1«Beglückt, die fehlfrei wandeln die gehen in des Ewgen Weisung! 2Beglückt, die seine Mahnungen beachten die ihn mit ganzem Herzen suchen! 3Die auch kein Unrecht tun in seinen Wegen wandeln. 4Du hast geboten deine Fügungen sie wohl zu wahren. 5Daß doch so recht bestünden meine Wege zu wahren deine Satzungen. 6Dann würd ich nie zuschanden blick ich auf alle deine Gebote. 7Ich hulde dir mit gradem Herzen wenn deines Rechtes Vorschriften ich lerne. 8Will deine Satzungen bewahren verlaß mich vollends nicht! 9Wodurch macht rein ein Jüngling seinen Pfad? Wenn er ihn wahrt nach deinem Wort. 10Mit ganzem Herzen such ich dich laß mich nicht irregehn von deinen Geboten! 11Im Herzen wahr ich deinen Ausspruch daß ich nicht fehle wider dich. 12Gepriesen bist du, Ewiger o lehr mich deine Satzungen! 13Mit meinen Lippen zähl ich her alle Rechtsvorschriften deines Mundes. 14Am Wege deiner Mahnungen erfreu ich mich wie über allen Reichtum. 15Von deinen Fügungen erzähle ich und schau auf deine Pfade. 16An deinen Satzungen ergötz ich mich vergesse nicht dein Wort. 17Erweis es deinem Knechte, daß ich lebe und wahre dein Wort. 18Mach frei die Augen mir, damit ich schaue die Wunder aus deiner Weisung. 19Ein Fremdling bin ich im Land verhülle mir nicht deine Gebote. 20Die Seele mir genießt in Sehnen nach deinen Rechtsvorschriften allezeit. 21Du dräust den Frechen, die verflucht die irregehn von deinen Geboten. 22Tu ab von mir die Schande und die Schmach denn deine Mahnungen hab ich gewahrt. 23Und sitzen Fürsten auch, bereden sich mit mir erzählt dein Knecht von deinen Satzungen. 24Ja, deine Mahnungen sind mein Ergötzen die Männer meines Rats. 25Es klebt am Staube meine Seele belebe mich nach deinem Wort! 26Erzählt ich meinen Wandel, hast du mich erhört o lehr mich deine Satzungen! 27Deiner Fügungen Weg laß mich begreifen daß ich erzähl von deinen Wundern. 28Es tränt die Seele mir vor Kummer erhalte mich nach deinem Wort! 29Den Weg der Lüge halt mir fern begnade mich mit deiner Weisung! 30Den Weg der Treue habe ich erwählt halt vor mir deine Rechtsvorschriften. 31Ich halte mich an deine Mahnungen laß, Ewiger, mich nicht zuschanden werden! 32Den Weg deiner Gebote will ich laufen da du den Sinn mir weitest. 33Weis, Ewiger, mir deiner Satzungen Weg daß ich ihn folgend wahre! 34Laß mich begreifen und bewahren deine Weisung daß ich sie halte ganzen Herzens! 35Führ hin mich auf dem Pfade deiner Gebote denn ihn begehr ich. 36Neig hin mein Herz zu deinen Mahnungen und nicht zu Gewinn! 37Wend meine Augen, daß sie Trug nicht sehn durch deinen Weg belebe mich! 38Bewähre deinem Knechte deinen Spruch der deiner Furcht (ergeben). 39Nimm ab von mir den Schimpf, vor dem mir bangt weil deine Rechtsvorschriften gut sind. 40Sieh, mich verlangt nach deinen Fügungen in deiner Rechtlichkeit belebe mich! 41Daß zu mir kommen deine Liebestaten, Ewiger dein Heil nach deinem Ausspruch. 42Daß Antwort meinem Lästrer ich entgegne weil ich vertraue auf dein Wort. 43Reiß vollends nicht aus meinem Mund der Wahrheit Wort denn deiner Rechtsvorschriften harre ich. 44Will deine Weisung stetig wahren auf ewig, immerzu. 45So wandle ich in Weite weil deine Fügungen ich suche. 46Will reden deine Mahnungen vor Königen und nicht zuschanden werden. 47Und will ergötzen mich an deinen Geboten die ich so liebe. 48Die Hände will ich heben zu deinen Geboten die ich so liebe und will erzählen deine Satzungen. 49Gedenk des Worts an deinen Knecht drauf du mich harren machtest. 50Das ist mein Trost in meinem Elend daß mich dein Spruch belebt. 51Die Frechen haben mich so sehr verhöhnt von deiner Weisung wich ich nicht. 52Gedenk ich deiner Rechtsvorschriften von uran bin, Ewger, ich getröstet. 53Ein Glühn erfaßt mich ob der Bösen die deine Weisung lassen. 54Erstarkung sind mir worden deine Satzungen im Hause meines Bangens. 55Ich denke nächtens deines Namens, Ewger und wahre deine Weisung. 56Dies ist mir worden weil deine Fügungen ich wahrte. 57Mein Teil der Ewige, so sagt ich zu wahren deine Worte. 58Ich sänftige dein Antlitz ganzen Herzens gib Gunst mir nach deinem Spruch. 59Ich überdenke meine Wege, kehre meine Schritte zu deinen Mahnungen. 60Ich eile, zaudre nicht zu wahren deine Gebote. 