Blessed are the undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the LORD. The connection of the sacred aphorisms of this psalm is their common reference to the Word of God, the grand theme of the whole. The only two verses (; ) in which it is not named, contain an indirect reference to it, "good" an... [ Continue Reading ]
Blessed are they that keep his testimonies, and that seek him with the whole heart. BLESSED ARE THEY THAT KEEP HIS TESTIMONIES. Eight terms are used for the Word of God in this psalm, all of which occur in this first stanza. The law-the testimonies-precepts-commandments-judgments (these five occ... [ Continue Reading ]
They also do no iniquity: they walk in his ways. THEY ALSO DO NO INIQUITY - willfully and habitually (). THEY WALK IN HIS WAYS - after the Spirit, not after the flesh ().... [ Continue Reading ]
Thou hast commanded us to keep thy precepts diligently. THOU HAST COMMANDED US TO KEEP THY PRECEPTS DILIGENTLY - as a most precious deposit committed to us. Translate wholly: see note, .... [ Continue Reading ]
O that my ways were directed to keep thy statutes! O THAT MY WAYS WERE DIRECTED - `confirmed,' (Hengstenberg: cf. Psalms 78:37; Psalms 51:10, margin.) Prepared, directed aright, and made stedfast [ yikonuw (H3559)], (2 Chronicles 27:6, cf. margin.) Remembering human frailty and instability, and... [ Continue Reading ]
Then shall I not be ashamed, when I have respect unto all thy commandments. THEN SHALL I NOT BE ASHAMED, WHEN I HAVE RESPECT UNTO ALL THY COMMANDMENTS. I shall not be with shame disappointed in my hope of salvation when I have respect not merely to some, or even many, but to ALL thy commandments... [ Continue Reading ]
I will praise thee with uprightness of heart, when I shall have learned thy righteous judgments. I WILL PRAISE THEE WITH UPRIGHTNESS OF HEART (I:E., SINCERITY; AS OPPOSED TO FORMAL LIP SERVICE), WHEN I SHALL HAVE LEARNED THY RIGHTEOUS JUDGMENTS - when I shall have been taught by thee the laws of... [ Continue Reading ]
I will keep thy statutes: O forsake me not utterly. I WILL KEEP THY STATUTES: O FORSAKE ME NOT UTTERLY. The same Hebrew [ mª'od (H3966)] as is translated "diligently" in Psalms 119:4, 'Thou hast commanded us to keep thy precepts wholly:' I wish to keep them wholly: in order that I may do so, do... [ Continue Reading ]
Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word. WHEREWITHAL SHALL A YOUNG MAN CLEANSE HIS WAY? The lusts of young men are naturally strong, and prone to bring defilement on the soul (cf. ; ). BY TAKING HEED (THERETO) ACCORDING TO THY WORD. "Thereto... [ Continue Reading ]
With my whole heart have I sought thee: O let me not wander from thy commandments. WITH MY WHOLE HEART HAVE I SOUGHT THEE. So all Judah, under Asa, "entered into a covenant to seek the Lord God of their fathers with all their heart, and with all their soul ... and sought Him with their whole des... [ Continue Reading ]
Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee. THY WORD HAVE I HID IN MINE HEART, THAT I MIGHT NOT SIN AGAINST THEE - the sure preservative against falling (). So the Virgin Mary (; ; ). He is sure to slip who lets the Word of God, the antidote to sin, slip from his heart.... [ Continue Reading ]
Blessed art thou, O LORD: teach me thy statutes. BLESSED ART THOU, O LORD: TEACH ME THY STATUTES. Thou hast taught me to know and praise thee as "Blessed:" go on teaching me still. Thou who hast so rich a supply of grace, as the Blessed One, supply me with teaching out of it.... [ Continue Reading ]
With my lips have I declared all the judgments of thy mouth. WITH MY LIPS HAVE I DECLARED ALL THE JUDGMENTS OF THY MOUTH - (.) Though I have "hid thy Word in mine heart" (), yet I do not confine it there, but give utterance to it "with my lips." "Declared" - literally, enumerated (Sipharti in de... [ Continue Reading ]
I have rejoiced in the way of thy testimonies, as much as in all riches. I HAVE REJOICED IN THE WAY OF THY TESTIMONIES, AS (MUCH AS) IN ALL RICHES. "The way of thy testimonies" is that way which is prescribed by them. The Hebrew [ `al (H5921)] may be better translated, 'as being above all riches... [ Continue Reading ]
I will meditate in thy precepts, and have respect unto thy ways. I WILL MEDITATE IN THY PRECEPTS, AND HAVE RESPECT UNTO THY WAYS - those pleasing to thee (Hengstenberg). Thy ways whereby thou dost punish the world, chastise the Church, and prepare thy way for coming to us (Cocceius). "I will med... [ Continue Reading ]
I will delight myself in thy statutes: I will not forget thy word. I WILL DELIGHT MYSELF IN THY STATUTES - (.)... [ Continue Reading ]
Deal bountifully with thy servant, that I may live, and keep thy word. DEAL BOUNTIFULLY - literally, 'reward;' namely, not as a matter of debt, but of grace, according to thy promise to them that seek thee. Already the Lord had "dealt bountifully with" the Psalmist (); he prays Him to continue t... [ Continue Reading ]
Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law. OPEN THOU MINE EYES, THAT I MAY BEHOLD WONDROUS THINGS OUT OF THY LAW. The wonders of the law, not only its deep mysteries, but its practical truths, proceed "out of" it only to the spiritually enlightened. "Open" - Hebrew, ga... [ Continue Reading ]
I am a stranger in the earth: hide not thy commandments from me. I AM A STRANGER IN THE EARTH: HIDE NOT THY COMMANDMENTS FROM ME. As a stranger on earth I know not what things I ought to do, what to avoid: teach me both by revealing thy commandments. This earth is not the believer's home, but his... [ Continue Reading ]
My soul breaketh for the longing that it hath unto thy judgments at all times. MY SOUL BREAKETH FOR THE LONGING THAT IT HATH UNTO THY JUDGMENTS AT ALL TIMES. "Breaketh" implies a heart full of desire, even to breaking. God's "judgments" are His judicial deeds in behalf of His people against thei... [ Continue Reading ]
Thou hast rebuked the proud that are cursed, which do err from thy commandments. THOU HAST REBUKED THE PROUD (THAT ARE) CURSED, WHICH DO ERR FROM THY COMMANDMENTS - a sample of the "judgments" longed for (). God rebuked, by the acts of vengeance, the "proud" Pharaoh, who 'exalted himself against... [ Continue Reading ]
