See Lesson, Acrostics.
8 KEY WORDS: “Torah” (Law) (v 1..), “eduth” (statutes)
(v 2..), “piqqudim” (precepts) (v 4..), “huqqim” (decrees) (v 5..), “mishvoth”
(commands) (v 6..), “mishpatim” (judgments, or ordinances) (v 7..), “dabar”
(word) (v 9..), and “imrah” (promise, or word) (v 11..).
HEZEKIAH IN PSALM 119: His reformation (30,60,104),
sickness (17,23,76,83,84,92,143,149,153,175), recovery (45,54), the Assyrian
invasion (22,23,42,95,121,141,161), ultimate triumph (46,62,119).
MESSIAH IN PSALM 119: trials (50,67,71,75,107,153),
suffering contempt (22,39,42), ill-treatment (121,134), persecution (23,161),
mocking, lying, etc (51,61,68,78,84,85,86,95,122,150,157), in peril for his life
(87,109). Persecuted by faithless Israelites (53,21,139). Their indifference to
the law aroused his burning indignation (53), his profound sorrow (136).
Confronted by laxity and apostasy (113,126,158), and by evil example
(29,37,115).
Psa 119:1
WALK: “Halachah”, the religious regime followed by a
good Jew. Also in NT, “walk” sig “way of life” (1Co 7:17; 2Co 6:16; Rom 6:4).
LAW: “Torah”: 22 times in Psa 119: vv
1,18,29,34,44,51,53,55,61,70,72,77,85,92,97,109,113,126,136,142,150,153,
163,165,174.
Psa 119:2
STATUTES: “Eduth”: “testimonies” in AV: 23 times in Psa
119: vv 2,14,22,24,31,36,46,59,79, 88,95,99,111,119,125,129,
138,144,146,152,157,167,168.
SEEK HIM WITH ALL THEIR HEART: The emphasis is not on
the emotions but on the mind, will, intention, purpose. Seeking God now and
then, or in half-hearted fashion, brings little or no blessing: cp Psa 27:8; Jer
24:7; 29:13.
Psa 119:3
One of 3 vv in Psa 119 lacking one of 8 key words. This v,
however, does have “ways” (derek: cp v 37)!
THEY DO NOTHING WRONG: Here is more idealism. Or is the
phrase to be read as meaning: ‘They practice no iniquity’, as in 1Jo 3:9; 5:18?
Cp also Rom 6:14.
Psa 119:4
PRECEPTS: “Piqqudim”: 21 times in Psa 119: vv
4,15,27,40,45,56,63,69,78,87,93,94,
100,104,110,128,134,141,159,168,173.
THAT ARE TO BE FULLY OBEYED: God’s Law is sought, not
merely for the purpose of knowing it, but esp for the purpose of keeping
it.
Psa 119:5
DECREES: “Huqqim”: 22 times in Psa 119: vv
5,8,12,16,23,26,
33,48,54,64,68,71,80,83,112,117,118,124,135,145,15,171.
Here is (a) an open admission of the innate waywardness of
human nature; and (b) an emotional longing to be a changed person — which can
only come through divine direction (Phi 4:13).
Psa 119:6
THEN I WOULD NOT BE PUT TO SHAME: As anyone with alert
conscience is bound to be (Gen 3:7).
WHEN I CONSIDER ALL YOUR COMMANDS: Literally, ‘when I
look upon, or into’ them — as with a mirror (cp Jam 1:23).
COMMANDS: “Mishvoth”: “commandments” in AV: 22 times in
Psa 119: vv 6,10,19,21,32,35,47,48,60,66,73,86,96,98,
115,127,131,143,151,166,172,176.
Psa 119:7
Cp vv 106,160,164. The words plainly imply that the way to
achieve uprightness of heart is through close attention to God’s righteous
judgments. Contrast the futility of the “good resolution” method ever to achieve
significant change for the better.
LAWS: “Mishpatim”: “judgments” or “ordinances” in AV:
23 times in Psa 119: vv 7,13,20,30,39,43,52,62,75,84,91,102, 106,108,120,121,132
(textual emendation), 137,149,156,160,164,175.
Psa 119:8
DECREES: “Huqqim”: 22 times in Psa 119: vv
5,8,12,16,23,26, 33,48,54,64,68,71,80,83,112,117,118,124,135,145,155,
171.
DO NOT UTTERLY FORSAKE ME: That is, ‘but it will only
be possible if you do not forsake me.’
Psa 119:9
HOW CAN A YOUNG MAN KEEP HIS WAY PURE? BY LIVING ACCORDING
TO YOUR WORD: Cp Psa 19:12; 34:11; 2Co 7:1). One’s way of life and God’s
Word should be put side by side, and examined together. How easy it is to do
otherwise: to examine the Bible for a bit, quite theoretically, and then to put
it entirely out of one’s mind while pondering the problems of how one should
live in “the real world”! There is no young man who can afford to neglect this
self-examination along with God’s Word. See Eph 5:26. Consider Hezekiah at the
young age of 25 (2Ch 29:1,3). And consider the examples of young men like Joseph
(Gen 39:9) and Daniel (Dan 1:8-20; 3:12-18).
WORD: “Dabar”: 25 times in Psa 119: vv
9,16,17,25,28,42,42 again (see AV mg),
43,49,57,65,74,81,89,101,105,107,114,
122 (textual emendation),130,139,147,160,161,169.
Psa 119:10
I SEEK YOU WITH ALL MY HEART: “Love is life, and love
of God is the highest and holiest and happiest form of life. But, because He is
so great and high, and we are so small and low, love of God — to be anything —
must be everything, or else it is nothing. Many have ‘love of God’ as a
part-time hobby, a pleasant palliative on the shelf, with the iodine and
aspirins, to use as needed. What the love of God demands is the whole heart,
life, strength and mind — at all times and in all things. Anything less is a
mockery — an indication that we are cruelly deceiving ourselves, and have not
really made contact with God at all. If and when we truly do, the magnetism and
attraction will be irresistible, and mere part-time service will be impossible
and unthinkable” (GVG).
COMMANDS: “Mishvoth”: “commandments” in AV: 22 times in
Psa 119: vv 6,10,19,21,32,35,47,48,60,66,73,86,96,98,
115,127,131,143,151,166,172,176.
Psa 119:11
HIDDEN: Implying memorizing (v 13; cp Col 3:16)? Hiding
not for concealment but for security (Mat 25:25; Psa 40:10; Luk 8:15).
WORD: “Imrah” (sometimes “promise”): 19 times in Psa
119: vv 11,38,41,50,58,67,76,82,103,116,123,133,140,148,154,
158,162,170,172.
Psa 119:12
TEACH ME: Vv 26,33,64,68,108,124,135.
DECREES: “Huqqim”: 22 times in Psa 119: vv
5,8,12,16,23,26,
33,48,54,64,68,71,80,83,112,117,118,124,135,145,155,171.
Psa 119:13
WITH MY LIPS I RECOUNT ALL THE LAWS: According to the
great Shema of Deu 6:4-7: “Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God is one Lord: and
thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul,
and with all thy might. And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be
in thine heart: and thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and
shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by
the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up” (cp Gen 18:19; Psa
37:30; Pro 10:21; 15:4).
LAWS: “Mishpatim”: “judgments” or “ordinances” in AV:
23 times in Psa 119: vv 7,13,20,30,39,43,52,62,75,84,91,102, 106,108,120,121,132
(textual emendation), 137,149,156,160,164,175.
Psa 119:14
STATUTES: “Eduth”: “testimonies” in AV: 23 times in Psa
119: vv 2,14,22,24,31,36,46,59,79,88,95,99,111,119,125,129,
138,144,146,152,157,167,168.
AS ONE REJOICES IN GREAT RICHES: Kingdom of heaven like
treasure hid in a field (Mat 13:44).
Psa 119:15
I MEDITATE ON YOUR PRECEPTS: “There are times when
solitude is better than society, and silence is wiser than speech. We should be
better Christians if we were more alone, waiting upon God, and gathering through
meditation on His Word spiritual strength for labour in His service. We ought to
muse upon the things of God, because we thus get the real nutriment out of them.
Truth is something like the cluster of the vine: if we would have wine from it,
we must bruise it; we must press and squeeze it many times. The bruiser’s feet
must come down joyfully upon the bunches, or else the juice will not flow; and
they must well tread the grapes, or else much of the precious liquid will be
wasted. So we must, by meditation, tread the clusters of truth, if we would get
the wine of consolation therefrom. Our bodies are not supported by merely taking
food into the mouth, but the process which really supplies the muscle, and the
nerve, and the sinew, and the bone, is the process of digestion. It is by
digestion that the outward food becomes assimilated with the inner life. Our
souls are not nourished merely by listening awhile to this, and then to that,
and then to the other part of divine truth. Hearing, reading, marking, and
learning, all require inwardly digesting to complete their usefulness, and the
inward digesting of the truth lies for the most part in meditating upon it. Why
is it that some Christians, although they hear many sermons, make but slow
advances in the divine life? Because they neglect their closets, and do not
thoughtfully meditate on God’s Word. They love the wheat, but they do not grind
it; they would have the corn, but they will not go forth into the fields to
gather it; the fruit hangs upon the tree, but they will not pluck it; the water
flows at their feet, but they will not stoop to drink it” (CHS).
PRECEPTS: “Piqqudim”: 21 times in Psa 119: vv
4,15,27,40,45,
56,63,69,78,87,93,94,100,104,110,128,134,141,159,168,173.
Psa 119:16
I DELIGHT IN YOUR DECREES: “Delight” in the Law of God
comes in this psalm more than in all the rest of the Bible (vv 35, 47,70,77).
Paul quotes this in Rom 7:22: “For I delight in the law of God after the inward
man.”
DECREES: “Huqqim”: 22 times in Psa 119: vv
5,8,12,16,23,26,
33,48,54,64,68,71,80,83,112,117,118,124,135,145,155,171.
WORD: “Dabar”: 25 times in Psa 119: vv
9,16,17,25,28,42,42 again (see AV mg),
43,49,57,65,74,81,89,101,105,107,114,
122 (textual emendation),130,139,147,160,161,169.
Psa 119:17
WORD: “Dabar”: 25 times in Psa 119: vv
9,16,17,25,28,42,42 again (see AV mg),
43,49,57,65,74,81,89,101,105,107,114,
122 (textual emendation),130,139,147,160,161,169.
Psa 119:18
OPEN MY EYES THAT I MAY SEE WONDERFUL THINGS IN YOUR
LAW: A jewel of a verse. Cp Pro 25:2: “The honor of kings is to search out a
matter.” The exquisite joy of a sudden insight into a Bible passage. Here, for
“open”, LXX has “apokalypse”, uncover, unveil, as a verb. “Did not our heart
burn within us?” (Luk 24:32).
