This is an Alphabetical Psalm - the longest, and most perfect in its kind, in the collection of Psalms. The peculiarity of the composition consists in this - that the first eight verses of the psalm begin with the first letter of the Hebrew alphabet - Aleph (א _'_); the next eight verses with the se... [ Continue Reading ]
BLESSED ARE THE UNDEFILED IN THE WAY - In the way or journey of life; in the path of religion; in the road which leads to heaven. As life - the religious life - is represented under the image of a journey, the expression here is equivalent to saying, “Blessed are those who in the journey of life - i... [ Continue Reading ]
BLESSED ARE THEY THAT KEEP HIS TESTIMONIES - His commandments or laws, considered as what he bears witness to concerning that which is just, wise, good. Every law of a parent is to his children a testimony on his part of what is wise and right and good; and so every law of God is his solemn testimon... [ Continue Reading ]
THEY ALSO DO NO INIQUITY - See the notes at 1 John 3:9. The meaning is, that they are righteous; their character is that they do that which is right. It cannot mean that all persons who are religious are actually and absolutely perfect - for no man would hold this opinion; no one does hold it. It is... [ Continue Reading ]
THOU HAST COMMANDED - All this is here traced to the command of God; to the fact that he has required it. It is not mere human prudence; it is not mere morality; it is not because it will be for our interest; it is because God requires it. This is the foundation of all true virtue; and until a man a... [ Continue Reading ]
O THAT MY WAYS WERE DIRECTED ... - Indicating the desire of the pious heart. That desire - a prevailing, constant, uniform desire - is to keep the law of God. It is the aim of the life; it is the supreme purpose of the soul; it is the ruling wish of the man, thus to keep the law of God. He in whose... [ Continue Reading ]
THEN SHALL I NOT BE ASHAMED - On the word ashamed, see Job 6:20, note; Psalms 25:2, note. The meaning here is, that he would not have occasion to be ashamed; he would not be disappointed; all his hopes would be realized. He would have full evidence of piety; he would enjoy the comforts which he soug... [ Continue Reading ]
I WILL PRAISE THEE WITH UPRIGHTNESS OF HEART - With an upright and sincere heart. WHEN I SHALL HAVE LEARNED - Hebrew, “In my learning.” In the practice or act of learning them. His own experience of their nature, influence, and value would lead him to sincere praise. He had no doubt of finding that... [ Continue Reading ]
I WILL KEEP THY STATUTES - Thy commands; thy laws. This expresses the firm purpose of the psalmist, He meant to keep the law of God; he could confidently say that he would do it - yet coupled with the prayer which follows, that God would not forsake him. O FORSAKE ME NOT UTTERLY - Hebrew, “To very... [ Continue Reading ]
WHEREWITHAL - This begins the second portion of the psalm, extending to Psalms 119:16, in which all the verses begin with the second letter of the Hebrew alphabet (ב _b_), indicated in our translation by the word _Beth_. These names of the letters, inserted for convenience, are no part of the psalm,... [ Continue Reading ]
WITH MY WHOLE HEART HAVE I SOUGHT THEE - See the notes at Psalms 119:2. The psalmist in Psalms 119:2 speaks of the “blessedness of those who seek the Lord with the whole heart;” in this verse he says that this blessedness was his. He could affirm that he had thus sought God. He had such a consciousn... [ Continue Reading ]
THY WORD HAVE I HID IN MINE HEART - Compare the notes at Psalms 37:31. The word rendered “hid” means properly to conceal, so that a thing may be secret, private, inaccessible; then, to lay up in private, to treasure up. to hoard - as money or jewels - commonly “hidden” from public view. Job 20:26; P... [ Continue Reading ]
BLESSED ART THOU, O LORD - Blessed art thou as the author of such a law. This language of benediction or doxology is an outbreak of feeling or adoration in view of such a law - so good, so holy, so suited to direct and guide man. The mind is full of the subject; and the lips give vent to the feeling... [ Continue Reading ]
WITH MY LIPS HAVE I DECLARED - That is, I have openly and publicly made thy words known to others; I have defended and vindicated them. ALL THE JUDGMENTS - The word judgments here means the same as statutes or laws: and the idea is, that he had been on the side of those laws, and had endeavored by... [ Continue Reading ]
I HAVE REJOICED ... - I do rejoice; I exult in this; I find my happiness there. The word expresses a high degree of joy. AS MUCH AS IN ALL RICHES - Hebrew, “as upon all wealth.” As people rejoice who have great wealth. I find my happiness in religion, as if in the possession of real wealth. Proverb... [ Continue Reading ]
I WILL MEDITATE IN THY PRECEPTS - I will think of them; I will find my happiness in them. See the notes at Psalms 1:2. AND HAVE RESPECT UNTO THY WAYS - And look to thy ways - thy commands. I continually regard them, or refer to them in my mind as the guide of my life. See the notes at Psalms 119:6.... [ Continue Reading ]
I WILL DELIGHT MYSELF IN THY STATUTES - I will find my happiness in thy laws. See Psalms 1:2, note; Psalms 112:1, note. I WILL NOT FORGET THY WORD - I will not allow the world to crowd it out of my mind.... [ Continue Reading ]
DEAL BOUNTIFULLY ... - This commences the next portion of the psalm, indicated by the letter _Gimel _(ג _g_), the third letter of the Hebrew alphabet, answering to our letter “g.” Each verse of this portion Psalms 119:17 begins with this letter. There is a resemblance between the first word of this... [ Continue Reading ]
OPEN THOU MINE EYES - Margin, “Reveal.” So the Septuagint and the Latin Vulgate. The Hebrew word means to be naked; then to make naked, to uncover, to disclose, to reveal. Here it is the same as “uncover;” that is, take away from the eyes what is before them to prevent clear vision. Compare Numbers... [ Continue Reading ]
I AM A STRANGER IN THE EARTH - A wayfaring man; a pilgrim; a so-journer; a man whose permanent home is not in this world. The word is applicable to one who belongs to another country, and who is now merely passing through a foreign land, or sojourning there for a time. Compare the notes at Hebrews 1... [ Continue Reading ]
MY SOUL BREAKETH - This word means to break; to crush; to break in pieces by scraping, rubbing, or grating. The idea would seem to be, not that he was crushed as by a single blow, but that his soul - his strength - was worn away by little and little. The desire to know more of the commands of God ac... [ Continue Reading ]
THOU HAST REBUKED THE PROUD - Compare Psalms 9:5. The meaning is, that God had done this not by word but by deed. The proud were everywhere rebuked by God, alike in his law, and in his providence. The connection seems to be this: the psalmist is meditating on the benefit or advantage of keeping the... [ Continue Reading ]