Remove from me reproach and contempt; for I have kept thy testimonies. REMOVE FROM ME REPROACH AND CONTEMPT - Hebrew, gal (H1540); 'roll away from me reproach'-namely, such as Israel bare from the pagan, so though God disowned them, when they were put under the power of the uncircumcised. The al... [ Continue Reading ]
Princes also did sit and speak against me: but thy servant did meditate in thy statutes. PRINCES ALSO DID SIT (AND) SPEAK AGAINST ME: (BUT) THY SERVANT DID MEDITATE IN THY STATUTES - (.) The shield of the Israel of God against the slanders of this world's great men is loving meditation in God's... [ Continue Reading ]
Thy testimonies also are my delight and my counsellors. THY TESTIMONIES ALSO (ARE) MY DELIGHT, (AND) MY COUNSELORS (; ) - in opposition to the 'princes sitting' in council against me (). King Alphonsus, when asked who were the best counselors, replied, the dead, meaning books; because they, with... [ Continue Reading ]
My soul cleaveth unto the dust: quicken thou me according to thy word. MY SOUL CLEAVETH UNTO THE DUST: QUICKEN THOU ME ACCORDING TO THY WORD. The first clause is from ; cf. ; . The dust is the place of the afflicted, the wounded, and the dead. 'Quicken me'-namely, to life, peace, and joy.... [ Continue Reading ]
I have declared my ways, and thou heardest me: teach me thy statutes. I HAVE DECLARED MY WAYS, AND THOU HEARDEST ME - namely, in my prayer under affliction (; ). "My ways" are here, my whole case (). He means not a bare mention, but a confidential and decided committal of himself and all his con... [ Continue Reading ]
Make me to understand the way of thy precepts: so shall I talk of thy wondrous works. MAKE ME TO UNDERSTAND THE WAY OF THY PRECEPTS: SO SHALL I TALK OF THY WONDROUS WORKS - (Psalms 145:5.) Make me so to appreciate them with heart and mind (), that my tongue may celebrate thy wondrous works, which... [ Continue Reading ]
My soul melteth for heaviness: strengthen thou me according unto thy word. MY SOUL MELTETH FOR HEAVINESS - owing to my sufferings, notwithstanding my adherence to thy Word. "Melteth" - literally ( daalªpaah (H1811)), droppeth. Compare Job 16:20, the same Hebrew.... [ Continue Reading ]
Remove from me the way of lying: and grant me thy law graciously. REMOVE FROM ME THE WAY OF LYING; AND GRANT ME THY LAW GRACIOUSLY. "The way of lying" is every unfaithfulness to the covenant - i:e., to "thy law" (which in the parallel clause stands in contrast). Thy law is truth (; ; ); apostasy... [ Continue Reading ]
I have chosen the way of truth: thy judgments have I laid before me. I HAVE CHOSEN THE WAY OF TRUTH; THY JUDGMENTS HAVE I LAID (BEFORE ME) - I have laid them down as the rule of my conduct. "The way of truth" - the way of faithfulness [ 'ªmuwnaah (H530)].... [ Continue Reading ]
I have stuck unto thy testimonies: O LORD, put me not to shame. I HAVE STUCK UNTO THY TESTIMONIES: O LORD, PUT ME NOT TO SHAME - disappoint not my hope. Though "my soul cleaveth unto the dust" (), it cleaveth still faster to "thy testimonies," so that no business, pleasure, or peril can sever me fr... [ Continue Reading ]
I will run the way of thy commandments, when thou shalt enlarge my heart. I WILL RUN THE WAY OF THY COMMANDMENTS, WHEN THOU SHALT ENLARGE MY HEART - when thou shalt have completely delivered me out of my straits, "and set me in a large place" (; ), and so made my heart enlarged with joy, (, margi... [ Continue Reading ]
Teach me, O LORD, the way of thy statutes; and I shall keep it unto the end. TEACH ME, O LORD, THE WAY OF THY STATUES, AND I SHALL KEEP IT (UNTO) THE END. So rightly supplies the ellipsis.... [ Continue Reading ]
Give me understanding, and I shall keep thy law; yea, I shall observe it with my whole heart. GIVE ME UNDERSTANDING - a frequent prayer of the godly (). The Lord alone giveth it (; .). I SHALL OBSERVE IT WITH MY WHOLE HEART. He feels this a feature of religion which cannot be too often dwelt o... [ Continue Reading ]
Make me to go in the path of thy commandments; for therein do I delight. MAKE ME TO GO IN THE PATH OF THY COMMANDMENTS; FOR THEREIN DO I DELIGHT. Thou who hast given me the will, give me the power to perform. Do not forsake one who by thy aid has already embraced thy Word.... [ Continue Reading ]
Incline my heart unto thy testimonies, and not to covetousness. INCLINE MY HEART UNTO THY TESTIMONIES, AND NOT TO COVETOUSNESS. Love to God and love to gain cannot dwell together in the same heart. The one will be sure to supplant the other (; ; ; ). "Cares, and riches, and pleasures of this life... [ Continue Reading ]
Turn away mine eyes from beholding vanity; and quicken thou me in thy way. TURN AWAY MINE EYES FROM BEHOLDING VANITY - (, end.) Hengstenberg for "vanity" translates 'deceit:' all the worldly idols in which happiness and peace are sought apart from God-power, wealth (), pleasure, self-righteousnes... [ Continue Reading ]
Stablish thy word unto thy servant, who is devoted to thy fear. STABLISH THY WORD UNTO THY SERVANTS, WHO IS DEVOTED TO THY FEAR - or, 'thy Word which belongs to thy fearers;' namely, to them who fear thee (Hengstenberg). I prefer the English version (cf. ; ; ). Give the additional grace which th... [ Continue Reading ]
Turn away my reproach which I fear: for thy judgments are good. TURN AWAY MY REPROACH WHICH I FEAR. The reproach of the enemy makes the suppliant fear that he may come to a bad end at last (cf. ; ). Or, let not my sin and its chastisement turn to the reproach of the truth, and occasion blasphemy... [ Continue Reading ]
Behold, I have longed after thy precepts: quicken me in thy righteousness. BEHOLD, I HAVE LONGED AFTER THY PRECEPTS: QUICKEN ME IN THY RIGHTEOUSNESS - according to thy righteousness, whereby thou savest them who trust in thee. 'The longing after God's commandments is the distinguishing mark of t... [ Continue Reading ]
Let thy mercies come also unto me, O LORD, even thy salvation, according to thy word. LET THY MERCIES COME ALSO UNTO ME, O LORD, (EVEN) THY SALVATION, ACCORDING TO THY WORD. SO SHALL I HAVE WHEREWITH TO ANSWER HIM THAT REPROACHETH ME. The gift of this "salvation," through thy tender "mercies" ()... [ Continue Reading ]
And take not the word of truth utterly out of my mouth; for I have hoped in thy judgments. AND TAKE NOT THE WORD OF TRUTH UTTERLY OUT OF MY MOUTH - take not from me, by withholding thy saving deliverance ("salvation," ), the ability to give a true " answer" () to "him that reproacheth me." The w... [ Continue Reading ]
