Psalms 119

¹ALEPH. Blessed are the undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the LORD.

Psa 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 (Psa 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. (Psa 119:1-8). 1. undefiled--literally, “complete,” perfect, or sincere (compare Psa 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.

²Blessed 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.

³They also do no iniquity: they walk in his ways.

3. his ways--the course He reveals as right.

⁴Thou hast commanded us to keep thy precepts diligently.

⁵O that my ways were directed to keep thy statutes!

⁶Then shall I not be ashamed, when I have respect unto all thy commandments.

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.

⁷I 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.

⁸I will keep thy statutes: O forsake me not utterly.

8. Recognizes the need of divine grace. BETH. (Psa 119:9-16).

⁹BETH. 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 Psa 119:5, 10, 18, &c., that is, by God’s grace.

¹⁰With my whole heart have I sought thee: O let me not wander from thy commandments.

¹¹Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.

¹²Blessed art thou, O LORD: teach me thy statutes.

¹³With my lips have I declared all the judgments of thy mouth.

¹⁴I have rejoiced in the way of thy testimonies, as much as in all riches.

¹⁵I will meditate in thy precepts, and have respect unto thy ways.

¹⁶I will delight myself in thy statutes: I will not forget thy word.

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. (Psa 119:17-24).

¹⁷GIMEL. Deal bountifully with thy servant, that I may live, and keep thy word.

¹⁸Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law.

¹⁹I am a stranger in the earth: hide not thy commandments from me.

²⁰My soul breaketh for the longing that it hath unto thy judgments at all times.

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.

²¹Thou hast rebuked the proud that are cursed, which do err from thy commandments.

²²Remove from me reproach and contempt; for I have kept thy testimonies.

²³Princes also did sit and speak against me: but thy servant did meditate in thy statutes.

²⁴Thy testimonies also are my delight and my counsellors.

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. (Psa 119:25-32).

²⁵DALETH. My soul cleaveth unto the dust: quicken thou me according to thy word.

²⁶I have declared my ways, and thou heardest me: teach me thy statutes.

²⁷Make me to understand the way of thy precepts: so shall I talk of thy wondrous works.

25-27. Submitting ourselves in depression to God, He will revive us by His promises, and lead us to declare His mercy to others.

²⁸My soul melteth for heaviness: strengthen thou me according unto thy word.

²⁹Remove from me the way of lying: and grant me thy law graciously.

³⁰I have chosen the way of truth: thy judgments have I laid before me.

³¹I have stuck unto thy testimonies: O LORD, put me not to shame.

³²I will run the way of thy commandments, when thou shalt enlarge my heart.

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. (Psa 119:33-40).

³³HE. Teach me, O LORD, the way of thy statutes; and I shall keep it unto the end.

³⁴Give me understanding, and I shall keep thy law; yea, I shall observe it with my whole heart.

³⁵Make me to go in the path of thy commandments; for therein do I delight.

³⁶Incline my heart unto thy testimonies, and not to covetousness.

³⁷Turn away mine eyes from beholding vanity; and quicken thou me in thy way.

³⁸Stablish thy word unto thy servant, who is devoted to thy fear.

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.

³⁹Turn away my reproach which I fear: for thy judgments are good.

⁴⁰Behold, I have longed after thy precepts: quicken me in thy righteousness.

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 (Is 25:8; 66:5; Zep 2:8-10). VAU. (Psa 119:41-48).

⁴¹VAU. Let thy mercies come also unto me, O LORD, even thy salvation, according to thy word.

⁴²So shall I have wherewith to answer him that reproacheth me: for I trust in thy word.

⁴³And take not the word of truth utterly out of my mouth; for I have hoped in thy judgments.

⁴⁴So shall I keep thy law continually for ever and ever.

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.

⁴⁵And I will walk at liberty: for I seek thy precepts.

⁴⁶I will speak of thy testimonies also before kings, and will not be ashamed.

⁴⁷And I will delight myself in thy commandments, which I have loved.

⁴⁸My hands also will I lift up unto thy commandments, which I have loved; and I will meditate in thy statutes.

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.

⁴⁹ZAIN. Remember the word unto thy servant, upon which thou hast caused me to hope.

⁵⁰This is my comfort in my affliction: for thy word hath quickened me.

⁵¹The 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].

⁵²I remembered thy judgments of old, O LORD; and have comforted myself.

