1ALEPH. BlessedH835 are the undefiledH8549 in the wayH1870, who walkH1980 in the lawH8451 of the LORDH3068. 2BlessedH835 are they that keepH5341 his testimoniesH5713, and that seekH1875 him with the whole heartH3820. 3They also doH6466 no iniquityH5766: they walkH1980 in his waysH1870. 4Thou hast commandedH6680 us to keepH8104 thy preceptsH6490 diligentlyH3966. 5O thatH305 my waysH1870 were directedH3559 to keepH8104 thy statutesH2706! 6Then shall I not be ashamedH954, when I have respectH5027 unto all thy commandmentsH4687. 7I will praiseH3034 thee with uprightnessH3476 of heartH3824, when I shall have learnedH3925 thy righteousH6664 judgmentsH4941. 8I will keepH8104 thy statutesH2706: O forsakeH5800 me not utterlyH3966. 9BETH. Wherewithal shall a young manH5288 cleanseH2135 his wayH734? by taking heedH8104 thereto according to thy wordH1697. 10With my whole heartH3820 have I soughtH1875 thee: O let me not wanderH7686 from thy commandmentsH4687. 11Thy wordH565 have I hidH6845 in mine heartH3820, that I might not sinH2398 against thee. 12BlessedH1288 art thou, O LORDH3068: teachH3925 me thy statutesH2706. 13With my lipsH8193 have I declaredH5608 all the judgmentsH4941 of thy mouthH6310. 14I have rejoicedH7797 in the wayH1870 of thy testimoniesH5715, as much as inH5921 all richesH1952. 15I will meditateH7878 in thy preceptsH6490, and have respectH5027 unto thy waysH734. 16I will delightH8173 myself in thy statutesH2708: I will not forgetH7911 thy wordH1697. 17GIMEL. Deal bountifullyH1580 with thy servantH5650, that I may liveH2421, and keepH8104 thy wordH1697. 18OpenH1540 thou mine eyesH5869, that I may beholdH5027 wondrous thingsH6381 out of thy lawH8451. 19I am a strangerH1616 in the earthH776: hideH5641 not thy commandmentsH4687 from me. 20My soulH5315 breakethH1638 for the longingH8375 that it hath unto thy judgmentsH4941 at all timesH6256. 21Thou hast rebukedH1605 the proudH2086 that are cursedH779, which do errH7686 from thy commandmentsH4687. 22RemoveH1556 from me reproachH2781 and contemptH937; for I have keptH5341 thy testimoniesH5713. 23PrincesH8269 also did sitH3427 and speakH1696 against me: but thy servantH5650 did meditateH7878 in thy statutesH2706. 24Thy testimoniesH5713 also are my delightH8191 and my counsellorsH582 H6098. 25DALETH. My soulH5315 cleavethH1692 unto the dustH6083: quickenH2421 thou me according to thy wordH1697. 26I have declaredH5608 my waysH1870, and thou heardestH6030 me: teachH3925 me thy statutesH2706. 27Make me to understandH995 the wayH1870 of thy preceptsH6490: so shall I talkH7878 of thy wondrous worksH6381 . 28My soulH5315 meltethH1811 for heavinessH8424: strengthenH6965 thou me according unto thy wordH1697. 29RemoveH5493 from me the wayH1870 of lyingH8267: and grant me thy lawH8451 graciouslyH2603 . 30I have chosenH977 the wayH1870 of truthH530: thy judgmentsH4941 have I laidH7737 before me. 31I have stuckH1692 unto thy testimoniesH5715: O LORDH3068, put me not to shameH954 . 32I will runH7323 the wayH1870 of thy commandmentsH4687, when thou shalt enlargeH7337 my heartH3820. 33HE. TeachH3384 me, O LORDH3068, the wayH1870 of thy statutesH2706; and I shall keepH5341 it unto the endH6118. 34Give me understandingH995, and I shall keepH5341 thy lawH8451; yea, I shall observeH8104 it with my whole heartH3820. 35Make me to goH1869 in the pathH5410 of thy commandmentsH4687; for therein do I delightH2654 . 36InclineH5186 my heartH3820 unto thy testimoniesH5715, and not to covetousnessH1215. 37Turn awayH5674 mine eyesH5869 from beholdingH7200 vanityH7723; and quickenH2421 thou me in thy wayH1870. 38StablishH6965 thy wordH565 unto thy servantH5650, who is devoted to thy fearH3374. 39Turn awayH5674 my reproachH2781 which I fearH3025 : for thy judgmentsH4941 are goodH2896. 40Behold, I have longedH8373 after thy preceptsH6490: quickenH2421 me in thy righteousnessH6666. 41VAU. Let thy merciesH2617 comeH935 also unto me, O LORDH3068, even thy salvationH8668, according to thy wordH565. 42So shall I have wherewithH1697 to answerH6030 him that reproachethH2778 me: for I trustH982 in thy wordH1697. 43And takeH5337 not the wordH1697 of truthH571 utterlyH3966 out of my mouthH6310; for I have hopedH3176 in thy judgmentsH4941. 44So shall I keepH8104 thy lawH8451 continuallyH8548 for everH5769 and everH5703. 45And I will walkH1980 at libertyH7342: for I seekH1875 thy preceptsH6490. 46I will speakH1696 of thy testimoniesH5713 also before kingsH4428, and will not be ashamedH954 . 