Christian
Churches of God
No. F019_5ii
Commentary on The Psalms
Part 5
The Deuteronomy Book
(Edition 1.0 20230829-20230829)
Commentary on Psalm 119
.
Christian
Churches of God
E-mail: secretary@ccg.org
(Copyright © 2023 Wade
Cox)
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Psalms Part 5: The Deuteronomy Book
Psalm 119
119:1 Blessed are those whose way is blameless, who walk in the law of the LORD! 2Blessed are those who keep his testimonies, who seek him with their whole heart, 3who also do no wrong, but walk in his ways! 4Thou hast commanded thy precepts to be kept diligently. 5O that my ways may be steadfast in keeping thy statutes! 6Then I shall not be put to shame, having my eyes fixed on all thy commandments. 7I will praise thee with an upright heart, when I learn thy righteous ordinances. 8I will observe thy statutes; O forsake me not utterly! 9How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to thy word. 10With my whole heart I seek thee; let me not wander from thy commandments! 11I have laid up thy word in my heart, that I might not sin against thee. 12Blessed be thou, O LORD; teach me thy statutes! 13With my lips I declare all the ordinances of thy mouth. 14In the way of thy testimonies I delight as much as in all riches. 15I will meditate on thy precepts, and fix my eyes on thy ways. 16I will delight in thy statutes; I will not forget thy word. 17Deal bountifully with thy servant, that I may live and observe thy word. 18Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law. 19I am a sojourner on earth; hide not thy commandments from me! 20My soul is consumed with longing for thy ordinances at all times. 21Thou dost rebuke the insolent, accursed ones, who wander from thy commandments; 22take away from me their scorn and contempt, for I have kept thy testimonies. 23Even though princes sit plotting against me, thy servant will meditate on thy statutes. 24Thy testimonies are my delight, they are my counselors. 25My soul cleaves to the dust; revive me according to thy word! 26When I told of my ways, thou didst answer me; teach me thy statutes! 27Make me understand the way of thy precepts, and I will meditate on thy wondrous works. 28My soul melts away for sorrow; strengthen me according to thy word! 29Put false ways far from me; and graciously teach me thy law! 30I have chosen the way of faithfulness, I set thy ordinances before me. 31I cleave to thy testimonies, O LORD; let me not be put to shame! 32I will run in the way of thy commandments when thou enlargest my understanding! 33Teach me, O LORD, the way of thy statutes; and I will keep it to the end. 34Give me understanding, that I may keep thy law and observe it with my whole heart. 35Lead me in the path of thy commandments, for I delight in it. 36Incline my heart to thy testimonies, and not to gain! 37Turn my eyes from looking at vanities; and give me life in thy ways. 38Confirm to thy servant thy promise, which is for those who fear thee. 39Turn away the reproach which I dread; for thy ordinances are good. 40Behold, I long for thy precepts; in thy righteousness give me life! 41Let thy steadfast love come to me, O LORD, thy salvation according to thy promise; 42then shall I have an answer for those who taunt me, for I trust in thy word. 43And take not the word of truth utterly out of my mouth, for my hope is in thy ordinances. 44I will keep thy law continually, for ever and ever; 45and I shall walk at liberty, for I have sought thy precepts. 46I will also speak of thy testimonies before kings, and shall not be put to shame; 47for I find my delight in thy commandments, which I love. 48I revere thy commandments, which I love, and I will meditate on thy statutes. 49Remember thy word to thy servant, in which thou hast made me hope. 50This is my comfort in my affliction that thy promise gives me life. 51Godless men utterly deride me, but I do not turn away from thy law. 52When I think of thy ordinances from of old, I take comfort, O LORD. 53Hot indignation seizes me because of the wicked, who forsake thy law. 54Thy statutes have been my songs in the house of my pilgrimage. 55I remember thy name in the night, O LORD, and keep thy law. 56This blessing has fallen to me, that I have kept thy precepts. 57The LORD is my portion; I promise to keep thy words. 58I entreat thy favor with all my heart; be gracious to me according to thy promise. 59When I think of thy ways, I turn my feet to thy testimonies; 60I hasten and do not delay to keep thy commandments. 61Though the cords of the wicked ensnare me, I do not forget thy law. 62At midnight I rise to praise thee, because of thy righteous ordinances. 63I am a companion of all who fear thee, of those who keep thy precepts. 64The earth, O LORD, is full of thy steadfast love; teach me thy statutes! 65Thou hast dealt well with thy servant, O LORD, according to thy word. 66Teach me good judgment and knowledge, for I believe in thy commandments. 67Before I was afflicted I went astray; but now I keep thy word. 68 Thou art good and doest good; teach me thy statutes. 69The godless besmear me with lies, but with my whole heart I keep thy precepts; 70their heart is gross like fat, but I delight in thy law. 71It is good for me that I was afflicted, that I might learn thy statutes. 72The law of thy mouth is better to me than thousands of gold and silver pieces. 73Thy hands have made and fashioned me; give me understanding that I may learn thy commandments. 74Those who fear thee shall see me and rejoice, because I have hoped in thy word. 75I know, O LORD, that thy judgments are right, and that in faithfulness thou hast afflicted me. 76Let thy steadfast love be ready to comfort me according to thy promise to thy servant. 77Let thy mercy come to me, that I may live; for thy law is my delight. 78Let the godless be put to shame, because they have subverted me with guile; as for me, I will meditate on thy precepts. 79Let those who fear thee turn to me, that they may know thy testimonies. 80May my heart be blameless in thy statutes, that I may not be put to shame! 81My soul languishes for thy salvation; I hope in thy word. 82My eyes fail with watching for thy promise; I ask, "When wilt thou comfort me?" 83For I have become like a wineskin in the smoke, yet I have not forgotten thy statutes. 84How long must thy servant endure? When wilt thou judge those who persecute me? 85Godless men have dug pitfalls for me, men who do not conform to thy law. 86All thy commandments are sure; they persecute me with falsehood; help me! 87They have almost made an end of me on earth; but I have not forsaken thy precepts. 88In thy steadfast love spare my life, that I may keep the testimonies of thy mouth. 89For ever, O LORD, thy word is firmly fixed in the heavens. 90Thy faithfulness endures to all generations; thou hast established the earth, and it stands fast. 91By thy appointment they stand this day; for all things are thy servants. 92If thy law had not been my delight, I should have perished in my affliction. 93I will never forget thy precepts; for by them thou hast given me life. 94I am thine, save me; for I have sought thy precepts. 95The wicked lie in wait to destroy me; but I consider thy testimonies. 96I have seen a limit to all perfection, but thy commandment is exceedingly broad. 97Oh, how I love thy law! It is my meditation all the day. 98Thy commandment makes me wiser than my enemies, for it is ever with me. 99I have more understanding than all my teachers, for thy testimonies are my meditation. 100I understand more than the aged, for I keep thy precepts. 101I hold back my feet from every evil way, in order to keep thy word. 102I do not turn aside from thy ordinances, for thou hast taught me. 103How sweet are thy words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth! 104Through thy precepts I get understanding; therefore I hate every false way. 105Thy word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. 106I have sworn an oath and confirmed it, to observe thy righteous ordinances. 107I am sorely afflicted; give me life, O LORD, according to thy word! 108Accept my offerings of praise, O LORD, and teach me thy ordinances. 109I hold my life in my hand continually, but I do not forget thy law. 110The wicked have laid a snare for me, but I do not stray from thy precepts. 111Thy testimonies are my heritage for ever; yea, they are the joy of my heart. 112I incline my heart to perform thy statutes for ever, to the end. 113I hate double-minded men, but I love thy law. 114Thou art my hiding place and my shield; I hope in thy word. 115Depart from me, you evildoers, that I may keep the commandments of my God. 116Uphold me according to thy promise, that I may live, and let me not be put to shame in my hope! 117Hold me up, that I may be safe and have regard for thy statutes continually! 118Thou dost spurn all who go astray from thy statutes; yea, their cunning is in vain. 119All the wicked of the earth thou dost count as dross; therefore I love thy testimonies. 120My flesh trembles for fear of thee, and I am afraid of thy judgments. 121I have done what is just and right; do not leave me to my oppressors. 122Be surety for thy servant for good; let not the godless oppress me. 123My eyes fail with watching for thy salvation, and for the fulfilment of thy righteous promise. 124Deal with thy servant according to thy steadfast love, and teach me thy statutes. 