REMOVE FROM ME REPROACH AND CONTEMPT - Show me thy favor, and let me not suffer in the estimation of mankind on account of my religion. Let me not be exposed to malicious charges; to accusations of hypocrisy, insincerity, and unfaithfulness on account of my religion. This “reproach and contempt” mig... [ Continue Reading ]
PRINCES ALSO DID SIT AND SPEAK AGAINST ME - This would have been applicable to David many times in his life, but it was also applicable to many others, and there is nothing in the language which would limit it to David. It is evident that the author of the psalm had been subject to reproach from tho... [ Continue Reading ]
THY TESTIMONIES ALSO ARE MY DELIGHT - See the notes at Psalms 119:16. He found his main happiness in the word of God. AND MY COUNSELORS - Margin, as in Hebrew, “men of my counsel.” He sought direction and advice from them as from a friend who would give him counsel. He looked to the revealed law of... [ Continue Reading ]
MY SOUL CLEAVETH UNTO THE DUST - This commences a new division of the psalm, in which each verse begins with the “fourth” letter of the Hebrew alphabet - _Daleth_ (ד _d_), equivalent to the English “d.” There is nothing in the sense to separate it from the other parts of the psalm. The word rendered... [ Continue Reading ]
I HAVE DECLARED MY WAYS - That is, I have declared or recounted them to thee. I have made mention of my cares, troubles, anxieties, purposes. I have laid them all before thee, reserving or keeping back nothing. AND THOU HEARDEST ME - Thou didst answer me. It is only when we declare all our ways bef... [ Continue Reading ]
MAKE ME TO UNDERSTAND ... - See the notes at Psalms 119:18. SO SHALL I TALK OF THY WONDROUS WORKS - The things in thy works - thy providential dealings - that are wondrous. That is, with a heart full of the subject, he could not but speak of those things - for “out of the abundance of the heart the... [ Continue Reading ]
MY SOUL MELTETH - Margin, “droppeth.” The Hebrew word here employed - דלף _dâlaph_ - means to drop, to drip, to distil, spoken of a house, as when the rain drops through the roof, Ecclesiastes 10:18; then, to shed tears, to weep, Job 16:20 - and this seems to be the meaning here. The idea of meltin... [ Continue Reading ]
REMOVE FROM ME - Take it from me; cause it to depart; let me not be under its influence or power. THE WAY OF LYING - Every false, deceitful, hypocritical way. We are not to suppose that the psalmist was addicted to lying, but that he felt he was, like all people, in danger of acting from false view... [ Continue Reading ]
I HAVE CHOSEN THE WAY OF TRUTH - Among all the paths of life I have selected this. I prefer this. I desire to walk in this. Religion is, wherever it exists, a matter of preference or choice; and the friend of God prefers his service to the service of the world. THY JUDGMENTS - Thy statutes; thy law... [ Continue Reading ]
I HAVE STUCK UNTO THY TESTIMONIES - The word here rendered “stuck” is the same which in Psalms 119:25 is rendered “cleave:” - “My soul cleaveth unto the dust.” It means here that he had adhered to the testimonies of God as if he had been glued to them, or as if he and they were firmly united togethe... [ Continue Reading ]
I WILL RUN THE WAY OF THY COMMANDMENTS - That is, I will not merely keep them - which might be expressed by “I will walk in them,” but I will hasten to keep them; I will do it with alacrity, as when one runs to accomplish an object. I will devote to them all the energies of my life. WHEN THOU SHALT... [ Continue Reading ]
TEACH ME, O LORD, THE WAY OF THY STATUTES - This begins a new division of the psalm, indicated by the letter _He_ (ה _h_, or “h”). The word rendered “teach” means properly to throw, to cast, to hurl; and then, to teach - as if truth were thrown and scattered abroad. The sentiment is the same as in P... [ Continue Reading ]
GIVE ME UNDERSTANDING, AND I SHALL KEEP THY LAW - Give me right views of it, of its nature and obligation. It is not a prayer that God would give him the faculty of understanding or intelligence; but that he would enable him to take just views of the law. The word is the same as in Psalms 119:27, re... [ Continue Reading ]
MAKE ME TO GO IN THE PATH ... - That is, Incline me to it; so direct me that I shall thus walk. It is an acknowledgment of his dependence on God, that he might be able to carry out the cherished purposes of his soul. FOR THEREIN DO I DELIGHT - See Psalms 119:16. I am conscious of having pleasure in... [ Continue Reading ]
INCLINE MY HEART UNTO THY TESTIMONIES - Cause my heart to be inclined to them, or to be disposed to keep them. This, too, is a recognition of dependence, and a prayer for guidance. AND NOT TO COVETOUSNESS - To gain; to the love of money. This seems to be referred to here as the principal thing which... [ Continue Reading ]
TURN AWAY MINE EYES FROM BEHOLDING VANITY - Vain things; wicked things; things which would be likely to lead me astray from what is real and true. Compare Isaiah 33:15; Job 31:1. Margin, here, as in Hebrew, “make to pass.” Make my eyes to pass rapidly from such objects, that I may not look at them,... [ Continue Reading ]
STABLISH THY WORD UNTO THY SERVANT - Confirm it; make it seem firm and true; let not my mind be vacillating or skeptical in regard to thy truth. This seems to be a prayer against the influence of doubt and scepticism; a prayer that doubts might not be suffered to spring up in his mind, and that the... [ Continue Reading ]
TURN AWAY MY REPROACH - The reproach which is likely to come upon me from being a professed worshipper of God. In all ages good men have been exposed to this reproach. WHICH I FEAR - Which I have reason to apprehend will come upon me. This may not mean that he was personally afraid of it, but merely... [ Continue Reading ]
BEHOLD, I HAVE LONGED AFTER THY PRECEPTS - I have earnestly desired them. See the notes at Psalms 119:20. QUICKEN ME IN THY RIGHTEOUSNESS - Make me to live; to live in obedience to thy righteous laws. See Psalms 119:25, note; Psalms 119:37, note.... [ Continue Reading ]
LET THY MERCIES COME ALSO UNTO ME, O LORD - This commences a new portion of the psalm, in which each verse begins with the letter _Vau_ (ו _v_, or “v”). There are almost no words in Hebrew that begin with this letter, which is properly a conjunction, and hence, in each of the verses in this section... [ Continue Reading ]
SO SHALL I HAVE WHEREWITH TO ANSWER HIM THAT REPROACHETH ME - I shall have something by which I may reply to those who calumniate me. So the Saviour replied to the suggestions of the tempter almost wholly by passages of Scripture Matthew 4:4, Matthew 4:7,Matthew 4:10; and so, in many cases, the best... [ Continue Reading ]
AND TAKE NOT THE WORD OF TRUTH UTTERLY OUT OF MY MOUTH - Do not take it entirely or altogether from me. Let me not be utterly hopeless; let me be at no time without some evidence that thy word dwells in me with sustaining and sanctifying power. The prayer seems to have been offered when the mind was... [ Continue Reading ]