47And I will delightH8173 myself in thy commandmentsH4687, which I have lovedH157 . 48My handsH3709 also will I lift upH5375 unto thy commandmentsH4687, which I have lovedH157 ; and I will meditateH7878 in thy statutesH2706. 49ZAIN. RememberH2142 the wordH1697 unto thy servantH5650, upon which thou hast caused me to hopeH3176 . 50This is my comfortH5165 in my afflictionH6040: for thy wordH565 hath quickenedH2421 me. 51The proudH2086 have had me greatlyH3966 in derisionH3887 : yet have I not declinedH5186 from thy lawH8451. 52I rememberedH2142 thy judgmentsH4941 of oldH5769, O LORDH3068; and have comfortedH5162 myself. 53HorrorH2152 hath taken holdH270 upon me because of the wickedH7563 that forsakeH5800 thy lawH8451. 54Thy statutesH2706 have been my songsH2158 in the houseH1004 of my pilgrimageH4033. 55I have rememberedH2142 thy nameH8034, O LORDH3068, in the nightH3915, and have keptH8104 thy lawH8451. 56This I had, because I keptH5341 thy preceptsH6490. 57CHETH. Thou art my portionH2506, O LORDH3068: I have saidH559 that I would keepH8104 thy wordsH1697. 58I intreatedH2470 thy favourH6440 with my whole heartH3820: be mercifulH2603 unto me according to thy wordH565. 59I thoughtH2803 on my waysH1870, and turnedH7725 my feetH7272 unto thy testimoniesH5713. 60I made hasteH2363, and delayedH4102 not to keepH8104 thy commandmentsH4687. 61The bandsH2256 of the wickedH7563 have robbedH5749 me: but I have not forgottenH7911 thy lawH8451. 62At midnightH2676 H3915 I will riseH6965 to give thanksH3034 unto thee because of thy righteousH6664 judgmentsH4941. 63I am a companionH2270 of all them that fearH3372 thee, and of them that keepH8104 thy preceptsH6490. 64The earthH776, O LORDH3068, is fullH4390 of thy mercyH2617: teachH3925 me thy statutesH2706. 65TETH. Thou hast dealtH6213 wellH2896 with thy servantH5650, O LORDH3068, according unto thy wordH1697. 66TeachH3925 me goodH2898 judgmentH2940 and knowledgeH1847: for I have believedH539 thy commandmentsH4687. 67Before I was afflictedH6031 I went astrayH7683 : but now have I keptH8104 thy wordH565. 68Thou art goodH2896, and doest goodH2895 ; teachH3925 me thy statutesH2706. 69The proudH2086 have forgedH2950 a lieH8267 against me: but I will keepH5341 thy preceptsH6490 with my whole heartH3820. 70Their heartH3820 is as fatH2954 as greaseH2459; but I delightH8173 in thy lawH8451. 71It is goodH2896 for me that I have been afflictedH6031 ; that I might learnH3925 thy statutesH2706. 72The lawH8451 of thy mouthH6310 is betterH2896 unto me than thousandsH505 of goldH2091 and silverH3701. 73JOD. Thy handsH3027 have madeH6213 me and fashionedH3559 me: give me understandingH995, that I may learnH3925 thy commandmentsH4687. 74They that fearH3373 thee will be gladH8055 when they seeH7200 me; because I have hopedH3176 in thy wordH1697. 75I knowH3045, O LORDH3068, that thy judgmentsH4941 are rightH6664, and that thou in faithfulnessH530 hast afflictedH6031 me. 76Let, I pray thee, thy merciful kindnessH2617 be for my comfortH5162, according to thy wordH565 unto thy servantH5650. 77Let thy tender merciesH7356 comeH935 unto me, that I may liveH2421 : for thy lawH8451 is my delightH8191. 78Let the proudH2086 be ashamedH954 ; for they dealt perverselyH5791 with me without a causeH8267: but I will meditateH7878 in thy preceptsH6490. 79Let those that fearH3373 thee turnH7725 unto me, and those that have knownH3045 H3045 thy testimoniesH5713. 80Let my heartH3820 be soundH8549 in thy statutesH2706; that I be not ashamedH954 . 81CAPH. My soulH5315 faintethH3615 for thy salvationH8668: but I hopeH3176 in thy wordH1697. 82Mine eyesH5869 failH3615 for thy wordH565, sayingH559, When wilt thou comfortH5162 me? 83For I am become like a bottleH4997 in the smokeH7008; yet do I not forgetH7911 thy statutesH2706. 84How many are the daysH3117 of thy servantH5650? when wilt thou executeH6213 judgmentH4941 on them that persecuteH7291 me? 85The proudH2086 have diggedH3738 pitsH7882 for me, which are not after thy lawH8451. 86All thy commandmentsH4687 are faithfulH530: they persecuteH7291 me wrongfullyH8267; helpH5826 thou me. 87They had almostH4592 consumedH3615 me upon earthH776; but I forsookH5800 not thy preceptsH6490. 88QuickenH2421 me after thy lovingkindnessH2617; so shall I keepH8104 the testimonyH5715 of thy mouthH6310. 89LAMED. For everH5769, O LORDH3068, thy wordH1697 is settledH5324 in heavenH8064. 