word. H565
59 I thought H2803 on my ways, H1870 and turned H7725 my feet H7272 unto thy testimonies. H5713
60 I made haste, H2363 and delayed H4102 not to keep H8104 thy commandments. H4687
61 The bands H2256 of the wicked H7563 have robbed H5749 me: but I have not forgotten H7911 thy law. H8451
62 At midnight H2676 H3915 I will rise H6965 to give thanks H3034 unto thee because of thy righteous H6664 judgments. H4941
63 I am a companion H2270 of all them that fear H3372 thee, and of them that keep H8104 thy precepts. H6490
64 The earth, H776 O LORD, H3068 is full H4390 of thy mercy: H2617 teach H3925 me thy statutes. H2706
65 TETH. Thou hast dealt H6213 well H2896 with thy servant, H5650 O LORD, H3068 according unto thy word. H1697
66 Teach H3925 me good H2898 judgment H2940 and knowledge: H1847 for I have believed H539 thy commandments. H4687
67 Before I was afflicted H6031 I went astray: H7683 but now have I kept H8104 thy word. H565
68 Thou art good, H2896 and doest good; H2895 teach H3925 me thy statutes. H2706
69 The proud H2086 have forged H2950 a lie H8267 against me: but I will keep H5341 thy precepts H6490 with my whole heart. H3820
70 Their heart H3820 is as fat H2954 as grease; H2459 but I delight H8173 in thy law. H8451
71 It is good H2896 for me that I have been afflicted; H6031 that I might learn H3925 thy statutes. H2706
72 The law H8451 of thy mouth H6310 is better H2896 unto me than thousands H505 of gold H2091 and silver. H3701
73 JOD. Thy hands H3027 have made H6213 me and fashioned H3559 me: give me understanding, H995 that I may learn H3925 thy commandments. H4687
74 They that fear H3373 thee will be glad H8055 when they see H7200 me; because I have hoped H3176 in thy word. H1697
75 I know, H3045 O LORD, H3068 that thy judgments H4941 are right, H6664 and that thou in faithfulness H530 hast afflicted H6031 me.
76 Let, I pray thee, thy merciful kindness H2617 be for my comfort, H5162 according to thy word H565 unto thy servant. H5650
77 Let thy tender mercies H7356 come H935 unto me, that I may live: H2421 for thy law H8451 is my delight. H8191
78 Let the proud H2086 be ashamed; H954 for they dealt perversely H5791 with me without a cause: H8267 but I will meditate H7878 in thy precepts. H6490
79 Let those that fear H3373 thee turn H7725 unto me, and those that have known H3045 H3045 thy testimonies. H5713
80 Let my heart H3820 be sound H8549 in thy statutes; H2706 that I be not ashamed. H954
81 CAPH. My soul H5315 fainteth H3615 for thy salvation: H8668 but I hope H3176 in thy word. H1697
82 Mine eyes H5869 fail H3615 for thy word, H565 saying, H559 When wilt thou comfort H5162 me?
83 For I am become like a bottle H4997 in the smoke; H7008 yet do I not forget H7911 thy statutes. H2706
84 How many are the days H3117 of thy servant? H5650 when wilt thou execute H6213 judgment H4941 on them that persecute H7291 me?
85 The proud H2086 have digged H3738 pits H7882 for me, which are not after thy law. H8451
86 All thy commandments H4687 are faithful: H530 they persecute H7291 me wrongfully; H8267 help H5826 thou me.
87 They had almost H4592 consumed H3615 me upon earth; H776 but I forsook H5800 not thy precepts. H6490
88 Quicken H2421 me after thy lovingkindness; H2617 so shall I keep H8104 the testimony H5715 of thy mouth. H6310
89 LAMED. For ever, H5769 O LORD, H3068 thy word H1697 is settled H5324 in heaven. H8064
90 Thy faithfulness H530 is unto all H1755 generations: H1755 thou hast established H3559 the earth, H776 and it abideth. H5975