⁵³Horror hath taken hold upon me because of the wicked that forsake thy law.

⁵⁴Thy statutes have been my songs in the house of my pilgrimage.

⁵⁵I have remembered thy name, O LORD, in the night, and have kept thy law.

⁵⁶This I had, because I kept thy precepts.

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.

⁵⁷CHETH. Thou art my portion, O LORD: I have said that I would keep thy words.

⁵⁸I intreated thy favour with my whole heart: be merciful unto me according to thy word.

⁵⁹I thought on my ways, and turned my feet unto thy testimonies.

⁶⁰I 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 (Nu 18:20; Psa 16:5; La 3:24).

⁶¹The bands of the wicked have robbed me: but I have not forgotten thy law.

⁶²At midnight I will rise to give thanks unto thee because of thy righteous judgments.

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.”

⁶³I 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 (Psa 16:3; Am 3:3; Mal 3:16).

⁶⁴The 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. (Psa 119:65-72).

⁶⁵TETH. Thou hast dealt well with thy servant, O LORD, according unto thy word.

⁶⁶Teach me good judgment and knowledge: for I have believed thy commandments.

⁶⁷Before I was afflicted I went astray: but now have I kept thy word.

65-67. The reliance on promises (Psa 119:49) is strengthened by experience of past dealings according with promises, and a prayer for guidance, encouraged by sanctified affliction.

⁶⁸Thou art good, and doest good; teach me thy statutes.

68. Compare as to the Lord Jesus (Ac 10:38).

⁶⁹The proud have forged a lie against me: but I will keep thy precepts with my whole heart.

⁷⁰Their heart is as fat as grease; but I delight in thy law.

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.

⁷¹It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn thy statutes.

⁷²The law of thy mouth is better unto me than thousands of gold and silver.

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. (Psa 119:73-80).

⁷³JOD. 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 (De 32:6).

⁷⁴They 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” (Psa 34:2; 142:7).

⁷⁵I know, O LORD, that thy judgments are right, and that thou in faithfulness hast afflicted me.

⁷⁶Let, I pray thee, thy merciful kindness be for my comfort, according to thy word unto thy servant.

⁷⁷Let thy tender mercies come unto me, that I may live: for thy law is my delight.

⁷⁸Let the proud be ashamed; for they dealt perversely with me without a cause: but I will meditate in thy precepts.

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 (He 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).

⁷⁹Let those that fear thee turn unto me, and those that have known thy testimonies.

⁸⁰Let my heart be sound in thy statutes; that I be not ashamed.

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.

⁸¹CAPH. My soul fainteth for thy salvation: but I hope in thy word.

⁸²Mine eyes fail for thy word, saying, When wilt thou comfort me?

⁸³For I am become like a bottle in the smoke; yet do I not forget thy statutes.

81-83. In sorrow the pious heart yearns for the comforts of God’s promises (Psa 73:26; 84:2).

⁸⁴How many are the days of thy servant? when wilt thou execute judgment on them that persecute me?

⁸⁵The proud have digged pits for me, which are not after thy law.

⁸⁶All thy commandments are faithful: they persecute me wrongfully; help thou me.

⁸⁷They had almost consumed me upon earth; but I forsook not thy precepts.

84-87. The shortness of my life requires that the relief afforded to me from mine enemies should be speedy.

⁸⁹LAMED. For ever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven.

⁹⁰Thy faithfulness is unto all generations: thou hast established the earth, and it abideth.

⁹¹They continue this day according to thine ordinances: for all are thy servants.

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 (Psa 89:2). is settled in--that is, stands as firmly as the heaven in which it dwells, and whence it emanated.

⁹²Unless thy law had been my delights, I should then have perished in mine affliction.

⁹³I will never forget thy precepts: for with them thou hast quickened me.

⁹⁴I 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.

⁹⁷MEM. O how love I thy law! it is my meditation all the day.

97. This characteristic love for God’s law (compare Psa 1:2) ensures increase.

⁹⁸Thou through thy commandments hast made me wiser than mine enemies: for they are ever with me.

⁹⁹I have more understanding than all my teachers: for thy testimonies are my meditation.

¹⁰⁰I understand more than the ancients, because I keep thy precepts.

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.

¹⁰¹I have refrained my feet from every evil way, that I might keep thy word.

¹⁰²I have not departed from thy judgments: for thou hast taught me.