90Thy faithfulnessH530 is unto allH1755 generationsH1755: thou hast establishedH3559 the earthH776, and it abidethH5975 . 91They continueH5975 this dayH3117 according to thine ordinancesH4941: for all are thy servantsH5650. 92UnlessH3884 thy lawH8451 had been my delightsH8191, I should then have perishedH6 in mine afflictionH6040. 93I will neverH5769 forgetH7911 thy preceptsH6490: for with them thou hast quickenedH2421 me. 94I am thine, saveH3467 me; for I have soughtH1875 thy preceptsH6490. 95The wickedH7563 have waitedH6960 for me to destroyH6 me: but I will considerH995 thy testimoniesH5713. 96I have seenH7200 an endH7093 of all perfectionH8502: but thy commandmentH4687 is exceedingH3966 broadH7342. 97MEM. O how love IH157 thy lawH8451! it is my meditationH7881 all the dayH3117. 98Thou through thy commandmentsH4687 hast made me wiserH2449 than mine enemiesH341 : for they are everH5769 with me. 99I have more understandingH7919 than all my teachersH3925 : for thy testimoniesH5715 are my meditationH7881. 100I understandH995 more than the ancientsH2205, because I keepH5341 thy preceptsH6490. 101I have refrainedH3607 my feetH7272 from every evilH7451 wayH734, that I might keepH8104 thy wordH1697. 102I have not departedH5493 from thy judgmentsH4941: for thou hast taughtH3384 me. 103How sweetH4452 are thy wordsH565 unto my tasteH2441! yea, sweeter than honeyH1706 to my mouthH6310! 104Through thy preceptsH6490 I get understandingH995 : therefore I hateH8130 every falseH8267 wayH734. 105NUN. Thy wordH1697 is a lampH5216 unto my feetH7272, and a lightH216 unto my pathH5410. 106I have swornH7650, and I will performH6965 it, that I will keepH8104 thy righteousH6664 judgmentsH4941. 107I am afflictedH6031 very muchH3966: quickenH2421 me, O LORDH3068, according unto thy wordH1697. 108AcceptH7521, I beseech thee, the freewill offeringsH5071 of my mouthH6310, O LORDH3068, and teachH3925 me thy judgmentsH4941. 109My soulH5315 is continuallyH8548 in my handH3709: yet do I not forgetH7911 thy lawH8451. 110The wickedH7563 have laidH5414 a snareH6341 for me: yet I erredH8582 not from thy preceptsH6490. 111Thy testimoniesH5715 have I taken as an heritageH5157 for everH5769: for they are the rejoicingH8342 of my heartH3820. 112I have inclinedH5186 mine heartH3820 to performH6213 thy statutesH2706 alwayH5769, even unto the endH6118. 113SAMECH. I hateH8130 vain thoughtsH5588: but thy lawH8451 do I loveH157 . 114Thou art my hiding placeH5643 and my shieldH4043: I hopeH3176 in thy wordH1697. 115DepartH5493 from me, ye evildoersH7489 : for I will keepH5341 the commandmentsH4687 of my GodH430. 116UpholdH5564 me according unto thy wordH565, that I may liveH2421 : and let me not be ashamedH954 of my hopeH7664. 117Hold thou me upH5582, and I shall be safeH3467 : and I will have respectH8159 unto thy statutesH2706 continuallyH8548. 118Thou hast trodden downH5541 all them that errH7686 from thy statutesH2706: for their deceitH8649 is falsehoodH8267. 119Thou puttest awayH7673 all the wickedH7563 of the earthH776 like drossH5509: therefore I loveH157 thy testimoniesH5713. 120My fleshH1320 tremblethH5568 for fearH6343 of thee; and I am afraidH3372 of thy judgmentsH4941. 121AIN. I have doneH6213 judgmentH4941 and justiceH6664: leaveH3240 me not to mine oppressorsH6231 . 122Be suretyH6148 for thy servantH5650 for goodH2896: let not the proudH2086 oppressH6231 me. 123Mine eyesH5869 failH3615 for thy salvationH3444, and for the wordH565 of thy righteousnessH6664. 124DealH6213 with thy servantH5650 according unto thy mercyH2617, and teachH3925 me thy statutesH2706. 125I am thy servantH5650; give me understandingH995, that I may knowH3045 thy testimoniesH5713. 126It is timeH6256 for thee, LORDH3068, to workH6213 : for they have made voidH6565 thy lawH8451. 127Therefore I loveH157 thy commandmentsH4687 above goldH2091; yea, above fine goldH6337. 128Therefore I esteem all thy preceptsH6490 concerning all things to be rightH3474 ; and I hateH8130 every falseH8267 wayH734. 129PE. Thy testimoniesH5715 are wonderfulH6382: therefore doth my soulH5315 keepH5341 them. 130The entranceH6608 of thy wordsH1697 giveth lightH215 ; it giveth understandingH995 unto the simpleH6612. 131I openedH6473 my mouthH6310, and pantedH7602 : for I longedH2968 for thy commandmentsH4687. 132LookH6437 thou upon me, and be mercifulH2603 unto me, as thou usestH4941 to do unto those that loveH157 thy nameH8034. 