Blessed are the undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the LORD.
Blessed are the undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the LORD.
1. undefiled—literally,
"complete," perfect, or sincere (compare ).
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.
Blessed are they that keep his testimonies, and that seek him with the whole heart.
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.
They also do no iniquity: they walk in his ways.
3. his ways—the course He
reveals as right.
Thou hast commanded us to keep thy precepts diligently.
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.
O that my ways were directed to keep thy statutes!
Then shall I not be ashamed, when I have respect unto all thy commandments.
I will praise thee with uprightness of heart, when I shall have learned thy righteous judgments.
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.
I will keep thy statutes: O forsake me not utterly.
8. Recognizes the need of divine
grace.
BETH.
(Psalms 119:9-16).
Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word.
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 Psalms 119:5;
Psalms 119:10; Psalms 119:18,
&c., that is, by God's grace.
With my whole heart have I sought thee: O let me not wander from thy commandments.
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.
(Psalms 119:17-24).
Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.
Blessed art thou, O LORD: teach me thy statutes.
With my lips have I declared all the judgments of thy mouth.
I have rejoiced in the way of thy testimonies, as much as in all riches.
I will meditate in thy precepts, and have respect unto thy ways.
I will delight myself in thy statutes: I will not forget thy word.
Deal bountifully with thy servant, that I may live, and keep thy word.
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.
Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law.
I am a stranger in the earth: hide not thy commandments from me.
My soul breaketh for the longing that it hath unto thy judgments at all times.
Thou hast rebuked the proud that are cursed, which do err from thy commandments.
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.
(Psalms 119:25-32).
Remove from me reproach and contempt; for I have kept thy testimonies.
Princes also did sit and speak against me: but thy servant did meditate in thy statutes.
Thy testimonies also are my delight and my counsellors.
My soul cleaveth unto the dust: quicken thou me according to thy word.
25-27. Submitting ourselves in
depression to God, He will revive us by His promises, and lead us to
declare His mercy to others.
I have declared my ways, and thou heardest me: teach me thy statutes.
Make me to understand the way of thy precepts: so shall I talk of thy wondrous works.
My soul melteth for heaviness: strengthen thou me according unto thy word.
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.
(Psalms 119:33-40).
Remove from me the way of lying: and grant me thy law graciously.
I have chosen the way of truth: thy judgments have I laid before me.
I have stuck unto thy testimonies: O LORD, put me not to shame.
I will run the way of thy commandments, when thou shalt enlarge my heart.
Teach me, O LORD, the way of thy statutes; and I shall keep it unto the end.
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.
Give me understanding, and I shall keep thy law; yea, I shall observe it with my whole heart.
Make me to go in the path of thy commandments; for therein do I delight.
Incline my heart unto thy testimonies, and not to covetousness.
Turn away mine eyes from beholding vanity; and quicken thou me in thy way.
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. (Psalms 31:6 Psalms 40:4;
Psalms 60:11; Psalms 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
(Psalms 119:17; Psalms 119:25;
Psalms 119:40; Psalms 119:50;
Psalms 116:3).
Stablish thy word unto thy servant, who is devoted to thy fear.
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 Genesis 18:19;
1 Kings 2:4; 1 Kings 8:25)
[HENGSTENBERG].
Turn away my reproach which I fear: for thy judgments are good.
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 (Isaiah 25:8;
Isaiah 66:5; Zephaniah 2:8-10).
VAU.
(Psalms 119:41-48).
Behold, I have longed after thy precepts: quicken me in thy righteousness.
Let thy mercies come also unto me, O LORD, even thy salvation, according to thy word.
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.
So shall I have wherewith to answer him that reproacheth me: for I trust in thy word.
42. The possession of God's gift
of "salvation" () will be the Psalmist's answer to the foe's "reproach,"
that his hope was a fallacious one.
And take not the word of truth utterly out of my mouth; for I have hoped in thy judgments.
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.
So shall I keep thy law continually for ever and ever.
And I will walk at liberty: for I seek thy precepts.