91 They continue H5975 this day H3117 according to thine ordinances: H4941 for all are thy servants. H5650
92 Unless H3884 thy law H8451 had been my delights, H8191 I should then have perished H6 in mine affliction. H6040
93 I will never H5769 forget H7911 thy precepts: H6490 for with them thou hast quickened H2421 me.
94 I am thine, save H3467 me; for I have sought H1875 thy precepts. H6490
95 The wicked H7563 have waited H6960 for me to destroy H6 me: but I will consider H995 thy testimonies. H5713
96 I have seen H7200 an end H7093 of all perfection: H8502 but thy commandment H4687 is exceeding H3966 broad. H7342
97 MEM. O how love I H157 thy law! H8451 it is my meditation H7881 all the day. H3117
98 Thou through thy commandments H4687 hast made me wiser H2449 than mine enemies: H341 for they are ever H5769 with me.
99 I have more understanding H7919 than all my teachers: H3925 for thy testimonies H5715 are my meditation. H7881
100 I understand H995 more than the ancients, H2205 because I keep H5341 thy precepts. H6490
101 I have refrained H3607 my feet H7272 from every evil H7451 way, H734 that I might keep H8104 thy word. H1697
102 I have not departed H5493 from thy judgments: H4941 for thou hast taught H3384 me.
103 How sweet H4452 are thy words H565 unto my taste! H2441 yea, sweeter than honey H1706 to my mouth! H6310
104 Through thy precepts H6490 I get understanding: H995 therefore I hate H8130 every false H8267 way. H734
105 NUN. Thy word H1697 is a lamp H5216 unto my feet, H7272 and a light H216 unto my path. H5410
106 I have sworn, H7650 and I will perform H6965 it, that I will keep H8104 thy righteous H6664 judgments. H4941
107 I am afflicted H6031 very much: H3966 quicken H2421 me, O LORD, H3068 according unto thy word. H1697
108 Accept, H7521 I beseech thee, the freewill offerings H5071 of my mouth, H6310 O LORD, H3068 and teach H3925 me thy judgments. H4941
109 My soul H5315 is continually H8548 in my hand: H3709 yet do I not forget H7911 thy law. H8451
110 The wicked H7563 have laid H5414 a snare H6341 for me: yet I erred H8582 not from thy precepts. H6490
111 Thy testimonies H5715 have I taken as an heritage H5157 for ever: H5769 for they are the rejoicing H8342 of my heart. H3820
112 I have inclined H5186 mine heart H3820 to perform H6213 thy statutes H2706 alway, H5769 even unto the end. H6118
113 SAMECH. I hate H8130 vain thoughts: H5588 but thy law H8451 do I love. H157
114 Thou art my hiding place H5643 and my shield: H4043 I hope H3176 in thy word. H1697
115 Depart H5493 from me, ye evildoers: H7489 for I will keep H5341 the commandments H4687 of my God. H430
116 Uphold H5564 me according unto thy word, H565 that I may live: H2421 and let me not be ashamed H954 of my hope. H7664
117 Hold thou me up, H5582 and I shall be safe: H3467 and I will have respect H8159 unto thy statutes H2706 continually. H8548
118 Thou hast trodden down H5541 all them that err H7686 from thy statutes: H2706 for their deceit H8649 is falsehood. H8267
119 Thou puttest away H7673 all the wicked H7563 of the earth H776 like dross: H5509 therefore I love H157 thy testimonies. H5713
