1.
Blessed are the undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the LORD.
Probably by Hezekiah. See App-67 , Psalms 123:3 , and notes below. An Acrostic Psalm ( App-63 ), in which each verse in each of the twenty-two sections commences with the twenty-two successive letters of the Hebrew alphabet: i.e. the first eight begin with Aleph (= A), the second eight with Beth (= B), &c.: making 176 verses in all (i.e. 8 x 22). For the ten words (corresponding with the Ten Commandments) which are characteristic of this Psalm, see App-73 .
Blessed = How happy (see App-63 .). Here plural = O the great happiness.
way. The first of the ten words. See App-73 . The thirteen occurrences of this word in this Psalm are all noted below, as are those of the other nine.
law. The sixth in order of the ten words. See App-73 .
the LORD. Hebrew. Jehovah. App-4 .
2.
Blessed are they that keep his testimonies, and that seek him with the whole heart.
Blessed. This Psalm, begins with a double Beatitude. See App-63 .
keep = guard.
testimonies. The second in order of the ten words. See App-73 .
3.
They also do no iniquity: they walk in his ways.
iniquity = perversity. Hebrew. 'aval . App-44 .
4.
Thou hast commanded us to keep thy precepts diligently.
precepts. The third in order of the ten words. See App-73 .
5.
O that my ways were directed to keep thy statutes!
statutes. The ninth in order of the ten words. See App-73 .
6.
Then shall I not be ashamed, when I have respect unto all thy commandments.
ashamed = put to shame; not shame of conscience.
commandments. The tenth in order of the ten words. See App-73 .
7.
I will praise thee with uprightness of heart, when I shall have learned thy righteous judgments.
praise = give thanks, as in Psalms 92:1 , &c.
righteous = righteousness: i.e. judgments of Thy righteousness. The eighth in order of the ten words. See App-73 .
judgments. The seventh in order of the ten words. See App-73 .
8.
I will keep thy statutes: O forsake me not utterly.
not utterly = not in any wise. Compare Psalms 119:43 .
9.
Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word.
a young man. The writer not necessarily a youth.
way = path. Not the same word as in Psalms 119:1 .
By taking = So as to take. Put interrogation at end of the second line instead of the first.
word = the articulate subject-matter of what is said. The tenth in order of the ten words of this Psalm. See note on Psalms 18:30 . App-73 . Not the same word as in Psalms 119:11 . Some codices, with Aramaean, Septuagint, Syriac, and Vulgate, read "words" (plural)
10.
With my whole heart have I sought thee: O let me not wander from thy commandments.
11.
Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.
word = the mode, or purport of what is said. The fifth in order of the ten words of this Psalm. See App-73 . Some codices, with one early printed edition, Aramaean, Septuagint, Syriac, and Vulgate, read "words" (plural)
hid = treasured up.
sin. Hebrew. chata' . App-44 .
12.
Blessed art thou, O LORD: teach me thy statutes.
13.
With my lips have I declared all the judgments of thy mouth.
lips . . . declared. Figure of speech Paronomasia. App-6 : bispatay sipparti.
14.
I have rejoiced in the way of thy testimonies, as much as in all riches.
15.
I will meditate in thy precepts, and have respect unto thy ways.
16.
I will delight myself in thy statutes: I will not forget thy word.
word. Same word as in Psalms 119:9 (not Psalms 119:11 ): but some codices, with two early printed editions, Aramaean, Septuagint, Syriac, and Vulgate, read "words" (plural)
17.
Deal bountifully with thy servant, that I may live, and keep thy word.
18.
Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law.
Open = Unveil. behold = discern, or see clearly.
19.
I am a stranger in the earth: hide not thy commandments from me.
stranger = foreigner sojourning.
20.
My soul breaketh for the longing that it hath unto thy judgments at all times.
soul. Hebrew. nephesh. App-13 .
breaketh for = hath broken owing to. Occurring again only in Lamentations 3:16 .
longing = fervent desire; same word as verses: Psalms 119:40 , Psalms 119:174 , but not Psalms 119:131 .
21.