133OrderH3559 my stepsH6471 in thy wordH565: and let not any iniquityH205 have dominionH7980 over me. 134DeliverH6299 me from the oppressionH6233 of manH120: so will I keepH8104 thy preceptsH6490. 135Make thy faceH6440 to shineH215 upon thy servantH5650; and teachH3925 me thy statutesH2706. 136RiversH6388 of watersH4325 run downH3381 mine eyesH5869, because they keepH8104 not thy lawH8451. 137TZADDI. RighteousH6662 art thou, O LORDH3068, and uprightH3477 are thy judgmentsH4941. 138Thy testimoniesH5713 that thou hast commandedH6680 are righteousH6664 and veryH3966 faithfulH530. 139My zealH7068 hath consumedH6789 me, because mine enemiesH6862 have forgottenH7911 thy wordsH1697. 140Thy wordH565 is veryH3966 pureH6884 : therefore thy servantH5650 lovethH157 it. 141I am smallH6810 and despisedH959 : yet do not I forgetH7911 thy preceptsH6490. 142Thy righteousnessH6666 is an everlastingH5769 righteousnessH6664, and thy lawH8451 is the truthH571. 143TroubleH6862 and anguishH4689 have taken holdH4672 on me: yet thy commandmentsH4687 are my delightsH8191. 144The righteousnessH6664 of thy testimoniesH5715 is everlastingH5769: give me understandingH995, and I shall liveH2421 . 145KOPH. I criedH7121 with my whole heartH3820; hearH6030 me, O LORDH3068: I will keepH5341 thy statutesH2706. 146I criedH7121 unto thee; saveH3467 me, and I shall keepH8104 thy testimoniesH5713. 147I preventedH6923 the dawning of the morningH5399, and criedH7768 : I hopedH3176 in thy wordH1697. 148Mine eyesH5869 preventH6923 the night watchesH821, that I might meditateH7878 in thy wordH565. 149HearH8085 my voiceH6963 according unto thy lovingkindnessH2617: O LORDH3068, quickenH2421 me according to thy judgmentH4941. 150They draw nighH7126 that followH7291 after mischiefH2154: they are farH7368 from thy lawH8451. 151Thou art nearH7138, O LORDH3068; and all thy commandmentsH4687 are truthH571. 152Concerning thy testimoniesH5713, I have knownH3045 of oldH6924 that thou hast foundedH3245 them for everH5769. 153RESH. ConsiderH7200 mine afflictionH6040, and deliverH2502 me: for I do not forgetH7911 thy lawH8451. 154PleadH7378 my causeH7379, and deliverH1350 me: quickenH2421 me according to thy wordH565. 155SalvationH3444 is farH7350 from the wickedH7563: for they seekH1875 not thy statutesH2706. 156GreatH7227 are thy tender merciesH7356, O LORDH3068: quickenH2421 me according to thy judgmentsH4941. 157ManyH7227 are my persecutorsH7291 and mine enemiesH6862; yet do I not declineH5186 from thy testimoniesH5715. 158I beheldH7200 the transgressorsH898, and was grievedH6962 ; because they keptH8104 not thy wordH565. 159ConsiderH7200 how I loveH157 thy preceptsH6490: quickenH2421 me, O LORDH3068, according to thy lovingkindnessH2617. 160Thy wordH1697 is trueH571 from the beginningH7218: and every one of thy righteousH6664 judgmentsH4941 endureth for everH5769. 161SCHIN. PrincesH8269 have persecutedH7291 me without a causeH2600: but my heartH3820 standeth in aweH6342 of thy wordH1697. 162I rejoiceH7797 at thy wordH565, as one that findethH4672 greatH7227 spoilH7998. 163I hateH8130 and abhorH8581 lyingH8267: but thy lawH8451 do I loveH157 . 164Seven timesH7651 a dayH3117 do I praiseH1984 thee because of thy righteousH6664 judgmentsH4941. 165GreatH7227 peaceH7965 have they which loveH157 thy lawH8451: and nothing shall offendH4383 them. 166LORDH3068, I have hopedH7663 for thy salvationH3444, and doneH6213 thy commandmentsH4687. 167My soulH5315 hath keptH8104 thy testimoniesH5713; and I loveH157 them exceedinglyH3966. 168I have keptH8104 thy preceptsH6490 and thy testimoniesH5713: for all my waysH1870 are before thee. 169TAU. Let my cryH7440 come nearH7126 beforeH6440 thee, O LORDH3068: give me understandingH995 according to thy wordH1697. 170Let my supplicationH8467 comeH935 beforeH6440 thee: deliverH5337 me according to thy wordH565. 171My lipsH8193 shall utterH5042 praiseH8416, when thou hast taughtH3925 me thy statutesH2706. 172My tongueH3956 shall speakH6030 of thy wordH565: for all thy commandmentsH4687 are righteousnessH6664. 173Let thine handH3027 helpH5826 me; for I have chosenH977 thy preceptsH6490. 174I have longedH8373 for thy salvationH3444, O LORDH3068; and thy lawH8451 is my delightH8191. 175Let my soulH5315 liveH2421, and it shall praiseH1984 thee; and let thy judgmentsH4941 helpH5826 me. 176I have gone astrayH8582 like a lostH6 sheepH7716; seekH1245 thy servantH5650; for I do not forgetH7911 thy commandmentsH4687.