So shall I keep thy law continually for ever and ever. SO SHALL I KEEP THY LAW. "So" - in gratitude for thy goodness. CONTINUALLY FOREVER AND EVER. The accumulation of words expresses the intensity of his resolution.... [ Continue Reading ]
And I will walk at liberty: for I seek thy precepts. AND I WILL WALK AT LIBERTY: FOR I SEEK THY PRECEPTS - Hebrew, 'I will walk at large:' the same Hebrew root [ raahab (H7294)] as in Psalms 119:32, "when thou shalt enlarge my heart;" Psalms 118:5, "in a large place;" opposed to "a strait place,... [ Continue Reading ]
I will speak of thy testimonies also before kings, and will not be ashamed. I WILL SPEAK OF THY TESTIMONIES ALSO BEFORE KINGS, AND WILL NOT BE ASHAMED - (.) So Paul before King Agrippa and Festus (Acts 26:1). Compare Jesus' forewarning, Matthew 10:18. Instead of being ashamed, Christ's followers... [ Continue Reading ]
And I will delight myself in thy commandments, which I have loved. AND I WILL DELIGHT MYSELF IN THY COMMANDMENTS, WHICH I HAVE LOVED. Here he expresses his personal delight in () the private study of God's word, as in he had expressed his public profession of faith in it.... [ Continue Reading ]
My hands also will I lift up unto thy commandments, which I have loved; and I will meditate in thy statutes. MY HANDS ALSO WILL I LIFT UP UNTO THY COMMANDMENTS, WHICH I HAVE LOVED. The lifting up of the hands is the outward expression of the lifting up of the heart to them (). I will pray with up... [ Continue Reading ]
Remember the word unto thy servant, upon which thou hast caused me to hope. REMEMBER THE WORD UNTO THY SERVANT, UPON WHICH THOU HAST CAUSED ME TO HOPE - (Psalms 119:38; Psalms 119:74; Psalms 119:76; Psalms 119:81; Psalms 119:147.) Hengstenberg translates, 'Because (as the Hebrew is translated, 2... [ Continue Reading ]
This is my comfort in my affliction: for thy word hath quickened me. THIS IS MY COMFORT IN MY AFFLICTION: FOR THY WORD HATH QUICKENED ME - thy word of promise of salvation has given me life, when I was giving way to despair. ; show that the quickening had already begun.... [ Continue Reading ]
The proud have had me greatly in derision: yet have I not declined from thy law. THE PROUD HAVE HAD ME GREATLY IN DERISION ( ); YET HAVE I NOT DECLINED FROM THY LAW - (.) So the faithful remnant protest, . "The proud" - namely, those who in haughty self-conceit "err from thy commandments" (; ). D... [ Continue Reading ]
I remembered thy judgments of old, O LORD; and have comforted myself. I REMEMBERED THY JUDGMENTS OF OLD ... AND HAVE COMFORTED MYSELF. God's past judicial vindications of His people by mighty deliverances gives Israel sure hope for the future, however discouraging be her present state. "Of old" - H... [ Continue Reading ]
Horror hath taken hold upon me because of the wicked that forsake thy law. HORROR HATH TAKEN HOLD UPON ME BECAUSE OF THE WICKED THAT FORSAKE THY LAW. So Ezra, after the return from Babylon, when he heard that "the holy seed had mingled themselves with" the pagan people (Ezra 9:2), "rent his garme... [ Continue Reading ]
Thy statutes have been my songs in the house of my pilgrimage. THY STATUTES HAVE BEEN MY SONGS IN THE HOUSE OF MY PILGRIMAGE. As the sojourner in a strange land sings the loved songs of his home and fatherland, and is cheered by them, so the child of God and heir of heaven, who is but "a stranger... [ Continue Reading ]
I have remembered thy name, O LORD, in the night, and have kept thy law. I HAVE REMEMBERED THY NAME, O LORD, IN THE NIGHT, AND HAVE KEPT THY LAW - (; .) At night especially our sorrows press painfully upon the mind. The remembrance of the Lord's "name" - i:e., His manifestation of Himself in acts a... [ Continue Reading ]
This I had, because I kept thy precepts. THIS I HAD, BECAUSE I KEPT THY PRECEPTS - "this" good I have had as my reward (namely, that thy statutes are "my songs in my pilgrimage," and that "I remember thy name" as my comfort "in the night") "because I have (so ardently) kept thy precepts." The Ra... [ Continue Reading ]
Thou art my portion, O LORD: I have said that I would keep thy words. (THOU ART) MY PORTION, O LORD: I HAVE SAID (MENTALLY, AS MY FIXED RESOLVE) THAT I WOULD KEEP THY WORDS - (; ; ; .) Let the unbelieving world choose worldly goods as their portion. I choose the Lord and His words as mine.... [ Continue Reading ]
I intreated thy favour with my whole heart: be merciful unto me according to thy word. I ENTREATED THY FAVOUR (LITERALLY, THY FACE, , MARGIN; , MARGIN) WITH MY WHOLE HEART. The Hebrew expresses great earnestness and humility in supplication. BE MERCIFUL UNTO ME ACCORDING TO THY WORD of promis... [ Continue Reading ]
I thought on my ways, and turned my feet unto thy testimonies. I THOUGHT ON MY WAYS - the first step toward repentance, as in the case of the prodigal (Luke 15:17); also that to which the Lord urges the Church at Ephesus (). AND TURNED MY FEET UNTO THY TESTIMONIES - whereinsoever they had turn... [ Continue Reading ]
I made haste, and delayed not to keep thy commandments. I MADE HASTE - like Zaccheus (Luke 19:5), at the Lord's call. AND DELAYED NOT - like Felix, Acts 24:25; and the Athenians, Acts 17:32). I "delayed not" - literally, I did not stand questioning [from the interrogation, mah (H4100)], hitmahª... [ Continue Reading ]
The bands of the wicked have robbed me: but I have not forgotten thy law. THE BANDS OF THE WICKED HAVE ROBBED ME: BUT I HAVE NOT FORGOTTEN THY LAW. So Kimchi takes the verb from a Chaldee root [`aawad,] to rob [or from `ad (H5704), a spoil, Genesis 49:27 ]. But Gesenius takes it, 'surround' [`eew... [ Continue Reading ]
At midnight I will rise to give thanks unto thee because of thy righteous judgments. AT MIDNIGHT I WILL RISE TO GIVE THANKS UNTO THEE BECAUSE OF THY RIGHTEOUS JUDGMENTS - (; .) Midnight is often the time of God's judgments for His people on their foes; as in the case of the Egyptians (; ). Israel... [ Continue Reading ]
I am a companion of all them that fear thee, and of them that keep thy precepts. I AM A COMPANION OF ALL THEM THAT FEAR THEE, AND OF THEM THAT KEEP THY PRECEPTS. 'A man is known by his companions' (; Malachi 3:16).... [ Continue Reading ]
The earth, O LORD, is full of thy mercy: teach me thy statutes. THE EARTH, O LORD, IS FULL OF THY MERCY: TEACH ME THY STATUTES - (.) As thou fillest the earth with thy mercy, so give me a share of it by teaching me thy statutes. I can make no progress in piety unless thou teachest me, Of all thy... [ Continue Reading ]