120 My flesh H1320 trembleth H5568 for fear H6343 of thee; and I am afraid H3372 of thy judgments. H4941
121 AIN. I have done H6213 judgment H4941 and justice: H6664 leave H3240 me not to mine oppressors. H6231
122 Be surety H6148 for thy servant H5650 for good: H2896 let not the proud H2086 oppress H6231 me.
123 Mine eyes H5869 fail H3615 for thy salvation, H3444 and for the word H565 of thy righteousness. H6664
124 Deal H6213 with thy servant H5650 according unto thy mercy, H2617 and teach H3925 me thy statutes. H2706
125 I am thy servant; H5650 give me understanding, H995 that I may know H3045 thy testimonies. H5713
126 It is time H6256 for thee, LORD, H3068 to work: H6213 for they have made void H6565 thy law. H8451
127 Therefore I love H157 thy commandments H4687 above gold; H2091 yea, above fine gold. H6337
128 Therefore I esteem all thy precepts H6490 concerning all things to be right; H3474 and I hate H8130 every false H8267 way. H734
129 PE. Thy testimonies H5715 are wonderful: H6382 therefore doth my soul H5315 keep H5341 them.
130 The entrance H6608 of thy words H1697 giveth light; H215 it giveth understanding H995 unto the simple. H6612
131 I opened H6473 my mouth, H6310 and panted: H7602 for I longed H2968 for thy commandments. H4687
132 Look H6437 thou upon me, and be merciful H2603 unto me, as thou usest H4941 to do unto those that love H157 thy name. H8034
133 Order H3559 my steps H6471 in thy word: H565 and let not any iniquity H205 have dominion H7980 over me.
134 Deliver H6299 me from the oppression H6233 of man: H120 so will I keep H8104 thy precepts. H6490
135 Make thy face H6440 to shine H215 upon thy servant; H5650 and teach H3925 me thy statutes. H2706
136 Rivers H6388 of waters H4325 run down H3381 mine eyes, H5869 because they keep H8104 not thy law. H8451
137 TZADDI. Righteous H6662 art thou, O LORD, H3068 and upright H3477 are thy judgments. H4941
138 Thy testimonies H5713 that thou hast commanded H6680 are righteous H6664 and very H3966 faithful. H530
139 My zeal H7068 hath consumed H6789 me, because mine enemies H6862 have forgotten H7911 thy words. H1697
140 Thy word H565 is very H3966 pure: H6884 therefore thy servant H5650 loveth H157 it.
141 I am small H6810 and despised: H959 yet do not I forget H7911 thy precepts. H6490
142 Thy righteousness H6666 is an everlasting H5769 righteousness, H6664 and thy law H8451 is the truth. H571
143 Trouble H6862 and anguish H4689 have taken hold H4672 on me: yet thy commandments H4687 are my delights. H8191
144 The righteousness H6664 of thy testimonies H5715 is everlasting: H5769 give me understanding, H995 and I shall live. H2421
145 KOPH. I cried H7121 with my whole heart; H3820 hear H6030 me, O LORD: H3068 I will keep H5341 thy statutes. H2706
146 I cried H7121 unto thee; save H3467 me, and I shall keep H8104 thy testimonies. H5713
147 I prevented H6923 the dawning of the morning, H5399 and cried: H7768 I hoped H3176 in thy word. H1697
148 Mine eyes H5869 prevent H6923 the night watches, H821 that I might meditate H7878 in thy word. H565
149 Hear H8085 my voice H6963 according unto thy lovingkindness: H2617 O LORD, H3068 quicken H2421 me according to thy judgment. H4941
150 They draw nigh H7126 that follow H7291 after mischief: H2154 they are far H7368 from thy law. H8451
151 Thou art near, H7138 O LORD; H3068 and all thy commandments H4687 are truth. H571
152 Concerning thy testimonies, H5713 I have known H3045 of old H6924 that thou hast founded H3245 them for ever. H5769
153 RESH. Consider H7200 mine affliction, H6040 and deliver H2502 me: for I do not forget H7911 thy law. H8451
154 Plead H7378 my cause, H7379 and deliver H1350 me: quicken H2421 me according to thy word. H565
155 Salvation H3444 is far H7350 from the wicked: H7563 for they seek H1875 not thy statutes. H2706
156 Great H7227 are thy tender mercies, H7356 O LORD: H3068 quicken H2421 me according to thy judgments. H4941
157 Many H7227 are my persecutors H7291 and mine enemies; H6862 yet do I not decline H5186 from thy testimonies. H5715
158 I beheld H7200 the transgressors, H898 and was grieved; H6962 because they kept H8104 not thy word. H565
159 Consider H7200 how I love H157 thy precepts: H6490 quicken H2421 me, O LORD, H3068 according to thy lovingkindness. H2617
160 Thy word H1697 is true H571 from the beginning: H7218 and every one of thy righteous H6664 judgments H4941 endureth for ever. H5769
161 SCHIN. Princes H8269 have persecuted H7291 me without a cause: H2600 but my heart H3820 standeth in awe H6342 of thy word. H1697