125I am thy servant; give me understanding, that I may know thy testimonies! 126It is time for the LORD to act, for thy law has been broken. 127Therefore I love thy commandments above gold, above fine gold. 128Therefore I direct my steps by all thy precepts; I hate every false way. 129Thy testimonies are wonderful; therefore my soul keeps them. 130The unfolding of thy words gives light; it imparts understanding to the simple. 131With open mouth I pant, because I long for thy commandments. 132Turn to me and be gracious to me, as is thy wont toward those who love thy name. 133Keep steady my steps according to thy promise, and let no iniquity get dominion over me. 134Redeem me from man's oppression, that I may keep thy precepts. 135Make thy face shine upon thy servant, and teach me thy statutes. 136My eyes shed streams of tears, because men do not keep thy law. 137Righteous art thou, O LORD, and right are thy judgments. 138Thou hast appointed thy testimonies in righteousness and in all faithfulness. 139My zeal consumes me, because my foes forget thy words. 140Thy promise is well tried, and thy servant loves it. 141I am small and despised, yet I do not forget thy precepts. 142Thy righteousness is righteous for ever, and thy law is true. 143Trouble and anguish have come upon me, but thy commandments are my delight. 144Thy testimonies are righteous for ever; give me understanding that I may live. 145With my whole heart I cry; answer me, O LORD! I will keep thy statutes. 146I cry to thee; save me, that I may observe thy testimonies. 147I rise before dawn and cry for help; I hope in thy words. 148My eyes are awake before the watches of the night, that I may meditate upon thy promise. 149Hear my voice in thy steadfast love; O LORD, in thy justice preserve my life. 150They draw near who persecute me with evil purpose; they are far from thy law. 151But thou art near, O LORD, and all thy commandments are true. 152Long have I known from thy testimonies that thou hast founded them for ever. 153Look on my affliction and deliver me, for I do not forget thy law. 154Plead my cause and redeem me; give me life according to thy promise! 155Salvation is far from the wicked, for they do not seek thy statutes. 156 Great is thy mercy, O LORD; give me life according to thy justice. 157Many are my persecutors and my adversaries, but I do not swerve from thy testimonies. 158I look at the faithless with disgust, because they do not keep thy commands. 159Consider how I love thy precepts! Preserve my life according to thy steadfast love. 160The sum of thy word is truth; and every one of thy righteous ordinances endures for ever. 161Princes persecute me without cause, but my heart stands in awe of thy words. 162 I rejoice at thy word like one who finds great spoil. 163I hate and abhor falsehood, but I love thy law. 164Seven times a day I praise thee for thy righteous ordinances. 165Great peace have those who love thy law; nothing can make them stumble. 166I hope for thy salvation, O LORD, and I do thy commandments. 167My soul keeps thy testimonies; I love them exceedingly. 168I keep thy precepts and testimonies, for all my ways are before thee. 169Let my cry come before thee, O LORD; give me understanding according to thy word! 170Let my supplication come before thee; deliver me according to thy word. 171My lips will pour forth praise that thou dost teach me thy statutes. 172My tongue will sing of thy word, for all thy commandments are right. 173Let thy hand be ready to help me, for I have chosen thy precepts. 174I long for thy salvation, O LORD, and thy law is my delight. 175Let me live, that I may praise thee, and let thy ordinances help me. 176I have gone astray like a lost sheep; seek thy servant, for I do not forget thy commandments.
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Intent of Psalm 119
Psalm
119 is the key to eternal life in the Plan of God (No. 001A) through the keeping of the Commandments of God and the Faith and
Testimony of the Messiah, anointed as High Priest in Psalm 110; in order for
mankind to become elohim as sons of God (see No. 001).
As detailed in No. 164E The Law of God proceeds from his nature.
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God is |
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His
Law is |
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Righteous |
(Ezra 9:15) |
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Righteous |
(Ps.119:172) |
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Perfect |
(Mat. 5:48) |
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Perfect |
(Ps. 19:7) |
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Holy |
(Lev. 19:2) |
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Holy |
(Rom. 7:12) |
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Good |
(Ps. 34:8) |
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Good |
(Rom. 7:12) |
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Truth |
(Deut. 32:4) |
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Truth |
(Ps. 119:142) |
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God is unchanging. So also
Christ is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow (Heb. 13:8) because he has the
fullness of the divine nature (Col. 1:19; 2:9). The Law has the essential
qualities of God, proceeding from His very nature, and is written on the hearts
of the elect. The Law is right, true and good (Neh. 9:13). The elect are
circumcised in the heart because they partake of the divine nature (2Pet. 1:4)
and strive to have all the fullness (pleroma) of God (Eph. 3:19), as did
Christ. All others are required to keep God’s Laws. They are punished for not
changing; in other words, because they keep no law (Psa. 55:19). Blessed are
they who walk in the Law of the Lord (Psa. 119:1). The Law is fulfilled in we
who walk according to the spirit (Rom. 8:4). It is not the hearers of the Law
that are righteous, but those who obey (Rom. 2:13).
The Law of God is developed as the basis of the faith in the Psalms through Books 1 to 5 (see Isa. 8:20; Rev. 12:17; 14:12). For this reason Antinomians attack the Law when they cannot ignore it and then dismiss it as legalism. The fact is that one cannot enter the First Resurrection (No. 143A) and the kingdom of God without keeping the law and the testimony.
This
psalm is generally attributed as a Psalm of David by the rabbinical authorities
(except for Ibn Ezra) (see the Soncino). The psalm is sometimes assumed, by later
revisionists, to have been written by later entities such as Ezra and Nehemiah
and even Bullinger attributed it to Hezekiah (see below). However, we have seen
no substantive evidence for these assumptions. It is another of the
alphabetical acrostic psalms (cf. Pss. 9-10; 25; 34; 37; 111; 112; 145). It
consists of 22 stanzas of eight lines all commencing with the same Hebrew
letter of the alphabet in sequence for the 22 stanzas, answering to the number
of the Hebrew letters. Each verse begins with that letter which forms the title
of the part; that is, the first part of eight verses with א, the
second with ב, etc. It is an elegant,
important, and useful composition; the chief subjects of which are the
excellence of God's laws, and the happiness of those who observe them. Almost
every line contains the word law or a synonym (such as: testimonies,
ways, or precepts; comp. Psa. 19:7-14).
(See
Strong’s Hebrew Dictionary for the Hebrew articulation of the letters as below.)
Group 'Aleph, verses 1-8
v. 1 It is the undefiled who walk in the Law.
Comp. 2Kgs. 20:3; 2Chr. 31:20-21; Job 1:1, 8; Jn. 1:47; Act 24:16; 2Cor. 1:12;
Tit. 2:11-12.
v. 2 That man is blessed who seeks God and His
testimonies. Comp. Pss. 119:10, 22, 146;
25:10; Deut. 4:29; 2Chr. 31:21; Jer. 29:13.
v. 3 Such men do no iniquity, walking in His ways.
Comp. 1Jn. 3:9, 5:18.
v. 4 God commands us to keep His Law. Comp. Deut.
4:1,9; 5:29-33; 6:17; 11:13,22; 12:32; 28:1-14; 30:16; Jos. 1:7; Jer. 7:23;
Mat. 28:20; Jn. 14:15, 21; Phil. 4:8-9; 1Jn. 5:3.
v. 5 Lamentably, our nature rebels. Comp. Pss.
119:32, 36; 51:10; Jer. 31:33.
v. 6 However, when we are conformed, we no longer
are ashamed. Comp. Pss. 119:31, 80; Job 22:26; Dan. 12:2-3, 1Jn. 2:28, 3:20-21.
vv. 7-8 The one who understands the Law praises God.
Comp. Pss. 119:116-117, 176; 38:21-22; 51:11; Phil. 4:13.
Group Beyth, verses 9-16
v. 9 A man cleanses his ways by taking heed to
the word of God. Comp. Psa. 34:11; Pro. 4:1; Jos. 1:7; Jn. 15:3; 2Tim. 3:15-17;
Jas. 1:21-25.
v. 10 Follow God and keep His commandments with a whole
heart. Comp. Pss 119:2, 34, 58, 69; 78:37; 1Sam 7:3, 2Chr. 15:15, Jer. 3:10,
Hos. 10:2, Zep. 1:5-6; Mat. 6:24; Col. 3:22; 1Jn. 2:15.
v. 11 Focus on God’s word and sin will flee from
you. Comp. Pss. 119:97; 1:2; 37:31; 40:8, Job 22:22; Pro. 2:1, 10-11; Isa.
51:7; Jer. 15:16.
v. 12 Let God teach you. Comp. Pss. 25:4-5; 86:11;
143:10; Lk. 24:45; Jn. 14:26; 1Jn. 2:27.
v. 13 We can know and speak His judgments. Comp.
Pss. 37:30; 40:9-10; 71:15-18; 118:17; Mat. 10:27, 12:34; Act 4:20.
v. 14 Rejoice in God’s testimonies. Comp. Psa.
112:1; Job 23:12; Jer. 15:16; Mat. 13:44; Act 2:41-47.
v. 15 Meditate with respect on God’s precepts. Comp.
Psa 1:2; Jas. 1:25.
v. 16 Delight, and don’t forget. Comp. Psa. 40:8;
Pro. 3:1; Rom. 7:22; Heb. 10:16-17; Jas. 1:23-24.