Thou hast rebuked the proud that are cursed, which do err from thy commandments.
err = go far astray (through wine or passion). Same word as "wander" (Psalms 119:10 ), and "err" (Psalms 119:118 ). Hebrew. shagah App-44 .
22.
Remove from me reproach and contempt; for I have kept thy testimonies.
reproach and contempt. Compare Psalms 123:3 , Psalms 123:4 , confirming Hezekiah's suggested authorship.
23.
Princes also did sit and speak against me: but thy servant did meditate in thy statutes.
24.
Thy testimonies also are my delight and my counsellors.
also = nevertheless. See Psalms 129:2 .
my counsellors = men (Hebrew. 'ish, App-14 ) of my counsel.
25.
My soul cleaveth unto the dust: quicken thou me according to thy word.
dust. Put by Figure of speech Metonymy (of Adjunct), App-6 , for the dead, as in Psalms 30:9 . Ecclesiastes 12:7 .
Quicken . . . me = Give me life, or keep me alive. The first of nine prayers for quickening (Imperative), verses: Psalms 119:37 , Psalms 119:40 , Psalms 119:88 , Psalms 119:107 , Psalms 119:149 , Psalms 119:154 , Psalms 119:156 , Psalms 119:159 . Twice as a statement of fact, verses: Psalms 119:50 , Psalms 119:93 .
word . As in Psalms 119:9 ; but some codices read ' words" (plural)
26.
I have declared my ways, and thou heardest me: teach me thy statutes.
27.
Make me to understand the way of thy precepts: so shall I talk of thy wondrous works.
talk = meditate.
28.
My soul melteth for heaviness: strengthen thou me according unto thy word.
melteth = weepeth. Occurs only here. Job 16:20 . Ecclesiastes 10:18 .
word. As in Psalms 119:9 . Some codices read plural; but other codices, with Septuagint and Vulgate, read "by (or in) thy words" (plural)
29.
Remove from me the way of lying: and grant me thy law graciously.
30.
I have chosen the way of truth: thy judgments have I laid before me.
laid = set.
31.
I have stuck unto thy testimonies: O LORD, put me not to shame.
stuck = cleaved, or adhered.
32.
I will run the way of thy commandments, when thou shalt enlarge my heart.
enlarge my heart = set my heart at liberty, as in Isa 60:5 . 2 Corinthians 6:11 , 2 Corinthians 6:13 .
33.
Teach me, O LORD, the way of thy statutes; and I shall keep it unto the end.
Teach me = Show, or make me to see.
34.
Give me understanding, and I shall keep thy law; yea, I shall observe it with my whole heart.
35.
Make me to go in the path of thy commandments; for therein do I delight.
36.
Incline my heart unto thy testimonies, and not to covetousness.
37.
Turn away mine eyes from beholding vanity; and quicken thou me in thy way.
way. Some codices, with three early printed editions, Aramaean, and Syriac, read "ways" (plural)
38.
Stablish thy word unto thy servant, who is devoted to thy fear.
Who is devoted to Thy fear. Supply Ellipsis thus: "Which [leadeth to] reverence of Thee"; or, "Which [pertaineth to]", &c.
39.
Turn away my reproach which I fear: for thy judgments are good.
fear = dread.
40.
Behold, I have longed after thy precepts: quicken me in thy righteousness.
in: or by.
righteousness. Hebrew. zedakah. See App-73 .
41.
Let thy mercies come also unto me, O LORD, even thy salvation, according to thy word.
mercies = lovingkindnesses.
42.
So shall I have wherewith to answer him that reproacheth me: for I trust in thy word.
wherewith = a word. Hebrew. dabar as in Psalms 119:9 . See App-73 .
reproacheth. See note on "contempt", Psalms 123:3 .
trust in = confide in. Hebrew. batah. App-69 .
word. Some codices, with one early printed edition, Aramaean, Septuagint, and Syriac, read "words" (plural)
43.
And take not the word of truth utterly out of my mouth; for I have hoped in thy judgments.
44.
So shall I keep thy law continually for ever and ever.
For ever and ever. Put by Figure of speech Synecdoche (of Whole), App-6 , for a part: i.e. the rest of his life.
45.