Thou hast dealt well with thy servant, O LORD, according unto thy word. THOU HAST DEALT WELL WITH THY SERVANT, O LORD, ACCORDING UNTO THY WORD. The answer to . Already the Lord had dealt well with Israel in releasing her from the Babylonian captivity. She prays that He may crown the work which H... [ Continue Reading ]
Teach me good judgment and knowledge: for I have believed thy commandments. TEACH ME GOOD JUDGMENT AND KNOWLEDGE. "Judgment" ( ta`am (H2940)) - literally, taste. So experimental understanding (Psalms 34:8). On "good," cf. Psalms 27:13; Psalms 31:19. FOR I HAVE BELIEVED THY COMMANDMENTS - in bo... [ Continue Reading ]
Before I was afflicted I went astray: but now have I kept thy word. BEFORE I WAS AFFLICTED I WENT ASTRAY; BUT NOW HAVE I KEPT THY WORD. The affliction of Israel in her captivity () produced a salutary effect upon her (; ; Jeremiah 31:18; ).... [ Continue Reading ]
Thou art good, and doest good; teach me thy statutes. THOU ART GOOD, AND DOEST GOOD. To be good and to do good are God's grand characteristics (). So Jesus, .... [ Continue Reading ]
The proud have forged a lie against me: but I will keep thy precepts with my whole heart. THE PROUD HAVE FORGED A LIE AGAINST ME (; , notes; ) - such an accusation as that laid by the Samaritan adversaries of Judah before King Ahasuerus, that the Jews had rebellion and sedition as their aim in b... [ Continue Reading ]
Their heart is as fat as grease; but I delight in thy law. THEIR HEART IS AS FAT AS GREASE - as obese as fat (Deuteronomy 32:15): a mind reprobate [incapable of judging and appreciating, noun (G3563) adokimon (G96), Romans 1:28 ] (Psalms 17:10; Psalms 73:7) - stupid and insensible as to spiritual... [ Continue Reading ]
It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn thy statutes. IT IS GOOD FOR ME THAT I HAVE BEEN AFFLICTED - (; ; : cf. ; ). Thrice he blesses God for affliction as a great benefit.... [ Continue Reading ]
The law of thy mouth is better unto me than thousands of gold and silver. THE LAW OF THY MOUTH IS BETTER UNTO ME THAN THOUSANDS OF GOLD AND SILVER - (; .) Rabbi Joseph alleged this verse as his plea for not going, when tempted with the promise of great gain, to a place where there was no synagog... [ Continue Reading ]
Thy hands have made me and fashioned me: give me understanding, that I may learn thy commandments. THY HANDS HAVE MADE ME AND FASHIONED ME. Israel saith this, in conformity with what Moses said to her, (cf. ; ). GIVE ME UNDERSTANDING, THAT I MAY LEARN THY COMMANDMENTS. 'Whatever I am or can is th... [ Continue Reading ]
They that fear thee will be glad when they see me; because I have hoped in thy word. THEY THAT FEAR THEE WILL BE GLAD WHEN THEY SEE ME; BECAUSE I HAVE HOPED IN THY WORD. Other tried and tempted believers will be confirmed in their hope by my case, when they shall see me delivered from all my tri... [ Continue Reading ]
I know, O LORD, that thy judgments are right, and that thou in faithfulness hast afflicted me. I KNOW, O LORD, THAT THY JUDGMENTS ARE RIGHT (LITERALLY, RIGHTEOUSNESS), AND THAT THOU IN FAITHFULNESS HAST AFFLICTED ME. God is faithful to His word even in afflicting His people (). His faithfulness i... [ Continue Reading ]
Let, I pray thee, thy merciful kindness be for my comfort, according to thy word unto thy servant. LET, I PRAY THEE, THY MERCIFUL KINDNESS BE FOR MY COMFORT, ACCORDING TO THY WORD UNTO THY SERVANT. Let mercy and grace mitigate, and finally deliver me from, my affliction, which I confess is justl... [ Continue Reading ]
Let thy tender mercies come unto me, that I may live: for thy law is my delight. LET THY TENDER MERCIES COME UNTO ME, THAT I MAY LIVE: FOR THY LAW IS MY DELIGHT - (; .) This latter is the vindication of my spiritual life; therefore I confidently ask for thy tender mercy to preserve me in physica... [ Continue Reading ]
Let the proud be ashamed; for they dealt perversely with me without a cause: but I will meditate in thy precepts. LET THE PROUD BE ASHAMED (BE DISAPPOINTED IN THEIR HOPE OF DESTROYING ME); FOR THEY DEALT PERVERSELY WITH ME WITHOUT A CAUSE: (BUT) I WILL MEDITATE IN THY PRECEPTS. They falsely accu... [ Continue Reading ]
Let those that fear thee turn unto me, and those that have known thy testimonies. LET THOSE THAT FEAR THEN TURN UNTO ME, AND THOSE THAT HAVE KNOWN THY TESTIMONIES - (cf. .) "Those that have known" - participle in Hebrew, those knowing. So the Masoretic reading is; but the Hebrew text (Kethibh) r... [ Continue Reading ]
Let my heart be sound in thy statutes; that I be not ashamed. LET MY HEART BE SOUND IN THY STATUTES, THAT I BE NOT ASHAMED. Put to the shame of disappointment in my hope of salvation. "Sound" - Hebrew (thamim), perfect. Integrity and sincerity are implied; having no lurking self-deceit or hypocrisy... [ Continue Reading ]
My soul fainteth for thy salvation: but I hope in thy word. MY SOUL FAINTETH FOR THY SALVATION - pineth for it (; ). (BUT) I HOPE IN THY WORD. Though sorely tempted, I do not give up my hope.... [ Continue Reading ]
Mine eyes fail for thy word, saying, When wilt thou comfort me? MINE EYES FAIL FOR THY WORD, SAYING, WHEN WILT THOU COMFORT ME. "Fail for thy word" - namely, for the fulfillment of thy promise of deliverance (; ).... [ Continue Reading ]
For I am become like a bottle in the smoke; yet do I not forget thy statutes. FOR I AM BECOME LIKE A BOTTLE IN THE SMOKE - my skin is become parched and shrivelled like an eastern wine bottle, made of skin dried in the smoke (Psalms 102:3; ; ; ). 'The Church's constancy and piety are greatest in... [ Continue Reading ]
How many are the days of thy servant? when wilt thou execute judgment on them that persecute me? HOW MANY ARE THE DAYS OF THY SERVANT? WHEN WILT THOU EXECUTE JUDGMENT ON THEM THAT PERSECUTE ME? The shortness of human life is made the plea for asking that God would vindicate His justice by speedy j... [ Continue Reading ]
The proud have digged pits for me, which are not after thy law. THE PROUD ( ; , NOTES) HAVE DIGGED PITS FOR ME, WHICH (WHO-NAMELY, THE PROUD, NOT THE PITS) ARE NOT AFTER THY LAW. Treachery is especially opposed to God's law.... [ Continue Reading ]