Group Giymel, verses 17-24
v. 17 Keep God’s word and live. Comp. Pss. 13:6; 116:7;
Jn 1:16-17; 2Cor. 9:7-11; Phil. 4:19.
v. 18 The Law can reveal wonderous things. Comp. Psa. 119:96; Hos. 8:12; 2Cor. 3:13; Heb.
8:5, 10:1.
v. 19 We are strangers in the earth but the
commandments will see us through. Comp. Psa. 39:12; Gen. 47:9; 1Chr. 29:15;
2Cor. 5:6; Heb. 11:13-16; 1Pet. 2:11.
v. 20 The human soul requires the knowledge of the
judgments. Comp. Pss. 42:1; 63:1; 84:2; Pro. 13:12; Son. 5:8; Rev. 3:15-16.
v. 21 To flaunt the commandments is cause for
rebuke. Comp. Psa. 138:6; Ex. 10:3; 18:11; Job 40:11-12; Isa. 2:11-12; 10:12;
Ezek. 28:2-10; Dan. 4:37; 5:22-24; Mal. 4:1, Lk. 14:11; 18:14; Jas. 4:6; 1Pet.
5:5.
v. 22 The redeemed keep the testimonies. Comp.
Pss. 39:8; 42:10; 68:9-11, 8:19-20; 123:3-4; 1Sam. 25:10; 25:39; 2Sam. 16:7-8;
Job 16:20; 19:2-3; Heb. 13:13.
v. 23 Though the powerful may revile you, your
solace is in what you have meditated in God’s Law. Comp. Psa 2:1-2; 1Sam. 20:31;
22:7-13; Lk. 22:66; 23:1-2, 10-11.
v. 24 God’s testimonies are a delightful teacher,
and counsellor. Comp. Pss. 19:11, 119:97-100, 104-105, 162; Deut. 17:18-20;
Jos. 1:8; Job 27:10; Jer. 6:10; Pro. 6:20-23; Isa. 8:20. Col. 3:16; 2Tim.
3:15-17.
Group Daleth, verses 25-32
v. 25 We are dust, but our life is in God’s word.
Comp. Pss. 22:15; 44:25; 71:20; 80:18; 143:11; Isa. 65:25; Mat. 16:23; Rom. 7:22-24; Phil. 3:19;
Col. 3:2; Rom. 8:2-3.
v. 26 Repent first, then ask for guidance. Comp.
Pss. 119:106; 32:5; 38:18; 51:1-19; 25:4; 8-9; 27:11; 86:11; 143:8-10; Pro.
28:13; 1Kgs. 8:36.
v. 27 Teach us your precepts that we may walk in
them. Comp. Pss. 71:17; 78:4; 105:2; 111:4; 145:5-6; Ex. 13:14-15; Jos. 4:6-7;
Act 2:11; Rev. 15:3.
v. 28 The depressed soul is restored by the word.
Comp. Pss. 22:14; 107:26; Jos. 2:11, 24; 27:14; 29:11; Deut. 33:25; Isa. 40:29,
31; Zech. 10:12; Eph. 3:16; Phil. 4:13.
v. 29 Replace our lies with God’s Law. Comp. Pss.
119:5; 141:3-4; Pro. 30:8; Isa. 44:20; Jer. 16:19, Jon. 2:8; Eph. 4:22-25; 1Jn.
1:8; 2:4; Rev. 22:15; Jer. 31:33-34; Heb. 8:10-11.
v. 30 Choose God! Comp. Psa. 119:173; Jos. 24:15;
Pro. 1:29; Lk. 10:42; Jn. 3:19-21, 8:45;
1Pet. 2:2; 2Jn. 1:4.
v. 31 Stick with God’s testimonies and avoid
shame. Comp. Pss. 119:6, 48, 80, 115; 25:2, 20; Deut. 4:4; 10:20; Pro. 23:23;
Jn. 8:31; Acts 11:23; Isa. 45:17; 49:23; Jer. 17:18; Rom. 5:5; 1Jn. 2:28.
v. 32 Diligent commandment keeping will enlarge our
hearts. Comp. Song. 1:4; Isa. 40:31; 1Cor. 9:24-26; Heb. 12:1; Pss. 119:45;
18:36; 1Kgs. 4:29; Job 36:15-16; Isa. 60:5, 61:1; Lk. 1:74-75; Jn. 8:32, 36;
2Cor. 3:17, 6:11; 1Pet. 2:16.
Group He', verses 33-40
v. 33 Teach us your statutes and we will do them.
Comp. Pss. 119:8, 12, 26-27, 112; Isa. 54:13; Jn. 6:45; Mat. 10:22; 24:13; 1Cor.
1:7-8; Phil. 1:6, 1Jn. 2:19-20, 27; Rev. 2:26.
v. 34 Give us understanding and we will keep your
Law fully. Comp. Pss. 119:73; 111:10; Job 28:28; Pro. 2:5-6; Jn. 7:17, Jas.
1:5; 3:13-18; Deut. 4:6; Mat. 5:19; 7:24; Jas. 1:25; 2:8-12; 4:11.
v. 35 Make us to walk in your commandments and we
will delight in them. Comp. Pss. 119:16, 27, 36,173; Ezek. 36:26-27; Phil. 2:13; Heb. 13:21; Isa. 58:13-14; Rom. 7:22,
1Jn. 5:3.
v. 36 Redirect us from covetousness to God's
words. Comp. Pss. 10:3; 51:10; 141:4; Ex. 18:21; Ezek. 33:31; Hab. 2:9; Mk. 7:21-22;
Lk. 12:15; 16:14; Eph. 5:3, Col. 3:5, 1Tim. 6:9-10,17; Heb. 13:5; 2Pet. 2:3,
14; 1Kgs. 8:58; Jer. 32:39; Ezek. 11:19-20.
v. 37 Redirect us from vanity to your ways. Comp.
Psa. 119:25, 40; Num. 15:39; Jos. 7:21; 2Sam. 11:2; Job 31:1; Pro. 4:25; 23:5; Isa.
33:15; Mat. 5:28; 1Jn. 2:16.
v. 38 God teaches those who acknowledge His
sovereignty. Comp. Pss.103:11, 13, 17;
119:49; 145:19; 147:11; 2Sam. 7:25-29; Jer. 32:39-41; 2Cor. 1:20.
v. 39 God takes away our reproach, and we follow
righteous judgement. Comp. Pss. 19:9; 119:20, 22, 31, 43, 75, 123, 131; 39:8;
57:3, 2Sam. 12:14; 1Tim. 3:7; 5:14; Tit. 2:8; Deut. 4:8; Isa. 26:8; Rom. 2:2;
Rev. 19:2.
v. 40 God’s precepts generate righteousness. Comp.
Mat. 26:41; Rom. 7:24; 2Cor. 7:1; Gal. 5:17; Phil. 3:13-14; Mk. 9:24, Jn. 5:21;
10:10; 1Cor. 15:45; Eph. 2:5; 3Jn. 1:2.
Group Vav, verses 41-48
v. 41 The psalmist begins this section with an
appeal for God’s mercy and promised salvation. Comp. Pss. 119:58,76-77, 132;
69:16; 106:4-5; Lk. 2:28-32.
v. 42 The psalmist will use
God’s word to answer his accusers (a lesson for everyone). Comp. Pss. 3:2;
42:10; 71:10-11; 109:25; Mat. 27:40-43; Mat. 27:63; 1Sam. 16:7-8, 2Sam.
19:18-20.
v. 43 The psalmist entreats God to let him keep
the truth of His judgements. Comp. Pss. 119:52,120, 175; 7:6-9; 9:4, 16; 43:1;
1Pet. 2:23.
v. 44 The psalmist sees the keeping of the Law as
an eternal prospect. Comp. Psa. 119:33-34; Rev. 7:15; 22:11.
v. 45 Liberty is to walk in God’s precepts. Comp.
Psa. 119:133; Lk. 4:18, Jn. 8:30-36, Jas. 1:25; 2:12; 2Pet. 2:19.
v. 46 The psalmist will speak boldly of God’s
testimonies before kings. Comp. Psa. 138:1; Dan. 3:16-18; Dan. 4:1-3, 5-27;
Mat. 10:18-19; Acts 26:1-2, 24-29; Mk. 8:38; Rom. 1:16; Phil. 1:20; 2Tim.
1:8,16; 1Pet. 4:14-16, 1Jn. 2:28.
v. 47 The psalmist loves and delights in God’s
commandments. Comp. Pss. 112:1; 119:48, 97, 127, 140. Jn. 4:34; Phil. 2:5;
1Pet. 2:21.
v. 48 The psalmist promises to venerate God’s Law
and to meditate on His statutes. Pss. 112:1; 119:48, 97, 127, 140; Jn. 4:34;
Phil. 2:5; 1Pet. 2:21.