162 I rejoice H7797 at thy word, H565 as one that findeth H4672 great H7227 spoil. H7998
163 I hate H8130 and abhor H8581 lying: H8267 but thy law H8451 do I love. H157
164 Seven times H7651 a day H3117 do I praise H1984 thee because of thy righteous H6664 judgments. H4941
165 Great H7227 peace H7965 have they which love H157 thy law: H8451 and nothing shall offend H4383 them.
166 LORD, H3068 I have hoped H7663 for thy salvation, H3444 and done H6213 thy commandments. H4687
167 My soul H5315 hath kept H8104 thy testimonies; H5713 and I love H157 them exceedingly. H3966
168 I have kept H8104 thy precepts H6490 and thy testimonies: H5713 for all my ways H1870 are before thee.
169 TAU. Let my cry H7440 come near H7126 before H6440 thee, O LORD: H3068 give me understanding H995 according to thy word. H1697
170 Let my supplication H8467 come H935 before H6440 thee: deliver H5337 me according to thy word. H565
171 My lips H8193 shall utter H5042 praise, H8416 when thou hast taught H3925 me thy statutes. H2706
172 My tongue H3956 shall speak H6030 of thy word: H565 for all thy commandments H4687 are righteousness. H6664
173 Let thine hand H3027 help H5826 me; for I have chosen H977 thy precepts. H6490
174 I have longed H8373 for thy salvation, H3444 O LORD; H3068 and thy law H8451 is my delight. H8191
175 Let my soul H5315 live, H2421 and it shall praise H1984 thee; and let thy judgments H4941 help H5826 me.
176 I have gone astray H8582 like a lost H6 sheep; H7716 seek H1245 thy servant; H5650 for I do not forget H7911 thy commandments. H4687
Worthy.Bible » Commentaries » Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible » Commentary on Psalms 119
Commentary on Psalms 119 Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible
PSALM 119
Ps 119:1-176. 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, 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."
ALEPH. (Ps 119:1-8).
1. 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 Lu 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.
4-6. 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.
BETH. (Ps 119:9-16).
9. 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, 10, 18, &c., that is, by God's grace.
10-16. 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.
GIMEL. (Ps 119:17-24).
17-20. 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.
21-24. 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.
DALETH. (Ps 119:25-32).
25-27. Submitting ourselves in depression to God, He will revive us by His promises, and lead us to declare His mercy to others.
28-32. 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.
HE. (Ps 119:33-40).
33-38. 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; 40:4; 60:11; 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, 25, 40, 50; 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 Ge 18:19; 1Ki 2:4; 8:25) [Hengstenberg].
39, 40. 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; 66:5; Zep 2:8-10).
VAU. (Ps 119:41-48).
41-44. 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.
45-48. To freedom from reproach, when imbued with God's truth, there is added "great boldness in the faith" [1Ti 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.
ZAIN. (Ps 119:49-56).
49-51. 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.
52-56. 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 (Ge 17:8; 47:9; Heb 11:13).
56. Rather, "This is peculiarly mine (literally, to me), that I keep Thy precepts" [Hengstenberg and Maurer].
CHETH. (Ps 119:57-64).
57-60. 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 (Nu 18:20; Ps 16:5; La 3:24).
58. favour—Hebrew, "face" (Ps 45:12).
59. So the prodigal son, when reduced to straits of misery (Lu 15:17, 18).
61, 62. 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 (Ex 11:4; 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 (Ac 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; Am 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.
TETH. (Ps 119:65-72).
65-67. 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, 64, 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, 19). The truth is a general one (Job 5:6; Joh 15:2; Heb 12:11).