SO SHALL I KEEP THY LAW CONTINUALLY FOREVER AND EVER - At all times and in all places; in this world and the world to come. This indicates a purpose to do it, and an assurance that he would do it, if God should enable him to retain even the slightest hold on the truth.... [ Continue Reading ]
AND I WILL WALK AT LIBERTY - Margin, “at large.” Luther renders it, “freely.” The Septuagint, “in a broad place.” The Hebrew word means “wide, broad, large, spacious.” The reference is to that which is free and open; that in which there are no limits, checks, restraints; where a man does what he ple... [ Continue Reading ]
I WILL SPEAK OF THY TESTIMONIES ALSO BEFORE KINGS ... - In the presence of men of most elevated rank. I will not be ashamed to avow my belief in thy word before those in power - whether friendly or unfriendly to thee and to thy cause. I will not disguise my belief in thy truth with any desire to sec... [ Continue Reading ]
AND I WILL DELIGHT MYSELF ... - See the notes at Psalms 119:16.... [ Continue Reading ]
MY HANDS ALSO WILL I LIFT UP UNTO THY COMMANDMENTS ... - As an expression of delight or rejoicing, as people lift up their hands with their voice when they give expression to joy. It denotes a high statue of joy, such as leads to an outward expression; not merely that which exists in calm contemplat... [ Continue Reading ]
REMEMBER THE WORD UNTO THY SERVANT - This commences a new division of the psalm, in which each verse begins with the Hebrew letter _Zayin_ (ז _z_) - answering to our “z.” There is nothing special in this portion of the psalm as indicated by the letter. The language here is a prayer that God would no... [ Continue Reading ]
THIS IS MY COMFORT IN MY AFFLICTION - Compare Romans 15:4. The word here rendered “comfort” occurs only here and in Job 6:10. The obvious meaning is, that his only consolation in his affliction was derived from the word of God; the word which had caused him to hope, and the word by which he had been... [ Continue Reading ]
THE PROUD HAVE HAD ME GREATLY IN DERISION - Those of rank; those in high life: perhaps, as we should say, the frivolous and fashionable world. They have ridiculed me; they have held me up to contempt for my scruples, my seriousness, my conscientiousness, my unwillingness to mingle with them in the p... [ Continue Reading ]
I REMEMBERED - In my troubles. THY JUDGMENTS OF OLD - The word “judgments” here seems to refer to the divine dealings, whether expressed in the law of God, or in the actual administration of his government over the world. The words “of old” do not seem here to refer to the “eternity past,” as the ph... [ Continue Reading ]
HORROR HATH TAKEN HOLD UPON ME - Has seized me; has overpowered and overwhelmed me. I shudder; I tremble; I am afraid; I am filled with distress. Luther, “I am burnt up.” The Hebrew word - זלעפה _zal‛âphâh_ - is from a verb meaning “to be hot; to glow”; and the idea in the word is that of violent... [ Continue Reading ]
THY STATUTES - Thy law; thy commandments. HAVE BEEN MY SONGS - Have been to me a source of joy; have been my happiness, my consolation, my delight. I have found pleasure in meditating on them; I have had peace and joy in them in the day of loneliness and trouble. The psalmist rejoiced, doubtless, a... [ Continue Reading ]
I HAVE REMEMBERED THY NAME, O LORD, IN THE NIGHT ... - I have thought on thee in the night, when on my bed; I have done it in the night of calamity and sorrow. See the notes at Psalms 63:6.... [ Continue Reading ]
THIS I HAD, BECAUSE I KEPT THY PRECEPTS - literally, “This was to me;” that is, This has happened to me; this has occurred. This joyful remembrance of thy law in the night of affliction Psalms 119:50; this stability and firmness on my part in keeping thy law when proud men have derided me Psalms 119... [ Continue Reading ]
THOU ART MY PORTION, O LORD - This begins a new division of the psalm, indicated by the Hebrew letter Cheth (ח _ch_), which may be represented in English by “ch.” On the meaning of the language here, see the notes at Psalms 16:5. God was to him what other people seek in wealth, honor, pleasure, fame... [ Continue Reading ]
I ENTREATED THY FAVOR - Margin, as in Hebrew, “face.” That is, he prayed that God would lift upon him the light of his countenance; that he would not avert his face from him in anger. WITH MY WHOLE HEART - With sincere, undivided affections. See Psalms 119:2, Psalms 119:10, Psalms 119:34; Psalms 9:... [ Continue Reading ]
I THOUGHT ON MY WAYS - This language most naturally refers to the time of conversion, and may be employed without impropriety to describe the process of a sinner’s turning to God. It would seem to be descriptive of the experience of the author of the psalm when he became personally interested in the... [ Continue Reading ]
I MADE HASTE - This language further describes the process of conversion. There was no delay; there was no excuse offered. He acted at once under his conviction of what was right. He did not ask permission to defer it to a future time; he did not attempt to avoid the duty; not plead inability; he di... [ Continue Reading ]
THE BANDS OF THE WICKED - Margin, “companies.” The Hebrew word properly means a cord, a rope; then a snare, gin, net; then, a band or a company of men. The reference is to some time in the life of the psalmist when he was surrounded by wicked men. HAVE ROBBED ME - Rather, have surrounded me; have e... [ Continue Reading ]
AT MIDNIGHT I WILL RISE TO GIVE THANKS UNTO THEE - In the usual times of repose; when men are commonly lying in unconscious slumber. My heart is so interested in thy law - my soul is so full - that I am kept wakeful by meditating upon it, and I arise from my bed and offer thee praise. The Hebrew her... [ Continue Reading ]
I AM A COMPANION OF ALL THEM THAT FEAR THEE - I find my associates and friends among those who worship thee; not with the profane and the wicked. “A man is known by the company that he keeps;” and it is an evidence of piety when we seek our companions and friends among the pious. It shows where the... [ Continue Reading ]
THE EARTH, O LORD, IS FULL OF THY MERCY - Full of the proofs of thy goodness and compassion. See the notes at Psalms 33:5. This is the expression of a heart full of love to God and to his word. In such a state of mind as the psalmist was in, the goodness of God is seen everywhere. The best preparati... [ Continue Reading ]
THOU HAST DEALT WELL WITH THY SERVANT - This begins a new division of the psalm, indicated by the Hebrew letter _Teth_ (ת _t_), corresponding to our “t.” The use of this letter, however, does nothing to mark the sense. The literal meaning of the phrase here is, “Good hast thou done with thy servant;... [ Continue Reading ]