WONDERFUL THINGS: “Marvels” (LXX). Nearly always ref to
miracles.
LAW: “Torah”: 22 times in Psa 119: vv 1,18,29,34,44,51,
53,55,61,70,72,77,85,92,97,109,113,126,136,142,150,153, 163,165,174.
Psa 119:19
I AM A STRANGER ON EARTH: Or, better, a sojourner (cp
Psa 39:12) in the “Land”. Like Abraham (Gen 17:8; 23:4; Heb 11:9,13; 13:4), and
therefore in dire need of help. Therefore thy commandments are my best main
support.
COMMANDS: “Mishvoth”: “commandments” in AV: 22 times in
Psa 119: vv 6,10,19,21,32,35,47,48,60,66,73,86,96,98,
115,127,131,143,151,166,172,176.
Psa 119:20
LAWS: “Mishpatim”: “judgments” or “ordinances” in AV:
23 times in Psa 119: vv 7,13,20,30,39,43,52,62,75,84,91,102, 106,108,120,121,132
(textual emendation), 137,149,156,160,164,175.
Psa 119:21
WHO ARE CURSED: Is the reference to Deu 27:26 (“Cursed
be he that confirmeth not all the words of this law to do them”)?
COMMANDS: “Mishvoth”: “commandments” in AV: 22 times in
Psa 119: vv 6,10,19,21,32,35,47,48,60,66,73,86,96,98,
115,127,131,143,151,166,172,176.
Psa 119:22
REMOVE: Lit, “roll away”, as at Gilgal (Jos 5:9). But,
a paradox: we must bear the reproach as did Christ (Heb 13:12,13; Mat 16:24;
24:9) if we are to have removed from us the reproach of sin!
STATUTES: “Eduth”: “testimonies” in AV: 23 times in Psa
119: vv 2,14,22,24,31,36,46,59,79,88,95,99,111,119,125,129,
138,144,146,152,157,167,168.
Psa 119:23
THOUGH RULERS SIT TOGETHER AND SLANDER ME, YOUR SERVANT
WILL MEDITATE ON YOUR DECREES: Cp Jesus before Caiaphas and
Sanhedrin.
DECREES: “Huqqim”: 22 times in Psa 119: vv
5,8,12,16,23,26,
33,48,54,64,68,71,80,83,112,117,118,124,135,145,155,171.
Psa 119:24
STATUTES: “Eduth”: “testimonies” in AV: 23 times in Psa
119: vv 2,14,22,24,31,36,46,59,79,88,95,99,111,119,125,129,
138,144,146,152,157,167,168.
Psa 119:25
I AM LAID LOW IN THE DUST; PRESERVE MY LIFE ACCORDING TO
YOUR WORD: “My soul cleaveth unto the dust (Psa 22:15; 44:25): quicken (cp.
vv. 37, 40, 50, 88, 93, 107, 144, 149, 154, 156) thou me according to thy word”
(AV). The best cure for personal misery is close application to the Word of God.
With this verse (in the LXX) compare Acts 22:7: “And I fell unto the ground, and
heard a voice saying unto me, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?” The unusual
Greek word for “dust” or “ground” used by Paul (edaphos) may recall Psa 119:25.
Thus even as he fell to the dust at the vision of the Lord’s glory, his prayer
was “Quicken me according to thy word”!
WORD: “Dabar”: 25 times in Psa 119: vv
9,16,17,25,28,42,42 again (see AV mg),
43,49,57,65,74,81,89,101,105,107,114,
122 (textual emendation),130,139,147,160,161,169.
Psa 119:26
DECREES: “Huqqim”: 22 times in Psa 119: vv
5,8,12,16,23,26,
33,48,54,64,68,71,80,83,112,117,118,124,135,145,155,171.
Psa 119:27
PRECEPTS: “Piqqudim”: 21 times in Psa 119: vv
4,15,27,40,45,
56,63,69,78,87,93,94,100,104,110,128,134,141,159,168,173.
Psa 119:28
Another assurance about the power of God’s Word to cope with
miseries of the soul. Consider vv 25,28 with reference to Gethsemane (Mat
26:37,38; Mark 14:33,34; Luke 22:44).
WORD: “Dabar”: 25 times in Psa 119: vv
9,16,17,25,28,42,42 again (see AV mg),
43,49,57,65,74,81,89,101,105,107,114,
122 (textual emendation),130,139,147,160,161,169.
Psa 119:29
LAW: “Torah”: 22 times in Psa 119: vv 1,18,29,34,44,51,
53,55,61,70,72,77,85,92,97,109,113,126,136,142,150,153, 163,165,174.
Psa 119:30
LAWS: “Mishpatim”: “judgments” or “ordinances” in AV:
23 times in Psa 119: vv 7,13,20,30,39,43,52,62,75,84,91,102, 106,108,120,121,132
(textual emendation), 137,149,156,160,164,175.
Psa 119:31
HOLD FAST: “Cleave to”. The idea behind “stuck” is that
of a marriage (sw “cleave” in v 25; Gen 2:24; 1Ki 11:2). Loyalty to God’s law
may bring derision from the ungodly (Jesus had to face this), but any present
shame will finally evaporate in true satisfaction and glory.
STATUTES: “Eduth”: “testimonies” in AV: 23 times in Psa
119: vv 2,14,22,24,31,36,46,59,79,88,95,99,111,119,125,129,
138,144,146,152,157,167,168.
Psa 119:32
RUN: The idiom of a prophet taking the Word of God to
the people: 1Ki 18:46; 2Ch 16:9; Psa 147:15; Jer 23:21; Dan 12:4; Amo 8:12; Hab
2:2; Eze 1:14,18,20; Zec 4:10; Gal 2:2; 2Th 3:1.
COMMANDS: “Mishvoth”: “commandments” in AV: 22 times in
Psa 119: vv 6,10,19,21,32,35,47,48,60,66,73,86,96,98,
115,127,131,143,151,166,172,176.
YOU HAVE SET MY HEART FREE: A heart released from
bondage to sin and selfishness, so that it may “run” to carry a message of grace
to those who are lost! “Enlarge” (KJV). Cp 2Co 6:11,13.
Psa 119:33
Vv 33-40: ‘Teach me, O LORD, the way of Thy statutes… Give
me understanding… Make me to go in the path of Thy commandments… Incline my
heart unto Thy testimonies… Turn away mine eyes from beholding vanity; and
quicken Thou me in thy way… quicken me in Thy righteousness.’ In all of these
phrases the author requests God to be actively involved in changing his life.
The latter phrases in particular ask God to overrule hiss whole mindset —
‘Incline my heart’, ‘make me to go in the path of Thy commandments’, even
‘quicken me’ as though David needs a spark of life instilled in him.
It would be easy to read this as a plea for Holy Spirit
guidance, and an argument against free will, if such was one’s intent.
These phrases taken alone provide a very unbalanced view of
the whole psalm, however. More than any other, this psalm acknowledges the need
of the believer to be influenced by God’s WORD.
The first requests are: ‘Teach me, O LORD, the way of Thy
statutes… Give me understanding’. Whence then cometh wisdom? and where is the
place of understanding? (Job 28:20,28). The clearest answer comes in Psalm 119
itself (vv 104,130): “Through Thy precepts I get understanding… The entrance
of Thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple.”
Not that God is unable to impart understanding by direct ‘mind
manipulation’ (as with Solomon), but that the scripturally approved method of
finding it is emphatically by giving God’s word entrance to one’s heart. This is
the way in which God teaches David, gives him understanding, makes him go in the
path of God’s commandments, inclines his heart to God’s testimonies, turns away
his heart from beholding vanity, and quickens him in God’s way and in God’s
righteousness.
DECREES: “Huqqim”: 22 times in Psa 119: vv
5,8,12,16,23,26,
33,48,54,64,68,71,80,83,112,117,118,124,135,145,155,171.
Psa 119:34
LAW: “Torah”: 22 times in Psa 119: vv 1,18,29,34,44,51,
53,55,61,70,72,77,85,92,97,109,113,126,136,142,150,153, 163,165,174.
Psa 119:35
COMMANDS: “Mishvoth”: “commandments” in AV: 22 times in
Psa 119: vv 6,10,19,21,32,35,47,48,60,66,73,86,96,98,
115,127,131,143,151,166,172,176.
FOR THERE I FIND DELIGHT: But if there is delight in
God’s commandments, why should the psalmist need to be made to go in them? Here
is acknowledgment of the truth of Rom 7:21-23:
“I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is
present with me. For I delight in the law of God after the inward man: but I see
another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me
into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members.”
Even in the best of circumstances, and with the greatest
faith, man is a creature that vacillates between two opinions, and he needs all
the divine help he can get to stay in the right way. Vv 36,37 have the same kind
of emphasis.
Psa 119:36
STATUTES: “Eduth”: “testimonies” in AV: 23 times in Psa
119: vv 2,14,22,24,31,36,46,59,79,88,95,99,111,119,125,129,
138,144,146,152,157,167,168.
AND NOT TOWARD SELFISH GAIN: Cp v 72; Eze 33:31; Luke
12:15; 1Ti 6:10; Heb 13:5. Our Lord’s parables (Luke 12:16-21; 16:14,19), his
teaching (Mat 6:25-31), his terms of discipleship (Mat 16:24; 19:27-29; Luke
14:33), and his own example of poverty and renunciation of this world’s comfort
(Mat 8:20) all are directed against this destructive principle of
covetousness.
Psa 119:37
One of 3 vv in Psa 119 lacking one of 8 key words. This v,
however, does have “word” (= derek, way)!
WORTHLESS THINGS: “Vanities” (AV): that is, a lying
vision, a mirage perhaps — or an idol (which is, after all, nothing!). The word
implies all that is trivial, hollow, or worthless. Paul links covetousness (cp v
36 here ) together with idolatry in Col 3:5. Anyone or anything to which a man
attributes great worth (worth-ship, or worship!) becomes a “god”, or an
idol.
“There are divers kinds of vanity. The cap and bells of the
fool, the mirth of the world, the dance, the lyre, and the cup of the dissolute,
all these men know to be vanities; they wear upon their forefront their proper
name and title. Far more treacherous are those equally vain things, the cares of
this world and the deceitfulness of riches. A man may follow vanity as truly in
the counting-house as in the theatre. If he be spending his life in amassing
wealth, he passes his days in a vain show. Unless we follow Christ, and make our
God the great object of life, we only differ in appearance from the most
frivolous” (CHS).