61Der Bösen Stricke halten mich hab deine Weisung nicht vergessen. 62Zu Mitternacht steh auf ich, dir zu huldigen ob deines Rechtes Vorschriften. 63Freund bin ich allen, die dich fürchten den Wahrern deiner Fügungen. 64Voll deiner Liebe, Ewger, ist die Erde deine Satzungen lehre mich. 65Du tatest Gutes deinem Knecht o Ewiger, nach deinem Wort. 66Lehr Wohlverständnis und Erkenntnis mich weil ich vertrau auf deine Gebote. 67Sagt ehedem ich aus, so irrte ich nun aber wahr ich deinen Spruch. 68Gut bist du, Gutes wirkend o lehr mich deine Satzungen! 69Die Frechen legen Lug auf mich ich aber, ganzen Herzens halt ich deine Fügungen. 70Verdummt ist wie im Fett ihr Herz doch ich ergötze mich an deiner Weisung. 71Wohl mir, daß ich mich beugen ließ auf daß ich lerne deine Satzungen. 72Gut ist mir deines Mundes Weisung vor Tausenden von Gold- und Silberstücken. 73Es haben deine Hände mich gemacht, bereitet mach mich begreifen, daß ich lerne deine Gebote! 74Es sehn mich, die dich fürchten, und sind froh da deines Worts ich harre. 75Ich weiß, o Ewiger, daß deine Vorschriften gerecht und du in Treuen mich gebeugt. 76So sei nun deine Liebe mir zum Trost nach deinem Spruch an deinen Knecht. 77Es komme an mich dein Erbarmen, daß ich lebe weil deine Weisung mein Ergötzen. 78Zuschanden gehn die Frechen, da sie lügend mich entrechtet doch ich erzähl von deinen Fügungen. 79Es kehren zu mir wieder, die dich fürchten und kennen deine Mahnungen. 80Untadlig sei mein Herz in deinen Satzungen auf daß ich nicht zuschanden werde. 81Nach deinem Heil vergeht mir meine Seele dein Wort erharre ich. 82Nach deinem Spruch vergehen meine Augen zu sagen: ,Wann wirst du mich trösten?' 83Ich ward ja wie ein Schlauch im Qualm doch deiner Satzungen vergaß ich nicht. 84Wieviel sind deines Knechtes Tage? Wann übst an meinen Hetzern du Gericht? 85Die Frechen haben Gruben mir gegraben was nicht nach deiner Weisung. 86All deine Gebote sind bewährt man hetzt um Lug mich, steh mir bei! 87Fast hätten sie mich ausgetilgt im Land ich aber ließ nicht deine Fügungen. 88Nach deiner Liebe gib mir Leben daß ich bewahre deines Mundes Mahnung. 89In Ewigkeit steht, Ewiger, dein Wort im Himmel fest. 90Für Zeit um Zeit bleibt deine Treue du gründetest die Erde, und sie stand. 91Nach deinen Rechtsvorschriften stehn sie heut denn alle sind dir Knechte. 92Wär deine Weisung mir nicht mein Ergötzen vergangen wäre ich in meinem Elend. 93Will nimmermehr vergessen deine Fügungen da du durch sie mir Leben gabst. 94Dein bin ich, hilf mir denn deine Fügungen erstreb ich. 95Mir lauern Böse auf, mich zu vernichten ich aber achte deiner Mahnungen. 96Für alles Ganze schaute ich ein Ende weit ist unendlich dein Gebot. 97Wie lieb ich deine Weisung sie ist mein Sinnen alletag. 98Vor meinen Feinden macht mich weise dein Gebot denn ewig ist es mein. 99Vor allen, die mich lehrten, ward ich klug weil deine Mahnungen mir Zuspruch sind 100einsichtiger als Alte weil deine Fügungen ich wahrte. 101Von jedem bösen Pfad hielt ich die Schritte fern damit dein Wort ich wahre. 102Von deinen Rechtsvorschriften wich ich nicht weil du mich unterwiesen. 103Wie süß dein Ausspruch meinem Gaumen vor Honig meinem Mund. 104Aus deinen Fügungen erlern ich Einsicht drum haß ich jeden Pfad des Lugs. 105Als Leuchte meinem Fuße ist dein Wort und Licht für meinen Pfad. 106Ich schwörs und will es halten: Zu wahren deines Rechtes Vorschriften. 107Bin tief gebeugt, o Ewiger belebe mich nach deinem Wort! 108Nimm huldvoll, Ewger, meines Mundes Großmut und deine Rechtsvorschriften lehre mich! 109Die Kehle war mir stets in meiner Hand und doch vergaß ich deine Weisung nicht. 110Die Bösen stellten eine Falle mir doch irrt ich nicht von deinen Fügungen. 111Zueigen nahm ich deine Mahnungen für immer denn meines Herzens Wonne sind sie. 112Ich neig mein Herz, zu üben deine Satzungen für ewig, folgend. 113Zwiespältge hasse ich und deine Weisung lieb ich. 114Bist meine Bergung und mein Schild dein Wort erharre ich. 115Weicht von mir, Bösewichte ich will bewahren meines Gottes Gebote. 116Stütz mich nach deinem Wort, auf daß ich lebe mach mich an meinem Hoffen nicht zuschanden! 117Stütz mich, daß Heil mir werde ich ewig schau auf deine Satzungen. 118Verwirfst alldie entirren deinen Satzungen denn Lüge ist ihr Trügen. 