Group Zayin, verses 49-56
v. 49 The psalmist entreats God to remember His
words of encouragement. Comp. Pss. 119:43, 74, 81, 147; 71:14; 2Sam. 5:2; 7:25;
Rom. 15:13; 1Pet. 1:13, 21.
v. 50 God’s word comforts us when we are
afflicted. Comp. Pss. 42:11; 94:19. 119:25; Jer. 15:16; Rom. 5:3-5; 15:4; Heb.
6:17-19; 12:11-12; Eze. 37:10; Jn. 6:63; Jas. 1:18; 1Pet. 1:3; 2:2.
v. 51 Regardless of the jibes of the proud, stick
to the Law. Comp. Pss. 44:18; 123:3-4; Jer. 20:7; Lk. 16:14-15; 23:35; Job
23:11, Isa. 38:3; 42:4; Acts 20:23-24; Heb. 12:1-3.
v. 52 God’s judgements are a comfort. Comp. Pss.
77:5, 11-12; 105:5; 143:5; Ex. 14:29-30; Num. 16:3-35; Deut. 1:35-36; 4:3-4;
2Pet. 2:4-9.
v. 53 The wicked Law breakers horrify the
righteous. Comp. Ezra 9:3, 14; 10:6; Jer. 13:17; Dan. 4:19; Hab. 3:16; Lk.
19:41-42; Rom. 9:1-3; 2Cor. 12:21; Phil. 3:18.
v. 54 God’s statutes should be the songs on our
sojourn. Comp. Pss. 89:1; 10:1; Gen. 47:9; Heb. 11:13-16.
v. 55 Remember God’s Name and keep His Law. Comp.
Pss. 42:8; 63:6; 77:6; 139:18; 119:17, 34; Gen. 32:24-28; Job 35:9-10; Isa.
26:9; Lk. 6:12; Acts 16:25; Jn. 14:21; 15:10.
v. 56 Keep God’s precepts. Comp. Pss. 119:165;
18:18-22; 1Jn. 3:19-24.
Group Cheyth, verses 57-65
v. 57 God is our portion when we keep His word.
Comp. Pss. 16:5; 66:14; 73:26; 142:5; Jer. 10:16; Lam. 3:24; Deut. 26:17-18; Jos. 24:15, 18, 21, 24-27; Neh.
10:29-39.
v. 58 Entreat God with a whole heart and expect
the mercy that His word promises. Comp. Pss. 4:6; 51:1-3; 86:1-3; 56:4, 10;
119: 41, 10, 65, 76, 170; 138:2; Hos. 7:14; Heb. 10:22; Mat 24:35.
v. 59 Comp. our ways with God’s testimonies and
turn. Comp. Lam. 3:40; Ezek. 18:28, 30; 33:14-16, 19; Hag. 1:5, 7; Lk. 15:17-20;
2Cor. 13:5; Deut. 4:30-31; Jer. 8:4-6; 31:18-19; Jl. 2:13; 2Cor. 12:21.
v. 60 Hasten, and do not delay keeping the
commandments. Comp. Psa. 95:7-8; Ezek. 10:6-8; Pro. 27:1; Ecc. 9:10; Gal 1:16.
v. 61 Though the wicked afflict us, we should keep
our thoughts on the Law. Comp. Pss. 119:76, 95; 3:1; 1Sam. 24:9-11; 26:9-11;
30:3-5; Job 1:17; Hos. 6:9; Pro. 24:29; Rom. 12:17-21.
v. 62 Praise God’s judgements, even in the middle
of the night. Comp. Pss. 119:137, 147, 164; 19:9; 42:8. Deut. 4:8; Mk. 1:35;
Acts 16:25; Rom. 7:12.
v. 63 It is wise to keep company with the
righteous. Comp. Pss. 119:79, 115; 16:3; 101:6; 142:7; Pro. 13:20; Mal.
3:16-18; 2Cor. 6:14-17; 1Jn. 1:3; 3:14.
v. 64 God’s mercy fills the earth. Learn His
statutes. Comp. Pss. 27:11; 33:5; 104:13; 145:9; 119:12, 26; 145:9; Isa. 2:3;
48:17-18; Mat. 11:29.
Group Teyth, verses 65-72
v. 65 God keeps His word to His servants. Comp.
Pss. 119:17; 13:6; 16:5-6; 18:35; 23:5-6; 30:11; 116:7; 1Chr. 29:14.
v. 66 Judgement and knowledge come from keeping
the commandments. Comp. Pss. 119:34, 128, 160, 172; 72:1-2; 1Kgs. 3:9, 28; Pro.
2:1-9; 8:20; Isa. 11:2-4; Jdg. 3:15; Neh. 9:13-14; Mat. 13:11; Phil. 1:9; Jas.
3:13-18.
v. 67 Once lost, now found. Comp. Pss. 73:5-28;
119:71, 75, 176; Deut. 32:15, 2Sam. 10:19, 2Sam. 11:2-27, 2Ch. 33:9-13; Pro.
1:32, Jer. 22:21; 31:18-19; Hos. 2:6-7; 5:15, 6:1; Heb. 12:10-11; Rev. 3:10.
v. 68 Good God, teach me! Comp. Pss. 25:8-9; 73:5-28; 86:5; 106:1; 107:1; 119:12,
26; 145:7-9; Ex. 33:18-19; 34:6-7; Isa. 63:7; Mat. 5:45, 19:17; Mk. 10:18; Lk.
18:19.
v. 69 The proud tell lies about
me but I will direct my heart to your precepts. Comp. Pss 119:34, 51, 58, 157;
Jer. 43:2-3; Mat. 5:11-12; 26:59-68; Acts 24:5, 13; Mat. 6:24, Jas. 1:8.
v. 70 The heart of the proud is engorged but the
Law is our delight. Comp. Pss. 17:10; 73:7; 119:16, 35; Isa. 6:10; Acts 28:27;
Rom. 7:22.
v. 71 It is good to be afflicted, if the
experience leads one to God’s statutes. Comp. good: Pss. 119:67; 94:12-13; Isa. 27:9, 1Cor.
11:32; Heb. 12:10-11.
v. 72 The Law is better than gold and silver. Comp.
Pss. 119:14, 111, 127, 162; 19:10; Pro. 3:14-15, 8:10-11,19; 16:16; Mat.
13:44-46.
Group Yowd, verses 73-80
v. 73 May the God, who created us, give us the
understanding to keep His commandments. Comp. Pss. 100:3; 111:10; 119:34, 125, 144, 169; 138:8;
139:14-16; Job 10:8-11; 1Chr. 22:12; 2Ch 2:12; Job 32:8; 2Tim. 2:7; 1Jn. 5:20.
v. 74 Those that fear God will welcome those who
also have hoped on God’s word. Comp. Pss. 108:7; 119:42, 79, 147; 34:2-6;
66:16; Mal. 3:16; Gen. 32:11-12, Lk.
21:33.
v. 75 God’s judgements are right. He afflicts us
to help us learn them. Comp. Pss. 119:7, 62, 128, 160; Deut. 32:4; Job 34:23,
Jer. 12:1; Pss. 25:10; 89:30-33; Heb. 12:10-11; Rev. 3:19.
v. 76 God’s mercy is a comfort just as He has
said. Comp. Pss. 86:5; 106:4-5; 2Cor. 1:3-5.
v. 77 Be merciful for my life’s sake that I may
delight in the Law. Comp. Pss. 1:2; 51:1-3; 119:24, 41, 47, 174; Lam. 3:22-23;
Dan. 9:18; Heb. 8:10-12.
v. 78 Shame the proud who abuse me without cause,
and I will delight in God’s precepts. Comp. Pss. 1:2; 7:3-5; 25:3; 35:7; 69:4;
109:3; 119:23; 1Sam. 24:10-12, 17; 26:18; Jn. 15:25; 1Pet. 2:20.
v. 79 Let those who fear God and who keep His
commandments be our friend. Comp. Psa 119:63, 74; 7:7; 142:7.
v. 80 Keep our focus on God’s statutes so we won’t
be ashamed. Comp.: Psa 25:2-3, 21; 32:2; 119:6; Deut. 26:16; 2Ch.12:14; 15:17; 25:2;
31:20-21; Pro. 4:23; Eze. 11:9; Joh 1:47; 2Co. 1:12;
1Jn. 2:28.
Group Kaph, verses 81-88
v. 81 The soul seeks for salvation, but the hope
is in the word. Comp. Pss. 119:20, 40, 42, 74, 77; 114; 42:1-2; 73:26; 84:2;
Song. 5:8; Rev 3:15-16.
v. 82 Sometimes the eyes long to see the
fulfillment of the word (an exhortation for patience). Comp. Pss. 69:3; 86:17; 90:13-15 119:123; Deut.