TEACH ME GOOD JUDGMENT - The word here rendered “judgment” means, properly, “taste,” that power by which we determine the quality of things as sweet, bitter, sour, etc. Then it is applied to the mind or understanding, as that by which we determine the moral quality of things, or decide what is right... [ Continue Reading ]
BEFORE I WAS AFFLICTED - The Septuagint and the Latin Vulgate, “Before I was humbled.” The Hebrew word has the general sense of being afflicted, and may refer to any kind of trial. I WENT ASTRAY - The Hebrew word means to wander; to err; to do wrong; to transgress. Numbers 15:28; Job 12:16. It here... [ Continue Reading ]
THOU ART GOOD - See the Psalms 100:5, note; Psalms 107:1, note. AND DOEST GOOD - As the expression or manifestation of goodness. The goodness of God is not a mere sentiment; not mere feeling; not an inactive principle; not a mere wish: it finds expression in acts which tend to promote the happiness... [ Continue Reading ]
THE PROUD - The psalmist had before referred to the “proud” as those from whom he had suffered injury, or as having been exposed to their derision. See the notes at Psalms 119:51. He here reverts to another form in which he had suffered from them. HAVE FORGED A LIE AGAINST ME - Compare Job 13:4. The... [ Continue Reading ]
THEIR HEART IS AS FAT AS GREASE - They are prospered. They have health, property, influence, comforts of all kinds. heaven appears to smile upon them, and it seems as if it were one effect of a wicked course of life to make people prosperous. See Psalms 17:10, note; Psalms 73:7, note. BUT I DELIGHT... [ Continue Reading ]
IT IS GOOD FOR ME THAT I HAVE BEEN AFFLICTED - See the notes at Psalms 119:67. Whatever may have been the form of the affliction, it was good for me. The design was benevolent; the result has been my own benefit. This will be the experience sooner or later resulting from all the afflictions of the r... [ Continue Reading ]
THE LAW OF THY MOUTH - The law which proceeds out of thy mouth, or which thou hast spoken. IS BETTER UNTO ME - The Hebrew is, “Good to me is the law of thy mouth above thousands of gold and silver.” THAN THOUSANDS OF GOLD AND SILVER - Than any amount of wealth. It is to me the most valuable posses... [ Continue Reading ]
THY HANDS HAVE MADE ME - This commences a new division of the psalm, in which each verse begins with the Hebrew letter _Jod_ (י _y_) - or “i” - the smallest letter in the Hebrew alphabet, called in Matthew 5:18, “jot;” “one jot or tittle shall in no wise pass from the law.” The words “thy hands have... [ Continue Reading ]
THEY THAT FEAR THEE - Those who worship thee; thy friends; the pious and the good. WILL BE GLAD WHEN THEY SEE ME - They will welcome me to their society; they will regard and treat me as a friend and brother. It is implied here that he considered this to be an honor - a thing to be desired. He value... [ Continue Reading ]
I KNOW, O LORD - I feel assured; I entertain no doubt on the subject. This was the conviction of the mind of the psalmist in affliction. Mysterious as the trial may have been, hard as it may have been to bear, long as it may have been continued, and varied as may have been the forms of the trial, ye... [ Continue Reading ]
LET, I PRAY THEE, THY MERCIFUL KINDNESS BE FOR MY COMFORT - Margin, as in Hebrew, “to comfort me.” The word rendered merciful-kindness means mercy, favor, grace, kindness; and the idea is, that all his consolation - all that he expected or desired - must be derived from mere favor; from the goodness... [ Continue Reading ]
LET THY TENDER MERCIES COME UNTO ME - See the notes at Psalms 119:41. THAT I MAY LIVE - It is evident that this was uttered in view of some great calamity by which his life was threatened. He was dependent for life - for recovery from sickness, or for deliverance from danger - wholly on the compass... [ Continue Reading ]
LET THE PROUD BE ASHAMED - Referring here to his enemies, who appear to have been in the higher ranks of life, or to have been those who prided themselves on their wealth, their station, or their influence. See the notes at Psalms 119:51. The psalmist asks here that they might be confounded or put t... [ Continue Reading ]
LET THOSE THAT FEAR THEE TURN UNTO ME - Let thy friends be my friends. Let them show me favor, and count me among their companions. If the great and the powerful turn away from me; if they persecute me, and do me wrong; if they cast out my name as evil, and are unwilling to associate with me, yet le... [ Continue Reading ]
LET MY HEART BE SOUND ... - Hebrew, “Be perfect.” See the notes at Job 1:1. The Septuagint here is “immaculate,” ἄμωμος _amōmos_. So the Latin Vulgate. It is the expression of a desire that the heart might be pure; that there might be no improper attachment for other objects; that there might be... [ Continue Reading ]
MY SOUL FAINTETH FOR THY SALVATION - The new division of the psalm, which begins here, is indicated by the Hebrew letter _Kaph_ (כ _k_), equivalent to “k” or “c” (hard). The word here rendered “fainteth” is the same that in Psalms 73:26 is translated “faileth”: “My flesh and my heart faileth.” The i... [ Continue Reading ]
MINE EYES FAIL FOR THY WORD - The same word in Hebrew as in the previous verse and in Psalms 73:26. The idea here is that of looking out for a thing - of “straining the eyes” - so that their power becomes exhausted. The language expresses a longing desire - a waiting - an intense wish - for a thing,... [ Continue Reading ]
FOR I AM BECOME LIKE A BOTTLE IN THE SMOKE - Bottles in the East were commonly made of skins. See the notes at Matthew 9:17. Such “bottles,” hanging in tents where the smoke had little opportunity to escape, would, of course, become dark and dingy, and would thus be emblems of distress, discomfort,... [ Continue Reading ]
HOW MANY ARE THE DAYS OF THY SERVANT? - I cannot hope to live long. I am sinking under my burdens. If I am, therefore, to see the accomplishment of my desires - my deliverance from my enemies and my troubles - it must be soon. This is not a desire to be told how long he was to live, as if it were an... [ Continue Reading ]
THE PROUD - Those in high life, or of exalted rank. See the notes at Psalms 119:51. HAVE DIGGED PITS FOR ME - See the notes at Psalms 7:15. Compare Psalms 35:7; Psalms 57:6; Psalms 94:13. WHICH ARE NOT AFTER THY LAW - The word which here refers not to the pits, but to the proud. They who have done... [ Continue Reading ]
ALL THY COMMANDMENTS ARE FAITHFUL - Margin, “faithfulness.” The idea in the Hebrew is that they are worthy to be relied on. They are founded in truth, and they should secure our confidence. THEY PERSECUTE ME WRONGFULLY ... - Hebrew, a “lie, “or “falsehood.” That is, There is a “lie” or “falsehood”... [ Continue Reading ]
THEY HAD ALMOST CONSUMED ME UPON EARTH - The word which is here translated “consumed” is the same which is used in Psalms 119:81, and there rendered “fainteth.” See the notes at that verse. The idea is, that their persecutions had been so severe, and so long continued, that his strength was almost e... [ Continue Reading ]