119Räumst weg als Schlacken all des Landes Böse drum lieb ich deine Mahnungen. 120In Angst vor dir erstarrt mein Leib vor deinem Richten fürcht ich. 121Ich hab geübt Gerechtigkeit und Recht gib meinen Drängern mich nicht hin! 122Tritt ein für deinen Knecht zum Guten daß mich die Frechen nicht bedrücken. 123Es schmachten meine Augen um dein Heil um deines Rechtes Spruch. 124Tu deinem Knecht nach deiner Liebe und lehr mich deine Satzungen. 125Dein Knecht bin ich, gib Einsicht mir auf daß ich deine Mahnungen erkenne. 126Zeit ist es, für den Ewigen zu handeln sie brachen deine Weisung. 127Drum lieb ich deine Gebote vor Gold und Edelerz. 128Drum halte ich die Fügungen in allem ganz gerad und jeden Pfad der Lüge hasse ich. 129Gar wunderbar sind deine Mahnungen darum bewahrt sie meine Seele. 130Das Öffnen deiner Worte leuchtet macht klug die Toren. 131Aufsperr ich meinen Mund und lechze weil ich verlang nach deinen Geboten. 132Kehr dich zu mir und gib mir Gunst wie's recht für die, die deinen Namen lieben. 133Stell meine Schritte fest durch deinen Spruch und laß kein Unrecht herrschen über mich. 134Erlöse mich vom Druck der Menschen und ich will wahren deine Fügungen! 135Dein Antlitz lasse leuchten deinem Knecht und lehr mich deine Satzungen! 136In Wasserströmen fließen meine Augen weil jene nicht beachtet deine Weisung. 137Gerecht bist du, o Ewiger gerad dein Richten. 138Als Recht hast du entboten deine Mahnungen und sehr bewährt. 139Mich reibt mein Eifern auf denn es vergaßen deiner Worte meine Dränger. 140Geläutert ist dein Ausspruch sehr dein Knecht, er liebt ihn. 141Gering bin ich, verachtet doch deine Fügungen vergaß ich nicht. 142Gerecht ist deine Rechtlichkeit für ewig und deine Weisung Wahrheit. 143Ob Enge mich und Drangsal überkommen sind deine Gebote mein Ergötzen. 144Gerecht sind deine Mahnungen für ewig; mach mich begreifen, daß ich lebe! 145Ich ruf von ganzem Herzen erhör mich, Ewiger daß deine Satzungen ich halte. 146Ich ruf dich, hilf mir daß deine Mahnungen ich wahre. 147Ich nah im Dämmern, und ich schreie und harre deiner Worte. 148(Es öffnen) früh sich meine Augen vor den Wachen zu sinnen über deinen Spruch. 149Hör meinen Ruf nach deiner Liebe, Ewiger laß leben mich nach deinem Richten. 150Die nahen, hinter Treubruch jagend doch deiner Weisung sind sie fern. 151Nah bist du Ewiger und alle deine Gebote Wahrheit. 152Längst wußt ich es aus deinen Mahnungen weil du für ewig sie gegründet. 153Sieh meine Not und rette mich denn deine Weisung hab ich nicht vergessen. 154Führ meinen Streit und löse mich nach deinem Spruch belebe mich. 155Fern von den Bösen ist das Heil weil deine Satzungen sie nicht gesucht. 156Groß, Ewiger, ist dein Erbarmen nach deinem Richten laß mich leben. 157Viel meine Hetzer und Bedränger von deinen Mahnungen wich ich nicht ab. 158Ich seh Verräter, und mich widerts die deinen Ausspruch nicht gewahrt. 159Sieh, daß ich liebe deine Fügungen nach deiner Liebe, Ewger, laß mich leben. 160Der Anfang deines Worts ist Wahrheit und ewig ist dein rechtes Richten. 161Es haben Fürsten schuldlos mich verfolgt vor deinen Worten bangt mein Herz. 162Froh bin ich deines Ausspruchs wie der, der reiche Beute findet. 163Lug hasse und verabscheu ich und deine Weisung liebe ich. 164Dich rühm ich siebenmal am Tag ob deiner richtgen Rechtsvorschriften. 165Viel Friede denen, die da deine Weisung lieben kein Anstoß ihnen! 166Ich harre deiner Hilfe, Ewiger und deine Gebote üb ich. 167Es wahret meine Seele deine Mahnungen ich lieb sie sehr. 168Ich wahre deine Fügungen und Mahnungen denn alle meine Wege stehn vor dir! 169Es nah vor dich mein Flehen, Ewiger nach deinem Wort mach mich begreifen! 170Es komm mein Flehen vor dich hin nach deinem Spruch errette mich! 171Es strömen meine Lippen Preis weil du mich lehrest deine Satzungen. 172Es sage meine Zunge deinen Ausspruch an denn alle deine Gebote sind recht. 173Zum Beistand sei mir deine Hand weil deine Fügungen ich mir erwählt. 174Nach deinem Heil verlang ich, Ewiger Ergötzen ist mir deine Weisung. 175Es lebe meine Seele, preise dich und deine Rechtessprüche stehn mir bei. 176Ich irre wie verlornes Lamm; such deinen Knecht! Denn deine Gebote hab ich nicht vergessen.»