28:32; Pro. 13:12; Isa. 38:11.
v. 83 As bottles in the East are made of skin, it
is evident that one of these hung up in the smoke must soon be parched,
shrivelled up, lose all its strength, and become unsightly and useless. Thus
the Psalmist appeared to himself to have become useless and despicable, through
the exhausted state of his body and mind, by long bodily afflictions and mental
distress. Comp. Pss. 22:15; 102:3-4; 119:16, 61, 176; Job 30:30.
v. 84 Another verse about patience. Pss.7:6;
39:4-5; 89:47-48; 90:12; Job 7:6-8; Rev. 6:10-11.
v. 85 The proud place stumbling blocks before
others, which is unlawful. Pss. 119:78; 7:15; 35:7; 36:11; 58:1-2; Pro. 16:27;
Jer.18:20.
v. 86 God’s commandments are faithful, one’s
enemies are not, please help, Lord. Comp.
Pss. 7:1-5; 35:7, 19; 38:19; 59:3-4; 70:5; 142:4-6; 143:9;
Jer. 18:20.
v. 87 The psalmist’s enemies almost consumed him,
but he held to God’s precepts despite them. Comp. Psa. 119:51, 61; 1Sam. 20:3;
23:26-27; 24:6-7; 26:9, 24; 2Sam. 17:1 6; Mat.10:28.
v. 88 God quickens the soul. The quickened soul
repeats God’s testimonies. Comp. Pss. 119:2, 25, 40, 146, 159; 25:10; 78:5;
132:12.
Group Lamed, verses 89-96
v. 89 God’s word is settled in heaven forever.
Comp. Pss. 119:152, 160; 89:2; Mat. 5:18; 24:34-35; 1Pet. 1:25; 2Pet. 3:13.
v. 90 God is faithful. What He establishes
remains. Comp. Deut. 7:9; Mic. 7:20; Pss. 89:1-2, 11; 93:1; 100:5; 104:5; Deut.
7:9; Job 38:4-7; Mic. 7:20; 2Pet. 3:5-7.
v. 91 Everything God has made stands in His
ordinances and serves Him and His Plan (001A). Comp. Psa. 148:5-6, Gen. 8:22,
Isa. 48:13, Jer. 33:25; Deut. 4:19; Jos. 10:12-13; Jdg. 5:20, Mat. 5:45; 8:9.
v. 92 Without the Law, we perish. Comp. Pss.
119:24, 77, 143; 27:13, 94:18-19; Pro. 6:22-23; Rom. 15:4.
v. 93 God’s precepts revive the soul. Comp. Pss
119:16, 50; Jn. 6:63; 1Pet. 1:23.
v. 94 We are God's people. His precepts save us.
Comp. Pss. 86:2; 119:27, 40, 173; Jos. 10:4-6; Isa. 41:8-10; 44:2,5; 64:8-10;
Zeph. 3:17; Acts 27:23-24.
v. 95 The wicked set traps. Regardless, I will
consider God’s testimonies. Comp. Pss. 10:8-10; 27:2; 37:32; 38:12; 119:24, 31,
111, 125, 129, 167; 1Sam. 23:20-23; 2Sam. 17:1-4; Mat. 26:3-5; Act. 12:11; 23:21;
25:3.
v. 96 All human wisdom or knowledge, however
extensive, noble, and excellent, has its bounds, and limits, and end; but God’s
Law, a transcript of His own mind and Nature, is immortal and infinite
extending to eternity. Comp. Psa. 19:7-8; Ecc. 1:2-3, 11; 7:20; 12:8; Mat.
5:18, 28; 24:35; 22:37-40; Mk. 12:29-34; Rom. 7:7-12, 14; Heb. 4:12-13.
Group Mem, verses 97-104
v. 97 I love your Law. I meditate upon it all the
day. Comp. Pss. 1:2; 19:167; Deut. 6:6-9; 17:19; Jos. 1:8; Pro. 2:10; 18:1.
v. 98 Your commands make me wiser than my
unfriendly foes. Comp. Pss. 119:11, 30,
105; Deut. 4:6, 8; 1Sam. 18:5, 14, 30; Pro. 2:6; Col. 3:16; Jas. 1:25.
v. 99 God’s testimonies give us more understanding
than our teachers. Comp. Psa. 119:24; Deut.
4:6-8; 2Sam. 15:24-26; 1Chr. 15:11-13; 2Chr. 29:15-36; 30:22; Jer. 2:8;
8:8-9; Mat. 11:25; 13:11; 15:6-9, 14; 23:24-36; Heb. 5:12; 2Tim. 3:15-17.
v. 100 God’s precepts make us wiser than the
ancients. Comp. 1Kgs. 12:6-15; Job 12:12; 15:9-10; 32:4,10; Psa 111:10; Job 28:28;
Jer. 8:8-9; Mat 7:24; Jas. 3:13.
v. 101 Direct your walk from evil to keep the Law.
Comp. Pss 119:59-60, 104, 126; 18:23; Pro. 1:15; Isa. 53:6; 55:7; Jer. 2:36,
Tit. 2:11-12; 1Pet. 2:1-2; 3:10-11.
v. 102 Depart not from God’s teaching of His
judgements. Comp. Psa. 18:21; Pro. 5:7; Jer. 32:40; Eph. 4:20-24; 1Thes. 2:13;
1Jn. 2:19, 27.
v. 103 God’s word is sweet as honey. Comp. Pss. 19:10; 63:5; Job 23:12; Pro. 3:17; 8:11;
24:13-14; Son. 1:2-4; 5:1.
v. 104 God’s precepts give the understanding to
hate false ways. Comp. Pss. 119:29-30, 128; 36:4; 97:10; 101:3; Pro. 8:13;
14:12; 5:15; Rom. 12:9; Mat. 7:13.
Group Nuwn, verses 105-112
v. 105 God’s word is a light, a lamp for guidance.
Comp. Pss. 18:28; 19:8; 43:3; Job 29:3; Pro. 6:23; Eph. 5:13; 2Pet. 1:19.
v. 106 A vow to Keep God’s judgements should be
kept. Comp. Pss. 56:12; 66:13-14; 119:115; 2Kgs. 23:3; 2Chr. 15:13-14; Neh. 10:29; Ecc. 5:4-5; Mat. 5:33;
2Cor. 8:5.
v. 107 If afflicted ask God for relief. Comp. Pss.
6:1; 22:14-18; 34:19; 119:25, 88; 143:11.
v. 108 We make freewill offerings with our prayers.
We get gifts of understanding. Comp. Psa. 119:12, 26, 130, 169; Num. 29:39;
Hos. 14:2; Heb. 13:15.
v. 109 Though my life is in continual danger,
nevertheless my thoughts are on the Law. Comp. Psa, 119:83, 117, 152; Jdg.
12:3, 1Sam. 19:5, 20:3; Job 13:14; Rom. 8:36; 1Cor. 15:31; 2Cor. 11:23.
v. 110 The wicked lay snares, yet I remain
steadfast. Comp. Pss. 119:10, 21, 51; 124:6-7; 140:5; 141:9; Pro. 1:11-12; Jer.
18:22.
v. 111 God’s testimonies are a heritage for eternal
rejoicing. Comp. Pss. 16:5; 19:8; 119:74, 92, 174; Deut. 33:4; Isa. 54:17; Act.
26:18; Col. 1:12; Heb. 9:15; 1Pet. 1:4; Jer. 15:16; 1Pet. 1:8.
v. 112 Endure in God’s statutes, even to the end.
Comp. Pss. 119:33, 36, 44; 141:4; Jos.
24:23; 1Kgs. 8:58; 2Chr. 19:3; Phil. 2:13; 1Pet. 1:13; Rev. 2:10.
Group Sawmech, verses 113-120
v. 113 Hate the thoughts of vanity but love the
Law. Comp. Pss. 94:11; 119:97, 103; Isa. 55:7; Jer. 4:14; Mk. 7:21; 2Cor. 10:5.
v. 114 God is the “place-of-safety”, the shield. Comp.
Pss. 3:3; 32:7; 84:11; 91:1-2; 119:81;
130:5-6; Isa. 32:2; See also The
Place of Safety (No. 194).
v. 115 Shun the evildoers, keep the commandments.
Comp. Pss. 6:8; 26:5; 26:9; 119:106, 139:19; Jos. 24:15; Mat. 7:23; 25:41;
1Cor. 15:33.
v. 116 God’s word upholds us and keeps us from
shame. Comp. Pss. 25:2; 37:17, 24; 41:12; 63:8; 94:18; Isa. 41:10; 42:1; 45:17;
Rom. 5:5; 9:32; 10:11; 1Pet. 2:6.
v. 117 God keeps us, we keep His commandments. Comp.
Pss. 119:6, 48, 111-112; 139:10; Isa. 41:13; Jn. 10:28-29; Rom. 14:4; 1Pet.
1:5; Jud. 1:24.
v. 118 God reprimands those who stray from His
statutes. Their fruit is deceit and lies. Comp.