Psa 119:38
PROMISE: “Imrah” (sometimes “word”): 19 times in Psa
119: vv 11,38,41,50,58,67,76,82,103,116,123,133,140,148,154,
158,162,170,172.
SO THAT YOU MAY BE FEARED: 111:10; Job 28:28; Pro 1:7;
9:10; 15:33; Ecc 12:13.
Psa 119:39
TAKE AWAY THE DISGRACE I DREAD: “Disgrace” normally
means the sneers of others against the righteous. Against such disgrace God’s
just judgment will provide vindication. The word for “dread” is an unusually
strong one (sw Deu 9:19; 28:60).
LAWS: “Mishpatim”: “judgments” or “ordinances” in AV:
23 times in Psa 119: vv 7,13,20,30,39,43,52,62,75,84,91,102, 106,108,120,121,132
(textual emendation), 137,149,156,160,164,175.
Psa 119:40
PRECEPTS: “Piqqudim”: 21 times in Psa 119: vv
4,15,27,40,45,
56,63,69,78,87,93,94,100,104,110,128,134,141,159,168,173.
Psa 119:41
PROMISE: “Imrah” (sometimes “word”): 19 times in Psa
119: vv 11,38,41,50,58,67,76,82,103,116,123,133,140,148,154,
158,162,170,172.
Psa 119:42
THEN I WILL ANSWER: “So shall I have a word (dabar) to
answer…” The taunts of Rabshakeh promised the utter overthrow of Judea and
Jerusalem, but this noble psalmist put his trust in the promises of God (2Ch
32:6-8; 2Ki 18:36).
I TRUST IN YOUR WORD: “Dabar” again: 25 times in Psa
119: vv 9,16,17,25,28,42,42 again (see AV mg, as above),
43,49,57,65,74,81,89,101, 105,107,114,122 (textual emendation),130,139,
147,160,161,169.
Psa 119:43
WORD: “Dabar”: 25 times in Psa 119: vv
9,16,17,25,28,42,42 again (see AV mg),
43,49,57,65,74,81,89,101,105,107,114,
122 (textual emendation),130,139,147,160,161,169.
LAWS: “Mishpatim”: “judgments” or “ordinances” in AV:
23 times in Psa 119: vv 7,13,20,30,39,43,52,62,75,84,91,102, 106,108,120,121,132
(textual emendation), 137,149,156,160,164,175.
Psa 119:44
ALWAYS: Or “continually”, suggesting the daily
sacrifice (as in vv 109,117).
LAW: “Torah”: 22 times in Psa 119: vv 1,18,29,34,44,51,
53,55,61,70,72,77,85,92,97,109,113,126,136,142,150,153, 163,165,174. An allusion
to God’s abiding covenant with the house of David?
FOR EVER AND EVER: A firm conviction of everlasting
life in that Davidic kingdom.
Psa 119:45
IN FREEDOM: Hezekiah was no longer shut up because of
his leprosy (2Ch 26:21), and no longer shut up because of the Assyrian siege.
Also see 2Co 3:17: “Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty” (cp Jam
1:25).
PRECEPTS: “Piqqudim”: 21 times in Psa 119: vv
4,15,27,40,45,
56,63,69,78,87,93,94,100,104,110,128,134,141,159,168,173.
Psa 119:46
I WILL SPEAK… BEFORE KINGS: Cp 2Ch 32:23: the Gentile
kings giving glory to the God of Israel and to Hezekiah because of the
miraculous overthrow of the hated Assyrian. “Liberty” in walking (v 45) will
give confidence in speaking (v 46) (cp v 32). Note the amazing difference in the
apostles (esp Peter) before (Mat 26:56,69,75) and after the resurrection (Act 2;
3; 4; 5), which set them free.
STATUTES: “Eduth”: “testimonies” in AV: 23 times in Psa
119: vv 2,14,22,24,31,36,46,59,79,88,95,99,111,119,125,129,
138,144,146,152,157,167,168.
Psa 119:47
COMMANDS: “Mishvoth”: “commandments” in AV: 22 times in
Psa 119: vv 6,10,19,21,32,35,47,48,60,66,73,86,96,98,
115,127,131,143,151,166,172,176.
Psa 119:48
I LIFT UP MY HANDS: In an act of praise. Or (an
ellipsis) “I will lift up my hands, praying for power to keep your commands.” Or
even: “I will lift up my hands toward Your holy place, where You keep Your
commands.” Uplifted hands in prayer: Exo 9:29,33; 2Ch 6:12; Ezr 9:5; Job 11:13;
Psa 28:2; 44:20; 68:31; 88:9; 134:2; 141:2; 143:6; Isa 1:15. Praying toward the
Most Holy: Dan 6:10; 1Ki 8:44,48; 2Ch 6:34; Psa 5:7; 138:2; Jon 2:4.
COMMANDS: “Mishvoth”: “commandments” in AV: 22 times in
Psa 119: vv 6,10,19,21,32,35,47,48,60,66,73,86,96,98,
115,127,131,143,151,166,172,176.
DECREES: “Huqqim”: 22 times in Psa 119: vv
5,8,12,16,23,26,
33,48,54,64,68,71,80,83,112,117,118,124,135,145,155,171.
Psa 119:49
WORD: “Dabar”: 25 times in Psa 119: vv
9,16,17,25,28,42,42 again (see AV mg), 43,49,57,65,74,81,89,101,105,107,114,122
(textual emendation),130,139,147,160,161,169.
HOPE: Often has the specialized meaning “to hope for
children”: Rth 1:12,13; Jer 31:17; Rom 4:18; 1Pe 1:3. Hezekiah’s great wish,
that the Messianic line might be continued through him.
Psa 119:50
SUFFERING: Hezekiah’s great illness.
PROMISE: “Imrah” (sometimes “word”): 19 times in Psa
119: vv 11,38,41,50,58,67,76,82,103,116,123,133,140,148,154,
158,162,170,172.
Psa 119:51
THE ARROGANT: Rabshakeh and Sennacherib (2Ch 32:10-20;
cp Psa 42:3).
LAW: “Torah”: 22 times in Psa 119: vv 1,18,29,34,44,51,
53,55,61,70,72,77,85,92,97,109,113,126,136,142,150,153, 163,165,174.
Psa 119:52
LAWS: “Mishpatim”: “judgments” or “ordinances” in AV:
23 times in Psa 119: vv 7,13,20,30,39,43,52,62,75,84,91,102, 106,108,120,121,132
(textual emendation),137,149,156, 160,164,175.
I FIND COMFORT IN THEM: “For whatsoever things were
written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and
comfort of the scriptures might have hope” (Rom 15:4).
Psa 119:53
THE WICKED, WHO HAVE FORSAKEN YOUR LAW: One of the main
problems of Hezekiah’s reign was the faithless policy of the irreligious
princes, who ran the country while their king was ill.
LAW: “Torah”: 22 times in Psa 119: vv
1,18,29,34,44,51,53,55,61,70,72,77,85,92,97,109,113,126,136,142,150,153,
163,165,174.
Psa 119:54
DECREES: “Huqqim”: 22 times in Psa 119: vv
5,8,12,16,23,26,
33,48,54,64,68,71,80,83,112,117,118,124,135,145,155,171.
WHEREVER I LODGE: “In the house of my pilgrimage” (AV),
ie this transient earthly “tabernacle” (2Co 5:1,4). In the most profound sense,
those who worship God while in mortal bodies are singing the Lord’s song “in a
strange land” (Psa 137:4). But one day they will sing “a new song”, which no man
(in the flesh) can learn (Rev 14:3).
Psa 119:55
IN THE NIGHT: When problems always seem their worst;
then esp is the time to remember the Memorial Name.
LAW: “Torah”: 22 times in Psa 119: vv
1,18,29,34,44,51,53,55,61,70,72,77,85,92,97,109,113,126,136,142,150,153,
163,165,174.
Psa 119:56
PRECEPTS: “Piqqudim”: 21 times in Psa 119: vv
4,15,27,40,45,
56,63,69,78,87,93,94,100,104,110,128,134,141,159,168,173.
Psa 119:57
YOU ARE MY PORTION: The words of a priest: Psa 16:5,6;
73:26; Num 18:20; Deu 10:8,9; 18:1. But Hezekiah, like David and Solomon, did
make priestly intercession for his people (2Ch 30:18).
WORDS: “Dabar”: 25 times in Psa 119: vv
9,16,17,25,28,42,42 again (see AV mg),
43,49,57,65,74,81,89,101,105,107,114,
122 (textual emendation),130,139,147,160,161,169.
Psa 119:58
Hezekiah’s great prayer of Isa 38.
PROMISE: “Imrah” (sometimes “word”): 19 times in Psa
119: vv
11,38,41,50,58,67,76,82,103,116,123,133,140,148,154,158,162,170,172.
FACE (of God): In Psalms, always ref God’s presence in
ark/tabernacle/temple: see VL, Psalms, God’s face.
Psa 119:59
Hezekiah’s early decision to live a godly life.
STATUTES: “Eduth”: “testimonies” in AV: 23 times in Psa
119: vv 2,14,22,24,31,36,46,59,79,88,95,99,111,119,125,129,
138,144,146,152,157,167,168.
Psa 119:60
I WILL HASTEN AND NOT DELAY: Gen 19:16,17; 22; Luk
19:5,6; Gal 1:15,16; 2Co 6:2. If something is really worth doing, it is worth
doing without delay.
COMMANDS: “Mishvoth”: “commandments” in AV: 22 times in
Psa 119: vv 6,10,19,21,32,35,47,48,60,66,73,86,96,98,
115,127,131,143,151,166,172,176.
Psa 119:61
THE WICKED BIND ME WITH ROPES: The constricting and
confining siege of Jerusalem by the marauding Assyrians.
LAW: “Torah”: 22 times in Psa 119: vv 1,18,29,34,44,51,
53,55,61,70,72,77,85,92,97,109,113,126,136,142,150,153, 163,165,174.
Psa 119:62
In general, cp Paul and Silas (Act 16:24,25).
MIDNIGHT: Time of Passover deliverance: Isa 37:36.
LAWS: “Mishpatim”: “judgments” or “ordinances” in AV:
23 times in Psa 119: vv 7,13,20,30,39,43,52,62,75,84,91,102,106,108,120,121,132
(textual emendation),137,149,156,160,164,175.
“There are many reasons we cannot sleep at night — maybe it
is medical, maybe our children keep us awake or we are awakened by noises, the
weather or unquiet thoughts. And some of us have more sleepless nights than
others. But the question is, where do we go when our sleep goes from us? Where
do our thoughts go? What do we think about? What do we say to ourselves or to
someone else?