Matthew Henry - Concise Commentary 1 This psalm may be considered as the statement of a believer's experience. As far as our views, desires, and affections agree with what is here expressed, they come from the influences of the Holy Spirit, and no further. The pardoning mercy of God in Christ, is the only source of a sinner's happiness. And those are most happy, who are preserved most free from the defilement of sin, who simply believe God's testimonies, and depend on his promises. If the heart be divided between him and the world, it is evil. But the saints carefully avoid all sin; they are conscious of much evil that clogs them in the ways of God, but not of that wickedness which draws them out of those ways. The tempter would make men think they are at them out of those ways. The tempter would make men think they are at liberty to follow the word of God or not, as they please. But the desire and prayer of a good man agree with the will and command of God. If a man expects by obedience in one thing to purchase indulgence for disobedience in others, his hypocrisy will be detected; if he is not ashamed in this world, everlasting shame will be his portion. The psalmist coveted to learn the laws of God, to give God the glory. And believers see that if God forsakes them, the temper will be too hard for them.
9 To original corruption all have added actual sin. The ruin of the young is either living by no rule at all, or choosing false rules: let them walk by Scripture rules. To doubt of our own wisdom and strength, and to depend upon God, proves the purpose of holiness is sincere. God's word is treasure worth laying up, and there is no laying it up safe but in our hearts, that we may oppose God's precepts to the dominion of sin, his promises to its allurements, and his threatenings to its violence. Let this be our plea with Him to teach us his statutes, that, being partakers of his holiness, we may also partake of his blessedness. And those whose hearts are fed with the bread of life, should with their lips feed many. In the way of God's commandments there is the unsearchable riches of Christ. But we do not meditate on God's precepts to good purpose, unless our good thoughts produce good works. I will not only think of thy statutes, but do them with delight. And it will be well to try the sincerity of our obedience by tracing the spring of it; the reality of our love by cheerfulness in appointed duties.
17 If God deals in strict justice with us, we all perish. We ought to spend our lives in his service; we shall find true life in keeping his word. Those that would see the wondrous things of God's law and gospel, must beg him to give them understanding, by the light of his Spirit. Believers feel themselves strangers on earth; they fear missing their way, and losing comfort by erring from God's commandments. Every sanctified soul hungers after the word of God, as food which there is no living without. There is something of pride at the bottom of every wilful sin. God can silence lying lips; reproach and contempt may humble and do us good, and then they shall be removed. Do we find the weight of the cross is above that we are able to bear? He that bore it for us will enable us to bear it; upheld by him we cannot sink. It is sad when those who should protect the innocent, are their betrayers. The psalmist went on in duty, and he found comfort in the word of God. The comforts of the word of God are most pleasant to a gracious soul, when other comforts are made bitter; and those that would have God's testimonies to be their delight, must be advised by them. May the Lord direct us in exercising repentance of sin, and faith in Christ.
25 While the souls of the children of this world cleave to the earth as their portion, the children of light are greatly burdened, because of the remains of carnal affections in their hearts. It is unspeakable comfort to a gracious soul, to think with what tenderness all its complaints are received by a gracious God. We can talk of the wonders of redeeming love, when we understand the way of God's precepts, and walk in that way. The penitent melts in sorrow for sin: even the patient spirit may melt in the sense of affliction, it is then its interest to pour out its soul before God. The way of lying means all false ways by which men deceive themselves and others, or are deceived by Satan and his instruments. Those who know and love the law of the Lord, desire to know it more, and love it better. The way of serious godliness is the way of truth; the only true way to happiness: we must always have actual regard to it. Those who stick to the word of God, may in faith expect and pray for acceptance with God. Lord, never leave me to do that by which I shall shame myself, and do not thou reject my services. Those that are going to heaven, should still press forward. God, by his Spirit, enlarges the hearts of his people when he gives them wisdom. The believer prays to be set free from sin.