45-48. To freedom from reproach,
when imbued with God's truth, there is added "great boldness in
the faith" [1 Timothy 3:13],
accompanied with increasing delight in the holy law itself, which
becomes an element of happiness.
I will speak of thy testimonies also before kings, and will not be ashamed.
And I will delight myself in thy commandments, which I have loved.
My hands also will I lift up unto thy commandments, which I have loved; and I will meditate in thy statutes.
48. My hands . . . lift up unto . .
. commandments—that is, I will prayerfully () direct my heart to keep Thy commandments.
ZAIN.
(Psalms 119:49-56).
Remember the word unto thy servant, upon which thou hast caused me to hope.
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].
This is my comfort in my affliction: for thy word hath quickened me.
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.
The proud have had me greatly in derision: yet have I not declined from thy law.
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].
I remembered thy judgments of old, O LORD; and have comforted myself.
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.
Horror hath taken hold upon me because of the wicked that forsake thy law.
53. Horror—rather, "vehement
wrath" [HENGSTENBERG].
Thy statutes have been my songs in the house of my pilgrimage.
54. songs—As the exile sings
songs of his home (Psalms 137:3),
so the child of God, "a stranger on earth," sings the songs
of heaven, his true home (Psalms 137:3). 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 (Genesis 17:8;
Genesis 47:9; Hebrews 11:13).
I have remembered thy name, O LORD, in the night, and have kept thy law.
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.
This I had, because I kept thy precepts.
56. Rather, "This is
peculiarly mine (literally, to me), that I keep Thy precepts"
[HENGSTENBERG and MAURER].
CHETH.
(Psalms 119:57-64).
Thou art my portion, O LORD: I have said that I would keep thy words.
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 (Numbers 18:20;
Psalms 16:5; Lamentations 3:24).
I intreated thy favour with my whole heart: be merciful unto me according to thy word.
58. favour—Hebrew,
"face" (Psalms 45:12).
I thought on my ways, and turned my feet unto thy testimonies.
59. So the prodigal son, when
reduced to straits of misery (Luke 15:17;
Luke 15:18).
I made haste, and delayed not to keep thy commandments.
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 (Numbers 18:20;
Psalms 16:5; Lamentations 3:24).
The bands of the wicked have robbed me: but I have not forgotten thy law.
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."
At midnight I will rise to give thanks unto thee because of thy righteous judgments.
62. At midnight—HENGSTENBERG
supposes a reference to the time when the Lord went forth to slay the
Egyptian first-born (Exodus 11:4;
Exodus 12:29; compare Exodus 12:29). But it rather refers to the Psalmist's own praises and
prayers in the night time. Compare Paul and Silas (Exodus 12:29; compare Psalms 63:6).
I am a companion of all them that fear thee, and of them that keep thy precepts.
63. The communion of the saints.
Delight in their company is an evidence of belonging to them (Psalms 16:3;
Amos 3:3; Malachi 3:16).
The earth, O LORD, is full of thy mercy: teach me thy statutes.
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.
(Psalms 119:65-72).
Thou hast dealt well with thy servant, O LORD, according unto thy word.
65-67. The reliance on promises
(Psalms 119:49) is strengthened
by experience of past dealings according with promises, and a prayer
for guidance, encouraged by sanctified affliction.
Teach me good judgment and knowledge: for I have believed thy commandments.
66. Teach me good judgment and
knowledge—namely, in Thy word (so as to fathom its deep
spirituality); for the corresponding expression (Psalms 119:12;
Psalms 119:64; Psalms 119:68),
is, "Teach me Thy statutes."
Before I was afflicted I went astray: but now have I kept thy word.
67. Referred by HENGSTENBERG
to the chastening effect produced on the Jews' minds by the captivity
(Jeremiah 31:18; Jeremiah 31:19).
The truth is a general one (Job 5:6;
John 15:2; Hebrews 12:11).
Thou art good, and doest good; teach me thy statutes.
68. Compare as to the Lord Jesus
(Acts 10:38).
The proud have forged a lie against me: but I will keep thy precepts with my whole heart.