And I will walk at liberty: for I seek thy precepts.
at liberty = at large. Compare Psalms 118:5 .
46.
I will speak of thy testimonies also before kings, and will not be ashamed.
kings. So Hezekiah testified, doubtless, when kings sent presents and embassies to him (2 Chronicles 32:22 , 2 Chronicles 32:23 ). No occasion to suggest a later date for this Psalm.
47.
And I will delight myself in thy commandments, which I have loved.
have loved = love. Septuagint adds "much".
48.
My hands also will I lift up unto thy commandments, which I have loved; and I will meditate in thy statutes.
My hands, &c. Hebrew idiom = to swear by, as in Genesis 14:22 .Exodus 6:8 (margin) Deuteronomy 32:40 . Ezekiel 20:5 , Ezekiel 20:6 ; Ezekiel 36:7 . See note on Exodus 17:16 .
49.
Remember the word unto thy servant, upon which thou hast caused me to hope.
Upon which. This is supported by the Septuagint and Vulgate. In Deuteronomy 29:25 it is rendered "Because".
caused me to hope. Our hope is based on believing what we have "heard" from God. Compare Hebrews 11:1 with Romans 10:17 .
50.
This is my comfort in my affliction: for thy word hath quickened me.
comfort. The word occurs (as a noun) elsewhere only in Job 6:10 .
quickened me = kept me alive. See note on Psalms 119:25 .
proud = insolent (like Rabshakeh).
51.
The proud have had me greatly in derision: yet have I not declined from thy law.
52.
I remembered thy judgments of old, O LORD; and have comforted myself.
53.
Horror hath taken hold upon me because of the wicked that forsake thy law.
Horror = Indignation.
wicked = lawless. Hebrew. rasha'.
54.
Thy statutes have been my songs in the house of my pilgrimage.
songs. Put by Figure of speech Metonymy (of Subject), App-6 , for the theme of my songs.
55.
I have remembered thy name, O LORD, in the night, and have kept thy law.
name. See note on Psalms 20:1 .
56.
This I had, because I kept thy precepts.
This. Supply Ellipsis ( App-6 ) thus: "This [comfort] I had".
57.
Thou art my portion, O LORD: I have said that I would keep thy words.
The division is better made thus, dispensing with the supposed Ellipsis: I have said "Jehovah is my portion, That I might keep Thy word. "
58.
I intreated thy favour with my whole heart: be merciful unto me according to thy word.
favour. Hebrew face; put by Figure of speech Metonymy (of Adjunct), App-6 , for what is indicated by it.
merciful = gracious.
59.
I thought on my ways, and turned my feet unto thy testimonies.
60.
I made haste, and delayed not to keep thy commandments.
61.
The bands of the wicked have robbed me: but I have not forgotten thy law.
robbed = surrounded. Compare Sennacherib's investment of Hezekiah. See App-67 .
62.
At midnight I will rise to give thanks unto thee because of thy righteous judgments.
63.
I am a companion of all them that fear thee, and of them that keep thy precepts.
companion = fellow of the same party.
fear = revere.
64.
The earth, O LORD, is full of thy mercy: teach me thy statutes.
mercy = lovingkindness, or grace.
65.
Thou hast dealt well with thy servant, O LORD, according unto thy word.
66.
Teach me good judgment and knowledge: for I have believed thy commandments.
67.
Before I was afflicted I went astray: but now have I kept thy word.
Before. If we begin this verse with the word "Till", and Psalms 119:71 with '"Tis", then each verse in this section will commence with "T", as it does in the Hebrew.
afflicted = oppressed.
But now. Compare Hebrews 12:6-11 , and references there.
68.
Thou art good, and doest good; teach me thy statutes.
good = kind. doest good = actest kindly.
69.
The proud have forged a lie against me: but I will keep thy precepts with my whole heart.
70.
Their heart is as fat as grease; but I delight in thy law.
71.
It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn thy statutes.
It is. See note on Psalms 119:67 .
good = right, or fitting.
72.
The law of thy mouth is better unto me than thousands of gold and silver.
gold and silver. Put by Figure of speech Metonymy (of Cause), App-6 , for coins made from these metals.
Jod. This is the small letter referred to in Matthew 5:18 .