“The psalmist may have had a problem with sleepless nights but
through this psalm we know exactly where his thoughts were as he lay awake. He
said, ‘At midnight I rise to give you thanks.’ What better use could we give to
an overactive mind (or a mind that is forced to be active), than to think of all
the wonderful things that God has done for us and then to give thanks and to
praise Him for what He has done? There have been times when I have been awakened
during the night and have lain in bed feeling sorry for myself, counting all the
things that were going against me (and often what was going to go against me).
But a much better use of my time would have been to count my blessings because
there are so many more to count, and then to give praise to my maker for all He
has done for me.
“So next time we are sleepless, let’s count our blessings (not
sheep) and give thanks to our shepherd, our creator, for what He has done”
(RP).
Psa 119:63
I AM A FRIEND TO ALL WHO FEAR YOU: Allusion to the
faithful remnant which centered round the king and the prophet (eg, Isa
8:11-20). For the idea, see Psa 1:1 and Mal 3:16,17.
PRECEPTS: “Piqqudim”: 21 times in Psa 119: vv
4,15,27,40,45,
56,63,69,78,87,93,94,100,104,110,128,134,141,159,168,173.
Psa 119:64
THE EARTH IS FILLED WITH YOUR LOVE, O LORD: Psa 24:1;
33:5; 104:24; Isa 6:3; Hab 2:14; 3:3. “The statutes of one who fills the world
with goodness must be good” (WK).
DECREES: “Huqqim”: 22 times in Psa 119: vv
5,8,12,16,23,26,
33,48,54,64,68,71,80,83,112,117,118,124,135,145,155,171.
Psa 119:65
WORD: “Dabar”: 25 times in Psa 119: vv
9,16,17,25,28,42,42 again (see AV mg), 43,49,57,65,74,81,89,101,105,107,114,122
(textual emendation),130,139,147,160,161,169.
Psa 119:66
FOR I BELIEVE: Unless a man believes, the Bible is
useless to him (Joh 7:17; 1Th 2:13). But when he really believes he becomes
consumed with an eagerness for divine knowledge, and he begins to partake of the
special power of Holy Scripture that brings salvation (Rom 1:16,17).
COMMANDS: “Mishvoth”: “commandments” in AV: 22 times in
Psa 119: vv 6,10,19,21,32,35,47,48,60,66,73,86,96,98,
115,127,131,143,151,166,172,176.
Psa 119:67
BEFORE I WAS AFFLICTED I WENT ASTRAY: Waywardness in
early days? Hezekiah’s regency, when somewhat under his corrupt father’s
influence. Then was it the writing of a copy of the Law (Deu 17:18-20) which
brought about a dramatic change at the very beginning of Hezekiah’s
reign?
WORD: “Imrah” (sometimes “promise”): 19 times in Psa
119: vv 11,38,41,50,58,67,76,82,103,116,123,133,140,148,154,
158,162,170,172.
Psa 119:68
YOU ARE GOOD, AND WHAT YOU DO IS GOOD: Cp Exo 34:6,7.
It is characteristic of this psalm that, the higher the conception of the Divine
Nature, the more earnest becomes the prayer for knowledge of His will in
relation to conduct.
DECREES: “Huqqim”: 22 times in Psa 119: vv
5,8,12,16,23,26,
33,48,54,64,68,71,80,83,112,117,118,124,135,145,155,171.
Psa 119:69
THE ARROGANT HAVE SMEARED ME WITH LIES: Cp the modern
equivalent of political “mud-slinging”. Either false Assyrian propaganda (Isa
36:14-18), or an undermining of the king’s authority and a perversion of his
policies by the princes (men like Shebna) who took over the direction of affairs
during the king’s sickness. False AssyrIan propaganda (Isa 36:14-18) or an
undermining of Hezekiah’s authority when he lay sick.
PRECEPTS: “Piqqudim”: 21 times in Psa 119: vv
4,15,27,40,45,
56,63,69,78,87,93,94,100,104,110,128,134,141,159,168,173.
Psa 119:70
AV: “Their heart is fat as grease”: The great evil of
material prosperity: Psa 17:10; 73:7; Isa 6:10. Cp Eglon: Jdg 3.
LAW: “Torah”: 22 times in Psa 119: vv 1,18,29,34,44,51,
53,55,61,70,72,77,85,92,97,109,113,126,136,142,150,153, 163,165,174.
Psa 119:71
IT WAS GOOD FOR ME TO BE AFFLICTED: “There are many
keen joys discovered in the midst of affliction never dreamed of in the
stupefying atmosphere of prosperity and ease. This is of God, who hath given
even to affliction its compensating sweetness. In affliction the shell of
thoughtless shallowness is broken through and heart speaks to heart in intimate
and comforting communion. All the little meaningless things fade into their true
insignificance, and the real and true things stand out in large and clear
perspective” (GVG).
DECREES: “Huqqim”: 22 times in Psa 119: vv
5,8,12,16,23,26,
33,48,54,64,68,71,80,83,112,117,118,124,135,145,155,171.
Psa 119:72
LAW: “Torah”: 22 times in Psa 119: vv 1,18,29,34,44,51,
53,55,61,70,72,77,85,92,97,109,113,126,136,142,150,153, 163,165,174.
MORE PRECIOUS THAN… SILVER AND GOLD: Psa 19:10; Pro
3:13-15; 8:10,11,19; Mat 13:45
Psa 119:73
YOUR HANDS HAVE MADE ME AND FORMED ME; GIVE ME
UNDERSTANDING TO LEARN YOUR COMMANDS: Mat 7:7; Jam 1:5. See Psa 139; Gen
1:26. This verse pleads: ‘Lord, finish the job. Give me understanding of Your
ways also.’ We are all, even at secondhand, subjects of the original creation;
we hope to be subjects of the “New Creation” — so that God’s original intention
for man and the earth may be completed and realized in us.
COMMANDS: “Mishvoth”: “commandments” in AV: 22 times in
Psa 119: vv 6,10,19,21,32,35,47,48,60,66,73,86,96,98,
115,127,131,143,151,166,172,176.
Psa 119:74
MAY THOSE WHO FEAR YOU REJOICE WHEN THEY SEE ME:
Hezekiah, restored from sickness, became immed the renewed focus of hope for the
faithful remnant of the nation.
WORD: “Dabar”: 25 times in Psa 119: vv
9,16,17,25,28,42,42 again (see AV mg),
43,49,57,65,74,81,89,101,105,107,114,
122 (textual emendation),130,139,147,160,161,169.
Psa 119:75
IN FAITHFULNESS YOU HAVE AFFLICTED ME: “Faithful are
the wounds of a friend” (Pro 27:6). Despise not the chastening of the Lord (Heb
12:5; Pro 3:11,12).
LAWS: “Mishpatim”: “judgments” or “ordinances” in AV:
23 times in Psa 119: vv 7,13,20,30,39,43,52,62,75,84,91,102, 106,108,120,121,132
(textual emendation), 137,149,156,160,164,175.
Psa 119:76
PROMISE: “Imrah” (sometimes “word”): 19 times in Psa
119: vv
11,38,41,50,58,67,76,82,103,116,123,133,140,148,154,158,162,170,172.
Psa 119:77
LAW: “Torah”: 22 times in Psa 119: vv 1,18,29,34,44,51,
53,55,61,70,72,77,85,92,97,109,113,126,136,142,150,153, 163,165,174.
Psa 119:78
PRECEPTS: “Piqqudim”: 21 times in Psa 119: vv
4,15,27,40,45,
56,63,69,78,87,93,94,100,104,110,128,134,141,159,168,173.
Psa 119:79
STATUTES: “Eduth”: “testimonies” in AV: 23 times in Psa
119: vv 2,14,22,24,31,36,46,59,79,88,95,99,111,119,125,129,
138,144,146,152,157,167,168.
Psa 119:80
DECREES: “Huqqim”: 22 times in Psa 119: vv
5,8,12,16,23,26,
33,48,54,64,68,71,80,83,112,117,118,124,135,145,155,171.
Psa 119:81
MY SOUL FAINTS WITH LONGING FOR YOUR SALVATION: Lit,
‘comes to an end’, ‘perishes’.
SALVATION: Gen 49:18; 2Sa 23:5).
BUT I HAVE PUT MY HOPE IN YOUR WORD: Low-spirited
perhaps, but with Bible in hand hope is never abandoned: Psa 73:26;
84:2,5.
WORD: “Dabar”: 25 times in Psa 119: vv
9,16,17,25,28,42,42 again (see AV mg),
43,49,57,65,74,81,89,101,105,107,114,
122 (textual emendation), 130,139,147,160,161,169.
Psa 119:82
PROMISE: “Imrah” (sometimes “word”): 19 times in Psa
119: vv 11,38,41,50,58,67,76,82,103,116,123,133,140,148,154,
158,162,170,172.
Psa 119:83
A WINESKIN IN THE SMOKE: This refers to a dried,
cracked wineskin, blackened with the smoke of affliction and suffering: “Their
skin has shriveled on their bones; it has become as dry as a stick” (Lam 4:8).
Skins filled with wine were hung at the tops of tents, where it was smoky and
hot, so that the wine might mature. This is a beautiful allegory: while the skin
(the outward man) ages and grows less useful and more brittle and unsightly, the
wine inside (the inner man!) matures and develops perfection of character. In
Christ’s parable, constructed along similar lines, the skin symbolizes the
“outer man” of the believer, which is but the receptacle for the “wine” of the
teaching and spirit of God: “Neither do men pour new wine into old wineskins. If
they do, the skins will burst, the wine will run out and the wineskins will be
ruined. No, they pour new wine into new wineskins, and both are preserved” (Mat
9:17).
DECREES: “Huqqim”: 22 times in Psa 119: vv
5,8,12,16,23,26,
33,48,54,64,68,71,80,83,112,117,118,124,135,145,155,171.
Psa 119:84
HOW LONG MUST YOUR SERVANT WAIT?: “Few and evil…”
(Gen 47:9; cp Psa 89:46-48).
PUNISH: “Execute judgment” in AV: “Judgment” = Heb
“mishpatim”, otherwise translated “laws” in NIV. 23 times in Psa 119: vv
7,13,20,30,39,43,52,62,75,84,91,102,106,108,120, 121,132 (textual emendation),
137,149,156,160,164,175.
WHEN WILL YOU PUNISH MY PERSECUTORS?: The brevity of
human life — any human life, but perhaps especially Hezekiah’s — is used as a
plea for early help. ‘Are my days so many as to allow delay? May I live long
enough to see Your justice done!’ (cp Psa 89:49-51; and esp Isa
38:10-14).
