Psalms 119:48

Verse Psalms 119:48. My hands also will I lift up] I will present every victim and sacrifice which the law requires. I will make prayer and supplication before thee, lifting up holy hands without wrath and doubting.

ANALYSIS OF LETTER VAU. - Sixth Division

The psalmist prays for mercy, and promises to show his thankfulness two ways: -

I. By a bold confession of God's law.

II. By holy obedience to it.

The whole section consists of two petitions and six promises.

I. I. First petition. "Let thy mercies come also unto me - even thy salvation." He joins these two, mercy and salvation, as cause and effect; for God's mercy can alone bring salvation.

This being granted, he vows to be thankful and courageous.

1. He vows to confess God's law, and answer any adversary who may say, "It is vain for him to hope in the Lord," by showing that God has fulfilled his word.

2. That he will put his trust in God; because he is omnipotent and merciful.

II. The second petition is, "Take not the word of truth utterly out of my mouth." For which he gives a reason: "I have hoped in thy judgments."

1. "Take not thy word," in which I boast and glory before my adversaries.

2. "Take not the word out of my mouth," so that I dare not speak nor openly profess it.

3. "Take it not away utterly." If for my unfaithfulness thou shouldst shut my mouth for a time, restore thy favour to me, that I may again make confession unto salvation.

4. For which he gives this reason: "I have hoped," c. I trust in thy fidelity and justice, that thou wilt accomplish, in promises and threatenings, whatsoever thou hast engaged to perform.

II. Now he shows his thankfulness by determining to make confession of God's mercy in a holy life serving God.

1. With a free heart: "I will walk at liberty;" sin shall have no dominion over me.

2. With a loosened tongue: "I will speak of thy testimonies also before kings." It is a difficult thing to speak to great men concerning their salvation; it requires great boldness, and equal humility. Rudeness, under the guise of zeal, spoils every good.

3. With hearty affection: "I will delight myself." He who can delight in his duty has made considerable progress in piety.

4. With corresponding practice: "My hands will I lift up." My life shall declare that I have not received the grace of God in vain.

5. With a considerate mind: "I will meditate in thy statutes." My understanding shall frequently examine them, approve of them, and turn them over to a heart full of fervent affection.

6. This was a work to which he was accustomed: "I have loved thy commandments and statutes." Love feels no loads, and habit is a second nature.