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 , of sedition.
Their heart is as fat as grease; but I delight in thy law.
70. fat as grease—spiritually
insensible (Psalms 17:10; Psalms 73:7;
Isaiah 6:10).
It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn thy statutes.
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.
(Psalms 119:73-80).
The law of thy mouth is better unto me than thousands of gold and silver.
Thy hands have made me and fashioned me: give me understanding, that I may learn thy commandments.
73. As God made, so He can best
control, us. So as to Israel, he owed to God his whole internal and
external existence (Deuteronomy 32:6).
They that fear thee will be glad when they see me; because I have hoped in thy word.
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" (Psalms 34:2;
Psalms 142:7).
I know, O LORD, that thy judgments are right, and that thou in faithfulness hast afflicted me.
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 (), God's promises of mercy () will be fulfilled, and He will give comfort in sorrow
(Lamentations 3:22; 2 Corinthians 1:3;
2 Corinthians 1:4).
Let, I pray thee, thy merciful kindness be for my comfort, according to thy word unto thy servant.
Let thy tender mercies come unto me, that I may live: for thy law is my delight.
77. Let thy tender mercies come unto
me—As I am not able to come unto them. But the wicked will be
confounded.
Let the proud be ashamed; for they dealt perversely with me without a cause: but I will meditate in thy precepts.
78. but I . . . meditate in thy
precepts—and so shall not be "ashamed," that is, put
to shame (Psalms 119:80).
Let those that fear thee turn unto me, and those that have known thy testimonies.
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.
Let my heart be sound in thy statutes; that I be not ashamed.
80. Let my . . . be sound—that
is, perfect, sincere.
ashamed—disappointed in
my hope of salvation.
CAPH.
(Psalms 119:81-88).
My soul fainteth for thy salvation: but I hope in thy word.
81-83. In sorrow the pious heart
yearns for the comforts of God's promises (Psalms 73:26;
Psalms 84:2).
Mine eyes fail for thy word, saying, When wilt thou comfort me?
82. Mine eyes fail for thy word—that
is, with yearning desire for Thy word. When the eyes fail, yet faith
must not.
For I am become like a bottle in the smoke; yet do I not forget thy statutes.
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].
How many are the days of thy servant? when wilt thou execute judgment on them that persecute me?
84-87. The shortness of my life
requires that the relief afforded to me from mine enemies should be
speedy.
The proud have digged pits for me, which are not after thy law.
85. pits—plots for my
destruction.
which—rather, "who,"
that is, "the proud"; "pits" is not the
antecedent.
All thy commandments are faithful: they persecute me wrongfully; help thou me.
84-87. The shortness of my life
requires that the relief afforded to me from mine enemies should be
speedy.
They had almost consumed me upon earth; but I forsook not thy precepts.
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 (Psalms 39:5;
Psalms 39:13; 2 Corinthians 4:8;
2 Corinthians 4:9), 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.
(Psalms 119:89-96).
Quicken me after thy lovingkindness; so shall I keep the testimony of thy mouth.
For ever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven.
89-91. In all changes God's Word
remains firm (1 Peter 1:25). Like
the heavens, it continually attests God's unfailing power and
unchanging care (Psalms 89:2).
is settled in—that is,
stands as firmly as the heaven in which it dwells, and whence it
emanated.
Thy faithfulness is unto all generations: thou hast established the earth, and it abideth.
90. thou hast established the earth,
and it abideth— (Psalms 33:9).
They continue this day according to thine ordinances: for all are thy servants.
91. They—the heaven () and the earth (). 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 .
Unless thy law had been my delights, I should then have perished in mine affliction.
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.
I will never forget thy precepts: for with them thou hast quickened me.
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 (Psalms 19:3;
Psalms 19:6; Psalms 19:7-11;
Ecclesiastes 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.
(Psalms 119:97-104).
I am thine, save me; for I have sought thy precepts.
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.
The wicked have waited for me to destroy me: but I will consider thy testimonies.