73.
Thy hands have made me and fashioned me: give me understanding, that I may learn thy commandments.
fashioned = formed. Compare Job 31:15 ; also Deuteronomy 32:18 .
74.
They that fear thee will be glad when they see me; because I have hoped in thy word.
fear = revere.
75.
I know, O LORD, that thy judgments are right, and that thou in faithfulness hast afflicted me.
right = righteousness, as in Psalms 119:7 .
afflicted = humbled.
76.
Let, I pray thee, thy merciful kindness be for my comfort, according to thy word unto thy servant.
merciful kindness = lovingkindness, or grace.
77.
Let thy tender mercies come unto me, that I may live: for thy law is my delight.
tender mercies = compassions.
For, &c. This is the ground of his prayer.
delight. Plural as in Psalms 119:92 = great delight.
78.
Let the proud be ashamed; for they dealt perversely with me without a cause: but I will meditate in thy precepts.
proud = insolent, or arrogant.
perversely = with falsehood.
without a cause. Compare John 15:25 with Romans 3:24 ("freely").
79.
Let those that fear thee turn unto me, and those that have known thy testimonies.
those that have known. Some codices read "and they shall know".
80.
Let my heart be sound in thy statutes; that I be not ashamed.
sound = thorough.
81.
My soul fainteth for thy salvation: but I hope in thy word.
82.
Mine eyes fail for thy word, saying, When wilt thou comfort me?
fail. Same word as "fainteth", in Psalms 119:81 .
83.
For I am become like a bottle in the smoke; yet do I not forget thy statutes.
bottle = wine-skin: i.e. black and shrivelled. Compare Job 30:30 .
84.
How many are the days of thy servant? when wilt thou execute judgment on them that persecute me?
many: i.e. few at the most. Compare Psalms 89:47 . 2 Samuel 19:34 .
execute judgment = vindicate.
85.
The proud have digged pits for me, which are not after thy law.
Which, &c. = "[Men] who are not", &c.
after = according to.
86.
All thy commandments are faithful: they persecute me wrongfully; help thou me.
faithful = faithfulness.
wrongfully. See note on "perversely", Psalms 119:78 .
87.
They had almost consumed me upon earth; but I forsook not thy precepts.
almost = soon. See note on "almost" (Proverbs 5:14 ).
consumed = made an end of.
88.
Quicken me after thy lovingkindness; so shall I keep the testimony of thy mouth.
89.
For ever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven.
For ever, O LORD. Supply Ellipsis ( App-6 ), "For ever [art Thou], O Jehovah [For ever] Thy Word", &c.
settled = standeth fast, as the earth: i.e. endureth for ever (Psalms 102:12 , Psalms 102:26 . Isaiah 40:8 . Luke 16:17 . 1 Peter 1:25 ). So Christ, the Living Word (John 12:34 ).
90.
Thy faithfulness is unto all generations: thou hast established the earth, and it abideth.
abideth = standeth, as in Psalms 119:91 .
91.
They continue this day according to thine ordinances: for all are thy servants.
They: i.e. heaven and earth.
continue = stand, as in Psalms 119:90 .
this day = [to] this day, or to-day.
ordinances = regulations. Hebrew. mishpat. The seventh of the ten words. App-73 . Compare Psalms 119:132 .
all. With Art. = the whole [universe].
92.
Unless thy law had been my delights, I should then have perished in mine affliction.
93.
I will never forget thy precepts: for with them thou hast quickened me.
94.
I am thine, save me; for I have sought thy precepts.
sought = inquired into, or studied. Compare Psalms 105:4 .
95.
The wicked have waited for me to destroy me: but I will consider thy testimonies.
96.
I have seen an end of all perfection: but thy commandment is exceeding broad.
97.
O how love I thy law! it is my meditation all the day.
98.
Thou through thy commandments hast made me wiser than mine enemies: for they are ever with me.
99.
I have more understanding than all my teachers: for thy testimonies are my meditation.
than all my teachers. Because Divinely taught Divine wisdom.
100.
I understand more than the ancients, because I keep thy precepts.
ancients = elders, or the aged ones.
101.