Psa 119:85
PITFALLS: Cp Psa 7:15; 9:15.
LAW: “Torah”: 22 times in Psa 119: vv 1,18,29,34,44,51,
53,55,61,70,72,77,85,92,97,109,113,126,136,142,150,153, 163,165,174.
Psa 119:86
COMMANDS: “Mishvoth”: “commandments” in AV: 22 times in
Psa 119: vv 6,10,19,21,32,35,47,48,60,66,73,86,96,98,
115,127,131,143,151,166,172,176.
Psa 119:87
PRECEPTS: “Piqqudim”: 21 times in Psa 119: vv
4,15,27,40,45,
56,63,69,78,87,93,94,100,104,110,128,134,141,159,168,173.
Psa 119:88
STATUTES: “Eduth”: “testimonies” in AV: 23 times in Psa
119: vv 2,14,22,24,31,36,46,59,79,88,95,99,111,119,125,129,
138,144,146,152,157,167,168.
Psa 119:89
WORD: “Dabar”: 25 times in Psa 119: vv
9,16,17,25,28,42,42 again (see AV mg),
43,49,57,65,74,81,89,101,105,107,114,
122 (textual emendation),130,139,147,160,161,169.
FIRM IN THE HEAVENS: The unalterable law of the heavens
presents a picture of God’s unfailing promises: Psa 89:2,29,36; Jer
31:35,37.
Psa 119:90
One of 3 vv in Psa 119 lacking one of 8 key words. This v,
however, does have “faithfulness” (emuwnah)!
YOU ESTABLISHED THE EARTH, AND IT ENDURES: Ecc 1:4; Psa
37:29; 104:5; Pro 10:30; 11:31; Mat 5:5; Rom 4:13; and many more!
Psa 119:91
LAWS: “Mishpatim”: “judgments” or “ordinances” in AV:
23 times in Psa 119: vv 7,13,20,30,39,43,52,62,75,84,91,102, 106,108,120,121,132
(textual emendation), 137,149,156,160,164,175.
Link this verse with vv 89,90. “From the ministering of the
archangel to the labour of the insect, from the poising of the planets to the
gravitation of a grain of dust, the power and glory of all creatures and of all
matter consists in their obedience, not in their freedom” (Ruskin).
Psa 119:92
LAW: “Torah”: 22 times in Psa 119: vv 1,18,29,34,44,51,
53,55,61,70,72,77,85,92,97,109,113,126,136,142,150,153, 163,165,174.
I WOULD HAVE PERISHED IN MY AFFLICTION: Affliction is a
killer. Delight in God’s Law is the only effective antidote. Cp Paul’s “If
Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins. Then they
also which are fallen asleep in Christ are perished” (1Co 15:17,18).
Psa 119:93
PRECEPTS: “Piqqudim”: 21 times in Psa 119: vv
4,15,27,40,45,
56,63,69,78,87,93,94,100,104,110,128,134,141,159,168,173.
I WILL NEVER FORGET… YOU HAVE PRESERVED MY LIFE: Does
a man ever forget the one who saved his life?
Psa 119:94
I AM YOURS: Those who belong to Christ (1Co 3:23; Eph
2:10), who have been purchased with his blood (Act 20:28; 1Co 6:19,20), can
expect that he will not lightly forfeit his “investment”. If they have truly
sought for him, so they know he will seek for them when they are in danger and
save them — time and time again (Isa 43:1; 44:21,22; Joh 6:38,39;
17:12).
PRECEPTS: “Piqqudim”: 21 times in Psa 119: vv
4,15,27,40,45,
56,63,69,78,87,93,94,100,104,110,128,134,141,159,168,173.
Psa 119:95
STATUTES: “Eduth”: “testimonies” in AV: 23 times in Psa
119: vv 2,14,22,24,31,36,46,59,79,88,95,99,111,119,125,129,
138,144,146,152,157,167,168.
Psa 119:96
TO ALL PERFECTION I SEE A LIMIT: That is, of all HUMAN
perfection: Rom 3:19. “Vanity and vexation… Then I looked on all the works
that my hands had wrought, and on the labour that I had laboured to do: and,
behold, all was vanity and vexation of spirit, and there was no profit under the
sun. And I turned myself to behold wisdom, and madness, and folly: for what can
the man do that cometh after the king? even that which hath been already done”
(Ecc 2:10,11).
BUT YOUR COMMANDS ARE BOUNDLESS: “We can only have the
highest happiness by having wide thoughts and much feeling for the rest of the
world” (Eliot).
COMMANDS: “Mishvoth”: “commandments” in AV: 22 times in
Psa 119: vv 6,10,19,21,32,35,47,48,60,66,73,86,96,98,
115,127,131,143,151,166,172,176.
Psa 119:97
We love the Law because it is God’s Law, and it lives because
He lives! God’s Law leads us to Him, reveals Him to us, draws us to Him, binds
us to Him, and teaches us how to dwell in peace within the circle of His love
and holiness.
LAW: “Torah”: 22 times in Psa 119: vv 1,18,29,34,44,51,
53,55,61,70,72,77,85,92,97,109,113,126,136,142,150,153, 163,165,174.
Psa 119:98
COMMANDS: “Mishvoth”: “commandments” in AV: 22 times in
Psa 119: vv 6,10,19,21,32,35,47,48,60,66,73,86,96,98,
115,127,131,143,151,166,172,176.
THEY: “Your commands”, not “my enemies”!
Psa 119:99
Vv 99,100: The assertions here would be outrageously
egotistical if they were not plain truth. And the reasons are given: “More than
my teachers… more than the ancients (aged: RSV; cp Job 32:7)” should be true
for all dedicated students of the Word today. There is no excuse for a bright
young apprentice to the Scripture not knowing by the time he is twenty or
twenty-five the best that his teachers of earlier generations have bequeathed to
him.
How outstandingly true these verses were concerning Jesus:
“And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers” (Luke
2:47). “And the Jews marveled, saying, ‘How knoweth this man letters, having
never learned?’ ” (John 7:15). “The officers answered, ‘Never man spake like
this man’ ” (v. 46).
STATUTES: “Eduth”: “testimonies” in AV: 23 times in Psa
119: vv 2,14,22,24,31,36,46,59,79,88,95,99,111,119,125,129,
138,144,146,152,157,167,168.
Psa 119:100
MORE UNDERSTANDING THAN THE ELDERS: Jesus at 12 in the
Temple (Luk 2:40-52).
PRECEPTS: “Piqqudim”: 21 times in Psa 119: vv
4,15,27,40,45,
56,63,69,78,87,93,94,100,104,110,128,134,141,159,168,173.
Psa 119:101
I HAVE KEPT MY FEET FROM EVERY EVIL PATH: So there is a
place in the life of the dedicated believer for negative rules — not “Thou
shalt not”, but “I will not” — in order to make room for fuller spiritual
development. The best rules are not the ones forced upon us, but the ones which
we make (wisely and prudently, guided by the Bible, of course) for
ourselves!
Without a firm intention, nothing good was ever accomplished.
“Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good” (Rom 12:9).
WORD: “Dabar”: 25 times in Psa 119: vv
9,16,17,25,28,42,42 again (see AV mg),
43,49,57,65,74,81,89,101,105,107,114,
122 (textual emendation),130,139,147,160,161,169.
Psa 119:102
LAWS: “Mishpatim”: “judgments” or “ordinances” in AV:
23 times in Psa 119: vv 7,13,20,30,39,43,52,62,75,84,91,102, 106,108,120,121,132
(textual emendation),137,149,156,160,164,175.
Psa 119:103
WORDS: “Imrah” (sometimes “promise”): 19 times in Psa
119: vv 11,38,41,50,58,67,76,82,103,116,123,133,140,148,154,
158,162,170,172.
SWEETER THAN HONEY: Honey sym wisdom (Rev 10:9-11; Exo
16:31; Deu 32:13; 1Sa 14:27,28; Psa 19:10; 81:16; Pro 24:13; Eze 3:3; Luk
24:42).
Psa 119:104
PRECEPTS: “Piqqudim”: 21 times in Psa 119: vv
4,15,27,40,45,
56,63,69,78,87,93,94,100,104,110,128,134,141,159,168,173.
HATE: A proper place for hating: cp v 113; Psa 101:3;
139:21,22; Rev 2:6.
Psa 119:105
“Is it not the essential condition of even human friendship
that enlightenment should be a thing of normal habit? But enlightenment is not
native: darkness is. Enlightenment to be attained or retained must be kindled by
external appliance, and there must be renewal. Light the lamp and leave it, and
it will become dark again. It is so on all subjects, especially the knowledge of
God, for which the mind has the least affinity. Dress the lamps every morning.
Read the Bible every day. This will keep you supplied with oil that will cause
light. ‘Thy word is light’: it is the light. ‘Thy word is truth’: it is the
truth. Any other truth is darkness for the highest purpose of life, as all men
will feel when suddenly confronted with the glory of God at the coming of
Christ. Knowledge of mines: knowledge of metals: knowledge of countries:
knowledge of languages or of physical elements — is all very well in its place:
it is the knowledge of God and His ways and His intentions and His will that
constitutes the true light of life” (LM 192).
WORD: “Dabar”: 25 times in Psa 119: vv
9,16,17,25,28,42,42 again (see AV mg),
43,49,57,65,74,81,89,101,105,107,114,
122 (textual emendation),130,139,147,160,161,169.
LIGHT: May sig “dawn”, or “morning light”: cp Christ’s
parables: Mat 5:15,16; Mar 4:21-25; Luk 8:16; 11:33.
Psa 119:106
I HAVE TAKEN AN OATH AND CONFIRMED IT: These redundant
words recognize the weakness of human nature and the strong spirit of dedication
that is needed if any positive ambitions are to be carried out. God’s help is
always available to earnest seekers, but personal resolution is needed too. It
may not be expressed in Scriptural terms, but the thought certainly is
Scriptural: ‘God helps those who (try to?) help themselves!’
LAWS: “Mishpatim”: “judgments” or “ordinances” in AV:
23 times in Psa 119: vv 7,13,20,30,39,43,52,62,75,84,91,102, 106,108,120,121,132
(textual emendation), 137,149,156,160,164,175.
Psa 119:107
I HAVE SUFFERED MUCH: And surely the One who is Himself
afflicted in all our afflictions (Isa. 63:9) will hear and answer such a prayer.
WORD: “Dabar”: 25 times in Psa 119: vv
9,16,17,25,28,42,42 again (see AV mg),
43,49,57,65,74,81,89,101,105,107,114,
122 (textual emendation), 130,139,147,160,161,169.