Pss. 25:10; 44:20; 63:3;
78:36-37, 57; 95:10; 119:10, 21, 29; 78:36-37, 57; 25:10; 44:20; 63:3; Mal.
4:3; Lk. 21:24; Eph 4:22, 5:6; 2Thes. 2:9-11; 2Tim. 3:13; 1Jn. 2:21; Rev.
14:20; 18:23.
v. 119 God’s word separates out the dross (the
wicked) from the rest. Comp. 1Sam. 15:23, Jer. 6:30, Eze. 22:18-22, Mal. 3:2-3,
Mat. 3:12; 7:23; 13:40-42; 13:49-50; Psa 119:111, 126-128.
v. 120 Flesh trembles for fear of God. Comp. Isa
66:2; Dan. 10:8-11; Hab. 3:16; Phil. 2:12; Heb. 12:21, 28-29; Rev. 1:17-18.
Group 'Ayin, verses 121-128
vv. 121-125 Appeals to God for His mercy because of the
psalmist’s obedience. Comp. Pss. 36:11; 119:21; Gen. 43:9; Pro. 22:26-27; Isa.
38:14; Phm. 1:18-19; Heb. 7:22.
v. 126 Arise oh God: When infidels, profligates, and Pharisees,
"make void the law of God," generally, then it is time for God to
arise to vindicate His own honour and maintain His cause among men. Comp. Pss.
9:19; 102:13; Gen. 22:10-11, 14; Deut. 32:36; Isa. 42:14; Jer. 8:8; Hab. 1:4;
Mal. 2:8; Mat. 15:6; Rom. 3:31; 4:14.
vv. 127-128 Esteem God’s ways. Hate man’s ways that
oppose God’s. Comp. Pss. 19:10; 119:72, 104, 118; Pro. 3:13-18; 8:11; 16:16;
Mat. 13:45-46; Eph. 3:8.
Group Pe', verses 129-136
v. 129 God’s testimonies are a delight. Pss. 25:10;
119: 2, 18, 31, 146; 139:6; Isa. 9:6; 25:1; Rev 19:10.
v. 130 God’s word gives light and understanding.
Comp. Pss. 19:7; 119:105; Pro. 6:23; Isa. 8:20; Lk. 1:77-79, Act. 26:18, 2Cor.
4:4, 6; Eph. 5:13-14; 2Pet. 1:19; Pro. 1:4, 22-23; 9:4-6; Rom. 16:18-19; 2Tim.
3:15-17.
v. 131 The psalmist longs for the commandments.
Pss. 42:1; 119:20, 40, 162, 174; Isa. 26:8-9, 1Pet. 2:2; Heb. 12:14.
v. 132 Mercy is for those who love His name. Comp.
Pss. 25:18; 119:124; Ex. 4:31; 1Sam. 1:11; 2Sam. 16:12; Isa. 63:7-9.
vv. 133-135 Praise for the benefits for following God.
Comp. Psa. 121:3; 1Sam. 2:9.
v. 136 The wicked generate tears of compassion in
the righteous. Comp. Psa. 119:53, 158; 1Sam. 15:11; Jer. 9:1,18; 13:17; 14:17;
Ezek. 9:4; Lk. 19:41; Rom. 9:2-3.
Group Tsadey, verses 137-144
v. 137 God is righteous in judgement. Comp. Pss.
99:4; 103:6; 145:17; Deut. 32:4; Ezr. 9:15; Neh. 9:33; Jer 12:1; Dan. 9:7, 14;
Rom. 2:5; 3:5-6; 9:14; Rev. 15:3-4; 16:7; 19:2.
v. 138 God’s testimonies are righteous and
faithful. Comp.: Pss. 119:86, 144; 19:7-9; Deut. 4:8, 45.
v. 139 Zeal consumes the one who sees the wasted
way of the wicked. Comp. Pss. 53:4; 69:9; 1Kgs. 19:10, 14; Jn. 2:17; Mat. 9:13;
12:3-5; 15:4-6; 21:13, 16, 42; 22:29; Act. 13:27; 28:23-27.
v. 140 God’s word is pure. Comp. Pss. 119:128;
12:6; 18:30; 19:8; Pro. 30:5; Rom. 7:12, 16, 22; 1Pet. 2:2; 2Pet. 1:21.
v. 141 We may be small and insignificant, but we
can still delight in the Law. Comp. Psa.
119:109, 176; Pro. 3:1; 16:8; 19:1; Isa. 53:3; Lk. 6:20; 9:58; 2Cor. 8:9; Jas.
2:5.
vv. 142-144 God’s testimonies are righteous and
everlasting. Comp. Pss. 119:144; 36:6; Isa. 51:6, 8; Dan. 9:24; 2Thes. 1:6-10.
Group Qowph, verses 145-152
This
grouping is essentially a repetition of the psalmist’s expressions of love for
the Law.
Group Reysh, verses 153-160
v. 153 The psalmist asks God to consider him
because he keeps the Law. Comp. Pss. 119:16, 98, 109, 141, 159, 176; 9:13;
13:3-4; 25:19; Ex. 3:7-8; Neh. 9:32; Lam. 2:20; 5:1.
v. 154 The psalmist appeals to God’s word for
deliverance. Comp. Pss. 35:1; 43:1;
1Sam. 24:15; Job 5:8; Pro. 22:23, Jer 11:20; 50:34; 51:36, Mic. 7:9, 1Jn. 2:1;
Psa 119:25, 40.
v. 155 Salvation is far from the wicked. They are
far from keeping the commandments. Comp.: Pss.
10:4; 18:27; Job 5:4, Pro. 1:7; Isa. 46:12, 57:19; Job 21:14-15, Lk.
16:24; Rom. 3:11; Eph. 2:17-18.
v. 156 God’s mercy quickens the soul. Comp. Pss.
51:1; 86:5, 15, 13; 119:149; 1Chr. 21:13; Isa. 55:7; 63:7.
v. 157 Many persecutors? Keep the Law. Comp. Pss.
3:1-2; 22:12, 16; 25:19; 44:17; 56:2; 118:10-12; 119:51, 110; Job 17:9; 23:11;
Isa. 42:4; Mat. 24:9; 26:47; Acts 4:27; 20:23-24; 1Cor. 15:58.
v. 158 Transgressors of the word grieve the
psalmist. Comp. Psa. 119:53, 136; Ezek. 9:4; Mk. 3:5.
v. 159 Consider, oh God, how we walk in your ways,
and save us. Comp. Psa. 119:88, 97, 153, 2Kg. 20:3, Neh. 5:19, 13:22.
v. 160 God’s word is everlastingly true and
righteous. Comp. Pss 119:75, 86, 138,
142, 144, 152; Pro. 30:5; 2Tim. 3:16; Ecc. 3:14; Mat. 5:18.
Group Shiyn, verses 161-168
v. 161 Though princes may persecute you, make your
stand in the Law. Comp. Pss. 4:4; 119:23, 157; Gen. 39:9; 42:18; 1Sam. 21:15;
24:9-15; 26:18; 2Kgs. 22:19; Neh. 5:15; Job 31:23; Isa. 66:2; Jer. 36:23-25;
Jn. 15:25.
v. 162 Rejoice in the Law. Comp. Psa. 119:72, 111;
Jer. 15:16; 1Sam. 30:16; Pro. 16:19; Isa. 9:3.
v. 163 Hate lies. Love the Law. Comp. Pss. 119:29, 113, 128; 101:7; Pro. 6:16-19;
30:8; Amo. 5:15; Rom. 12:9; Eph. 4:25; Rev. 22:15.
v. 164 The psalmist prays seven times a day. Comp.
Pss. 119:62; 48:11; 55:17; 97:8; Rev. 19:2.
v. 165 Those who love the Law have great peace and
nothing offends them. Comp. Pro. 3:1-2, 17; Isa. 32:17; 57:21; Jn. 14:27; Gal.
5:22-23; 6:15-16; Phil. 4:7; Isa. 8:13-15; 28:13; 57:14; Mat. 13:21; 24:24;
1Pet. 2:6-8.
v. 166 Hope in God. Keep the Law. Comp. Pss. 4:5,
24:3-5: 50:23: 119:81, 174; 130:5-7; Gen. 49:18; Jn. 7:17; 1Jn. 2:3-4.
v. 167 The psalmist loves God’s testimonies. Comp.
Psa. 40:8, Rom. 7:22.
v. 168 The psalmist is an open book before God.
Comp. Pss. 44:20-21; 98:8; 139:3; Job
34:21; Pro. 5:21; Jer. 23:24; Heb. 4:13; Rev. 2:23.
Group Tav, verses 169-176
v. 169 Hear me when I cry for understanding. Comp.
Pss. 119:144, 145; 18:6; 1Chr. 22:12; 2Chr. 1:10; 30:27; Pro. 2:3-5; Dan. 2:21;
Jas. 1:5.
v. 170 Save me according to your word. Comp. Pss.