Jamieson Fausset Brown Bible Commentary 1 ALEPH. (
Ps 119:1-
Ps 119:8).
This celebrated Psalm has several peculiarities. It is divided into twenty-two parts or stanzas, denoted by the twenty-two letters of the Hebrew alphabet. Each stanza contains eight verses, and the first letter of each verse is that which gives name to the stanza. Its contents are mainly praises of God's Word, exhortations to its perusal, and reverence for it, prayers for its proper influence, and complaints of the wicked for despising it. There are but two verses (
Ps 119:122,
Ps 119:132) 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." (Psa. 119:1-176)
undefiled--literally, "complete," perfect, or sincere (compare
Ps 37:37).
in--or, "of"
the way--course of life.
walk--act
in the law--according to it (compare
Luke 1:6).
law--from a word meaning "to teach," is a term of rather general purport, denoting the instruction of God's Word.
2 testimonies--The word of God is so called, because in it He testifies for truth and against sin.
seek him--that is, a knowledge of Him, with desire for conformity to His will.
3 his ways--the course He reveals as right.
4 precepts--are those directions which relate to special conduct, from a word meaning "to inspect."
statutes--or ordinances, positive laws of permanent nature. Both words originally denote rather positive than moral laws, such as derive force from the divine appointment, whether their nature or the reasons for them are apprehended by us or not.
commandments--or institutions. The term is comprehensive, but rather denotes fundamental directions for conduct, both enjoining and forbidding.
have respect unto--or regard carefully as to their whole purport.
7 judgments--rules of conduct formed by God's judicial decisions; hence the wide sense of the word in the Psalms, so that it includes decisions of approval as well as condemnation.
8 Recognizes the need of divine grace.
9 BETH. (
Ps 119:9-
Ps 119:16).
The whole verse may be read as a question; for,
by taking heed--is better, "for" taking heed, that is, so as to do it. The answer is implied, and inferable from
Ps 119:5,
Ps 119:10,
Ps 119:18, &c., that is, by God's grace.
10 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.
17 GIMEL. (
Ps 119:17-
Ps 119:24).
Life is desirable in order to serve God; that we may do so aright, we should seek to have our eyes opened to behold His truth, and earnestly desire fully to understand it.
21 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.
25 DALETH. (
Ps 119:25-
Ps 119:32).
Submitting ourselves in depression to God, He will revive us by His promises, and lead us to declare His mercy to others.
28 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.
33 HE. (
Ps 119:33-
Ps 119:40).
To encourage us in prayer for divine aid in adhering to His truth, we are permitted to believe that by His help we shall succeed.
the way of thy statutes--that is, the way or manner of life prescribed by them. The help we hope to obtain by prayer is to be the basis on which our resolutions should rest.
37 Turn away mine eyes--literally, "Make my eyes to pass, not noticing evil."
vanity--literally, "falsehood;" all other objects of trust than God; idols, human power, &c. (
Ps 31:6;
Ps 40:4;
Ps 60:11;
Ps 62:9).
quicken . . . in thy way--make me with living energy to pursue the way marked out by Thee. Revive me from the death of spiritual helplessness (
Ps 119:17,
Ps 119:25,
Ps 119:40,
Ps 119:50;
Ps 116:3).
38 who is devoted to thy fear--or better, "which (that is, Thy word) is for Thy fear," for producing it. "Which is to those who fear Thee." God's word of promise belongs peculiarly to such (compare
Gen 18:19;
1Kgs 2:4;
1Kgs 8:25) [HENGSTENBERG].
