81 <CAPH> My soul is wasted with desire for your salvation: but I have hope in your word. 82 My eyes are full of weariness with searching for your word, saying, When will you give me comfort?
83 For I have become like a wine-skin black with smoke; but I still keep the memory of your rules.
84 How short is the life of your servant! when will you give your decision against those who are attacking me?
85 The men of pride, who are turned away from your law, have put nets for me. 86 All your teachings are certain; they go after me with evil design; give me your help. 87 They had almost put an end to me on earth; but I did not give up your orders.
88 Give me life in your mercy; so that I may be ruled by the unchanging word of your mouth.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Psalm 119:81-88
Commentary on Psalm 119:81-88
(Read Psalm 119:81-88)
The psalmist sought deliverance from his sins, his foes, and his fears. Hope deferred made him faint; his eyes failed by looking out for this expected salvation. But when the eyes fail, yet faith must not. His affliction was great. He was become like a leathern bottle, which, if hung up in the smoke, is dried and shrivelled up. We must ever be mindful of God's statutes. The days of the believer's mourning shall be ended; they are but for a moment, compared with eternal happiness. His enemies used craft as well as power for his ruin, in contempt of the law of God. The commandments of God are true and faithful guides in the path of peace and safety. We may best expect help from God when, like our Master, we do well and suffer for it. Wicked men may almost consume the believer upon earth, but he would sooner forsake all than forsake the word of the Lord. We should depend upon the grace of God for strength to do every good work. The surest token of God's good-will toward us, is his good work in us.