All thy commandments are faithful: they persecute me wrongfully; help thou me. ALL THY COMMANDMENTS ARE FAITHFUL - literally, faithfulness (); have attached to them promises to the obedient which shall surely be fulfilled.... [ Continue Reading ]
They had almost consumed me upon earth; but I forsook not thy precepts. THEY HAD ALMOST CONSUMED ME UPON EARTH: BUT I FORSOOK NOT THY PRECEPTS - or, 'in the (Holy) land.' Israel was now but a small remnant in it, even as the Canaanite remnant was formerly () (Hengstenberg).... [ Continue Reading ]
Quicken me after thy lovingkindness; so shall I keep the testimony of thy mouth. QUICKEN ME AFTER THY LOVING-KINDNESS; SO SHALL I KEEP THE TESTIMONY OF THY MOUTH. God must give His QUICKEN ME AFTER THY LOVING-KINDNESS; SO SHALL I KEEP THE TESTIMONY OF THY MOUTH. God must give His people spiritua... [ Continue Reading ]
For ever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven. FOREVER, O LORD, THY WORD IS SETTLED IN HEAVEN. The Hebrew accent, Athnach, recommends rather the division of the verse into two members, "Forever (thou art), O Lord: thy word is settled in heaven." Thus the first clause of this verse answers to t... [ Continue Reading ]
Thy faithfulness is unto all generations: thou hast established the earth, and it abideth. THY FAITHFULNESS IS UNTO ALL GENERATIONS: THOU HAST ESTABLISHED THE EARTH, AND IT ABIDETH - by the power of "thy Word," which "is settled in heaven." Thy Word at creation spake the earth into existence (),... [ Continue Reading ]
They continue this day according to thine ordinances: for all are thy servants. THEY CONTINUE THIS DAY ACCORDING TO THINE ORDINANCES: FOR ALL ARE THY SERVANTS. Muis translates, 'They continue (stand) this day FOR lª- thy judgments' - i:e., for the purpose of executing them, as obedient "servants... [ Continue Reading ]
Unless thy law had been my delights, I should then have perished in mine affliction. UNLESS THY LAW HAD BEEN MY DELIGHTS, I SHOULD THEN HAVE PERISHED IN MINE AFFLICTION. "Thy law " - namely, its consolations and promises (cf. ).... [ Continue Reading ]
I will never forget thy precepts: for with them thou hast quickened me. I WILL NEVER FORGET THY PRECEPTS: FOR WITH THEM THOU HAST QUICKENED ME - with the hopes which they suggest (, note.)... [ Continue Reading ]
I am thine, save me; for I have sought thy precepts. I (AM) THINE, SAVE ME; FOR I HAVE SOUGHT THY PRECEPTS - I belong to thee, and give myself up wholly to thee (literally, I to thee), to thy Word, and thy will; save me therefore.... [ Continue Reading ]
The wicked have waited for me to destroy me: but I will consider thy testimonies. THE WICKED HAVE WAITED FOR ME TO DESTROY ME - ( .) (BUT) I WILL CONSIDER THY TESTIMONIES - as Daniel was not turned aside from praying thrice a day by the plot of his enemies for his destruction.... [ Continue Reading ]
I have seen an end of all perfection: but thy commandment is exceeding broad. I have seen an end of all perfection: but thy commandment is exceeding broad. I HAVE SEEN AN END OF ALL PERFECTION: BUT THY COMMANDMENT IS EXCEEDING BROAD - as contrasted with the narrow boundaries of human standards o... [ Continue Reading ]
O how love I thy law! it is my meditation all the day. O HOW LOVE I THY LAW! IT IS MY MEDITATION ALL THE DAY - (.) He says so, not to praise his own devotion, but the excellence of God's law, as worthy of all love and continual mediation.... [ Continue Reading ]
Thou through thy commandments hast made me wiser than mine enemies: for they are ever with me. THOU THROUGH THY COMMANDMENTS HAST MADE ME WISER THAN MINE ENEMIES - (.) With all their worldly shrewdness () opposed to my simplicity (), they are destitute of the wisdom wherewith thou hast made me w... [ Continue Reading ]
I have more understanding than all my teachers: for thy testimonies are my meditation. I HAVE MORE UNDERSTANDING THAN ALL MY TEACHERS: FOR THY TESTIMONIES ARE MY MEDITATION. By the teaching of "thy testimonies," which are "my meditation," "I have more understanding than ... my teachers," who neg... [ Continue Reading ]
I understand more than the ancients, because I keep thy precepts. I UNDERSTAND MORE THAN THE ANCIENTS, BECAUSE I KEEP THY PRECEPTS. Obedience is the key to the true knowledge of God and the highest things (). The ancients or elders, by reason of lengthened experience and observation, were, in the... [ Continue Reading ]
I have refrained my feet from every evil way, that I might keep thy word. I HAVE REFRAINED MY FEET FROM EVERY EVIL WAY, THAT I MIGHT KEEP THY WORD. My object in refraining from all evil is not merely to escape punishment, nor for the sake of vain-glory before others, but 'in order that I may kee... [ Continue Reading ]
I have not departed from thy judgments: for thou hast taught me. I HAVE NOT DEPARTED FROM THY JUDGMENTS: FOR THOU HAST TAUGHT ME - inwardly by the Spirit, without which all other teaching is ineffectual Thou teachest me the way wherein I should walk, and holdest up my goings in it, so as not to... [ Continue Reading ]
How sweet are thy words unto my taste! yea, sweeter than honey to my mouth! HOW SWEET ARE THY WORDS UNTO MY TASTE! YEA, SWEETER THAN HONEY TO MY MOUTH - (.) The spiritual 'palate' (so the Hebrew for taste) discriminates what is sweet and wholesome to the taste of the sanctified soul (cf. ; ).... [ Continue Reading ]
Through thy precepts I get understanding: therefore I hate every false way. THROUGH THY PRECEPTS I GET UNDERSTANDING: THEREFORE I HATE EVERY FALSE WAY - (cf. .) I get understanding not only in the mysteries of faith, but in the discreet guidance of the affairs of life. On the contrary, one of th... [ Continue Reading ]
Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. THY WORD IS A LAMP UNTO MY FEET, AND A LIGHT UNTO MY PATH. The Word is "a lamp" to us, a "light that shineth in a dark place until the day dawn" (; ). The lamp is not the sun, but is our precious guide as to all that we should do, believ... [ Continue Reading ]
I have sworn, and I will perform it, that I will keep thy righteous judgments. I HAVE SWORN, AND I WILL PERFORM IT, THAT I WILL KEEP THY RIGHTEOUS JUDGMENTS. So the Jews, after their return from Babylon, 'entered into a curse and into an oath to walk in God's law, which was given by Moses the ser... [ Continue Reading ]