QUICKEN ME - Cause me to live; revive me. See Psalms 71:20, note; Ephesians 2:1, note. Compare Psalms 80:18; Rom 8:11; 1 Peter 3:18; John 6:63. AFTER THY LOVING-KINDNESS - Thy mercy; thy grace; thy compassion. That is, Let the measure of the grace given to me be thine own benevolent nature, and not... [ Continue Reading ]
FOREVER, O LORD, THY WORD IS SETTLED IN HEAVEN - This commences a new division of the psalm, indicated by the Hebrew letter _Lamed_ (ל _l_), or “l.” On the meaning of the passage, see the notes at Psalms 89:2. The word rendered “settled” means properly “to set, to put, to place;” and then, to stand,... [ Continue Reading ]
THY FAITHFULNESS - The accomplishment of thy promises. IS UNTO ALL GENERATIONS - Margin, “to generation and generation.” From one generation to another. The generations of people change and pass away, but thy promises do not change. They are as applicable to one generation as to another; they meet... [ Continue Reading ]
THEY CONTINUE THIS DAY ACCORDING TO THINE ORDINANCES - According to thy judgments (Hebrew); that is, thy commands. They “stand” (Hebrew) as thou hast appointed; they are what thou didst design them to be. The original purpose in their creation is carried out, and they thus furnish an illustration of... [ Continue Reading ]
UNLESS THY LAW HAD BEEN MY DELIGHTS - See Psalms 119:16, note; Psalms 119:24, note. Unless I had had pleasure in thy law, thy word, thy truth; unless I had derived support and consolation in that. I SHOULD THEN HAVE PERISHED IN MINE AFFLICTION - I should have sunk under my burden. I should not have... [ Continue Reading ]
I WILL NEVER FORGET THY PRECEPTS - Thy laws; thy truth. I will bear them in mind forever. To all eternity they shall be the object of my meditation. FOR WITH THEM THOU HAST QUICKENED ME - By them thou hast given me life, spiritual life. Compare the notes at James 1:18. This is stated as a reason wh... [ Continue Reading ]
I AM THINE - All that he had, and was, belonged to God. This is an expression of a fact, and of a purpose: a fact about which he had no doubt; a purpose ever to be the Lord’s. This is indicative of the real state of feeling in the heart of a pious man. He feels that he is the Lord’s; he has no other... [ Continue Reading ]
THE WICKED HAVE WAITED FOR ME TO DESTROY ME - That is, they have lain in wait; or, they have laid a plan. They are watching the opportunity to do it. BUT I WILL CONSIDER THY TESTIMONIES - I will think of them; I will adhere to them; I will find my support in them; I will not be driven from my adhes... [ Continue Reading ]
I HAVE SEEN AN END OF ALL PERFECTION - The word which is here rendered “perfection” - תכלה _tiklâh_ - occurs only in this place; but a similar word from the same root - תכלית _taklı̂yth_ - occurs in the following places: in Nehemiah 3:21, and Job 26:10, rendered “end;” in Job 11:7; Job 28:3, render... [ Continue Reading ]
O HOW LOVE I THY LAW! - This commences a new division of the Psalm, indicated by the Hebrew letter Mem (מ _m_, “m”). The expression here, “O how love I thy law,” implies intense love - as if a man were astonished at the fervour of his own emotion. His love was so ardent that it was amazing and wonde... [ Continue Reading ]
THOU, THROUGH THY COMMANDMENTS - By the teaching and power of thy law. HAST MADE ME WISER THAN MINE ENEMIES - I have a better understanding of thee, of thy law, of the duties of this life, and in regard to the life to come, than my enemies have - not because I am naturally better, or because I have... [ Continue Reading ]
I HAVE MORE UNDERSTANDING THAN ALL MY TEACHERS - Referring perhaps to those who had given him instruction in early life. By constant meditation on the law of God, he had, in the progress of years, advanced to a point beyond that to which they had arrived. He had improved upon their suggestions and i... [ Continue Reading ]
I UNDERSTAND MORE THAN THE ANCIENTS - Hebrew, The old men. It does not refer, as the word “ancients” does with us, to the people of former times, but to aged men. They have treasured up wisdom. They have had the advantage of experience, of study, and of observation. They, therefore, like teachers, b... [ Continue Reading ]
I HAVE REFRAINED MY FEET FROM EVERY EVIL WAY - I have walked in the path which thy law marks out. I have avoided the way of wickedness, and have not yielded to the seductions of a sinful life. THAT I MIGHT KEEP THY WORD - I have avoided all those allurements which would turn me from obedience, and... [ Continue Reading ]
I HAVE NOT DEPARTED FROM THY JUDGMENTS - Thy law; thy commands. This cannot mean that he had never done this, but that as a great rule of life he had not done it. The character and aim of his life had been obedience, not disobedience. A man may honestly say this, though he may be conscious of much i... [ Continue Reading ]
HOW SWEET ARE THY WORDS UNTO MY TASTE ... - Margin, as in Hebrew, “palate.” The reference is to the taste, perhaps because the sense of taste was supposed to reside in the palate. The Hebrew word “may” include also the whole of the inside of the mouth. The word rendered “sweet” does not occur elsewh... [ Continue Reading ]
THROUGH THY PRECEPTS I GET UNDERSTANDING - A true understanding; a correct view of things; a knowledge of thee, of myself, of the human character, of the destiny of man, of the way of salvation - the best, and the only essential knowledge for man. This knowledge the psalmist obtained from the “prece... [ Continue Reading ]
THY WORD IS A LAMP UNTO MY FEET - This begins a new portion of the psalm, indicated by the Hebrew letter Nun (נ _n_), equivalent to our “n.” The margin here is “candle.” The Hebrew word means a light, lamp, candle. The idea is, that the word of God is like a torch or lamp ton man in a dark night. It... [ Continue Reading ]
I HAVE SWORN - I have solemnly purposed; I have given to this purpose the solemnity and sanction of an oath. That is, I have called God to witness; I have formed the purpose in his presence, and with the consciousness that his eye is upon me. So all who make a profession of religion solemnly vow or... [ Continue Reading ]
I AM AFFLICTED VERY MUCH - The form of the affliction is not mentioned. There are frequent allusions in the psalm to the fact that the author was and had been afflicted - as, in fact, must be the case in the life of every good man. Compare Psalms 119:71, Psalms 119:75. If David was the author of the... [ Continue Reading ]
ACCEPT, I BESEECH THEE, THE FREE-WILL OFFERINGS OF MY MOUTH - Or, the meaning of the word here rendered “free-will,” see the notes at Psalms 110:3. It conveys the idea that there is no constraint or compulsion; that the offering is a prompting of the heart. The offering might be that of flour, or gr... [ Continue Reading ]