I have seen an end of all perfection: but thy commandment is exceeding broad.
O how love I thy law! it is my meditation all the day.
97. This characteristic love for
God's law (compare Psalms 1:2)
ensures increase.
Thou through thy commandments hast made me wiser than mine enemies: for they are ever with me.
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 (Deuteronomy 4:6;
Deuteronomy 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.
I have more understanding than all my teachers: for thy testimonies are my meditation.
99. understanding—is practical
skill (Psalms 2:10; Psalms 32:8).
I understand more than the ancients, because I keep thy precepts.
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 (Psalms 111:10). He
who does the will of God shall know of the doctrine (Psalms 111:10).
I have refrained my feet from every evil way, that I might keep thy word.
101-104. Avoidance of sinful
courses is both the effect and means of increasing in divine
knowledge (compare Psalms 19:10).
NUN.
(Psalms 119:105-112).
I have not departed from thy judgments: for thou hast taught me.
How sweet are thy words unto my taste! yea, sweeter than honey to my mouth!
Through thy precepts I get understanding: therefore I hate every false way.
Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.
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 (2 Peter 1:19;
Revelation 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.
I have sworn, and I will perform it, that I will keep thy righteous judgments.
106-108. Such was the national
covenant at Sinai and in the fields of Moab.
I am afflicted very much: quicken me, O LORD, according unto thy word.
Accept, I beseech thee, the freewill offerings of my mouth, O LORD, and teach me thy judgments.
108. freewill offerings—the
spontaneous expressions of his gratitude, as contrasted with the
appointed "offerings" of the temple (Hosea 14:2;
Hebrews 13:15). He determines to
pursue this way, relying on God's quickening power (Hebrews 13:15) in affliction, and a gracious acceptance of his
"spiritual sacrifices of prayer and praise" (Psalms 50:5;
Psalms 50:14; Psalms 50:23).
My soul is continually in my hand: yet do I not forget thy law.
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, Judges 12:3;
1 Samuel 28:21; Job 13:14;
compare 1 Samuel 19:5), and exposed
to crafty enemies, his safety and guidance is in the truth and
promises of God.
The wicked have laid a snare for me: yet I erred not from thy precepts.
Thy testimonies have I taken as an heritage for ever: for they are the rejoicing of my heart.
111, 112. These he joyfully
takes as his perpetual heritage, to perform the duties and receive
the comforts they teach, evermore.
SAMECH.
(Psalms 119:113-120).
I have inclined mine heart to perform thy statutes alway, even unto the end.
I hate vain thoughts: but thy law do I love.
113. vain thoughts—better,
"unstable persons," literally, "divided men,"
those of a divided, doubting mind (); "a double-minded man" [HENGSTENBERG],
skeptics, or, skeptical notions as opposed to the certainty of God's
word.
Thou art my hiding place and my shield: I hope in thy word.
114. hiding-place—(Compare ).
shield— (Psalms 3:3;
Psalms 7:10).
hope in thy word—confidently
rest on its teachings and promises.
Depart from me, ye evildoers: for I will keep the commandments of my God.
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. ().
Uphold me according unto thy word, that I may live: and let me not be ashamed of my hope.
Hold thou me up, and I shall be safe: and I will have respect unto thy statutes continually.
Thou hast trodden down all them that err from thy statutes: for their deceit is falsehood.
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.
Thou puttest away all the wicked of the earth like dross: therefore I love thy testimonies.
My flesh trembleth for fear of thee; and I am afraid of thy judgments.
120. The "judgments"
are those on the wicked (). Joyful hope goes hand in hand with fear ().
AIN.
(Psalms 119:121-128).
I have done judgment and justice: leave me not to mine oppressors.
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.
Be surety for thy servant for good: let not the proud oppress me.
122. Be surety—Stand for me
against my oppressors (Genesis 43:9;
Isaiah 38:14).
Mine eyes fail for thy salvation, and for the word of thy righteousness.
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.
Deal with thy servant according unto thy mercy, and teach me thy statutes.
I am thy servant; give me understanding, that I may know thy testimonies.