39 Our hope of freedom from the reproach of inconsistency is in God's power, quickening us to live according to His Word, which He leads us to love.
for thy judgments are good--The time must therefore be at hand when Thy justice will turn the "reproach" from Thy Church upon the world (
Isa 25:8;
Isa 66:5;
Zeph 2:8-
Zeph 2:10).
41 VAU. (
Ps 119:41-
Ps 119:48).
The sentiment more fully carried out. God's mercies and salvation, as revealed in His Word, provide hope of forgiveness for the past and security in a righteous course for the future.
42 The possession of God's gift of "salvation" (
Ps 119:41) will be the Psalmist's answer to the foe's "reproach," that his hope was a fallacious one.
45 To freedom from reproach, when imbued with God's truth, there is added "great boldness in the faith" [
1Tim 3:13], accompanied with increasing delight in the holy law itself, which becomes an element of happiness.
48 My hands . . . lift up unto . . . commandments--that is, I will prayerfully (
Ps 28:2) direct my heart to keep Thy commandments.
49 ZAIN. (
Ps 119:49-
Ps 119:56).
Resting on the promises consoles under affliction and the tauntings of the insolent.
upon which--rather, "Remember Thy word unto Thy servant, because," &c. So the Hebrew requires [HENGSTENBERG].
50 for--rather, "This is my comfort . . . that," &c. [MAURER].
hath quickened--What the Word has already done is to faith a pledge of what it shall yet do.
52 The pious take comfort, when harassed and distressed by wickedness of men who forsake God's law, in remembering that the great principles of God's truth will still abide; and also God's
judgments of old--that is, His past interpositions in behalf of His people are a pledge that He will again interpose to deliver them; and they become the theme of constant and delightful meditation. The more we keep the more we love the law of God.
53 Horror--rather, "vehement wrath" [HENGSTENBERG].
54 songs--As the exile sings songs of his home (
Ps 137:3), so the child of God, "a stranger on earth," sings the songs of heaven, his true home (
Ps 39:12). In ancient times, laws were put in verse, to imprint them the more on the memory of the people. So God's laws are the believer's songs.
house of my pilgrimage--present life (
Gen 17:8;
Gen 47:9;
Heb 11:13).
56 Rather, "This is peculiarly mine (literally, to me), that I keep Thy precepts" [HENGSTENBERG and MAURER].
57 CHETH. (
Ps 119:57-
Ps 119:64).
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 (
Num 18:20;
Ps 16:5;
Lam 3:24).
58 favour--Hebrew, "face" (
Ps 45:12).
59 So the prodigal son, when reduced to straits of misery (
Luke 15:17-
Luke 15:18).
61 This the more, if opposition of enemies, or love of ease is overcome in thus honoring God's law.
have robbed me--better, surrounded me, either as forcible constraints like fetters, or as the cords of their nets. HENGSTENBERG translates, "snares."
62 At midnight--HENGSTENBERG supposes a reference to the time when the Lord went forth to slay the Egyptian first-born (
Exod 11:4;
Exod 12:29; compare
Job 34:20). But it rather refers to the Psalmist's own praises and prayers in the night time. Compare Paul and Silas (
Acts 16:25; compare
Ps 63:6).
63 The communion of the saints. Delight in their company is an evidence of belonging to them (
Ps 16:3;
Amos 3:3;
Mal 3:16).
64 While opposed by the wicked, and opposing them, the pious delight in those who fear God, but, after all, rely for favor and guidance not on merit, but mercy.
65 TETH. (
Ps 119:65-
Ps 119:72).
The reliance on promises (
Ps 119:49) is strengthened by experience of past dealings according with promises, and a prayer for guidance, encouraged by sanctified affliction.
66 Teach me good judgment and knowledge--namely, in Thy word (so as to fathom its deep spirituality); for the corresponding expression (
Ps 119:12,
Ps 119:64,
Ps 119:68), is, "Teach me Thy statutes."
67 Referred by HENGSTENBERG to the chastening effect produced on the Jews' minds by the captivity (
Jer 31:18-
Jer 31:19). The truth is a general one (
Job 5:6;
John 15:2;
Heb 12:11).
68 Compare as to the Lord Jesus (
Acts 10:38).
69 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
Ezra 4:1-
Ezra 4:6, of sedition.
70 fat as grease--spiritually insensible (
Ps 17:10;
Ps 73:7;
Isa 6:10).
71 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.
73 JOD. (
Ps 119:73-
Ps 119:80).
As God made, so He can best control, us. So as to Israel, he owed to God his whole internal and external existence (
Deut 32:6).
74 So when He has led us to rely on His truth, He will "make us to the praise of His grace" by others. "Those who fear Thee will be glad at my prosperity, as they consider my cause their cause" (
Ps 34:2;
Ps 142:7).
75 in faithfulness--that is, without in the least violating Thy faithfulness; because my sins deserved and needed fatherly chastisement. Enduring chastisement with a filial temper (
Heb 12:6-
Heb 12:11), God's promises of mercy (
Rom 8:28) will be fulfilled, and He will give comfort in sorrow (
Lam 3:22;
2Cor 1:3-4).