33 Teach me thy statutes, not the mere words, but the way of applying them to myself. God, by his Spirit, gives a right understanding. But the Spirit of revelation in the word will not suffice, unless we have the Spirit of wisdom in the heart. God puts his Spirit within us, causing us to walk in his statutes. The sin here prayed against is covetousness. Those that would have the love of God rooted in them, must get the love of the world rooted out; for the friendship of the world is enmity with God. Quicken me in thy way; to redeem time, and to do every duty with liveliness of spirit. Beholding vanity deadens us, and slackens our pace; a traveller must not stand gazing upon every object that presents itself to his view. The promises of God's word greatly relate to the preservation of the true believer. When Satan has drawn a child of God into worldly compliances, he will reproach him with the falls into which he led him. Victory must come from the cross of Christ. When we enjoy the sweetness of God's precepts, it will make us long for more acquaintance with them. And where God has wrought to will, he will work to do.
41 Lord, I have by faith thy mercies in view; let me by prayer prevail to obtain them. And when the salvation of the saints is completed, it will plainly appear that it was not in vain to trust in God's word. We need to pray that we may never be afraid or ashamed to own God's truths and ways before men. And the psalmist resolves to keep God's law, in a constant course of obedience, without backsliding. The service of sin is slavery; the service of God is liberty. There is no full happiness, or perfect liberty, but in keeping God's law. We must never be ashamed or afraid to own our religion. The more delight we take in the service of God, the nearer we come to perfection. Not only consent to his law as good, but take pleasure in it as good for us. Let me put forth all the strength I have, to do it. Something of this mind of Christ is in every true disciple.
49 Those that make God's promises their portion, may with humble boldness make them their plea. He that by his Spirit works faith in us, will work for us. The word of God speaks comfort in affliction. If, through grace, it makes us holy, there is enough in it to make us easy, in all conditions. Let us be certain we have the Divine law for what we believe, and then let not scoffers prevail upon us to decline from it. God's judgments of old comfort and encourage us, for he is still the same. Sin is horrible in the eyes of all that are sanctified. Ere long the believer will be absent from the body, and present with the Lord. In the mean time, the statutes of the Lord supply subjects for grateful praise. In the season of affliction, and in the silent hours of the night, he remembers the name of the Lord, and is stirred up to keep the law. All who have made religion the first thing, will own that they have been unspeakable gainers by it.
57 True believers take the Lord for the portion of their inheritance, and nothing less will satisfy them. The psalmist prayed with his whole heart, knowing how to value the blessing he prayed for: he desired the mercy promised, and depended on the promise for it. He turned from by-paths, and returned to God's testimonies. He delayed not. It behoves sinners to hasten to escape; and the believer will be equally in haste to glorify God. No care or grief should take away God's word out of our minds, or hinder the comfort it bestows. There is no situation on earth in which a believer has not cause to be thankful. Let us feel ashamed that others are more willing to keep from sleep to spend the time in sinful pleasures, than we are to praise God. And we should be more earnest in prayer, that our hearts may be filled with his mercy, grace, and peace.
65 However God has dealt with us, he has dealt with us better than we deserve; and all in love, and for our good. Many have knowledge, but little judgment; those who have both, are fortified against the snares of Satan, and furnished for the service of God. We are most apt to wander from God, when we are easy in the world. We should leave our concerns to the disposal of God, seeing we know not what is good for us. Lord, thou art our bountiful Benefactor; incline our hearts to faith and obedience. The psalmist will go on in his duty with constancy and resolution. The proud are full of the world, and its wealth and pleasures; these make them senseless, secure, and stupid. God visits his people with affliction, that they may learn his statutes. Not only God's promises, but even his law, his percepts, though hard to ungodly men, are desirable, and profitable, because they lead us with safety and delight unto eternal life.
73 God made us to serve him, and enjoy him; but by sin we have made ourselves unfit to serve him, and to enjoy him. We ought, therefore, continually to beseech him, by his Holy Spirit, to give us understanding. The comforts some have in God, should be matter of joy to others. But it is easy to own, that God's judgments are right, until it comes to be our own case. All supports under affliction must come from mercy and compassion. The mercies of God are tender mercies; the mercies of a father, the compassion of a mother to her son. They come to us when we are not able to go to them. Causeless reproach does not hurt, and should not move us. The psalmist could go on in the way of his duty, and find comfort in it. He valued the good will of saints, and was desirous to keep up his communion with them. Soundness of heart signifies sincerity in dependence on God, and devotedness to him.
81 The psalmist sought deliverance from his sins, his foes, and his fears. Hope deferred made him faint; his eyes failed by looking out for this expected salvation. But when the eyes fail, yet faith must not. His affliction was great. He was become like a leathern bottle, which, if hung up in the smoke, is dried and shrivelled up. We must ever be mindful of God's statutes. The days of the believer's mourning shall be ended; they are but for a moment, compared with eternal happiness. His enemies used craft as well as power for his ruin, in contempt of the law of God. The commandments of God are true and faithful guides in the path of peace and safety. We may best expect help from God when, like our Master, we do well and suffer for it. Wicked men may almost consume the believer upon earth, but he would sooner forsake all than forsake the word of the Lord. We should depend upon the grace of God for strength to do every good work. The surest token of God's good-will toward us, is his good work in us.