¹⁰³How sweet are thy words unto my taste! yea, sweeter than honey to my mouth!

¹⁰⁴Through thy precepts I get understanding: therefore I hate every false way.

101-104. Avoidance of sinful courses is both the effect and means of increasing in divine knowledge (compare Psa 19:10). NUN. (Psa 119:105-112).

¹⁰⁵NUN. 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 (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.

¹⁰⁶I have sworn, and I will perform it, that I will keep thy righteous judgments.

¹⁰⁷I am afflicted very much: quicken me, O LORD, according unto thy word.

¹⁰⁸Accept, I beseech thee, the freewill offerings of my mouth, O LORD, and teach me thy judgments.

106-108. Such was the national covenant at Sinai and in the fields of Moab.

¹⁰⁹My soul is continually in my hand: yet do I not forget thy law.

¹¹⁰The wicked have laid a snare for me: yet I erred not from thy precepts.

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.

¹¹¹Thy testimonies have I taken as an heritage for ever: for they are the rejoicing of my heart.

¹¹²I have inclined mine heart to perform thy statutes alway, even unto the end.

111-112. These he joyfully takes as his perpetual heritage, to perform the duties and receive the comforts they teach, evermore. SAMECH. (Psa 119:113-120).

¹¹³SAMECH. 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 (Jas 1:8); “a double-minded man” [Hengstenberg], skeptics, or, skeptical notions as opposed to the certainty of God’s word.

¹¹⁴Thou art my hiding place and my shield: I hope in thy word.

114. hiding-place--(Compare Psa 27:5). shield--(Psa 3:3; 7:10). hope in thy word--confidently rest on its teachings and promises.

¹¹⁵Depart from me, ye evildoers: for I will keep the commandments of my God.

¹¹⁶Uphold me according unto thy word, that I may live: and let me not be ashamed of my hope.

¹¹⁷Hold thou me up, and I shall be safe: and I will have respect unto thy statutes continually.

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. (Psa 6:8).

¹¹⁸Thou hast trodden down all them that err from thy statutes: for their deceit is falsehood.

¹¹⁹Thou puttest away all the wicked of the earth like dross: therefore I love thy testimonies.

¹²⁰My flesh trembleth for fear of thee; and I am afraid of thy judgments.

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.

¹²¹AIN. I have done judgment and justice: leave me not to mine oppressors.

¹²²Be surety for thy servant for good: let not the proud oppress me.

¹²³Mine eyes fail for thy salvation, and for the word of thy righteousness.

¹²⁴Deal with thy servant according unto thy mercy, and teach me thy statutes.

¹²⁵I am thy servant; give me understanding, that I may know thy testimonies.

¹²⁶It is time for thee, LORD, to work: for they have made void thy law.

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.

¹²⁷Therefore I love thy commandments above gold; yea, above fine gold.

¹²⁸Therefore I esteem all thy precepts concerning all things to be right; and I hate every false way.

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 (Psa 19:10). The Word of God admits of no eclecticism; its least title is perfect (Psa 12:6; Mt 5:17-19). PE. (Psa 119:129-136).

¹²⁹PE. Thy testimonies are wonderful: therefore doth my soul keep them.

129. wonderful--literally, “wonders,” that is, of moral excellence.

¹³⁰The 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. Lu 24:27, 31; Ac 17:3; Ep 1:18, confirm this view, “opening (that is, explaining) and alleging,” &c. unto the simple--those needing or desiring it (compare Psa 19:7).

¹³¹I opened my mouth, and panted: for I longed for thy commandments.

¹³²Look thou upon me, and be merciful unto me, as thou usest to do unto those that love thy name.

¹³³Order my steps in thy word: and let not any iniquity have dominion over me.

¹³⁴Deliver me from the oppression of man: so will I keep thy precepts.

¹³⁵Make thy face to shine upon thy servant; and teach me thy statutes.

131-135. An ardent desire (compare Psa 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 (Psa 63:1; 84:2).

¹³⁶Rivers 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 Psa 119:53). Literally, “Mine eyes come down (dissolved) like water brooks” (La 3:48; Jr 9:1). because, &c.--(Compare Eze 9:4; Jr 13:17). TZADDI. (Psa 119:137-144).

¹³⁷TZADDI. Righteous art thou, O LORD, and upright are thy judgments.

¹³⁸Thy testimonies that thou hast commanded are righteous and very faithful.