Psa 119:108
WILLING PRAISE OF MY MOUTH: The word is “freewill
offerings”: Hos 14:2; Heb 13:15,16.
LAWS: “Mishpatim”: “judgments” or “ordinances” in AV:
23 times in Psa 119: vv 7,13,20,30,39,43,52,62,75,84,91,102, 106,108,120,121,132
(textual emendation), 137,149,156,160,164,175.
Psa 119:109
Or, “my life is continually in YOUR hands” (cp LXX).
LAW: “Torah”: 22 times in Psa 119: vv 1,18,29,34,44,51,
53,55,61,70,72,77,85,92,97,109,113,126,136,142,150,153, 163,165,174.
Psa 119:110
PRECEPTS: “Piqqudim”: 21 times in Psa 119: vv
4,15,27,40,45,
56,63,69,78,87,93,94,100,104,110,128,134,141,159,168,173.
Psa 119:111
STATUTES: “Eduth”: “testimonies” in AV: 23 times in Psa
119: vv 2,14,22,24,31,36,46,59,79,88,95,99,111,119,125,129,
138,144,146,152,157,167,168.
HERITAGE: ‘And thus I need no other inheritance —
lands, property, silver or gold.’ If God is our heritage, then all other things
are ours too (1Co 3:21-23; 2Co 6:10; Mat 19:29; Mar 10:29,30).
Psa 119:112
DECREES: “Huqqim”: 22 times in Psa 119: vv
5,8,12,16,23,26,
33,48,54,64,68,71,80,83,112,117,118,124,135,145,155,171.
TO THE VERY END: The last phrase is very emphatic. It
proclaims a life-long loyalty to truth and godliness. Compare v 33.
Psa 119:113
I HATE DOUBLE-MINDED MEN: The KJV has “vain thoughts”.
All thoughts which the mind naturally inclines to are trivial, unwholesome, and
even debasing. The RSV and NIV personalize the verse, thus: “double-minded men”
(cp Jam 1:8). The word is akin to that used by Elijah of the foolish people who
halted, or hobbled, or hopped back and forth between two opinions (1Ki 18:21).
Moffatt put it this way: “the men who are half and half”. How the psalmist hates
such men! How Christ does also (Rev 3:15,16)! But how they (ie, the psalmist and
Christ) love God’s law!
LAW: “Torah”: 22 times in Psa 119: vv 1,18,29,34,44,51,
53,55,61,70,72,77,85,92,97,109,113,126,136,142,150,153, 163,165,174.
Psa 119:114
REFUGE: That is, from storms (Isa 32:2).
SHIELD: That is, from enemies (Gen 15:1; Psa 3:3; 5:12;
Eph 6:16).
I HAVE PUT MY HOPE IN YOUR WORD: Not only does he take
refuge in Yahweh Himself, but also he trusts in His word. There is no
incongruity here. It is precisely because God Himself is unchangeable, and
always faithful, that His word is equally to be trusted. The two loyalties — to
God personally and to what He has written — are never in conflict; they should
always run parallel. The man who seems to love either one while paying no real
regard to the other (and either of the two possibilities does happen!) is a sad
contradiction.
WORD: “Dabar”: 25 times in Psa 119: vv
9,16,17,25,28,42,42 again (see AV mg),
43,49,57,65,74,81,89,101,105,107,114,
122 (textual emendation), 130,139,147,160,161,169.
Psa 119:115
THAT I MAY KEEP THE COMMANDS: Cited Rev
14:12.
COMMANDS: “Mishvoth”: “commandments” in AV: 22 times in
Psa 119: vv 6,10,19,21,32,35,47,48,60,66,73,86,96,98,
115,127,131,143,151,166,172,176.
Psa 119:116
PROMISE: “Imrah” (sometimes “word”): 19 times in Psa
119: vv 11,38,41,50,58,67,76,82,103,116,123,133,140,148,154,
158,162,170,172.
DO NOT LET MY HOPES BE DASHED: AV has: “Let me not be
ashamed of my hope.” Is this referred to in Rom 5:5: “And hope maketh not
ashamed”?
Psa 119:117
UPHOLD ME: “My soul followeth hard after thee: thy
right hand upholdeth me” (Psa 63:8). “Who is this that cometh up from the
wilderness, LEANING upon her beloved?” (Song 8:5).
UPHOLD ME, AND I WILL BE DELIVERED: “We must develop an
intimate relationship with God, so that we turn instinctively and immediately to
Him in every problem, every care, every sorrow, every joy — yea, in every daily
decision in life — with full assurance, as a small child to a parent”
(GVG).
DECREES: “Huqqim”: 22 times in Psa 119: vv
5,8,12,16,23,26,
33,48,54,64,68,71,80,83,112,117,118,124,135,145,155,171.
Psa 119:118
YOU REJECT: Or “tread down” (AV). For God’s enemies
being trodden underfoot, see Josh 10:24; Psa 8:6; 110:1.)
DECREES: “Huqqim”: 22 times in Psa 119: vv
5,8,12,16,23,26,
33,48,54,64,68,71,80,83,112,117,118,124,135,145,155,171.
THEIR DECEITFULNESS IS IN VAIN: Or “false”. But is not
all deceit falsehood? Perhaps this is esp false in the sense of denying or
flouting God’s Law.
Psa 119:119
DROSS: The worthless residue from the refining of metal
(Jer 6:28-30; Eze 22:18-20).
STATUTES: “Eduth”: “testimonies” in AV: 23 times in Psa
119: vv 2,14,22,24,31,36,46,59, 79,88,95,99,111,119,125,129,
138,144,146,152,157,167,168. In ct to first part of v, God’s statutes are the
true “gold” (Psa 12:6; 19:8; Pro 30:5)!
Psa 119:120
MY FLESH TREMBLES IN FEAR OF YOU: “Flesh” can be read
here both literally (the meaning of which is easy) and figuratively (with
reference to the baser side of human nature). “Trembleth” is an extraordinarily
powerful word: other versions have “bristles” (hair standing on end!),
“shudders”, and “creeps”.
I STAND IN AWE OF YOUR LAWS: Not a fear of God’s
retribution against the wicked or of the great Day of Judgment, but rather a
trembling before the sheer idealism and purity of God’s Law.
LAWS: “Mishpatim”: “judgments” or “ordinances” in AV:
23 times in Psa 119: vv 7,13,20,30,39,43,52,62,75,84,91,102, 106,108,120,121,132
(textual emendation), 137,149,156,160,164,175.
Psa 119:121
A sharp contrast between Hezekiah’s conscientious rule of his
people, and the brutal oppression threatened by the Assyrian invasion.
RIGHTEOUS: Reltd “mishpatim”: “judgments” or
“ordinances” in AV: 23 times in Psa 119: vv 7,13,20,30,39,43,52,62,75,84,
91,102,106,108,120,121,132 (textual emendation),
137,149,156,160,164,175.
Psa 119:122
ENSURE: One of the two verses (see also v 132) which
appear to lack any reference to God’s Law or Word. But it requires only a very
slight change in the Heb text (an error which is paralleled in quite a few
places), in order to read “Be surety for thy servant (abad) for good” as
“Undertake [for me; s Isa. 38:14] by thy word (dabar) for good”. “To be
surety… for good” means to guarantee the safety of another (see Gen 43:9;
44:32; Job 17:3).
“Dabar” occurs 25 times in Psa 119: vv 9,16,17,25,28,42,42
again (see AV mg), 43,49,57,65,74,81,89,101,105,107,114,
122 (textual emendation), 130,139,147,160,161,169.
Psa 119:123
Here is a picture of a man deprived of godly instruction and
without a sense of safety. Hezekiah’s sickness and the Assyrian threat came
together: Isa 38:5,6.
PROMISE: “Imrah” (sometimes “word”): 19 times in Psa
119: vv 11,38,41,50,58,67,76,82,103,116,123,133,140,148,154,
158,162,170,172.
Psa 119:124
DECREES: “Huqqim”: 22 times in Psa 119: vv
5,8,12,16,23,26,
33,48,54,64,68,71,80,83,112,117,118,124,135,145,155,171.
Psa 119:125
I AM YOUR SERVANT: Thus I can demand nothing, but I CAN
beg!
STATUTES: “Eduth”: “testimonies” in AV: 23 times in Psa
119: vv 2,14,22,24,31,36,46,59,79,88,95,99,111,119,125,129,
138,144,146,152,157,167,168.
Psa 119:126
IT IS TIME FOR YOU TO ACT: This must have been
appropriate to quote throughout all the decadent ages of mankind, but how much
more so today! Another form of the reiterated plea: ‘How long, O Lord?’ How
important it is that prayers for the coming of God’s Kingdom should be motivated
by an eagerness to see His authority and righteousness openly asserted. How
often is the motive different from this: eg, a change to an era of personal
comfort or exaltation — ‘MY kingdom come’!
LAW: “Torah”: 22 times in Psa 119: vv 1,18,29,34,44,51,
53,55,61,70,72,77,85,92,97,109,113,126,136,142,150,153, 163,165,174.
Psa 119:127
COMMANDS: “Mishvoth”: “commandments” in AV: 22 times in
Psa 119: vv 6,10,19,21,32,35,47,48,60,66,73,86,96,98,
115,127,131,143,151,166,172,176.
Psa 119:128
PRECEPTS: “Piqqudim”: 21 times in Psa 119: vv
4,15,27,40,45,
56,63,69,78,87,93,94,100,104,110,128,134,141,159,168,173.
Psa 119:129
WONDERFUL: Sw Deu 30:11 (“hidden”). God’s testimonies
are deeper by far than any man can fathom — though we are expected continually
to make the effort (Pro 25:2).
STATUTES: “Eduth”: “testimonies” in AV: 23 times in Psa
119: vv 2,14,22,24,31,36,46,59,79,88,95,99,111,119,125,129,
138,144,146,152,157,167,168.
Psa 119:130
UNFOLDING: “Pethach”, the opening of a door. As a beam
of light from an opened door illuminates a dark chamber, so God’s word, once
admitted to a natural mind, enlightens every corner (Luk 24:32; Act
17:3).
WORDS: “Dabar”, which occurs 25 times in Psa 119: vv
9,16,17, 25,28,42,42 again (see AV mg),43,49,57,65,74,81,89,101, 105,107,114,122
(textual emendation),130,139,147,160, 161,169.
Psa 119:131
I OPEN MY MOUTH AND PANT: “Blessed are those who hunger
and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled” (Mat 5:6).