I am afflicted very much: quicken me, O LORD, according unto thy word. I AM AFFLICTED VERY MUCH: QUICKEN ME, O LORD, ACCORDING UNTO THY WORD. Life was promised on the condition of obedience (; ).... [ Continue Reading ]
Accept, I beseech thee, the freewill offerings of my mouth, O LORD, and teach me thy judgments. ACCEPT, I BESEECH THEE, THE FREE-WILL OFFERINGS OF MY MOUTH - my prayers and praises (; , "the calves of our lips;" "the sacrifice of praise to God ... the fruit of our lips," ).... [ Continue Reading ]
My soul is continually in my hand: yet do I not forget thy law. MY SOUL IS CONTINUALLY IN MY HAND: YET DO I NOT FORGET THY LAW - i:e., my life is in continual danger: like those who carry anything precious in their hand, where it is not safe, and might easily fall out, or be taken away (, "I put... [ Continue Reading ]
The wicked have laid a snare for me: yet I erred not from thy precepts. THE WICKED HAVE LAID A SNARE FOR ME: YET I ERRED NOT FROM THY PRECEPTS - a commentary on . In he prayed God 'not to let him wander from God's commandments;' and in described the proud as those 'who do err from God's commandm... [ Continue Reading ]
Thy testimonies have I taken as an heritage for ever: for they are the rejoicing of my heart. THY TESTIMONIES HAVE I TAKEN AS HERITAGE FOREVER - a still better heritage than even the literal Canaan flowing with milk and honey (). FOR THEY ARE THE REJOICING OF ANY HEART - (; ; .)... [ Continue Reading ]
I have inclined mine heart to perform thy statutes alway, even unto the end. I HAVE INCLINED MINE HEART TO PERFORM THY STATUTES ALWAY, EVEN UNTO THE END - (.)... [ Continue Reading ]
I hate vain thoughts: but thy law do I love. I HATE VAIN THOUGHTS: BUT THY LAW DO I LOVE. "Vain thoughts" (as the antithesis to "thy law" shows) are all thoughts opposed to God's law, whether subtle speculations, which are incompatible with the simplicity of revealed truth, or carnal and worldly... [ Continue Reading ]
Thou art my hiding place and my shield: I hope in thy word. THOU ART MY HIDING PLACE AND MY SHIELD: I HOPE IN THY WORD - (.)... [ Continue Reading ]
Depart from me, ye evildoers: for I will keep the commandments of my God. DEPART FROM ME, YE EVIL-DOERS: FOR I WILL KEEP THE COMMANDMENTS OF MY GOD - (.) Depart from me, because you can neither destroy me nor seduce me, since I will keep the commandments of my God.... [ Continue Reading ]
Uphold me according unto thy word, that I may live: and let me not be ashamed of my hope. UPHOLD ME ACCORDING UNTO THY WORD, THAT I MAY LIVE - Do not let me either be destroyed or seduced by the "evil-doers" (). AND LET ME NOT BE ASHAMED (i:e., disappointed) OF MY HOPE - of salvation (Psalms 2... [ Continue Reading ]
Hold thou me up, and I shall be safe: and I will have respect unto thy statutes continually. HOLD THOU ME UP, AND I SHALL BE SAFE (CF. , THE ASSURANCE WHICH THE BELIEVER RECEIVES), AND I WILL HAVE RESPECT UNTO THY STATUTES CONTINUALLY. Compare on the first clause, and on the second.... [ Continue Reading ]
Thou hast trodden down all them that err from thy statutes: for their deceit is falsehood. THOU HAST TRODDEN DOWN ALL THEM THAT ERR FROM THY STATUTES - ( .) FOR THEIR DECEIT (IS) FALSEHOOD - their crafty deceit, wherewith they think to crush the godly, shall prove false to them, and shall he baf... [ Continue Reading ]
Thou puttest away all the wicked of the earth like dross: therefore I love thy testimonies. THOU PUTTEST AWAY ALL THE WICKED OF THE EARTH (LIKE) DROSS - (Ezekiel 22:18.) This shall be fully realized at the Lord's second coming, by the flaming fire which shall separate the dross (the wicked) from... [ Continue Reading ]
My flesh trembleth for fear of thee; and I am afraid of thy judgments. MY FLESH TREMBLETH FOR FEAR OF THEE - (; : especially ; ). 'Joyful hope goes hand in hand with fear' (Hengstenberg). If God's past judgments cause trembling even to the godly, who shall be untouched by any such judgments, how... [ Continue Reading ]
I have done judgment and justice: leave me not to mine oppressors. I HAVE DONE JUDGMENT AND JUSTICE: LEAVE ME NOT TO MINE OPPRESSORS. As I have done no injustice to others, so leave me not to he the victim of injustice. Not that he was absolutely free from unrighteousness, but he was so in respe... [ Continue Reading ]
Be surety for thy servant for good: let not the proud oppress me. BE SURETY FOR THY SERVANT FOR GOOD: LET NOT THE PROUD OPPRESS ME - Be my guarantee. Literally, the Hebrew means to interchange, the surety taking the place of his friend (, note; ). See note, . The Psalmist regards the contest of h... [ Continue Reading ]
Mine eyes fail for thy salvation, and for the word of thy righteousness. MINE EYES FALL FOR THY SALVATION, AND FOR THE WORD OF THY RIGHTEOUSNESS - i:e., for the fulfillment of 'thy Word,' which promises "salvation," a promise which "thy righteousness" ensures the fulfillment of. Compare also , w... [ Continue Reading ]
Deal with thy servant according unto thy mercy, and teach me thy statutes. DEAL WITH THY SERVANT ACCORDING UNTO THY MERCY - (.) AND TEACH ME THY STATUTES - his chief prayer: therefore often repeated (cf. ).... [ Continue Reading ]
I am thy servant; give me understanding, that I may know thy testimonies. I AM THY SERVANT - (.) GIVE ME UNDERSTANDING, THAT I MAY KNOW THY TESTIMONIES - the only reward of my service, which I ask as a matter of grace, not debt.... [ Continue Reading ]
It is time for thee, LORD, to work: for they have made void thy law. IT IS TIME FOR THEE, LORD, TO WORK; (FOR) THEY HAVE MADE VOID THY LAW. "To work;" or, literally, 'to do (it)'-namely, to vindicate thy servant by saving him from his oppressors (). So 'do' is used absolutely, ; ; . Here the paga... [ Continue Reading ]
Therefore I love thy commandments above gold; yea, above fine gold. THEREFORE I LOVE THY COMMANDMENTS ABOVE GOLD, YEA, ABOVE FINE GOLD - (.) "Therefore" - namely, because of the excellencies of thy law, as detailed already.... [ Continue Reading ]
Therefore I esteem all thy precepts concerning all things to be right; and I hate every false way. THEREFORE I ESTEEM ALL (THY) PRECEPTS (CONCERNING) ALL (THINGS TO BE) RIGHT; (AND) I HATE EVERY FALSE WAY. We must not choose those precepts which suit our inclinations, while we set aside others... [ Continue Reading ]