I have refrained my feet from every evil way, that I might keep thy word.
evil. Hebrew. ra'a'. App-44 .
way. Including religious way, in the sense of Acts 9:2 ; Acts 19:9 , Acts 19:23 ; Acts 24:14 . Compare Acts 16:17 ; Acts 18:26 ; especially in Psalms 119:104 .
word. Same word as in Psalms 119:9 . Some codices, with one early printed edition, with Aramaean, Septuagint, Syriac, and Vulgate, read "words" (plural)
102.
I have not departed from thy judgments: for thou hast taught me.
departed = swerved.
taught = directed.
103.
How sweet are thy words unto my taste! yea, sweeter than honey to my mouth!
sweet = smooth, or agreeable. Not the same word as in Psalms 19:10 .
104.
Through thy precepts I get understanding: therefore I hate every false way.
105.
Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.
lamp: or lantern, for light on the path for the feet; not merely a light for the eyes (Psalms 19:8 ).
106.
I have sworn, and I will perform it, that I will keep thy righteous judgments.
I will perform it. Some codices, with seven early printed editions, Aramaean, Septuagint, Syriac, and Vulgate, read "I have performed it"; but some codices, with four early printed editions (1 in margin), read "and will perform it".
107.
I am afflicted very much: quicken me, O LORD, according unto thy word.
108.
Accept, I beseech thee, the freewill offerings of my mouth, O LORD, and teach me thy judgments.
109.
My soul is continually in my hand: yet do I not forget thy law.
in my hand. An idiom for great danger. Compare Judges 12:3 . 1Sa 19:5 ; 1 Samuel 28:21 .Job 13:14 .
110.
The wicked have laid a snare for me: yet I erred not from thy precepts.
erred = to err from the paths of virtue and piety. Hebrew. ta'ah ; not the same word as in verses: Psalms 119:21 , Psalms 119:118 .
111.
Thy testimonies have I taken as an heritage for ever: for they are the rejoicing of my heart.
112.
I have inclined mine heart to perform thy statutes alway, even unto the end.
113.
I hate vain thoughts: but thy law do I love.
thoughts = divided or doubting thoughts. Same root as 1 Kings 18:21 (compare James 1:8 ); or, them that are of double mind.
114.
Thou art my hiding place and my shield: I hope in thy word.
hiding place. Compare Psalms 32:7 ; Psalms 91:1 . shield. Compare Psalms 84:9 , and note. Figure of speech Anthropopatheia. App-6 .
115.
Depart from me, ye evildoers: for I will keep the commandments of my God.
God. Hebrew. Elohim. App-4 . But "my God" implies Jehovah.
116.
Uphold me according unto thy word, that I may live: and let me not be ashamed of my hope.
live. See note || on p. 827.
117.
Hold thou me up, and I shall be safe: and I will have respect unto thy statutes continually.
and I shall be safe = so shall I be saved.
have respect unto. Aram, and Syriac read "find dear delight in". Septuagint reads "shall meditate".
118.
Thou hast trodden down all them that err from thy statutes: for their deceit is falsehood.
trodden down: or set at naught.
119.
Thou puttest away all the wicked of the earth like dross: therefore I love thy testimonies.
Thou puttest away. Septuagint and Vulg, read "I have accounted".
120.
My flesh trembleth for fear of thee; and I am afraid of thy judgments.
My flesh trembleth: or, My flesh creeps (as we say). Compare Job 4:15 , i.e. at the judgment executed on the wicked.
121.
I have done judgment and justice: leave me not to mine oppressors.
justice = righteousness. Same word as in Psalms 119:7 .
122.
Be surety for thy servant for good: let not the proud oppress me.
proud = arrogant. This is the only verse in this Psalm which has not one of the "ten words", unless we may include the Living Word Himself, Who is the "surety" for His people. See note on Proverbs 11:15 , and compare Hebrews 7:22 . See App-73 .
123.
Mine eyes fail for thy salvation, and for the word of thy righteousness.
124.
Deal with thy servant according unto thy mercy, and teach me thy statutes.
mercy = lovingkindness, or grace.
125.
I am thy servant; give me understanding, that I may know thy testimonies.