COMMANDS: “Mishvoth”: “commandments” in AV: 22 times in
Psa 119: vv 6,10,19,21,32,35,47,48,60,66,73,86,96,98,
115,127,131,143,151,166,172,176.
Psa 119:132
AS YOU ALWAYS DO: Lit, “as in your judgments
(mishpatim) upon…” “Mishpatim” occurs 23 times in Psa 119: vv
7,13,20,30,39,43,52,62,75,84,91,102,106,108,120,121,132 (textual emendation),
137,149,156,160,164,175.
Psa 119:133
ACCORDING TO YOUR WORD: If iniquity is not to have
dominion, God’s word must be the means of release from that bondage. Any appeal
to or expectation of “God’s Spirit” to guide man in some vague, ethereal way —
without recourse to the written word — will never yield the desired results.
Undoubtedly God’s Holy Spirit does work even today in the lives of believers,
but it simply does not work in any way in the lives of those who disregard God’s
Spirit-Word.
WORD: “Imrah” (sometimes “promise”): 19 times in Psa
119: vv 11,38,41,50,58,67,76,82,103,116,123,133,140,148,154,
158,162,170,172.
Psa 119:134
THAT I MAY OBEY YOUR PRECEPTS: Here devotion to God’s
precepts is the grateful response to deliverance from evil men.
PRECEPTS: “Piqqudim”: 21 times in Psa 119: vv
4,15,27,40,45,
56,63,69,78,87,93,94,100,104,110,128,134,141,159,168,173.
Psa 119:135
FACE (of God): In Psalms, always ref God’s presence in
ark/tabernacle/temple: see VL, Psalms, God’s face.
MAKE YOUR FACE SHINE: This is the Day of Atonement
blessing (Num 6:23-27). Here is God’s gift of forgiveness leading on naturally
to an eagerness to show a worthy response to His grace.
DECREES: “Huqqim”: 22 times in Psa 119: vv
5,8,12,16,23,26,33,48,54,64,68,71,80,83,112,117,118,124,135,145,155,171.
Psa 119:136
KJV has: “Rivers of water run down mine eyes, because they
keep not thy law” (cp Lam 3:48). Here “they” may mean (a) ‘mine eyes’, or (b)
other people (cp v 158). The former expresses deep penitence for personal
inadequacy. The latter laments the flouting of God’s Law by worldly men, in like
manner as Eze 9:4: “the men that sigh and cry for all the abominations that be
done in the midst thereof”.
The tears of Jesus: Psa 6:6; 39:12; 42:3; 56:8; 69:10; 116:8;
Joh 11:35,36; Heb 5:7; Luk 19:41; 22:41-44.
LAW: “Torah”: 22 times in Psa 119: vv
1,18,29,34,44,51,53,55,61,70,72,77,85,92,97,109,113,126,136,142,150,153,
163,165,174.
Psa 119:137
Quoted in Rev 16:7; 19:2.
LAWS: “Mishpatim”: “judgments” or “ordinances” in AV:
23 times in Psa 119: vv 7,13,20,30,39,43,52,62,75,84,91,102,106,108,120,121,132
(textual emendation), 137,149,156,160,164,175.
Psa 119:138
STATUTES: “Eduth”: “testimonies” in AV: 23 times in Psa
119: vv 2,14,22,24,31,36,46,59,79,88,95,99,111,119,125,129,
138,144,146,152,157,167,168.
FULLY TRUSTWORTHY: “Dependable”, as related to God’s
promises. There are readily traceable, for example, in God’s testimonies, the
Ten Commandments (Exo 20:6,11,12).
Psa 119:139
MY ZEAL WEARS ME OUT: “My zeal hath consumed me” (Psa
69:9; John 2:17).
FOR MY ENEMIES IGNORE YOUR WORDS: These men have known
God’s instruction and have chosen to ignore it. The writer’s indignation blazes
esp against such, who — having known the Truth of God — turn away from
it.
WORDS: “Dabar”: 25 times in Psa 119: vv
9,16,17,25,28,42,42 again (see AV mg), 43,49,57,65,74,81,89,101,105,107,114,122
(textual emendation),130,139,147,160,161,169.
Psa 119:140
PROMISES: “Imrah” (sometimes “word”): 19 times in Psa
119: vv 11,38,41,50,58,67,76,82,103,116,123,133,140,148,154,
158,162,170,172.
THOROUGHLY TESTED: Or refined: 12:6; 19:7,8; Pro
30:5.
AND YOUR SERVANT LOVES THEM: Though he may be faulty in
performance, the psalmist is a connoisseur in his high appreciation of
Scripture’s fine moral tone (cp Mat 13:45,46).
Psa 119:141
PRECEPTS: “Piqqudim”: 21 times in Psa 119: vv
4,15,27,40,45,56,63,69,78,87,93,94,100,104,110,128,134,141,159,168,173.
Psa 119:142
YOUR RIGHTEOUSNESS IS EVERLASTING AND YOUR LAW IS TRUE:
Even when God’s ways are mysterious and difficult, there must be this conviction
that there is never a flaw in His working. Contrast the glib modern complaint:
‘If there is a God, why does he allow such calamities to happen?’ See vv
143,144: ‘Even though I partake of trouble and anguish, help me, O Lord, to
understand Your righteousness and Your will! And if I cannot really understand,
then give me faith to accept Your will nevertheless.’
LAW: “Torah”: 22 times in Psa 119: vv
1,18,29,34,44,51,53,55,61,70,72,77,85,92,97,109,113,126,136,142,150,153,
163,165,174.
Psa 119:143
COMMANDS: “Mishvoth”: “commandments” in AV: 22 times in
Psa 119: vv
6,10,19,21,32,35,47,48,60,66,73,86,96,98,115,127,131,143,151,166,172,176.
Psa 119:144
STATUTES: “Eduth”: “testimonies” in AV: 23 times in Psa
119: vv 2,14,22,24,31,36,46,59,79,88,95,99,111,119,125,129,
138,144,146,152,157,167,168.
Psa 119:145
How can a man keep God’s statutes except there be this almost
desperate eagerness (v 146)?
DECREES: “Huqqim”: 22 times in Psa 119: vv
5,8,12,16,23,26,
33,48,54,64,68,71,80,83,112,117,118,124,135,145,155,171.
Psa 119:146
STATUTES: “Eduth”: “testimonies” in AV: 23 times in Psa
119: vv 2,14,22,24,31,36,46,59,79,88,95,99,111,119,125,129,
138,144,146,152,157,167,168.
Psa 119:147
I RISE BEFORE DAWN: Bible study and prayer even before
the sun rises.
WORD: “Dabar”: 25 times in Psa 119: vv
9,16,17,25,28,42,42 again (see AV mg),
43,49,57,65,74,81,89,101,105,107,114,
122 (textual emendation),130,139,147,160,161,169.
Psa 119:148
MY EYES STAY OPEN THROUGH THE WATCHES OF THE NIGHT: Or,
as AV: “Mine eyes prevent [meaning ‘precede’] the night watches, that I might
meditate in thy word.” Bible reading again before night comes on, so that in the
night there is something good to meditate on and talk about.
THE WATCHES OF THE NIGHT: The Hebrews divided the night
into three “watches”: generally speaking, the first, or beginning, watch (Lam
2:19) was from sunset to approx 10 pm; the second, or middle, watch (Jdg 7:19)
from 10 pm to 2 am; and the third, or morning, watch (Exo 14:24; 1Sa 11:11) from
2 am to sunrise. See also Psa 63:6. (The later, Roman, method consisted of four
watches: Mat 14:25; 24:43; Mar 6:48; 13:35; Luk 12:38.)
PROMISES: “Imrah” (sometimes “word”): 19 times in Psa
119: vv 11,38,41,50,58,67,76,82,103,116,123,133,140,148,154,
158,162,170,172.
Psa 119:149
LAWS: “Mishpatim”: “judgments” or “ordinances” in AV:
23 times in Psa 119: vv 7,13,20,30,39,43,52,62,75,84,91,102, 106,108,120,121,132
(textual emendation), 137,149,156,160,164,175.
Psa 119:150
THOSE WHO DEVISE WICKED SCHEMES: The siege of the
Assyrians? Or faithless counselors?
LAW: “Torah”: 22 times in Psa 119: vv
1,18,29,34,44,51,53,55,61,70,72,77,85,92,97,109,113,126,136,142,150,153,
163,165,174.
Psa 119:151
YET YOU ARE NEAR, O LORD: This verse answers v 150
thus: ‘God is more near than they, and the truth of His promises will soon be
evident.’ So the threat of v 150 is not ignored nor even minimized; but it is
put in perspective by the greater fact.
COMMANDS: “Mishvoth”: “commandments” in AV: 22 times in
Psa 119: vv 6,10,19,21,32,35,47,48,60,66,73,86,96,98,
115,127,131,143,151,166,172,176.
Psa 119:152
LONG AGO I LEARNED: “I have known of old” (AV), ie,
from a pondering of the Bible record of God’s ways in times past.
STATUTES: “Eduth”: “testimonies” in AV: 23 times in Psa
119: vv 2,14,22,24,31,36,46,59,79,88,95,99,111,119,125,129,
138,144,146,152,157,167,168.
Psa 119:153
LAW: “Torah”: 22 times in Psa 119: vv
1,18,29,34,44,51,53,55,61,70,72,77,85,92,97,109,113,126,136,142,150,153,
163,165,174.
Psa 119:154
REDEEM: “Gaal” impl the LORD is a near-kinsman. This
word ga’al naturally points our minds to the man who, whilst a “near-kinsman” of
God Himself, is also –how marvelous! — our “near-kinsman” too!
PROMISE: “Imrah” (sometimes “word”): 19 times in Psa
119: vv 11,38,41,50,58,67,76,82,103,116,123,133,140,148,154,
158,162,170,172.
Psa 119:155
SALVATION IS FAR FROM THE WICKED, FOR THEY DO NOT SEEK OUT
YOUR DECREES: Apparently implying that if a man is to find salvation he must
seek God’s statutes.
DECREES: “Huqqim”: 22 times in Psa 119: vv
5,8,12,16,23,26,
33,48,54,64,68,71,80,83,112,117,118,124,135,145,155,171.
Psa 119:156
YOUR COMPASSION IS GREAT, O LORD: Psa 25:6; 40:11;
51:1; 69:16; 79:8; 103:4; 145:9; Luk 1:78; Jam 5:11.
LAWS: “Mishpatim”: “judgments” or “ordinances” in AV:
23 times in Psa 119: vv 7,13,20,30,39,43,52,62,75,84,91,102, 106,108,120,121,132
(textual emendation), 137,149,156,160,164,175.