MY SOUL IS CONTINUALLY IN MY HAND - The Septuagint renders this, “My soul is always in thy hands,” but the Hebrew will not admit of this construction. The idea in the original is that his soul - his life - was always in jeopardy. The expression seems to be proverbial. Anything taken in the hand is l... [ Continue Reading ]
THE WICKED HAVE LAID A SNARE FOR ME - As men do to take wild beasts or birds. See the notes at Psalms 119:85. Compare Job 18:8, note; Job 18:10, note; Psalms 9:15, note; Psalms 69:22, note. See also Psalms 119:61, Psalms 119:69. YET I ERRED NOT FROM THY PRECEPTS - Notwithstanding the danger to which... [ Continue Reading ]
THY TESTIMONIES - Thy law; thy revealed will; the revelation which thou hast given considered as thy solemn “testimony” as to what is true and right. HAVE I TAKEN AS AN HERITAGE FOR EVER - As my inheritance; as my property; as that which I consider to be of real and permanent value. The Hebrew word... [ Continue Reading ]
I HAVE INCLINED MINE HEART - The Hebrew word means properly “to stretch out”; “to extend” - as the hand. Exodus 8:6, Exodus 8:17. Then it means to incline, to bow, to depress. Here the idea is, that he had “given” that “direction” to the inclinations of his heart; he had resolved or purposed. He ref... [ Continue Reading ]
I HATE VAIN THOUGHTS - This commences a new portion of the psalm, distinguished by the Hebrew letter _Samech_ (ס _s_), answering to our “s.” The word rendered “vain thoughts” occurs only in this place. It is rendered by the Septuagint, παρανόμους _paranomous_ - transgressors. So the Latin Vulgate.... [ Continue Reading ]
THOU ART MY HIDING PLACE - See the notes at Psalms 32:7, where the same expression occurs. AND MY SHIELD - See Psalms 5:12, note; Psalms 84:11, note. I HOPE IN THY WORD - See Psalms 119:74, Psalms 119:81.... [ Continue Reading ]
DEPART FROM ME, YE EVIL-DOERS - Workers of iniquity; bad men. See the notes at Psalms 6:8. This indicates a determined purpose that nothing should deter or allure him from the service of God. A man who wishes to serve God, and lead a religious life, must separate himself from the society, as such, o... [ Continue Reading ]
UPHOLD ME - Sustain me in the trials and the temptations of life. Help me to bear afflictions without sinking under them; to meet temptations without yielding to them; to encounter opposition from the enemies of religion without being overcome. ACCORDING UNTO THY WORD - (1) According to the requi... [ Continue Reading ]
HOLD THOU ME UP - Keep me from falling in the trials and temptations of life. The Hebrew word means to prop, uphold, support. The Septuagint is, “Aid me.” AND I SHALL BE SAFE - And I shall be saved; or, that I may be saved. It is an acknowledgment of entire dependence on God for salvation - tempora... [ Continue Reading ]
THOU HAST TRODDEN DOWN ALL THEM THAT ERR FROM THY STATUTES - Compare the notes at Psalms 119:21. Rather, “Thou hast made light of,” or “thou despisest.” The Hebrew word means properly to suspend in a balance; to weigh. Then it means to lift up lightly or easily; and then, to make light of; to contem... [ Continue Reading ]
THOU PUTTEST AWAY ALL THE WICKED OF THE EARTH - Margin, “causest to cease.” Literally: “Dross ... thou makest all the wicked of the earth to cease.” They are seen by the psalmist as dross, and then he says that God had treated them as such. LIKE DROSS - The “scoriae” of metals, or of a furnace. Thi... [ Continue Reading ]
MY FLESH TREMBLETH FOR FEAR OF THEE - I stand in awe of thee. I shudder at the consciousness of thy presence. See Habakkuk 3:16; Hebrews 12:21; Joel 2:10; Nahum 1:5. There is nothing unaccountable in this. Any man would tremble, should God manifest himself to him as he might do; and it is possible t... [ Continue Reading ]
I HAVE DONE JUDGMENT AND JUSTICE - This commences a new division of the psalm, indicated by the Hebrew letter _Ayin_ (ע _‛_) - a letter which cannot well be represented in the English alphabet, as there is, in fact, no letter in our language exactly corresponding with it. It would be best represente... [ Continue Reading ]
BE SURETY FOR THY SERVANT FOR GOOD - On the meaning of the word here rendered “be surety,” see the notes at Job 17:3, and the notes at Isaiah 38:14, in both which places the same Hebrew word occurs: In Isaiah it is rendered “undertake for me.” The word means, properly, “to mix, to mingle;” hence, to... [ Continue Reading ]
MINE EYES FAIL FOR THY SALVATION - See the notes at Psalms 119:81. AND FOR THE WORD OF THY RIGHTEOUSNESS - Thy righteous word - that it may be made known to me, and that I may see its beauty and enjoy it.... [ Continue Reading ]
DEAL WITH THY SERVANT ACCORDING UNTO THY MERCY - Not according to justice - for, sinners as we are, we can never urge that as a plea before God. No man who knows himself could ask of God to deal with him according to the strict and stern principles of justice. But we may ask him to deal with us acco... [ Continue Reading ]
I AM THY SERVANT - See the notes at Psalms 116:16. GIVE ME UNDERSTANDING, THAT I MAY KNOW THY TESTIMONIES - Since I am thy servant, instruct me in the knowledge of thy will. As I desire to obey thee, show me what will be acceptable obedience, or what thou dost require in order to acceptable service... [ Continue Reading ]
IT IS TIME FOR THEE, LORD, TO WORK - literally, “Time to do for Yahweh;” and the construction might be either that it is time to do (something) for Yahweh; or, that it is time for Yahweh himself to do (something). The direct address to the Lord in the latter part of the sentence would seem, however,... [ Continue Reading ]
THEREFORE I LOVE THY COMMANDMENTS ... - The more people break them Psalms 119:126, the more I see their value; the more precious they are to me. The fact that they make thy law void, and that evil consequences result from their conduct, only impresses my mind the more with a sense of the value of th... [ Continue Reading ]
THEREFORE I ESTEEM ALL THY PRECEPTS CONCERNING ALL THINGS TO BE RIGHT - literally, “Therefore all the commandments of all I regard as right.” The idea seems to be, that he regarded as right and just all the commandments of God pertaining to “every” thing and “every” person; all, considered in every... [ Continue Reading ]
THY TESTIMONIES ARE WONDERFUL - This commences a new division of the psalm, indicated by the Hebrew letter _Pe_ (פ _p_), corresponding to our “p.” The meaning of the expression here is, that the laws of God - the revelations of his will - are adapted to fill the mind with wonder. The mind is awed by... [ Continue Reading ]
THE ENTRANCE OF THY WORDS GIVETH LIGHT - The Septuagint translates this, “the manifestation (or declaration) - ἡ δήλωσις _hē_ _dēlōsis_ - of thy words enlightens.” So the Vulgate. Luther renders it, “When thy word is revealed, so it delivers us, and makes the simple wise.” DeWette, “The opening... [ Continue Reading ]
I OPENED MY MOUTH AND PANTED - All this is the language of deep emotion. We breathe hard under the influence of such emotion; we open the mouth wide, and pant, as the ordinary passage for the air through the nostrils is not sufficient to meet the needs of the lungs in their increased action. The ide... [ Continue Reading ]