126.
It is time for thee, LORD, to work: for they have made void thy law.
to work: i.e. to intervene.
127.
Therefore I love thy commandments above gold; yea, above fine gold.
128.
Therefore I esteem all thy precepts concerning all things to be right; and I hate every false way.
129.
Thy testimonies are wonderful: therefore doth my soul keep them.
wonderful. Same root as in verses: Psalms 119:18 , Psalms 119:27 .
keep = keep safely.
130.
The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple.
entrance = doorway; which was always an open way for the light, in the absence of windows.
simple = sincere, as opposed to crafty.
131.
I opened my mouth, and panted: for I longed for thy commandments.
I longed. An Aramaic word ( ya'ab) . Occurs only here. Weaker than in verses: Psalms 119:20 , Psalms 119:40 , Psalms 119:174 .
132.
Look thou upon me, and be merciful unto me, as thou usest to do unto those that love thy name.
merciful = gracious.
As Thou usest to do = According to Thy ordinance. Hebrew. mishpat. The seventh in order of the "ten words" ( App-73 ). So rendered in Psalms 119:91 .
name. See note on Psalms 20:1 .
133.
Order my steps in thy word: and let not any iniquity have dominion over me.
Order = Direct, or guide.
in = by. Some codices, with one early printed edition, Septuagint, and Vulgate, read "according to".
iniquity. Hebrew ' aven . App-44 .
134.
Deliver me from the oppression of man: so will I keep thy precepts.
Deliver: i.e. by power. Hebrew. padah. See notes on Exodus 6:6 with Exodus 13:13 . Not the same word as verses: Psalms 119:153 , Psalms 119:154 , Psalms 119:170 . man. Hebrew. 'adam. App-14 .
135.
Make thy face to shine upon thy servant; and teach me thy statutes.
136.
Rivers of waters run down mine eyes, because they keep not thy law.
Rivers of waters. Hebrew. palgey-mayim. See note on Proverbs 21:1 . Eng. idiom = Floods of tears.
137.
Righteous art thou, O LORD, and upright are thy judgments.
Righteous, &c. See Psalms 119:7 . See also Revelation 16:5 , Revelation 16:7 .
138.
Thy testimonies that thou hast commanded are righteous and very faithful.
righteous and very faithful = righteousness and faithfulness.
139.
My zeal hath consumed me, because mine enemies have forgotten thy words.
140.
Thy word is very pure: therefore thy servant loveth it.
very pure = refined.
141.
I am small and despised: yet do not I forget thy precepts.
small = insignificant. Compare Judges 6:15 .
142.
Thy righteousness is an everlasting righteousness, and thy law is the truth.
is the truth = is truth (no Art.) Compare John 17:17 .
143.
Trouble and anguish have taken hold on me: yet thy commandments are my delights.
taken hold. Figure of speech Prosopopoeia . App-6 .
144.
The righteousness of thy testimonies is everlasting: give me understanding, and I shall live.
145.
I cried with my whole heart; hear me, O LORD: I will keep thy statutes.
cried = called [unto Thee], as in Psalms 119:146 .
hear = answer.
146.
I cried unto thee; save me, and I shall keep thy testimonies.
cried = called. Figure of speech Anaphora. App-6 .
147.
I prevented the dawning of the morning, and cried: I hoped in thy word.
prevented = anticipated, or forestalled.
dawning. A Homonym. Hebrew. nephesh. See note on 1 Samuel 30:17 . Authorized Version and Revised Version correctly render it here, and in Job 7:4 ; though not in 1 Samuel 30:17 . Job 24:15 .
word. Same as in Psalms 119:11 ; but some codices, with Septuagint and Vulgate, read "words" (plural)
148.
Mine eyes prevent the night watches, that I might meditate in thy word.
prevent = anticipate, or forestall.
watches. See App-51 .
149.
Hear my voice according unto thy lovingkindness: O LORD, quicken me according to thy judgment.
Hear. Emphatic = O do hear.
150.
They draw nigh that follow after mischief: they are far from thy law.
after mischief. Some codices, with Septuagint, Syriac, and Vulgate, read "after me maliciously".
151.