Psa 119:157
MANY ARE THE FOES WHO PERSECUTE ME: “A righteous man
may have many troubles, but the LORD delivers him from them all” (Psa
34:19).
STATUTES: “Eduth”: “testimonies” in AV: 23 times in Psa
119: vv 2,14,22,24,31,36,46,59,79,88,95,99,111,119,125,129,
138,144,146,152,157,167,168.
Psa 119:158
The incapacitated Hezekiah is aware of his princes using the
palace for their godless cabinet meetings, but is helpless (eg Isa 30:1-3;
31:1-3).
WORD: “Imrah” (sometimes “promise”): 19 times in Psa
119: vv 11,38,41,50,58,67,76,82,103,116,123,133,140,148,154,
158,162,170,172.
Psa 119:159
PRECEPTS: “Piqqudim”: 21 times in Psa 119: vv
4,15,27,40,45,
56,63,69,78,87,93,94,100,104,110,128,134,141,159,168,173.
Psa 119:160
WORDS: “Dabar”: 25 times in Psa 119: vv
9,16,17,25,28,42,42 again (see AV mg),
43,49,57,65,74,81,89,101,105,107,114,
122 (textual emendation),130,139,147,160,161,169.
ALL YOUR RIGHTEOUS LAWS ARE ETERNAL: “Man can make
beautiful things: but his productions fail to satisfy as Nature satisfies: their
beauty is petty, limited and superficial. Nature’s beauty is thorough and
inimitable, whether it be the structure of a flake of snow, the organisation of
a plant or meanest insect under the microscope, or the stupendous revolutions of
the starry firmament. Nature and the Bible both bear the impress of Divinity.
There is one great plan, and on the basis of that plan, infinite diversity of
beautiful detail. There is a unity in all parts of the Bible, and yet a certain
diversity which maintains the interest of the persevering reader ever fresh and
fair” (SC 69).
LAWS: “Mishpatim”: “judgments” or “ordinances” in AV:
23 times in Psa 119: vv 7,13,20,30,39,43,52,62,75,84,91,102, 106,108,120,121,132
(textual emendation), 137,149,156,160,164,175.
Psa 119:161
MY HEART TREMBLES AT YOUR WORD: The last phrase
implies: ‘I am in awe of God, not of them, my enemies.’
WORD: “abar”: 25 times in Psa 119: vv
9,16,17,25,28,42,42 again (see AV mg), 43,49,57,65,74,81,89,101,105,107,114,122
(textual emendation),130,139,147,160,161,169.
Psa 119:162
PROMISE: “Imrah” (sometimes “word”): 19 times in Psa
119: vv 11,38,41,50,58,67,76,82,103,116,123,133,140,148,154,
158,162,170,172.
Psa 119:163
I HATE AND ABHOR FALSEHOOD: Hezekiah the honest and
faithful encountered much treacherous dealing (Isa 30:1-7; 31:1-3;
33:1).
LAW: “Torah”: 22 times in Psa 119: vv 1,18,29,34,44,51,
53,55,61,70,72,77,85,92,97,109,113,126,136,142,150,153, 163,165,174.
Psa 119:164
SEVEN TIMES: Cp Daniel’s 3 times (6:10). Also see 1Ti
5:5; Luk 2:37.
I PRAISE YOU: “Let us strive each new day to offer to
God a perfect day: perfect in useful, godly activity, perfect in manifested
character, perfect in thought and word, perfect in total remembrance and
continuous consciousness of God, and of our glorious, joyful relationship to
Him. We shall, of course, fail to some degree, but we shall have the happiness
that we had tried. And there will still be other days to come: days to try
harder, days to use the knowledge and wisdom we have learned from our previous
efforts and failures. Each day is a fresh new beginning — a fresh new adventure
in climbing the hill of godliness: ever upward toward perfect communion, perfect
peace, perfect oneness with Him who is perfect love and eternal perfection. This
is the beauty and the glory of the godly life” (GVG).
LAWS: “Mishpatim”: “judgments” or “ordinances” in AV:
23 times in Psa 119: vv 7,13,20,30,39,43,52,62,75,84,91,102, 106,108,120,121,132
(textual emendation), 137,149,156,160,164,175.
Psa 119:165
LAW: “Torah”: 22 times in Psa 119: vv 1,18,29,34,44,51,
53,55,61,70,72,77,85,92,97,109,113,126,136,142,150,153, 163,165,174.
GREAT PEACE HAVE THEY WHO LOVE YOUR LAW: “Peace I leave
with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not
let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid” (Joh 14:27). “I have told you
these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have
trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (Joh 16:33).
NOTHING CAN MAKE THEM STUMBLE: “Offend them” (KJV)
should read ’cause them to stumble’ (cp “the stone of stumbling”: Isa 8:14,15;
Psa 118:22). If a man’s faith is true, it supports him through all circumstances
of strain or distress. Yet how often it happens that when times are rough, the
first casualty is the steady observance of religious duties: perhaps mid-week
classes are let go, and then some Sundays slide by without the Lord being
remembered in the appointed manner. This is not a collapse of faith, but a
revealing of non-faith: “He that loveth his brother abideth in the light, and
there is none occasion of stumbling in him” (1Jo 2:10).
“Be big enough never to be offended. It is the petty mind that
takes offense. Be big enough to make allowances, to understand, to sympathize.
If we are ‘touchy’, we have no solid, reserve power for good: things are fine,
and we can do wonders, as long as our back is scratched, but we haven’t the
maturity and stamina to face reality” (GVG).
Psa 119:166
COMMANDS: “Mishvoth”: “commandments” in AV: 22 times in
Psa 119: vv 6,10,19,21,32,35,47,48,60,66,73,86,96,98,
115,127,131,143,151,166,172,176.
Psa 119:167
I OBEY YOUR STATUTES, FOR I LOVE THEM GREATLY: Here, is
(a) the cause of (b)? Or is (b) the cause of (a)? Surely both! If we keep, then
we love. And if we love, then we keep. And each action, the loving and the
keeping, enhances the other in a continuous cyclical effect. The more we love,
the more we keep! And the more we keep, the more we love!
STATUTES: “Eduth”: “testimonies” in AV: 23 times in Psa
119: vv 2,14,22,24,31,36,46,59,79,88,95,99,111,119,125,129,
138,144,146,152,157,167,168.
Psa 119:168
PRECEPTS: “Piqqudim”: 21 times in Psa 119: vv
4,15,27,40,45,56,63,69,78,87,93,94,100,104,110,128,134,141,159,168,173.
STATUTES: “Eduth”: “testimonies” in AV: 23 times in Psa
119: vv 2,14,22,24,31,36,46,59,79,88,95,99,111,119,125,129,
138,144,146,152,157,167,168.
FOR ALL MY WAYS ARE KNOWN TO YOU: It is when a man has
this consciousness of living all his life in the presence of God, that the
keeping of precepts and testimonies becomes possible, and even relatively
easy.
Psa 119:169
WORD: “Dabar”: 25 times in Psa 119: vv
9,16,17,25,28,42,42 again (see AV mg),
43,49,57,65,74,81,89,101,105,107,114,
122 (textual emendation),130,139,147,160,161,169.
Psa 119:170
MAY MY SUPPLICATION COME BEFORE YOU: God has promised
to deliver. Then why the need for intense supplication? Importunity is not to be
curtailed, no matter what (Luk 18:2-8). We must always think of God as under no
obligation to hear us, or to act on our behalf. Whether He does, and how, is
entirely within His good pleasure.
PROMISE: “Imrah” (sometimes “word”): 19 times in Psa
119: vv 11,38,41,50,58,67,76,82,103,116,123,133,140,148,154,
158,162,170,172.
Psa 119:171
OVERFLOW: Like water gushing forth from a spring; links
with Heb for “prophet”. Here is intense thanksgiving for a sudden enlightenment.
In such rare experiences the delight of discovery (or rather, of revelation)
moves instinctively into praise.
DECREES: “Huqqim”: 22 times in Psa 119: vv
5,8,12,16,23,26,
33,48,54,64,68,71,80,83,112,117,118,124,135,145,155,171.
Psa 119:172
MAY MY TONGUE SING OF YOUR WORD: Joy in God’s Word
should just as instinctively express itself in good conversation about that Word
— to those who do not know it, and to those who do!
WORD: “Imrah” (sometimes “promise”): 19 times in Psa
119: vv 11,38,41,50,58,67,76,82,103,116,123,133,140,148,154,
158,162,170,172.
COMMANDS: “Mishvoth”: “commandments” in AV: 22 times in
Psa 119: vv 6,10,19,21,32,35,47,48,60,66,73,86,96,98,
115,127,131,143,151,166,172,176.
Psa 119:173
PRECEPTS: “Piqqudim”: 21 times in Psa 119: vv
4,15,27,40,45,
56,63,69,78,87,93,94,100,104,110,128,134,141,159,168,173.
Psa 119:174
I LONG FOR YOUR SALVATION, O LORD: God’s law is not the
true end (as the rabbis have made it). The true end is salvation.
LAW: “Torah”: 22 times in Psa 119: vv
1,18,29,34,44,51,53,55,61,70,72,77,85,92,97,109,113,126,136,142,150,153,
163,165,174.
Psa 119:175
LET ME LIVE THAT I MAY PRAISE YOU: A sick Hezekiah
looks beyond the expected recovery to the dedicated life in the fifteen years
ahead.
LAWS: “Mishpatim”: “judgments”, or “ordinances” in AV:
23 times in Psa 119: vv 7,13,20,30,39,43,52,62,75,84,91,102, 106,108,120,121,132
(textual emendation), 137,149,156,160,164,175.
Psa 119:176
I HAVE STRAYED LIKE A LOST SHEEP. SEEK YOUR SERVANT, FOR I
HAVE NOT FORGOTTEN YOUR COMMANDS: What a remarkable end to this unique
psalm! This admission of serious failure comes after scores and scores of
protestations of keeping God’s commandments! And so the possibility of abject
failure is always there, even for the most solid and experienced of saints. But
so also is the possibility (nay, the certainty!) of restoration and renewal for
those who, even in their sins, do not forget God.
LIKE A LOST SHEEP: Members of God’s flock know when
they are lost. There is no total forgetting of God and His Truth. The Good
Shepherd is looking for them, even as they are looking for him. He will carry
them on his shoulders, and bring them back into his fold with
rejoicing.
COMMANDS: “Mishvoth”: “commandments” in AV: 22 times in
Psa 119: vv 6,10,19,21,32,35,47,48,60,66,73,86,96,98,
115,127,131,143,151,166,172,176.