119:41; 89:20-25; Gen. 32:9-12; 2Sam. 7:25.
v. 171 I will praise you as you teach me. Comp.
Pss. 119:7; 50:23; 71:17; 23-24.
v. 172 I will speak of the righteousness of your
commandments. Comp. Pss. 37:30; 40:9-10; 78:4; 119:86, 138, 142; Deut. 6:7;
Mat. 12:34-35; Eph. 4:29; Col. 4:6; Rom. 7:12, 14.
vv. 173-175 Your precepts, commandments and judgements
are my delight and salvation. Comp. Pss. 119:30, 35, 40.
v. 176 I am a lost sheep. Seek for me because I have
kept your ways. Comp. Ps. 119:61, 93; Song. 1:4; Isa. 53; Jer. 31:18; Ezek.
34:6, 16; Hos. 4:6; Mat. 10:6; 15:24; 18:12-13; Lk. 15:4-7; 19:10; Jn.
The relationship between Man
and God is determined by the Law and the Covenant. It is explained in the
Summary of the Psalms at the appendix. The Plan of God is for mankind to become
elohim or gods as sons of the One True God (Ps. 82; Jn. 10:34-36). That future
plan is determined by and flows from the Nature of God which is reflected in
the Law of God (see Elect as Elohim (No. 001).
Bullinger’s
Notes on Psalm 119
Verse 1
Probably by Hezekiah. See App-67, Psalms
123:3, and notes below. An Acrostic Psalm (App-63), in which each verse in
each of the twenty-two sections commences with the twenty-two successive letters
of the Hebrew alphabet: i.e. the first eight begin with Aleph (= A), the
second eight with Beth (= B), &c.: making 176 verses in all (i.e. 8
x 22). For the ten words (corresponding with the Ten Commandments) which are
characteristic of this Psalm, see App-73.
Blessed = How happy (see App-63.). Here plural = O the great happiness.
way. The first of the ten words. See App-73. The thirteen occurrences of
this word in this Psalm are all noted below, as are those of the other nine.
law. The sixth in order of the ten words. See App-73.
the LORD. Hebrew. Jehovah. App-4.
Verse 2
Blessed. This Psalm, begins with a double Beatitude. See App-63.
keep = guard.
testimonies. The second in order of the ten words. See App-73.
Verse 3
iniquity = perversity. Hebrew. "aval. App-44.
Verse 4
precepts. The third in order of the ten words. See App-73.
Verse 5
statutes. The ninth in order of the ten words. See App-73.
Verse 6
ashamed = put to shame; not shame of conscience.
commandments. The tenth in order of the ten words. See App-73.
Verse 7
praise = give thanks, as in Psalms
92:1, &c.
righteous = righteousness: i.e. judgments of Thy righteousness. The eighth in
order of the ten words. See App-73.
judgments. The seventh in order of the ten words. See App-73.
Verse 8
not utterly = not in any wise. Comp. Psalms
119:43.
Verse 9
a young man. The writer not necessarily a youth.
way = path. Not the same word as in Psalms
119:1.
By taking = So as to take. Put interrogation at end of the second line instead of
the first.
word = the articulate subject-matter of what is said. The tenth in order of
the ten words of this Psalm. See note on Psalms
18:30. App-73. Not the same word as in Psalms
119:11. Some codices, with Aramaean, Septuagint, Syriac, and Vulgate, read "words" (plural)
Verse 11
word = the mode, or purport of what is said. The fifth in order of the ten
words of this Psalm. See App-73. Some codices, with one early printed edition,
Aramaean, Septuagint, Syriac, and Vulgate, read "words" (plural)
hid = treasured up.
sin. Hebrew. chata". App-44.
Verse 13
lips . . . declared. Figure of speech Paronomasia. App-6: bispatay sipparti.
Verse 16
word. Same word as in Psalms
119:9 (not Psalms
119:11): but some codices, with two early printed editions, Aramaean,
Septuagint, Syriac, and Vulgate, read "words"
(plural)
Verse 18
Open = Unveil. behold = discern, or see clearly.
Verse 19
stranger = foreigner sojourning.
Verse 20
soul. Hebrew. nephesh. App-13.
breaketh for = hath broken owing to. Occurring again only in Lamentations
3:16.
longing = fervent desire; same word as verses: Psalms
119:40, Psalms
119:174, but not Psalms
119:131.
Verse 21
err = go far astray (through wine or passion). Same word as "wander" (Psalms
119:10), and "err" (Psalms
119:118). Hebrew. shagah App-44.
Verse 22
reproach and contempt. Comp. Psalms
123:3, Psalms
123:4, confirming Hezekiah"s suggested authorship.
Verse 24
also = nevertheless. See Psalms
129:2.
my counsellors = men (Hebrew. "ish, App-14) of my counsel.
Verse 25
dust. Put by Figure of speech Metonymy (of Adjunct), App-6, for the
dead, as in Psalms
30:9. Ecclesiastes
12:7.
Quicken . . . me = Give me life, or keep me alive. The first of nine prayers for
quickening (Imperative), verses: Psalms
119:37, Psalms
119:40, Psalms
119:88, Psalms
119:107, Psalms
119:149, Psalms
119:154, Psalms
119:156, Psalms
119:159. Twice as a statement of fact, verses: Psalms
119:50, Psalms
119:93.
word. As in Psalms
119:9; but some codices read " words" (plural)
Verse 27
talk = meditate.
Verse 28
melteth = weepeth. Occurs only here. Job
16:20. Ecclesiastes
10:18.
word. As in Psalms
119:9. Some codices read plural; but other codices, with Septuagint and
Vulgate, read "by (or in) thy
words" (plural)
Verse 30
laid = set.
Verse 31
stuck = cleaved, or adhered.
Verse 32
enlarge my heart = set my heart at liberty, as in Isaiah
60:5. 2
Corinthians 6:11, 2
Corinthians 6:13.
Teach me = Show, or make me to see.
way. Some codices, with three early printed editions, Aramaean, and Syriac,
read "ways" (plural)
Verse 38
Who is devoted to Thy fear. Supply Ellipsis thus: "Which
[leadeth to] reverence of Thee"; or, "Which [pertaineth
to]", &c.
Verse 39
fear = dread.
Verse 40
in: or by.
righteousness. Hebrew. zedakah. See App-73.
Verse 41
mercies = lovingkindnesses.
Verse 42
wherewith = a word. Hebrew. dabar as in Psalms
119:9. See App-73.
reproacheth. See note on "contempt",
Psalms
123:3.
trust in = confide in. Hebrew. batah. App-69.
word. Some codices, with one early printed edition, Aramaean, Septuagint, and
Syriac, read "words"
(plural)
For ever and ever. Put by Figure of speech Synecdoche (of Whole), App-6, for a
part: i.e. the rest of his life.
at liberty = at large. Comp. Psalms
118:5.
kings. So Hezekiah testified, doubtless, when kings sent presents and
embassies to him (2
Chronicles 32:22, 2
Chronicles 32:23). No occasion to suggest a later date for this Psalm.
have loved = love. Septuagint adds "much".
My hands, &c. Hebrew idiom = to swear by, as in Genesis
14:22. Exodus
6:8 (margin) Deuteronomy
32:40. Ezekiel
20:5, Ezekiel
20:6; Ezekiel
36:7. See note on Exodus
17:16.
Upon which. This is supported by the Septuagint and Vulgate. In Deuteronomy
29:25 it is rendered "Because".
caused me to hope. Our hope is based on believing what we have "heard" from God. Comp. Hebrews
11:1 with Romans
10:17.
comfort. The word occurs (as a noun) elsewhere only in Job
6:10.
quickened me = kept me alive. See note on Psalms
119:25.
proud = insolent (like Rabshakeh).
Horror = Indignation.
wicked = lawless. Hebrew. rasha".
songs. Put by Figure of speech Metonymy (of Subject), App-6, for the
theme of my songs.
name. See note on Psalms
20:1.
This. Supply Ellipsis (App-6) thus: "This
[comfort] I had".
The division is better made thus, dispensing with the
supposed Ellipsis: I have said "Jehovah
is my portion, That I might keep Thy word. "
favour. Hebrew face; put by Figure of speech Metonymy (of Adjunct),
App-6, for what is indicated by it.
merciful = gracious.
robbed = surrounded. Comp. Sennacherib"s investment of Hezekiah. See
App-67.
companion = fellow of the same party.
fear = revere.
mercy = lovingkindness, or grace.
Before. If we begin this verse with the word "Till", and Psalms
119:71 with ""Tis", then each verse in this section will
commence with "T", as it does in the Hebrew.
afflicted = oppressed.
But now. Comp. Hebrews
12:6-11, and references there.
good = kind. doest good = actest kindly.
It is. See note on Psalms
119:67.
good = right, or fitting.
gold and silver. Put by Figure of speech Metonymy (of Cause), App-6, for coins
made from these metals.