Thou art near, O LORD; and all thy commandments are truth.
152.
Concerning thy testimonies, I have known of old that thou hast founded them for ever.
153.
Consider mine affliction, and deliver me: for I do not forget thy law.
deliver. Twenty-five Hebrew words so rendered. Here, halaz = rescue (with a gentle hand); not the same word as in verses: Psalms 119:134 , Psalms 119:154 , Psalms 119:170 .
154.
Plead my cause, and deliver me: quicken me according to thy word.
deliver. Hebrew. ga'al = redeem. See notes on Exodus 6:6 with Exodus 13:13 , Not the same word as in verses: Psalms 119:134 , Psalms 119:153 , Psalms 119:170 .
155.
Salvation is far from the wicked: for they seek not thy statutes.
156.
Great are thy tender mercies, O LORD: quicken me according to thy judgments.
tender mercies = compassions.
157.
Many are my persecutors and mine enemies; yet do I not decline from thy testimonies.
enemies = adversaries: i.e. those who hem me in.
158.
I beheld the transgressors, and was grieved; because they kept not thy word.
transgressors. Hebrew. bagad = traitors, or treacherous men.
was grieved = loathed myself: i.e. seeing the same tendencies in myself. Compare Job 42:6 .
159.
Consider how I love thy precepts: quicken me, O LORD, according to thy lovingkindness.
160.
Thy word is true from the beginning: and every one of thy righteous judgments endureth for ever.
beginning. Hebrew. r'osh = head. Put by Figure of speech Synecdoche (of Part), App-6 , for the whole (including the beginning, and "every one", as in next line) = sum and substance, word and words (Jeremiah 15:16 . John 17:8 , John 17:14 ); rendered "sum" in Psalms 139:17 .
161.
Princes have persecuted me without a cause: but my heart standeth in awe of thy word.
Princes = Rulers.
word. Same word as in Psalms 119:9 . Some codices, with Septuagint and Vulgate, read "words" (plural)
162.
I rejoice at thy word, as one that findeth great spoil.
word. Same word as in Psalms 119:11 . Some codices with Septuagint and Vulgate, read "words" (plural)
163.
I hate and abhor lying: but thy law do I love.
lying = falsehood = what is false; especially false religion and idolatry.
164.
Seven times a day do I praise thee because of thy righteous judgments.
Seven times. Not a "round" number, but the number of spiritual perfection. See App-10 .
165.
Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them.
peace. Put by Figure of speech Synecdoche (of Part), App-6 , for every blessing connected with peace.
offend them = make them stumble.
166.
LORD, I have hoped for thy salvation, and done thy commandments.
167.
My soul hath kept thy testimonies; and I love them exceedingly.
168.
I have kept thy precepts and thy testimonies: for all my ways are before thee.
169.
Let my cry come near before thee, O LORD: give me understanding according to thy word.
170.
Let my supplication come before thee: deliver me according to thy word.
Deliver = Rescue. Hebrew. nazal, to pluck out of the hands of an enemy; recover. Not the same word as in verses: Psalms 119:134 , Psalms 119:153 , Psalms 119:154 .
171.
My lips shall utter praise, when thou hast taught me thy statutes.
utter = pour forth or bubble over with. Compare Proverbs 15:2 ; Proverbs 18:4 .
172.
My tongue shall speak of thy word: for all thy commandments are righteousness.
speak of. Hebrew respond with. Put by Figure of speech Synecdoche (of Species), App-6 , for all kinds of speaking or singing; hence = praise.
173.
Let thine hand help me; for I have chosen thy precepts.
hand. Figure of speech Anthropopatheia ( App-6 ); "hand" put by Figure of speech Metonymy (of Cause), App-6 , for power exercised by it.
174.
I have longed for thy salvation, O LORD; and thy law is my delight.
175.
Let my soul live, and it shall praise thee; and let thy judgments help me.
it shall praise Thee. Refers to Isaiah 38:20 .
help me. Refers to Isaiah 37:33-36 .
176.
I have gone astray like a lost sheep; seek thy servant; for I do not forget thy commandments.
lost = perishing. Compare Matthew 18:11 ; Luke 19:10 .