89 The settling of God's word in heaven, is opposed to the changes and revolutions of the earth. And the engagements of God's covenant are established more firmly than the earth itself. All the creatures answer the ends of their creation: shall man, who alone is endued with reason, be the only unprofitable burden of the earth? We may make the Bible a pleasant companion at any time. But the word, without the grace of God, would not quicken us. See the best help for bad memories, namely, good affections; and though the exact words be lost, if the meaning remain, that is well. I am thine, not my own, not the world's; save me from sin, save me from ruin. The Lord will keep the man in peace, whose mind is stayed on him. It is poor perfection which one sees and end of. Such are all things in this world, which pass for perfections. The glory of man is but as the flower of the grass. The psalmist had seen the fulness of the word of God, and its sufficiency. The word of the Lord reaches to all cases, to all times. It will take us from all confidence in man, or in our own wisdom, strength, and righteousness. Thus shall we seek comfort and happiness from Christ alone.
97 What we love, we love to think of. All true wisdom is from God. A good man carries his Bible with him, if not in his hands, yet in his head and in his heart. By meditation on God's testimonies we understand more than our teachers, when we understand our own hearts. The written word is a more sure guide to heaven, than all the fathers, the teachers, and ancients of the church. We cannot, with any comfort or boldness, attend God in holy duties, while under guilt, or in any by-way. It was Divine grace in his heart, that enabled the psalmist to receive these instructions. The soul has its tastes as well as the body. Our relish for the word of God will be greatest, when that for the world and the flesh is least. The way of sin is a wrong way; and the more understanding we get by the precepts of God, the more rooted will be our hatred of sin; and the more ready we are in the Scriptures, the better furnished we are with answers to temptation.
105 The word of God directs us in our work and way, and a dark place indeed the world would be without it. The commandment is a lamp kept burning with the oil of the Spirit, as a light to direct us in the choice of our way, and the steps we take in that way. The keeping of God's commands here meant, was that of a sinner under a dispensation of mercy, of a believer having part in the covenant of grace. The psalmist is often afflicted; but with longing desires to become more holy, offers up daily prayers for quickening grace. We cannot offer any thing to God, that he will accept but what he is pleased to teach us to do. To have our soul or life continually in our hands, implies constant danger of life; yet he did not forget God's promises nor his precepts. Numberless are the snares laid by the wicked; and happy is that servant of God, whom they have not caused to err from his Master's precepts. Heavenly treasures are a heritage for ever; all the saints accept them as such, therefore they can be content with little of this world. We must look for comfort only in the way of duty, and that duty must be done. A good man, by the grace of God, brings his heart to his work, then it is done well.
113 Here is a dread of the risings of sin, and the first beginnings of it. The more we love the law of God, the more watchful we shall be, lest vain thoughts draw us from what we love. Would we make progress in keeping God's commands, we must be separate from evil-doers. The believer could not live without the grace of God; but, supported by his hand, his spiritual life shall be maintained. Our holy security is grounded on Divine supports. All departure from God's statutes is error, and will prove fatal. Their cunning is falsehood. There is a day coming which will put the wicked into everlasting fire, the fit place for the dross. See what comes of sin Surely we who fall so low in devout affections, should fear, lest a promise being left us of entering into heavenly rest, any of us should be found to come short of it,
Hebre 4:1.
121 Happy is the man, who, acting upon gospel principles, does justice to all around. Christ our Surety, having paid our debt and ransom, secures all the blessings of salvation to every true believer. The psalmist expects the word of God's righteousness, and no other salvation than what is secured by that word, which cannot fall to the ground. We deserve no favour form God; we are most easy when we cast ourselves upon God's mercy, and refer ourselves to it. If any man resolve to do God's will as his servant, he shall be made to know his testimonies. We must do what we can for the support of religion, and, after all, must beg of God to take the work into his own hands. It is hypocrisy to say we love God's commandments more than our worldly interests. The way of sin is a false way, being directly contrary to God's precepts, which are right: those that love and esteem God's law, hate sin, and will not be reconciled to it.
129 The wonders of redeeming love will fix the heart in adoration of them. The Scriptures show us what we were, what we are, and what we shall be. They show us the mercy and the justice of the Lord, the joys of heaven, and the pains of hell. Thus they give to the simple, in a few days, understanding of those matters, which philosophers for ages sought in vain. The believer, wearied with the cares of life and his conflicts with sin, pants for the consolations conveyed to him by means of the sacred word. And every one may pray, Look thou upon me, and be merciful unto me as thou usest to do unto those that love thy name. We must beg that the Holy Spirit would order our steps. The dominion of sin is to be dreaded and prayed against by every one. The oppression of men is often more than flesh and blood can bear; and He who knoweth our frame, will not refuse to remove it in answer to the prayers of his people. Whatever obscurity may appear as to the faith of the Old Testament believers, their confidence at the throne of grace can only be explained by their having obtained more distinct views of gospel privileges, through the sacrifices and services of their law, than is generally imagined. Go to the same place, plead the name and merits of Jesus, and you will not, you cannot plead in vain. Commonly, where there is a gracious heart, there is a weeping eye. Accept, O Lord, the tears our blessed Redeemer shed in the days of his flesh, for us who should weep for our brethren or ourselves.
