7 I shall give thanks to You with uprightness of heart , When I learn Your righteous judgments . 8 I shall keep Your statutes ; Do not forsake me utterly e ! Beth.
9 How can a young man keep his way pure ? By keeping it according to Your word .
10 With all my heart I have sought You; Do not let me wander from Your commandments .
11 Your word I have treasured in my heart , That I may not sin against You.
12 Blessed are You, O Lord ; Teach me Your statutes .
13 With my lips I have told of All the ordinances of Your mouth . 14 I have rejoiced in the way of Your testimonies , As much as in all riches . 15 I will meditate on Your precepts And regard Your ways . 16 I shall delight in Your statutes ; I shall not forget Your word . Gimel.
17 Deal bountifully with Your servant , That I may live and keep Your word .
18 Open my eyes , that I may behold Wonderful things from Your law .
19 I am a stranger in the earth ; Do not hide Your commandments from me.
20 My soul is crushed with longing After Your ordinances at all times .
21 You rebuke the arrogant , the cursed , Who wander from Your commandments .
22 Take away reproach and contempt from me, For I observe Your testimonies .
23 Even though princes sit and talk against me, Your servant meditates on Your statutes .
24 Your testimonies also are my delight ; They are my counselors e . Daleth.
25 My soul cleaves to the dust ; Revive me according to Your word .
26 I have told of my ways , and You have answered me; Teach me Your statutes . 27 Make me understand the way of Your precepts , So I will meditate on Your wonders .
28 My soul weeps because of grief ; Strengthen me according to Your word . 29 Remove the false way from me, And graciously grant me Your law .
30 I have chosen the faithful way ; I have placed Your ordinances before me. 31 I cling to Your testimonies ; O Lord , do not put me to shame ! 32 I shall run the way of Your commandments , For You will enlarge my heart . He.
33 Teach me, O Lord , the way of Your statutes , And I shall observe it to the end . 34 Give me understanding , that I may observe Your law And keep it with all my heart .
35 Make me walk in the path of Your commandments , For I delight in it. 36 Incline my heart to Your testimonies And not to dishonest gain .
37 Turn away my eyes from looking at vanity , And revive me in Your ways .
38 Establish Your word to Your servant , As that which produces reverence for You.
39 Turn away my reproach which I dread , For Your ordinances are good .
40 Behold , I long for Your precepts ; Revive me through Your righteousness . Vav.
41 May Your lovingkindnesses also come to me, O Lord , Your salvation according to Your word ; 42 So I will have an answer e for him who reproaches me, For I trust in Your word .
43 And do not take the word of truth utterly e out of my mouth , For I wait for Your ordinances . 44 So I will keep Your law continually , Forever and ever .
45 And I will walk at liberty , For I seek Your precepts . 46 I will also speak of Your testimonies before kings And shall not be ashamed . 47 I shall delight in Your commandments , Which I love . 48 And I shall lift up my hands to Your commandments , Which I love ; And I will meditate on Your statutes . Zayin.
49 Remember the word to Your servant , In which You have made me hope .
50 This is my comfort in my affliction , That Your word has revived me.
51 The arrogant utterly e deride me, Yet I do not turn aside from Your law .
52 I have remembered Your ordinances from of old , O Lord , And comfort myself.
53 Burning indignation has seized me because of the wicked , Who forsake Your law .
54 Your statutes are my songs In the house of my pilgrimage .
55 O Lord , I remember Your name in the night , And keep Your law . 56 This has become mine, That I observe Your precepts . Heth.
57 The Lord is my portion ; I have promised to keep Your words .
58 I sought Your favor with all my heart ; Be gracious to me according to Your word .
59 I considered my ways And turned my feet to Your testimonies . 60 I hastened and did not delay To keep Your commandments .
61 The cords of the wicked have encircled me, But I have not forgotten Your law .
62 At midnight e I shall rise to give thanks to You Because of Your righteous ordinances .
63 I am a companion of all those who fear You, And of those who keep Your precepts .
64 The earth is full of Your lovingkindness , O Lord ; Teach me Your statutes . Teth.
65 You have dealt well with Your servant , O Lord , according to Your word . 66 Teach me good discernment and knowledge , For I believe in Your commandments .
67 Before I was afflicted I went astray , But now I keep Your word .
68 You are good and do good ; Teach me Your statutes .
69 The arrogant have forged a lie against me; With all my heart I will observe Your precepts . 70 Their heart is covered with fat , But I delight in Your law .