Thy testimonies are wonderful: therefore doth my soul keep them. THY TESTIMONIES ARE WONDERFUL: THEREFORE DOTH MY SOUL KEEP THEM - "wonderful" in respect to their Author, God, their subject matter, truth without any mixture of error, and their end, salvation for lost man. Though commonplace in t... [ Continue Reading ]
The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple. THE ENTRANCE OF THY WORDS GIVETH LIGHT - like the sun's beam entering through an aperture into a dark room. So "the Lord opened the heart of Lydia" to attend savingly to the Word; then the light gained an "entrance... [ Continue Reading ]
I opened my mouth, and panted: for I longed for thy commandments. I OPENED MY MOUTH, AND PANTED: FOR I LONGED FOR THY COMMANDMENTS - (.) Compare ; . As one fainting pants for air, and one thirsty for water, so thy commandments are the only thing which can satisfy my longings.... [ Continue Reading ]
Look thou upon me, and be merciful unto me, as thou usest to do unto those that love thy name. LOOK THOU UPON ME, AND BE MERCIFUL UNTO ME - thy mere look is able to heal me. AS THOU USEST TO DO UNTO THOSE THAT LOVE THY NAME. It is no new thing with thee, but thy wont in the case of all the godl... [ Continue Reading ]
Order my steps in thy word: and let not any iniquity have dominion over me. ORDER MY STEPS IN THY WORD: AND LET NOT ANY INIQUITY HAVE DOMINION OVER ME. The parallelism of the latter clause, to "order my steps in thy Word," shows, that what he prays against is the dominion of iniquity or evil desi... [ Continue Reading ]
Deliver me from the oppression of man: so will I keep thy precepts. DELIVER ME FROM THE OPPRESSION OF MAN. From prayer against the oppression of "iniquity" () he naturally passes to prayer for deliverance from the oppression of iniquitous men (). SO WILL I KEEP THY PRECEPTS - unimpeded by thei... [ Continue Reading ]
Make thy face to shine upon thy servant; and teach me thy statutes. MAKE THY FACE TO SHINE UPON THY SERVANT. Prayer for the return of God's full favour to His people Israel (; ; ).... [ Continue Reading ]
Rivers of waters run down mine eyes, because they keep not thy law. RIVERS OF WATERS RUN DOWN MINE EYES, BECAUSE THEY KEEP NOT THY LAW - (; ; .) Hengstenberg translates, literally, 'Mine eyes come down (dissolved in) waterbrooks.' So the Arabic and Ethiopic. The English version understands, 'from... [ Continue Reading ]
Righteous art thou, O LORD, and upright are thy judgments. RIGHTEOUS ART THOU, O LORD, AND UPRIGHT ARE THY JUDGMENTS - (.) The "righteous" is singular, "judgments" plural - i:e., thy judgments are each one righteous. When the chastened sinner justifies God in His punitive dealings, he is in the... [ Continue Reading ]
Thy testimonies that thou hast commanded are righteous and very faithful. THY TESTIMONIES (THAT) THOU HAST COMMANDED (ARE) RIGHTEOUS AND VERY FAITHFUL - an explanation of the preceding verse; literally, 'thou hast commanded thy testimonies (so as to be) righteousness and faithfulness altogether.... [ Continue Reading ]
My zeal hath consumed me, because mine enemies have forgotten thy words. MY ZEAL HATH CONSUMED ME - ( .) BECAUSE MINE ENEMIES HAVE FORGOTTEN THY WORDS - not from defect of memory, but wilfully acting as if they had no remembrance of them. This afflicts and consumes me more than the evils which I... [ Continue Reading ]
Thy word is very pure: therefore thy servant loveth it. THY WORD IS VERY PURE - literally, purified, like gold or silver refined of all dross by the fire (; ). The purer and more precious is the object beloved (in the estimation of the worldly), the more burning is the indignation felt at any sl... [ Continue Reading ]
I am small and despised: yet do not I forget thy precepts. I AM SMALL AND DESPISED; (YET) DO NOT I FORGET THY PRECEPTS. This makes me great before God, though small before the world (; ).... [ Continue Reading ]
Thy righteousness is an everlasting righteousness, and thy law is the truth. THY RIGHTEOUSNESS IS AN EVERLASTING RIGHTEOUSNESS - Thy standard of righteousness is an abiding one: though now the enemy seem to prevail against thy righteousness, yet it "endureth forever." AND THY LAW IS THE TRUTH.... [ Continue Reading ]
Trouble and anguish have taken hold on me: yet thy commandments are my delights. TROUBLE AND ANGUISH HAVE TAKEN HOLD ON ME - ( - Hebrew, 'found me;' .) Like dogs tracking out a wild beast hiding or fleeing.... [ Continue Reading ]
The righteousness of thy testimonies is everlasting: give me understanding, and I shall live. THE RIGHTEOUSNESS OF THY TESTIMONIES IS EVERLASTING - (.) GIVE ME UNDERSTANDING, AND I SHALL LIVE - (; ; .) "Thy testimonies" do not disappoint the hopes of those who rest on the promises attached to... [ Continue Reading ]
I cried with my whole heart; hear me, O LORD: I will keep thy statutes. I CRIED WITH MY WHOLE HEART; HEAR ME, O LORD, I WILL KEEP THY STATUTES - (.)... [ Continue Reading ]
I cried unto thee; save me, and I shall keep thy testimonies. I CRIED UNTO THEE; SAVE ME, AND I SHALL KEEP THY TESTIMONIES. The realization of our salvation as an experienced fact is the strongest motive to keeping God's testimonies.... [ Continue Reading ]
I prevented the dawning of the morning, and cried: I hoped in thy word. I PREVENTED THE DAWNING OF THE MORNING, AND CRIED: I HOPED IN THY WORD - (note, ; .) "I prevented" - i:e., anticipated, (, margin.) Hengstenberg supplies "thee:" I anticipated thee in the morning dawn.... [ Continue Reading ]
Mine eyes prevent the night watches, that I might meditate in thy word. MINE EYES PREVENT THE NIGHT WATCHES - Mine eyes are already awake before the night-watches are past (Maurer). 'The night watches find me awake when they come' (Hengstenberg). The latter accords best with the words, ; ; ). Wi... [ Continue Reading ]
Hear my voice according unto thy lovingkindness: O LORD quicken me according to thy judgment Hear my voice according unto thy lovingkindness: O LORD, quicken me according to thy judgment. HEAR MY VOICE, ACCORDING UNTO THY LOVING-KINDNESS: O LORD, QUICKEN ME ACCORDING TO THY JUDGMENT - i.e., thy... [ Continue Reading ]
They draw nigh that follow after mischief: they are far from thy law. THEY DRAW NIGH THAT FOLLOW AFTER MISCHIEF: THEY ARE FAR FROM THY LAW. The more they draw nigh me for mischief-literally, premeditated wickedness [ zimaah (H2154)] - the further they are from thy law.... [ Continue Reading ]