LOOK THOU UPON ME - Turn not away from me. Regard me with thy favor. AND BE MERCIFUL UNTO ME, AS THOU USEST TO DO UNTO THOSE THAT LOVE THY NAME - Margin, “According to the custom toward those,” etc. The Hebrew word is “judgment:” “according to the judgment to the lovers of thy name.” The word seems... [ Continue Reading ]
ORDER MY STEPS IN THY WORD - My goings, or, my conduct and life - by thy word; according to thy requirements. Let me be wholly obedient to thy will. AND LET NOT ANY INIQUITY HAVE DOMINION OVER ME - See the notes at Psalms 19:13. The prayer is, that no form of sin, that no wicked passion or propensi... [ Continue Reading ]
DELIVER ME FROM THE OPPRESSION OF MAN - From constraint on the part of man, so that I may be free to act as I please. Give me true religious liberty, and let me not be under any compulsion or constraint. The word rendered “deliver” is that which is usually rendered “redeem.” It is used here in the l... [ Continue Reading ]
MAKE THY FACE TO SHINE UPON THY SERVANT - Hebrew, “Let thy face give light to thy servant.” See the notes at Psalms 4:6. AND TEACH ME THY STATUTES - See the notes at Psalms 119:12.... [ Continue Reading ]
RIVERS OF WATERS RUN DOWN MINE EYES - My heart is sad, and my eyes pour forth floods of tears. It is not a gentle weeping, but my eyes are like a fountain which pours out full-flowing streams. See Jeremiah 9:1. “Oh that my head were waters, and mine eyes a fountain of tears,” etc. Compare Jeremiah 1... [ Continue Reading ]
RIGHTEOUS ART THOU, O LORD ... - This commences a new division of the psalm, indicated by the Hebrew letter _Tsaddiy_ (צ _ts_) - corresponding with “ts.” The thought in this verse is, that God is right, or righteous, in his judgments, that is, in his law; or, in other words, that his law is founded... [ Continue Reading ]
THY TESTIMONIES THAT THOU HAST COMMANDED - Thy law, considered as a testimony as to what is right and best. ARE RIGHTEOUS AND VERY FAITHFUL - Margin, as in Hebrew, “righteousness and faithfulness.” They are “so” righteous, and so deserving of confidence - so certain to be accomplished, and so worth... [ Continue Reading ]
MY ZEAL HATH CONSUMED ME - Margin, “cut me off.” The word which is here translated “consumed” is rendered “cut off” in Lamentations 3:53; Job 23:17; Psalms 54:5; Psalms 88:16; Psalms 94:23; Psalms 101:5; Psalms 143:12; “vanish,” Job 6:17; “destroyed,”... [ Continue Reading ]
THY WORD IS VERY PURE - Margin, “tried or refined.” See the word explained in the notes at Psalms 18:30. THEREFORE THY SERVANT LOVETH IT - Therefore I love it. I love it because it is pure, holy, true; not merely because it will save me. Apart from all reference to myself. I love thy truth as truth... [ Continue Reading ]
I AM SMALL AND DESPISED - The word here rendered “small” may mean “small” in respect to number - that is, “few,” Micah 5:2; Isaiah 60:22; or in respect to age - “young,” Genesis 19:31; or in respect to dignity - “low;” least in rank or esteem. The language here may be applied to the church as compar... [ Continue Reading ]
THY RIGHTEOUSNESS IS AN EVERLASTING RIGHTEOUSNESS - It never changes. The principles of thy law, of thy government, and of thy method of saving people, are the same under all dispensations, in every land, in all worlds; and they will remain the same forever. Human governments change. Old dynasties p... [ Continue Reading ]
TROUBLE AND ANGUISH - The word rendered “trouble” means affliction of any kind; the word rendered “anguish” would probably express that which results from being pressed, compressed, straitened. It properly refers to a situation where there is no room to move, and where we are pent up in a narrow pla... [ Continue Reading ]
THE RIGHTEOUSNESS OF THY TESTIMONIES - The principles of righteousness on which they are founded. Those testimonies - those laws - are not arbitrary, or the mere expressions of will. They are founded on right and justice as seen by God, and his laws are his testimony as to what truth and justice are... [ Continue Reading ]
I CRIED WITH MY WHOLE HEART ... - This commences a new division of the psalm, indicated by the Hebrew letter _Koph_ (ק _q_), answering to our letter “k.” The expression “I cried with my whole heart” means that he did it earnestly, fervently. He had no divided wishes when he prayed. Not always is thi... [ Continue Reading ]
I CRIED UNTO THEE - I called upon thee in trouble. SAVE ME, AND I SHALL KEEP THY TESTIMONIES - Margin, “That I may keep.” The correct rendering is, “I will keep.” The idea is, that if God would interpose and save him, he “would” henceforward faithfully keep the law of God: It is one of the designs... [ Continue Reading ]
I PREVENTED THE DAWNING OF THE MORNING, AND CRIED - I anticipated it; I rose up to pray before the morning dawned. On the word “prevent,” see the notes at 1 Thessalonians 4:15; notes at Psalms 21:3; notes at Psalms 59:10; notes at Psalms 79:8. The meaning here is, that he rose up before the dawn, to... [ Continue Reading ]
MINE EYES PREVENT THE NIGHT WATCHES - Luther renders this, “I wake up early.” The Hebrew word means a “watch” - a part of the night, so called from military watches, or a dividing of the night to “keep guard.” See the notes at Psalms 90:4. The idea of the psalmist here is, that he anticipated these... [ Continue Reading ]
HEAR MY VOICE, ACCORDING UNTO THY LOVING-KINDNESS - According to thy mercy; thy goodness. Let that be the rule in answering me; not my deserts, or even the fervour of my prayers. We can desire no better rule in answer to our prayers. O LORD, QUICKEN ME - Give me life; cause me truly to live. See th... [ Continue Reading ]
THEY DRAW NIGH - They follow me; they press hard upon me. THAT FOLLOW AFTER MISCHIEF - That seek to do me wrong. THEY ARE FAR FROM THY LAW - They yield no obedience to it; they are not influenced by it in their conduct toward me.... [ Continue Reading ]
THOU ART NEAR, O LORD - God was present with him; he was ready to hear his cry; he was at hand to save him. Compare Psalms 145:18. The psalmist had the assurance, springing from deep feeling, and the conscious presence of God, which the people of God often have, that God is very near to them; that h... [ Continue Reading ]
CONCERNING THY TESTIMONIES - In regard to all that thou hast testified to as true and best. Every command of God is in fact a testimony of his as to what is right; every promise is a testimony of his own purpose in regard to mankind. I HAVE KNOWN OF OLD - The word used here is a noun, and means pro... [ Continue Reading ]
CONSIDER MINE AFFLICTION ... - This commences a new division of the psalm, indicated by the Hebrew letter _Resh_ (ר _r_), corresponding to our “r.” The prayer here is, that God would look upon his trial; that he would regard it as it really was; that he would not turn away from it, or pass it by, as... [ Continue Reading ]
