105 <NUN> Your word is a light for my feet, ever shining on my way.
106 I have made an oath and kept it, to be guided by your upright decisions.
107 I am greatly troubled, O Lord, give me life in keeping with your word.
108 Take, O Lord, the free offerings of my mouth, and give me knowledge of your decisions.
109 My soul is ever in danger; but I still keep the memory of your law. 110 Sinners have put a net to take me; but I was true to your orders.
111 I have taken your unchanging word as an eternal heritage; for it is the joy of my heart. 112 My heart is ever ready to keep your rules, even to the end.
113 <SAMECH> I am a hater of men of doubting mind; but I am a lover of your law.
114 You are my secret place and my breastplate against danger; my hope is in your word.
115 Go far from me, you evil-doers; so that I may keep the teachings of my God.
116 Be my support as you have said, and give me life; let not my hope be turned to shame. 117 Let me not be moved, and I will be safe, and ever take delight in your rules.
118 You have overcome all those who are wandering from your rules; for all their thoughts are false. 119 All the sinners of the earth are like waste metal in your eyes; and for this cause I give my love to your unchanging word. 120 My flesh is moved for fear of you; I give honour to your decisions.
121 <AIN> I have done what is good and right: you will not give me into the hands of those who are working against me. 122 Take your servant's interests into your keeping; let me not be crushed by the men of pride.
123 My eyes are wasted with desire for your salvation, and for the word of your righteousness.
124 Be good to your servant in your mercy, and give me teaching in your rules. 125 I am your servant; give me wisdom, so that I may have knowledge of your unchanging word.
126 It is time, O Lord, for you to let your work be seen; for they have made your law without effect.
127 For this reason I have greater love far your teachings than for gold, even for shining gold. 128 Because of it I keep straight in all things by your orders; and I am a hater of every false way.
129 <PE> Your unchanging word is full of wonder; for this reason my soul keeps it.
130 The opening of your words gives light; it gives good sense to the simple.
131 My mouth was open wide, waiting with great desire for your teachings.
132 Let your eyes be turned to me, and have mercy on me, as it is right for you to do to those who are lovers of your name.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Psalm 119:105-132
Commentary on Psalm 119:105-112
(Read Psalm 119:105-112)
The word of God directs us in our work and way, and a dark place indeed the world would be without it. The commandment is a lamp kept burning with the oil of the Spirit, as a light to direct us in the choice of our way, and the steps we take in that way. The keeping of God's commands here meant, was that of a sinner under a dispensation of mercy, of a believer having part in the covenant of grace. The psalmist is often afflicted; but with longing desires to become more holy, offers up daily prayers for quickening grace. We cannot offer any thing to God, that he will accept but what he is pleased to teach us to do. To have our soul or life continually in our hands, implies constant danger of life; yet he did not forget God's promises nor his precepts. Numberless are the snares laid by the wicked; and happy is that servant of God, whom they have not caused to err from his Master's precepts. Heavenly treasures are a heritage for ever; all the saints accept them as such, therefore they can be content with little of this world. We must look for comfort only in the way of duty, and that duty must be done. A good man, by the grace of God, brings his heart to his work, then it is done well.
Commentary on Psalm 119:113-120
(Read Psalm 119:113-120)
Here is a dread of the risings of sin, and the first beginnings of it. The more we love the law of God, the more watchful we shall be, lest vain thoughts draw us from what we love. Would we make progress in keeping God's commands, we must be separate from evil-doers. The believer could not live without the grace of God; but, supported by his hand, his spiritual life shall be maintained. Our holy security is grounded on Divine supports. All departure from God's statutes is error, and will prove fatal. Their cunning is falsehood. There is a day coming which will put the wicked into everlasting fire, the fit place for the dross. See what comes of sin Surely we who fall so low in devout affections, should fear, lest a promise being left us of entering into heavenly rest, any of us should be found to come short of it, Hebrews 4:1.
Commentary on Psalm 119:121-128
(Read Psalm 119:121-128)
Happy is the man, who, acting upon gospel principles, does justice to all around. Christ our Surety, having paid our debt and ransom, secures all the blessings of salvation to every true believer. The psalmist expects the word of God's righteousness, and no other salvation than what is secured by that word, which cannot fall to the ground. We deserve no favour form God; we are most easy when we cast ourselves upon God's mercy, and refer ourselves to it. If any man resolve to do God's will as his servant, he shall be made to know his testimonies. We must do what we can for the support of religion, and, after all, must beg of God to take the work into his own hands. It is hypocrisy to say we love God's commandments more than our worldly interests. The way of sin is a false way, being directly contrary to God's precepts, which are right: those that love and esteem God's law, hate sin, and will not be reconciled to it.
Commentary on Psalm 119:129-136
(Read Psalm 119:129-136)
The wonders of redeeming love will fix the heart in adoration of them. The Scriptures show us what we were, what we are, and what we shall be. They show us the mercy and the justice of the Lord, the joys of heaven, and the pains of hell. Thus they give to the simple, in a few days, understanding of those matters, which philosophers for ages sought in vain. The believer, wearied with the cares of life and his conflicts with sin, pants for the consolations conveyed to him by means of the sacred word. And every one may pray, Look thou upon me, and be merciful unto me as thou usest to do unto those that love thy name. We must beg that the Holy Spirit would order our steps. The dominion of sin is to be dreaded and prayed against by every one. The oppression of men is often more than flesh and blood can bear; and He who knoweth our frame, will not refuse to remove it in answer to the prayers of his people. Whatever obscurity may appear as to the faith of the Old Testament believers, their confidence at the throne of grace can only be explained by their having obtained more distinct views of gospel privileges, through the sacrifices and services of their law, than is generally imagined. Go to the same place, plead the name and merits of Jesus, and you will not, you cannot plead in vain. Commonly, where there is a gracious heart, there is a weeping eye. Accept, O Lord, the tears our blessed Redeemer shed in the days of his flesh, for us who should weep for our brethren or ourselves.