Thou art near, O LORD; and all thy commandments are truth. THOU ART NEAR, O LORD; AND ALL THY COMMANDMENTS (ARE) TRUTH - (.) My enemies draw near (), but thou art far nearer to me than they (; ). The second clause gives the reason why He is near to His people-namely, because He has promised it i... [ Continue Reading ]
Concerning thy testimonies, I have known of old that thou hast founded them for ever. CONCERNING THY TESTIMONIES, I HAVE KNOWN OF OLD THAT THOU HAST FOUNDED THEM FOREVER - unchangeable and eternal ().... [ Continue Reading ]
Consider mine affliction, and deliver me: for I do not forget thy law. CONSIDER MINE AFFLICTION, AND DELIVER ME; FOR I DO NOT FORGET THY LAW - (.)... [ Continue Reading ]
Plead my cause, and deliver me: quicken me according to thy word. PLEAD MY CAUSE - (.) So David in respect to his enemy, Saul (). Israel at last shall confidently anticipate the Lord's pleading her cause ().... [ Continue Reading ]
Salvation is far from the wicked: for they seek not thy statutes. SALVATION IS FAR FROM THE WICKED - even as "they are far from thy law" (; ).... [ Continue Reading ]
Great are thy tender mercies, O LORD: quicken me according to thy judgments. QUICKEN ME ACCORDING TO THY JUDGMENTS - (, note.)... [ Continue Reading ]
Many are my persecutors and mine enemies; yet do I not decline from thy testimonies. YET DO I NOT DECLINE FROM THY TESTIMONIES - (; .)... [ Continue Reading ]
I beheld the transgressors, and was grieved; because they kept not thy word. I BEHELD THE TRANSGRESSORS - literally, the treacherous transgressors (note, ); unfaithful to their covenanted duty to their neighbour, as well as to God. AND WAS GRIEVED (; ) - not so much for the injury which they d... [ Continue Reading ]
Consider how I love thy precepts: quicken me, O LORD, according to thy lovingkindness. CONSIDER HOW I LOVE THY PRECEPTS. Translate (the Hebrew being the same as in ), 'Behold how I love thy precepts,' as is evinced in that when 'I beheld the transgressors I was grieved.' He begs to God to behold... [ Continue Reading ]
Thy word is true from the beginning: and every one of thy righteous judgments endureth for ever. THY WORD IS TRUE (FROM) THE BEGINNING - literally, 'the beginning of thy Word is truth,' in antitheses to the "enduring forever," in the future, in the next clause. So the Chaldaic, Septuagint, Vulgat... [ Continue Reading ]
Princes have persecuted me without a cause: but my heart standeth in awe of thy word. PRINCES HAVE PERSECUTED ME WITHOUT A CAUSE - as Saul did David (; ; ). Virtually Saul and his party were trying to drive David to transgress God's Word. BUT MY HEART STANDETH IN AWE OF THY WORD - I was more "i... [ Continue Reading ]
I rejoice at thy word, as one that findeth great spoil. I REJOICE AT THY WORD, AS ONE THAT FINDETH GREAT SPOIL. As the man who found the treasure hid in the field "for joy thereof went and sold all that he had, and bought that field" ().... [ Continue Reading ]
I hate and abhor lying: but thy law do I love. I HATE AND ABHOR LYING - all that is false, deceitful, or self-deceiving (being contrary to thy law) in doctrine and in practice: all the world's vanities and cheats (note, ). BUT THY LAW DO I LOVE - as being the truth, without mixture of "lying... [ Continue Reading ]
Seven times a day do I praise thee because of thy righteous judgments. SEVEN TIMES A DAY DO I PRAISE THEE BECAUSE OF THY RIGHTEOUS JUDGMENTS. "Seven times," the number for perfection. Here he says he praises God continually by day, in by night. God's former judgments on the enemy for His people are... [ Continue Reading ]
Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them. GREAT PEACE HAVE THEY WHICH LOVE THY LAW - (; ; ). However the waves of trouble beat on them from without like a sea-washed lighthouse, all is "peace" within (). They take all that God does with them in good part, having pe... [ Continue Reading ]
LORD, I have hoped for thy salvation, and done thy commandments. LORD, I HAVE HOPED FOR THY SALVATION, AND DONE THY COMMANDMENTS - (.) So Jacob on his death-bed ().... [ Continue Reading ]
My soul hath kept thy testimonies; and I love them exceedingly. MY SOUL HATH KEPT THY TESTIMONIES ... FOR ALL MY WAYS ARE BEFORE THEE - they are all known to thee, and thou wilt recompense me accordingly. In all my ways I remember that thine eye is upon me, and therefore I do everything as in th... [ Continue Reading ]
Let my cry come near before thee, O LORD: give me understanding according to thy word. LET MY CRY COME NEAR BEFORE THEE, O LORD: GIVE ME UNDERSTANDING ACCORDING TO THY WORD. LET MY SUPPLICATION COME BEFORE THEE: DELIVER ME ACCORDING TO THY WORD - of premise (; ; ). The first cry is for inward und... [ Continue Reading ]
My lips shall utter praise, when thou hast taught me thy statutes. MY LIPS SHALL UTTER PRAISE - literally, 'shall pour forth praises as from a bubbling, overflowing fountain' (, note; 78:2). WHEN THOU HAST TAUGHT ME THY STATUTES. Not until thou hast taught me can I utter forth aright thy prais... [ Continue Reading ]
My tongue shall speak of thy word: for all thy commandments are righteousness. MY TONGUE SHALL SPEAK OF THY WORD - literally, 'shall answer thy Word;' respond to thy Word with praise. Every expression of praise to God and His Word is a response or acknowledgment corresponding to the perfections... [ Continue Reading ]
Let thine hand help me; for I have chosen thy precepts. LET THINE HAND HELP ME: FOR I HAVE CHOSEN THY PRECEPTS - as my chief portion, in preference to worldly gains or pleasures. Like Joshua () and Mary, who "chose the good part" ().... [ Continue Reading ]
I have longed for thy salvation, O LORD; and thy law is my delight. I HAVE LONGED FOR THY SALVATION - (; .) AND THY LAW IS MY DELIGHT - (; ; ; ; .)... [ Continue Reading ]
Let my soul live, and it shall praise thee; and let thy judgments help me. LET MY SOUL LIVE, AND IT SHALL PRAISE THEE; AND LET THY JUDGMENTS HELP ME (; ) - Save my natural and my spiritual life, which my adversaries assail, that so I may praise thee; also, help me by inflicting judgments on my a... [ Continue Reading ]
I have gone astray like a lost sheep; seek thy servant; for I do not forget thy commandments. I HAVE GONE ASTRAY LIKE A LOST SHEEP: SEEK THY SERVANT; FOR I DO NOT FORGET THY COMMANDMENTS - Though I have for a time wandered from God like a lost sheep, yet, being a believer, I do not utterly forget... [ Continue Reading ]