77 Let thy tender mercies come unto me--As I am not able to come unto them. But the wicked will be confounded.
78 but I . . . meditate in thy precepts--and so shall not be "ashamed," that is, put to shame (
Ps 119:80).
79 Those who may have thought his afflictions an evidence of God's rejection will then be led to return to Him; as the friends of Job did on his restoration, having been previously led through his afflictions to doubt the reality of his religion.
80 Let my . . . be sound--that is, perfect, sincere.
ashamed--disappointed in my hope of salvation.
81 CAPH. (
Ps 119:81-
Ps 119:88).
In sorrow the pious heart yearns for the comforts of God's promises (
Ps 73:26;
Ps 84:2).
82 Mine eyes fail for thy word--that is, with yearning desire for Thy word. When the eyes fail, yet faith must not.
83 bottle in the smoke--as a skin bottle dried and shriveled up in smoke, so is he withered by sorrow. Wine bottles of skin used to be hung up in smoke to dry them, before the wine was put in them [MAURER].
84 The shortness of my life requires that the relief afforded to me from mine enemies should be speedy.
85 pits--plots for my destruction.
which--rather, "who," that is, "the proud"; "pits" is not the antecedent.
87 consumed me upon earth--HENGSTENBERG translates, "in the land"; understanding "me" of the nation Israel, of which but a small remnant was left. But English Version is simpler; either, "They have consumed me so as to leave almost nothing of me on earth"; or, "They have almost destroyed and prostrated me on the earth" [MAURER].
I forsook not--Whatever else I am forsaken of, I forsake not Thy precepts, and so am not mistaken of Thee (
Ps 39:5,
Ps 39:13;
2Cor 4:8-9), and the injuries and insults of the wicked increase the need for it. But, however they act regardless of God's law, the pious, adhering to its teaching, receive quickening grace, and are sustained steadfast.
89 LAMED. (
Ps 119:89-
Ps 119:96).
In all changes God's Word remains firm (
1Pet 1:25). Like the heavens, it continually attests God's unfailing power and unchanging care (
Ps 89:2).
is settled in--that is, stands as firmly as the heaven in which it dwells, and whence it emanated.
90 thou hast established the earth, and it abideth-- (
Ps 33:9).
91 They--the heaven (
Ps 119:89) and the earth (
Ps 119:90). HENGSTENBERG translates, "They stand for thy judgment," that is, ready, as obedient servants, to execute them. The usage of this Psalm favors this view. But see
Jer 33:25.
92 Hence the pious are encouraged and inclined to seek a knowledge of it, and persevere amidst the efforts of those planning and waiting to destroy them.
my delights--plural, not merely delight, but equal to all other delights.
93 The bounds of created perfection may be defined, but those of God's law in its nature, application, and influence, are infinite. There is no human thing so perfect but that something is wanting to it; its limits are narrow, whereas God's law is of infinite breadth, reaching to all cases, perfectly meeting what each requires, and to all times (
Ps 19:3,
Ps 19:6-
Ps 19:11;
Eccl 3:11). It cannot be cramped within any definitions of man's dogmatical systems. Man never outgrows the Word. It does not shock the ignorant man with declared anticipations of discoveries which he had not yet made; while in it the man of science finds his newest discoveries by tacit anticipations provided for.
97 MEM. (
Ps 119:97-
Ps 119:104).
This characteristic love for God's law (compare
Ps 1:2) ensures increase.
98 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 (
Deut 4:6,
Deut 4:8).
they are ever with me--The Hebrew is, rather singular, "it is ever with me"; the commandments forming ONE complete whole, Thy law.
99 understanding--is practical skill (
Ps 2:10;
Ps 32:8).
100 more than the ancients--Antiquity is no help against stupidity, where it does not accord with God's word [LUTHER] (
Job 32:7-
Job 32:9). The Bible is the key of all knowledge, the history of the world, past, present, and to come (
Ps 111:10). He who does the will of God shall know of the doctrine (
John 7:17).
101 Avoidance of sinful courses is both the effect and means of increasing in divine knowledge (compare
Ps 19:10).
105 NUN. (
Ps 119:105-
Ps 119:112).
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 (
2Pet 1:19;
Rev 22:4). The lamp is fed with the oil of the Spirit. The allusion is to the lamps and torches carried at night before an Eastern caravan.
106 Such was the national covenant at Sinai and in the fields of Moab.
108 freewill offerings--the spontaneous expressions of his gratitude, as contrasted with the appointed "offerings" of the temple (
Hos 14:2;
Heb 13:15). He determines to pursue this way, relying on God's quickening power (
Ps 119:50) in affliction, and a gracious acceptance of his "spiritual sacrifices of prayer and praise" (
Ps 50:5,
Ps 50:14,
Ps 50:23).