It is time for thee, LORD, to work: for they have made void thy law.
Therefore I love thy commandments above gold; yea, above fine gold.
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 (Psalms 19:10). The
Word of God admits of no eclecticism; its least title is perfect
(Psalms 12:6; Matthew 5:17-19).
PE.
(Psalms 119:129-136).
Therefore I esteem all thy precepts concerning all things to be right; and I hate every false way.
Thy testimonies are wonderful: therefore doth my soul keep them.
129. wonderful—literally,
"wonders," that is, of moral excellence.
The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple.
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; Ephesians 1:18,
confirm this view, "opening (that is, explaining) and alleging,"
&c.
unto the simple—those
needing or desiring it (compare Ephesians 1:18).
I opened my mouth, and panted: for I longed for thy commandments.
131-135. An ardent desire
(compare Psalms 56:1; Psalms 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 (Psalms 63:1; Psalms 84:2).
Look thou upon me, and be merciful unto me, as thou usest to do unto those that love thy name.
132. Look . . . upon me—opposed
to hiding or averting the face (compare Psalms 25:15;
Psalms 86:6; Psalms 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.
Order my steps in thy word: and let not any iniquity have dominion over me.
133. Order my steps—Make
firm, so that there be no halting ().
any iniquity— favors HENGSTENBERG,
"any iniquitous man," any "oppressor." But the
parallel first clause in this () favors English Version (). His hope of deliverance from external oppression
of man (Psalms 119:34) is founded
on his deliverance from the internal "dominion of
iniquity," in answer to his prayer (Psalms 119:34).
Deliver me from the oppression of man: so will I keep thy precepts.
131-135. An ardent desire
(compare Psalms 56:1; Psalms 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 (Psalms 63:1; Psalms 84:2).
Make thy face to shine upon thy servant; and teach me thy statutes.
Rivers of waters run down mine eyes, because they keep not thy law.
136. Zealous himself to keep
God's law, he is deeply afflicted when others violate it (compare ). Literally, "Mine eyes come down (dissolved) like
water brooks" (Lamentations 3:48;
Jeremiah 9:1).
because, c.—(Compare
Ezekiel 9:4 Jeremiah 13:17).
TZADDI.
(Psalms 119:137-144).
Righteous art thou, O LORD, and upright are thy judgments.
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.
Thy testimonies that thou hast commanded are righteous and very faithful.
My zeal hath consumed me, because mine enemies have forgotten thy words.
139. ().
Thy word is very pure: therefore thy servant loveth it.
140. very pure—literally,
"refined," shown pure by trial.
I am small and despised: yet do not I forget thy precepts.
141. The pious, however despised
of men, are distinguished in God's sight by a regard for His law.
Thy righteousness is an everlasting righteousness, and thy law is the truth.
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 (Psalms 119:17;
Psalms 119:116).
law is the truth—It
therefore cannot deceive as to its promises.
everlasting— (Psalms 119:116), though to outward appearance seeming dead.
KOPH.
(Psalms 119:145-152).
Trouble and anguish have taken hold on me: yet thy commandments are my delights.
The righteousness of thy testimonies is everlasting: give me understanding, and I shall live.
I cried with my whole heart; hear me, O LORD: I will keep thy statutes.
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.
I cried unto thee; save me, and I shall keep thy testimonies.
I prevented the dawning of the morning, and cried: I hoped in thy word.
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
(Psalms 63:6; Psalms 77:4;
Lamentations 2:19). Such is the
earnestness of the desire and love for God's truth.
Mine eyes prevent the night watches, that I might meditate in thy word.
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.
Hear my voice according unto thy lovingkindness: O LORD, quicken me according to thy judgment.
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 ).
They draw nigh that follow after mischief: they are far from thy law.
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.
(Psalms 119:153-160).
Thou art near, O LORD; and all thy commandments are truth.
Concerning thy testimonies, I have known of old that thou hast founded them for ever.
Consider mine affliction, and deliver me: for I do not forget thy law.