137 God never did, and never can do wrong to any. The promises are faithfully performed by Him that made them. Zeal against sin should constrain us to do what we can against it, at least to do more in religion ourselves. Our love to the word of God is evidence of our love to God, because it is designed to make us partake his holiness. Men's real excellency always makes them low in their own eyes. When we are small and despised, we have the more need to remember God's precepts, that we may have them to support us. The law of God is the truth, the standard of holiness, the rule of happiness; but the obedience of Christ alone justifies the believer. Sorrows are often the lot of saints in this vale of tears; they are in heaviness through manifold temptations. There are delights in the word of God, which the saints often most sweetly enjoy when in trouble and anguish. This is life eternal, to know God and Jesus Christ whom he has sent,
John 17:3. May we live the life of faith and grace here, and be removed to the life of glory hereafter.
145 Supplications with the whole heart are presented only by those who desire God's salvation, and who love his commandments. Whither should the child go but to his father? Save me from my sins, my corruptions, my temptations, all the hinderances in my way, that I may keep thy testimonies. Christians who enjoy health, should not suffer the early hours of the morning to glide away unimproved. Hope in God's word encourages us to continue in prayer. It is better to take time from sleep, than not to find time for prayer. We have access to God at all hours; and if our first thoughts in the morning are of God, they will help to keep us in his fear all the day long. Make me lively and cheerful. God knows what we need and what is good for us, and will quicken us. If we are employed in God's service, we need not fear those who try to set themselves as far as they can out of the reach of the convictions and commands of his law. When trouble is near, God is near. He is never far to seek. All his commandments are truth. And God's promises will be performed. All that ever trusted in God have found him faithful.
153 The closer we cleave to the word of God, both as our rule and as our stay, the more assurance we have of deliverance. Christ is the Advocate of his people, their Redeemer. Those who were quickened by his Spirit and grace, when they were dead in trespasses and sins, often need to have the work of grace revived in them, according to the word of promise. The wicked not only do not God's statutes, but they do not even seek them. They flatter themselves that they are going to heaven; but the longer they persist in sin, the further it is from them. God's mercies are tender; they are a fountain that can never be exhausted. The psalmist begs for God's reviving, quickening grace. A man, steady in the way of his duty, though he may have many enemies, needs to fear none. Those that hate sin truly, hate it as sin, as a transgression of the law of God, and a breaking of his word. Our obedience is only pleasing to God, and pleasant to ourselves, when it comes from a principle of love. All, in every age, who receive God's word in faith and love, find every saying in it faithful.
161 Those whose hearts stand in awe of God's word, will rather endure the wrath of man, than break the law of God. By the word of God we are unspeakable gainers. Every man hates to have a lie told him, but we should more hate telling a lie; by the latter we give an affront to God. The more we see the beauty of truth, the more we shall see the hateful deformity of a lie. We are to praise God even for afflictions; through grace we get good from them. Those that love the world have great vexation, for it does not answer what they expect; those that love God's word have great peace, for it outdoes what they expect. Those in whom this holy love reigns, will not perplex themselves with needless scruples, or take offence at their brethren. A good hope of salvation will engage the heart in doing the commandments. And our love to the word of God must subdue our lusts, and root out carnal affections: we must make heart work of it, or we make nothing of it. We must keep the commandments of God by obedience to them, and his promises by reliance on them. God's eye is on us at all times; this should make us very careful to keep his commandments.
169 The psalmist desired grace and strength to lift up his prayers, and that the Lord would receive and notice them. He desired to know more of God in Christ; to know more of the doctrines of the word, and the duties of religion. He had a deep sense of unworthiness, and holy fear that his prayer should not come before God; Lord, what I pray for is, what thou hast promised. We have learned nothing to purpose, if we have not learned to praise God. We should always make the word of God the rule of our discourse, so as never to transgress it by sinful speaking, or sinful silence. His own hands are not sufficient, nor can any creature lend him help; therefore he looks up to God, that the hand that had made him may help him. He had made religion his deliberate choice. There is an eternal salvation all the saints long for, and therefore they pray that God would help their way to it. Let thy judgments help me; let all ordinances and all providences, (both are God's judgments,) further me in glorifying God; let them help me for that work. He often looks back with shame and gratitude to his lost estate. He still prays for the tender care of Him who purchased his flock with his own blood, that he may receive from him the gift of eternal life. Seek me, that is, Find me; for God never seeks in vain. Turn me, and I shall be turned. Let this psalm be a touchstone by which to try our hearts, and our lives. Do our hearts, cleansed in Christ's blood, make these prayers, resolutions and confessions our own? Is God's word the standard of our faith, and the law of our practice? Do we use it as pleas with Christ for what we need? Happy those who live in such delightful exercises.