109 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,
Judg 12:3;
1Sam 28:21;
Job 13:14; compare
1Sam 19:5), and exposed to crafty enemies, his safety and guidance is in the truth and promises of God.
111 These he joyfully takes as his perpetual heritage, to perform the duties and receive the comforts they teach, evermore.
113 SAMECH. (
Ps 119:113-
Ps 119:120).
vain thoughts--better, "unstable persons," literally, "divided men," those of a divided, doubting mind (
Jas 1:8); "a double-minded man" [HENGSTENBERG], skeptics, or, skeptical notions as opposed to the certainty of God's word.
114 hiding-place--(Compare
Ps 27:5).
shield-- (
Ps 3:3;
Ps 7:10).
hope in thy word--confidently rest on its teachings and promises.
115 Hence he fears not wicked men, nor dreads disappointment, sustained by God in making His law the rule of life.
Depart from me--Ye can do nothing with me; for, &c. (
Ps 6:8).
118 But the disobedient and rebellious will be visited by God's wrath, which impresses the pious with wholesome fear and awe.
their deceit is falsehood--that is, all their cunning deceit, wherewith they seek to entrap the godly, is in vain.
120 The "judgments" are those on the wicked (
Ps 119:119). Joyful hope goes hand in hand with fear (
Hab 3:16-
Hab 3:18).
121 AIN. (
Ps 119:121-
Ps 119:128).
On the grounds of his integrity, desire for God's word, and covenant relation to Him, the servant of God may plead for His protecting care against the wicked, gracious guidance to the knowledge of truth, and His effective vindication of the righteous and their cause, which is also His own.
122 Be surety--Stand for me against my oppressors (
Gen 43:9;
Isa 38:14).
127 Therefore--that is, In view of these benefits, or, Because of the glory of Thy law, so much praised in the previous parts of the Psalm.
I love . . . [and] Therefore (repeated)--All its precepts, on all subjects, are estimable for their purity, and lead one imbued with their spirit to hate all evil (
Ps 19:10). The Word of God admits of no eclecticism; its least title is perfect (
Ps 12:6;
Matt 5:17-
Matt 5:19).
129 PE. (
Ps 119:129-
Ps 119:136).
wonderful--literally, "wonders," that is, of moral excellence.
130 The entrance--literally, "opening"; God's words, as an open door, let in light, or knowledge. Rather, as HENGSTENBERG explains it, "The opening up," or, "explanation of thy word." To the natural man the doors of God's Word are shut.
Luke 24:27,
Luke 24:31;
Acts 17:3;
Eph 1:18, confirm this view, "opening (that is, explaining) and alleging," &c.
unto the simple--those needing or desiring it (compare
Ps 19:7).
131 An ardent desire (compare
Ps 56:1-
Ps 56:2) for spiritual enlightening, establishment in a right course, deliverance from the wicked, and evidence of God's favor is expressed
I opened my mouth, and panted--as a traveller in a hot desert pants for the cooling breeze (
Ps 63:1;
Ps 84:2).
132 Look . . . upon me--opposed to hiding or averting the face (compare
Ps 25:15;
Ps 86:6;
Ps 102:17).
as thou usest to do--or, "as it is right in regard to those who love Thy name." Such have a right to the manifestations of God's grace, resting on the nature of God as faithful to His promise to such, not on their own merits.
133 Order my steps--Make firm, so that there be no halting (
Ps 40:2).
any iniquity--
Ps 119:34 favors HENGSTENBERG, "any iniquitous man," any "oppressor." But the parallel first clause in this (
Ps 119:33) favors English Version (
Ps 19:13). His hope of deliverance from external oppression of man (
Ps 119:34) is founded on his deliverance from the internal "dominion of iniquity," in answer to his prayer (
Ps 119:33).
136 Zealous himself to keep God's law, he is deeply afflicted when others violate it (compare
Ps 119:53). Literally, "Mine eyes come down (dissolved) like water brooks" (
Lam 3:48;
Jer 9:1).
because, &c.--(Compare
Ezek 9:4;
Jer 13:17).
137 TZADDI. (
Ps 119:137-
Ps 119:144).
God's justice and faithfulness in His government aggravate the neglect of the wicked, and more excite the lively zeal of His people.
139 (
Ps 69:9).
140 very pure--literally, "refined," shown pure by trial.
141 The pious, however despised of men, are distinguished in God's sight by a regard for His law.
142 The principles of God's government are permanent and reliable, and in the deepest distress His people find them a theme of delightful meditation and a source of reviving power (
Ps 119:17,
Ps 119:116).
law is the truth--It therefore cannot deceive as to its promises.
everlasting-- (
Ps 111:3), though to outward appearance seeming dead.
145 KOPH. (
Ps 119:145-
Ps 119:152).
An intelligent devotion is led by divine promises and is directed to an increase of gracious affections, arising from a contemplation of revealed truth.