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
Psalms 9:13; Psalms 43:1;
Psalms 69:18).
Plead my cause, and deliver me: quicken me according to thy word.
154. Plead, c.—HENGSTENBERG
translates, "Fight my fight." (See Psalms 35:1
Psalms 43:1; Micah 7:9).
Salvation is far from the wicked: for they seek not thy statutes.
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
Psalms 9:13; Psalms 43:1;
Psalms 69:18).
Great are thy tender mercies, O LORD: quicken me according to thy judgments.
156. (See on ).
Many are my persecutors and mine enemies; yet do I not decline from thy testimonies.
157. (Compare Psalms 119:86;
Psalms 119:87; Psalms 119:95).
I beheld the transgressors, and was grieved; because they kept not thy word.
158. (Compare ).
transgressors—or,
literally, "traitors," who are faithless to a righteous
sovereign and side with His enemies (compare Psalms 25:3;
Psalms 25:8).
Consider how I love thy precepts: quicken me, O LORD, according to thy lovingkindness.
159. (Compare Psalms 119:121-126;
Psalms 119:153-155).
quicken me, O Lord, according
to thy lovingkindness— (Psalms 119:153-19). This prayer occurs here for the ninth time, showing a
deep sense of frailty.
Thy word is true from the beginning: and every one of thy righteous judgments endureth for ever.
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.
(Psalms 119:161-168).
Princes have persecuted me without a cause: but my heart standeth in awe of thy word.
161-165. (Compare Psalms 119:46;
Psalms 119:86).
awe—reverential, not
slavish fear, which could not coexist with love (Psalms 119:163;
1 John 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 (Luke 12:5), "How dreadful is this place! This is none other but
the house of God, and this is the gate of heaven!"
I rejoice at thy word, as one that findeth great spoil.
162. (Compare Matthew 13:44;
Matthew 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.
I hate and abhor lying: but thy law do I love.
163. lying—that is, as in , unfaithfulness to the covenant of God with His people;
apostasy.
Seven times a day do I praise thee because of thy righteous judgments.
161-165. (Compare Psalms 119:46;
Psalms 119:86).
awe—reverential, not
slavish fear, which could not coexist with love (Psalms 119:163;
1 John 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 (Luke 12:5), "How dreadful is this place! This is none other but
the house of God, and this is the gate of heaven!"
Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them.
165. nothing shall offend them—or,
"cause them to offend" (compare Margin).
LORD, I have hoped for thy salvation, and done thy commandments.
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.
My soul hath kept thy testimonies; and I love them exceedingly.
I have kept thy precepts and thy testimonies: for all my ways are before thee.
168. all my ways are before thee—I
wish to order my ways as before Thee, rather than in reference to man
(Genesis 19:1; Psalms 73:23).
All men's ways are under God's eye (Psalms 73:23); the godly alone realize the fact, and live accordingly.
TAU.
(Psalms 119:169-176).
Let my cry come near before thee, O LORD: give me understanding according to thy word.
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 (Psalms 90:11-17).
On the terms "cry" and "supplication" (compare
Psalms 6:9; Psalms 17:1).
Let my supplication come before thee: deliver me according to thy word.
My lips shall utter praise, when thou hast taught me thy statutes.
171, 172. shall utter—or,
"pour out praise" (compare ); shall cause Thy praises to stream forth as from a
bubbling, overflowing fountain.
My tongue shall speak of thy word: for all thy commandments are righteousness.
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.
Let thine hand help me; for I have chosen thy precepts.
173, 174. (Compare Psalms 119:77;
Psalms 119:81; Psalms 119:92).
I have chosen—in
preference to all other objects of delight.
I have longed for thy salvation, O LORD; and thy law is my delight.
Let my soul live, and it shall praise thee; and let thy judgments help me.
175. Save me that I may praise
Thee.
thy judgments—as in
Psalms 119:149; Psalms 119:156.
I have gone astray like a lost sheep; seek thy servant; for I do not forget thy commandments.
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 (Jeremiah 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. Psalms 119:175;
Psalms 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.