¹³⁹My zeal hath consumed me, because mine enemies have forgotten thy words.

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.

¹⁴⁰Thy word is very pure: therefore thy servant loveth it.

140. very pure--literally, “refined,” shown pure by trial.

¹⁴¹I 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.

¹⁴²Thy righteousness is an everlasting righteousness, and thy law is the truth.

¹⁴³Trouble and anguish have taken hold on me: yet thy commandments are my delights.

¹⁴⁴The righteousness of thy testimonies is everlasting: give me understanding, and I shall live.

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 (Psa 119:17, 116). law is the truth--It therefore cannot deceive as to its promises. everlasting--(Psa 111:3), though to outward appearance seeming dead. KOPH. (Psa 119:145-152).

¹⁴⁵KOPH. I cried with my whole heart; hear me, O LORD: I will keep thy statutes.

¹⁴⁶I cried unto thee; save me, and I shall keep thy testimonies.

¹⁴⁷I prevented the dawning of the morning, and cried: I hoped in thy word.

¹⁴⁸Mine eyes prevent the night watches, that I might meditate in thy word.

¹⁴⁹Hear my voice according unto thy lovingkindness: O LORD, quicken me according to thy judgment.

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.

¹⁵⁰They draw nigh that follow after mischief: they are far from thy law.

¹⁵¹Thou art near, O LORD; and all thy commandments are truth.

¹⁵²Concerning thy testimonies, I have known of old that thou hast founded them for ever.

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. (Psa 119:153-160).

¹⁵³RESH. Consider mine affliction, and deliver me: for I do not forget thy law.

¹⁵⁴Plead my cause, and deliver me: quicken me according to thy word.

¹⁵⁵Salvation 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 Psa 9:13; 43:1; 69:18).

¹⁵⁶Great are thy tender mercies, O LORD: quicken me according to thy judgments.

156. (See on Psa 119:149).

¹⁵⁷Many are my persecutors and mine enemies; yet do I not decline from thy testimonies.

157. (Compare Psa 119:86, 87, 95).

¹⁵⁸I beheld the transgressors, and was grieved; because they kept not thy word.

158. (Compare Psa 119:136). transgressors--or, literally, “traitors,” who are faithless to a righteous sovereign and side with His enemies (compare Psa 25:3, 8).

¹⁵⁹Consider how I love thy precepts: quicken me, O LORD, according to thy lovingkindness.

159. (Compare Psa 119:121-126, 153-155). quicken me, O Lord, according to thy lovingkindness--(Psa 119:88). This prayer occurs here for the ninth time, showing a deep sense of frailty.

¹⁶⁰Thy 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. (Psa 119:161-168).

¹⁶¹SCHIN. Princes have persecuted me without a cause: but my heart standeth in awe of thy word.

¹⁶²I rejoice at thy word, as one that findeth great spoil.

¹⁶³I hate and abhor lying: but thy law do I love.

¹⁶⁴Seven times a day do I praise thee because of thy righteous judgments.

¹⁶⁵Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them.

161-165. (Compare Psa 119:46, 86). awe--reverential, not slavish fear, which could not coexist with love (Psa 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!”

¹⁶⁶LORD, I have hoped for thy salvation, and done thy commandments.

¹⁶⁷My soul hath kept thy testimonies; and I love them exceedingly.

¹⁶⁸I have kept thy precepts and thy testimonies: for all my ways are before thee.

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.

¹⁶⁹TAU. Let my cry come near before thee, O LORD: give me understanding according to thy word.

¹⁷⁰Let my supplication come before thee: deliver me 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 (Psa 90:11-17). On the terms “cry” and “supplication” (compare Psa 6:9; 17:1).

¹⁷¹My lips shall utter praise, when thou hast taught me thy statutes.

¹⁷²My tongue shall speak of thy word: for all thy commandments are righteousness.

171-172. shall utter--or, “pour out praise” (compare Psa 19:2); shall cause Thy praises to stream forth as from a bubbling, overflowing fountain.

¹⁷³Let thine hand help me; for I have chosen thy precepts.

¹⁷⁴I have longed for thy salvation, O LORD; and thy law is my delight.

173-174. (Compare Psa 119:77, 81, 92). I have chosen--in preference to all other objects of delight.

¹⁷⁵Let 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 Psa 119:149, 156.

¹⁷⁶I 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 (Jr 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. Psa 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.