147 prevented--literally, "came before," anticipated not only the dawn, but even the usual periods of the night; when the night watches, which might be expected to find me asleep, come, they find me awake (
Ps 63:6;
Ps 77:4;
Lam 2:19). Such is the earnestness of the desire and love for God's truth.
149 quicken me--revive my heart according to those principles of justice, founded on Thine own nature, and revealed in Thy law, which specially set forth Thy mercy to the humble as well as justice to the wicked (compare
Ps 119:30).
150 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.
153 RESH. (
Ps 119:153-
Ps 119:160).
Though the remembering of God's law is not meritorious, yet it evinces a filial temper and provides the pious with promises to plead, while the wicked in neglecting His law, reject God and despise His promises (compare
Ps 9:13;
Ps 43:1;
Ps 69:18).
154 Plead, &c.--HENGSTENBERG translates, "Fight my fight." (See
Ps 35:1;
Ps 43:1;
Mic 7:9).
156 (See on
Ps 119:149).
157 (Compare
Ps 119:86-
Ps 119:87,
Ps 119:95).
158 (Compare
Ps 119:136).
transgressors--or, literally, "traitors," who are faithless to a righteous sovereign and side with His enemies (compare
Ps 25:3,
Ps 25:8).
159 (Compare
Ps 119:121-
Ps 119:126,
Ps 119:153-
Ps 119:155).
quicken me, O Lord, according to thy lovingkindness-- (
Ps 119:88). This prayer occurs here for the ninth time, showing a deep sense of frailty.
160 God has been ever faithful, and the principles of His government will ever continue worthy of confidence.
from the beginning--that is, "every word from Genesis (called so by the Jews from its first words, 'In the beginning') to the end of the Scriptures is true." HENGSTENBERG translates more literally, "The sum of thy words is truth." The sense is substantially the same. The whole body of revelation is truth. "Thy Word is nothing but truth" [LUTHER].
161 SCHIN. (
Ps 119:161-
Ps 119:168).
(Compare
Ps 119:46,
Ps 119:86).
awe--reverential, not slavish fear, which could not coexist with love (
Ps 119:163;
1John 4:8). Instead of fearing his persecutors, he fears God's Word alone (
Luke 12:4-
Luke 12:5). The Jews inscribe in the first page of the great Bible (
Gen 28:17), "How dreadful is this place! This is none other but the house of God, and this is the gate of heaven!"
162 (Compare
Matt 13:44-
Matt 13:45). Though persecuted by the mighty, the pious are not turned from revering God's authority to seek their favor, but rejoice in the possession of this "pearl of great price," as great victors in spoils. Hating falsehood and loving truth, often, every day, praising God for it, they find peace and freedom from temptation.
163 lying--that is, as in
Ps 119:29, unfaithfulness to the covenant of God with His people; apostasy.
165 nothing shall offend them--or, "cause them to offend" (compare Margin).
166 As they keep God's law from motives of love for it, and are free from slavish fear, the are ready to subject their lives to His inspection.
168 all my ways are before thee--I wish to order my ways as before Thee, rather than in reference to man (
Gen 19:1;
Ps 73:23). All men's ways are under God's eye (
Pro 5:21); the godly alone realize the fact, and live accordingly.
169 TAU. (
Ps 119:169-
Ps 119:176).
The prayer for understanding of the truth precedes that for deliverance. The fulfilment of the first is the basis of the fulfilment of the second (
Ps 90:11-
Ps 90:17). On the terms "cry" and "supplication" (compare
Ps 6:9;
Ps 17:1).
171 shall utter--or, "pour out praise" (compare
Ps 19:2); shall cause Thy praises to stream forth as from a bubbling, overflowing fountain.
172 My tongue shall speak of thy word--literally, "answer Thy Word," that is, with praise, respond to Thy word. Every expression in which we praise God and His Word is a response, or acknowledgment, corresponding to the perfections of Him whom we praise.
173 (Compare
Ps 119:77,
Ps 119:81,
Ps 119:92).
I have chosen--in preference to all other objects of delight.
175 Save me that I may praise Thee.
thy judgments--as in
Ps 119:149,
Ps 119:156.
176 Though a wanderer from God, the truly pious ever desires to be drawn back to Him; and, though for a time negligent of duty, he never forgets the commandments by which it is taught.
lost--therefore utterly helpless as to recovering itself (
Jer 50:6;
Luke 15:4). Not only the sinner before conversion, but the believer after conversion, is unable to recover himself; but the latter, after temporary wandering, knows to whom to look for restoration.
Ps 119:175-
Ps 119:176 seem to sum up the petitions, confessions, and professions of the Psalm. The writer desires God's favor, that he may praise Him for His truth, confesses that he has erred, but, in the midst of all his wanderings and adversities, professes an abiding attachment to the revealed Word of God, the theme of such repeated eulogies, and the recognized source of such great and unnumbered blessings. Thus the Psalm, though more than usually didactic, is made the medium of both parts of devotion--prayer and praise.