Jod. This is the small letter referred to in Matthew
5:18.
fashioned = formed. Comp. Job
31:15; also Deuteronomy
32:18.
fear = revere.
right = righteousness, as in Psalms
119:7.
afflicted = humbled.
merciful kindness = lovingkindness, or grace.
tender mercies = compassions.
For, &c. This is the ground of his prayer.
delight. Plural as in Psalms
119:92 = great delight.
proud = insolent, or arrogant.
perversely = with falsehood.
without a cause. Comp. John
15:25 with Romans
3:24 ("freely").
those that have known. Some codices read "and
they shall know".
sound = thorough.
fail. Same word as "fainteth",
in Psalms
119:81.
bottle = wine-skin: i.e. black and shrivelled. Comp. Job
30:30.
many: i.e. few at the most. Comp. Psalms
89:47. 2
Samuel 19:34.
execute judgment = vindicate.
Which, &c. = "[Men] who are not",
&c.
after = according to.
faithful = faithfulness.
wrongfully. See note on "perversely",
Psalms
119:78.
almost = soon. See note on "almost"
(Proverbs
5:14).
consumed = made an end of.
For ever, O LORD. Supply Ellipsis (App-6), "For
ever [art Thou], O Jehovah [For ever] Thy Word", &c.
settled = standeth fast, as the earth: i.e. endureth for ever (Psalms
102:12, Psalms
102:26. Isaiah
40:8. Luke
16:17. 1
Peter 1:25). So Christ, the Living Word (John
12:34).
abideth = standeth, as in Psalms
119:91.
They: i.e. heaven and earth.
continue = stand, as in Psalms
119:90.
this day = [to] this day, or to-day.
ordinances = regulations. Hebrew. mishpat. The seventh of the ten words.
App-73. Comp. Psalms
119:132.
all. With Art. = the whole [universe].
sought = inquired into, or studied. Comp. Psalms
105:4.
all perfection = an end, or limit to all things. Comp. Job
26:10; Job
28:3.
Thy commandment, &c. = spacious exceedingly [are] Thy commandments: i.e. including all (as
opposed to "end").
they are = it [is]: i.e. the Law containing the commandments.
than all my teachers. Because Divinely taught Divine wisdom.
ancients = elders, or the aged ones.
evil. Hebrew. ra"a". App-44.
way. Including religious way, in the sense of Acts
9:2; Acts
19:9, Acts
19:23; Acts
24:14. Comp. Acts
16:17; Acts
18:26; especially in Psalms
119:104.
word. Same word as in Psalms
119:9. Some codices, with one early printed edition, with Aramaean,
Septuagint, Syriac, and Vulgate, read "words"
(plural)
departed = swerved.
taught = directed.
sweet = smooth, or agreeable. Not the same word as in Psalms
19:10.
lamp: or lantern, for light on the path for the feet; not merely a light for
the eyes (Psalms
19:8).
I will perform it. Some codices, with seven early printed editions, Aramaean, Septuagint,
Syriac, and Vulgate, read "I have
performed it"; but some codices, with four early printed editions
(1 in margin), read "and will perform it".
in my hand. An idiom for great danger. Comp. Judges
12:3. 1
Samuel 19:5; 1
Samuel 28:21. Job
13:14.
erred = to err from the paths of virtue and piety. Hebrew. ta"ah;
not the same word as in verses: Psalms
119:21, Psalms
119:118.
thoughts = divided or doubting thoughts. Same root as 1
Kings 18:21 (Comp. James
1:8); or, them that are of double mind.
hiding place. Comp. Psalms
32:7; Psalms
91:1. shield. Comp. Psalms
84:9, and note. Figure of speech Anthropopatheia. App-6.
God. Hebrew. Elohim. App-4. But "my God" implies Jehovah.
live. See note || on p. 827.
and I shall be safe = so shall I be saved.
have respect unto. Aram, and Syriac read "find
dear delight in". Septuagint reads "shall meditate".
trodden down: or set at naught.
Thou puttest away. Septuagint and Vulg, read "I
have accounted".
My flesh trembleth: or, My flesh creeps (as we say). Comp. Job
4:15, i.e. at the judgment executed on the wicked.
justice = righteousness. Same word as in Psalms
119:7.
proud = arrogant. This is the only verse in this Psalm which has not one of
the "ten words",
unless we may include the Living Word Himself, Who is the "surety"
for His people. See note on Proverbs
11:15, and Comp. Hebrews
7:22. See App-73.
mercy = lovingkindness, or grace.
to work: i.e. to intervene.
wonderful. Same root as in verses: Psalms
119:18, Psalms
119:27.
keep = keep safely.
entrance = doorway; which was always an open way for the light, in the absence
of windows.
simple = sincere, as opposed to crafty.
I longed. An Aramaic word (ya"ab). Occurs only here. Weaker than in
verses: Psalms
119:20, Psalms
119:40, Psalms
119:174.
merciful = gracious.
As Thou usest to do = According to Thy ordinance. Hebrew. mishpat. The seventh in
order of the "ten words"
(App-73). So rendered in Psalms
119:91.
name. See note on Psalms
20:1.
Order = Direct, or guide.
in = by. Some codices, with one early printed edition, Septuagint, and
Vulgate, read "according to".
iniquity. Hebrew "aven. App-44.
Deliver: i.e. by power. Hebrew. padah. See notes on Exodus
6:6 with Exodus
13:13. Not the same word as verses: Psalms
119:153, Psalms
119:154, Psalms
119:170. man. Hebrew. "adam. App-14.
Rivers of waters. Hebrew. palgey-mayim. See note on Proverbs
21:1. Eng. idiom = Floods of tears.
Righteous, &c. See Psalms
119:7. See also Revelation
16:5, Revelation
16:7.
righteous and very faithful = righteousness and faithfulness.
very pure = refined.
small = insignificant. Comp. Judges
6:15.
is the truth = is truth (no Art.) Comp. John
17:17.
taken hold. Figure of speech Prosopopoeia. App-6.
cried = called [unto Thee], as in Psalms
119:146.
hear = answer.
cried = called. Figure of speech Anaphora. App-6.
prevented = anticipated, or forestalled.
dawning. A Homonym. Hebrew. nephesh. See note on 1
Samuel 30:17. Authorized Version and Revised Version correctly render it
here, and in Job
7:4; though not in 1
Samuel 30:17. Job
24:15.
word. Same as in Psalms
119:11; but some codices, with Septuagint and Vulgate, read "words" (plural)
prevent = anticipate, or forestall.
watches. See App-51.
Hear. Emphatic = O do hear.
after mischief. Some codices, with Septuagint, Syriac, and Vulgate, read "after me maliciously".
deliver. Twenty-five Hebrew words so rendered. Here, halaz = rescue (with
a gentle hand); not the same word as in verses: Psalms
119:134, Psalms
119:154, Psalms
119:170.
deliver. Hebrew. ga"al = redeem. See notes on Exodus
6:6 with Exodus
13:13, Not the same word as in verses: Psalms
119:134, Psalms
119:153, Psalms
119:170.
tender mercies = compassions.
enemies = adversaries: i.e. those who hem me in.
transgressors. Hebrew. bagad = traitors, or treacherous men.
was grieved = loathed myself: i.e. seeing the same tendencies in myself. Comp. Job
42:6.
beginning. Hebrew. r"osh = head. Put by Figure of speech Synecdoche
(of Part), App-6, for the whole (including the beginning, and "every one", as in next
line) = sum and substance, word and words (Jeremiah
15:16. John
17:8, John
17:14); rendered "sum" in Psalms
139:17.
Princes = Rulers.
word. Same word as in Psalms
119:9. Some codices, with Septuagint and Vulgate, read "words" (plural)
word. Same word as in Psalms
119:11. Some codices with Septuagint and Vulgate, read "words" (plural)
lying = falsehood = what is false; especially false religion and idolatry.
Seven times. Not a "round"
number, but the number of spiritual perfection. See App-10.
peace. Put by Figure of speech Synecdoche (of Part), App-6, for every
blessing connected with peace.
offend them = make them stumble.
Deliver = Rescue. Hebrew. nazal, to pluck out of the hands of an enemy;
recover. Not the same word as in verses: Psalms
119:134, Psalms
119:153, Psalms
119:154.
utter = pour forth or bubble over with. Comp. Proverbs
15:2; Proverbs
18:4.
speak of. Hebrew respond with. Put by Figure of speech Synecdoche (of Species),
App-6, for all kinds of speaking or singing; hence = praise.
hand. Figure of speech Anthropopatheia (App-6); "hand" put by Figure of
speech Metonymy (of Cause), App-6, for power exercised by it.
it shall praise Thee. Refers to Isaiah
38:20.
help me. Refers to Isaiah
37:33-36.
lost = perishing. Comp. Matthew
18:11; Luke
19:10.
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