68. Compare as to the Lord Jesus (Ac 10:38).
69, 70. 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 Ezr 4:1-6, of sedition.
70. fat as grease—spiritually insensible (Ps 17:10; 73:7; Isa 6:10).
71, 72. 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.
JOD. (Ps 119:73-80).
73. As God made, so He can best control, us. So as to Israel, he owed to God his whole internal and external existence (De 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; 142:7).
75-78. 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 12:6-11), God's promises of mercy (Ro 8:28) will be fulfilled, and He will give comfort in sorrow (La 3:22; 2Co 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, 80. 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.
CAPH. (Ps 119:81-88).
81-83. In sorrow the pious heart yearns for the comforts of God's promises (Ps 73:26; 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].
84-87. 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, 13; 2Co 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.
LAMED. (Ps 119:89-96).
89-91. In all changes God's Word remains firm (1Pe 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.
92-94. 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, 6, 7-11; Ec 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.
MEM. (Ps 119:97-104).
97. This characteristic love for God's law (compare Ps 1:2) ensures increase.
98-100. 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 (De 4:6, 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; 32:8).
100. more than the ancients—Antiquity is no help against stupidity, where it does not accord with God's word [Luther] (Job 32:7-9). 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 (Joh 7:17).
101-104. Avoidance of sinful courses is both the effect and means of increasing in divine knowledge (compare Ps 19:10).
NUN. (Ps 119:105-112).
105. 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 (2Pe 1:19; Re 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.
106-108. 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 (Ho 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, 14, 23).
109, 110. 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, Jud 12:3; 1Sa 28:21; Job 13:14; compare 1Sa 19:5), and exposed to crafty enemies, his safety and guidance is in the truth and promises of God.
111, 112. These he joyfully takes as his perpetual heritage, to perform the duties and receive the comforts they teach, evermore.
SAMECH. (Ps 119:113-120).
113. 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; 7:10).
hope in thy word—confidently rest on its teachings and promises.
115-117. 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).
118-120. 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 3:16-18).
AIN. (Ps 119:121-128).
121-126. 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 (Ge 43:9; Isa 38:14).
127, 128. 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; Mt 5:17-19).
PE. (Ps 119:129-136).
129. 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. Lu 24:27, 31; Ac 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).
131-135. An ardent desire (compare Ps 56:1, 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; 84:2).
132. Look … upon me—opposed to hiding or averting the face (compare Ps 25:15; 86:6; 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" (La 3:48; Jer 9:1).
because, &c.—(Compare Eze 9:4; Jer 13:17).
TZADDI. (Ps 119:137-144).
137-139. 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.
142-144. 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, 116).
law is the truth—It therefore cannot deceive as to its promises.
everlasting—(Ps 111:3), though to outward appearance seeming dead.
KOPH. (Ps 119:145-152).
145-149. 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; 77:4; La 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).
150-152. 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.
RESH. (Ps 119:153-160).
153-155. 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; 43:1; 69:18).
154. Plead, &c.—Hengstenberg translates, "Fight my fight." (See Ps 35:1; 43:1; Mic 7:9).
156. (See on Ps 119:149).
157. (Compare Ps 119:86, 87, 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, 8).
159. (Compare Ps 119:121-126, 153-155).
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].
SCHIN. (Ps 119:161-168).
161-165. (Compare Ps 119:46, 86).
awe—reverential, not slavish fear, which could not coexist with love (Ps 119:163; 1Jo 4:8). Instead of fearing his persecutors, he fears God's Word alone (Lu 12:4, 5). The Jews inscribe in the first page of the great Bible (Ge 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 Mt 13:44, 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).
166-168. 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 (Ge 19:1; Ps 73:23). All men's ways are under God's eye (Pr 5:21); the godly alone realize the fact, and live accordingly.
TAU. (Ps 119:169-176).
169, 170. 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 90:11-17). On the terms "cry" and "supplication" (compare Ps 6:9; 17:1).
171, 172. 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, 174. (Compare Ps 119:77, 81, 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, 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; Lu 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, 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.