PLEAD MY CAUSE ... - Undertake my cause, as an advocate does. See the notes at Psalms 35:1. QUICKEN ME ... - Give me life. See the notes at Psalms 119:25.... [ Continue Reading ]
SALVATION IS FAR FROM THE WICKED - That is, (a) in their present course: they are very far from being safe, or from having a prospect of salvation; (b) they are constantly going farther and farther off - making their salvation less probable - not going toward heaven, but from it. (c) Destruction... [ Continue Reading ]
GREAT ARE THY TENDER MERCIES, O LORD - They are many, or multiplied. The word rendered “tender mercies” is the same which occurs in Psalms 40:11; Psalms 51:1; Psalms 69:16; Psalms 79:8; Psalms 103:4. See the notes at Psalms 25:6. QUICKEN ME ... - See Psalms 119:149.... [ Continue Reading ]
MANY ARE MY PERSECUTORS AND MINE ENEMIES - The thought here turns on the number of his enemies, and on the effect which numbers might have in turning one from the way of truth. We might meet one such enemy, and overcome him; we might resist the influence of one in endeavoring to turn us away from th... [ Continue Reading ]
I BEHELD THE TRANSGRESSORS - Those who wronged me; those who violated the law of God. AND WAS GRIEVED - Or, “sickened.” The word used here means commonly to loathe, to nauseate, to sicken. Ezekiel 16:47; Psalms 95:10. I was made sad, sorry, sick at heart. I did not look on them with anger; I did no... [ Continue Reading ]
CONSIDER HOW I LOVE THY PRECEPTS - Search me. Behold the evidence of my attachment to thy law. This is the confident appeal of one who was conscious that he was truly attached to God; that he really loved his law. It is similar to the appeal of Peter to the Saviour John 21:17, “Lord, thou knowest al... [ Continue Reading ]
THY WORD IS TRUE FROM THE BEGINNING - literally, “The head of thy word is truth.” Probably the meaning is, that the “principles” of God’s word were truth, or were based on truth. The main thing - that on which all relied - was truth, absolute truth. It was not “made” truth by the mere will of God, b... [ Continue Reading ]
PRINCES HAVE PERSECUTED ME WITHOUT A CAUSE - This commences a new division of the psalm, indicated by the Hebrew letter _Schin_ (שׂ _ś_, and שׁ _sh_) - corresponding to our “s,” or “sh.” On the meaning of the expression here, see Psalms 119:23, note; Psalms 119:76, note. BUT MY HEART STANDETH IN A... [ Continue Reading ]
I REJOICE AT THY WORD, AS ONE THAT FINDETH GREAT SPOIL - Plunder in a camp; prey; booty: as the hunter or the warrior, when he lights on great and unexpected success.... [ Continue Reading ]
I HATE AND ABHOR LYING - The mention of lying here particularly seems to have been suggested by the necessity, from the structure of the psalm, of finding some word at the beginning of the verse which commenced with the letter Schin. At the same time, it is an illustration of the nature of piety, an... [ Continue Reading ]
SEVEN TIMES A DAY - The word seven may be used here, as it is often in the Scriptures, indefinitely to denote many, or often. There is, however, nothing which makes it necessary to understand it in this sense. The number of times in which it is proper and profitable to engage in secret or public dev... [ Continue Reading ]
GREAT PEACE HAVE THEY - See the notes at Isaiah 26:3; compare the notes at Philippians 4:6. They have great calmness of mind. They are not troubled and anxious. They believe and feel that all things are well-ordered by thee, and will be conducted to the best result. They, therefore, calmly leave all... [ Continue Reading ]
LORD, I HAVE HOPED FOR THY SALVATION - As a prevailing habit or principle in my life. I have looked to thee for deliverance in the time of danger; I have looked to thee for salvation in the world to come. AND DONE THY COMMANDMENTS - That is, habitually. This is not, necessarily, a claim to absolute... [ Continue Reading ]
MY SOUL HATH KEPT THY TESTIMONIES, AND I LOVE THEM EXEEEDINGLY - I am conscious of loving them; I feel an inward assurance that I do love them.... [ Continue Reading ]
I HAVE KEPT THY PRECEPTS AND THY TESTIMONIES - This is an appeal which is several times made in the psalm; not with boasting, but as indicating the tenor and purpose of his life. Every man ought to be able to make such an appeal. FOR ALL MY WAYS ARE BEFORE THEE - Thou hast seen my manner of life, a... [ Continue Reading ]
LET MY CRY COME NEAR BEFORE THEE, O LORD - This commences a new division of the psalm, indicated by the last letter of the Hebrew alphabet, the letter _Tau_ (ט _ṭ_), corresponding to our “t,” or “th.” The petition here is, that his prayer might be heard; that it might come into the very presence of... [ Continue Reading ]
LET MY SUPPLICATION COME BEFORE THEE - The word here rendered “supplication” properly means “favor, mercy, pity,” Joshua 11:20; Ezra 9:8; then, that by which favor or mercy is sought - prayer or petition, Psalms 6:9; Psalms 55:1. DELIVER ME ACCORDING TO THY WORD - From my enemies, my sins, my dange... [ Continue Reading ]
MY LIPS SHALL UTTER PRAISE, WHEN THOU HAST TAUGHT ME THY STATUTES - The sentiment here is the same as in Psalms 119:7. The language is varied, but the meaning here, as in that verse, is, I will praise thee in proportion as I learn thy precepts or thy law. The more I learn of thy will, the more I wil... [ Continue Reading ]
MY TONGUE SHALL SPEAK OF THY WORD - It shall speak of it in the language of praise; it shall speak of it in making it known to others. FOR ALL THY COMMANDMENTS ARE RIGHTEOUSNESS - I see this; I feel it; and, therefore, I will speak of it. My impression that thy commandments are all righteous is so... [ Continue Reading ]
LET THINE HAND HELP ME - Do thou help me - the hand being that by which we accomplish anything. FOR I HAVE CHOSEN THAT PRECEPTS - I have chosen them as my comforters and my guide. I have resolved to obey them, and I pray that thou wilt help me to accomplish the purpose of my heart.... [ Continue Reading ]
I HAVE LONGED FOR THY SALVATION, O LORD - See the notes at Psalms 119:166. The word rendered “I have longed” denotes an earnest desire or wish. Compare the notes at Psalms 42:1, and the notes at Psalms 119:20. AND THY LAW IS MY DELIGHT - It is so much the object of my delight that I earnestly long... [ Continue Reading ]
LET MY SOUL LIVE, AND IT SHALL PRAISE THEE - I desire life that I may praise thee; if I do live, I will praise thee. My life is consecrated to thy service; if lengthened out, and as far as it shall be lengthened out, it shall be devoted to thee. AND LET THY JUDGMENTS HELP ME - The dealings of thy h... [ Continue Reading ]
I HAVE GONE ASTRAY LIKE A LOST SHEEP - A sheep that has wandered away from its fold, and is without a protector. Compare Isaiah 53:6; Matthew 10:6; Matthew 15:24; Matthew 18:12; Luke 15:6; 1 Peter 2:25. I am a wanderer. I have lost the path to true happiness. I have strayed away from my God. I see t... [ Continue Reading ]