71 It is good for me that I was afflicted , That I may learn Your statutes .
72 The law of Your mouth is better to me Than thousands of gold and silver pieces. Yodh.
73 Your hands made me and fashioned me; Give me understanding , that I may learn Your commandments .
74 May those who fear You see me and be glad , Because I wait for Your word .
75 I know , O Lord , that Your judgments are righteous , And that in faithfulness You have afflicted me.
76 O may Your lovingkindness comfort me, According to Your word to Your servant . 77 May Your compassion come to me that I may live , For Your law is my delight .
78 May the arrogant be ashamed , for they subvert me with a lie ; But I shall meditate on Your precepts . 79 May those who fear You turn to me, Even those who know Your testimonies .
80 May my heart be blameless in Your statutes , So that I will not be ashamed . Kaph.
81 My soul languishes for Your salvation ; I wait for Your word . 82 My eyes fail with longing for Your word , While I say , "When will You comfort me?"
83 Though I have become like a wineskin in the smoke , I do not forget Your statutes .
84 How many are the days of Your servant ? When will You execute judgment on those who persecute me?
85 The arrogant have dug pits for me, Men who are not in accord with Your law . 86 All Your commandments are faithful ; They have persecuted me with a lie ; help me! 87 They almost destroyed me on earth , But as for me, I did not forsake Your precepts .
88 Revive me according to Your lovingkindness , So that I may keep the testimony of Your mouth . Lamedh.
89 Forever , O Lord , Your word is settled in heaven . 90 Your faithfulness continues throughout all generations ; You established the earth , and it stands . 91 They stand this day according to Your ordinances , For all things are Your servants .
92 If Your law had not been my delight , Then I would have perished in my affliction .
93 I will never e forget Your precepts , For by them You have revived me.
94 I am Yours, save me; For I have sought Your precepts .
95 The wicked wait for me to destroy me; I shall diligently consider Your testimonies .
96 I have seen a limit to all perfection ; Your commandment is exceedingly broad . Mem.
97 O how I love Your law ! It is my meditation all the day .
98 Your commandments make me wiser than my enemies , For they are ever mine. 99 I have more insight than all my teachers , For Your testimonies are my meditation . 100 I understand more than the aged , Because I have observed Your precepts .
101 I have restrained my feet from every evil way , That I may keep Your word .
102 I have not turned aside from Your ordinances , For You Yourself have taught me.
103 How sweet are Your words to my taste ! Yes, sweeter than honey to my mouth ! 104 From Your precepts I get understanding ; Therefore e I hate every false way . Nun.
105 Your word is a lamp to my feet And a light to my path .
106 I have sworn and I will confirm it, That I will keep Your righteous ordinances .
107 I am exceedingly e afflicted ; Revive me, O Lord , according to Your word .
108 O accept the freewill offerings of my mouth , O Lord , And teach me Your ordinances .
109 My life is continually in my hand , Yet I do not forget Your law . 110 The wicked have laid a snare for me, Yet I have not gone astray from Your precepts .
111 I have inherited Your testimonies forever , For they are the joy of my heart . 112 I have inclined my heart to perform Your statutes Forever , even to the end . Samekh.
113 I hate those who are double-minded , But I love Your law .
114 You are my hiding place and my shield ; I wait for Your word .
115 Depart from me, evildoers , That I may observe the commandments of my God .
116 Sustain me according to Your word , that I may live ; And do not let me be ashamed of my hope . 117 Uphold me that I may be safe , That I may have regard for Your statutes continually .
118 You have rejected all those who wander from Your statutes , For their deceitfulness is useless . 119 You have removed all the wicked of the earth like dross ; Therefore I love Your testimonies . 120 My flesh trembles for fear of You, And I am afraid of Your judgments . Ayin.
121 I have done justice and righteousness ; Do not leave me to my oppressors . 122 Be surety for Your servant for good ; Do not let the arrogant oppress me.
123 My eyes fail with longing for Your salvation And for Your righteous word .
124 Deal with Your servant according to Your lovingkindness And teach me Your statutes . 125 I am Your servant ; give me understanding , That I may know Your testimonies .
126 It is time for the Lord to act , For they have broken Your law .
127 Therefore e I love Your commandments Above gold , yes, above fine gold . 128 Therefore e I esteem right all Your precepts concerning everything , I hate every false way . Pe.
129 Your testimonies are wonderful ; Therefore e my soul observes them.
130 The unfolding of Your words gives light ; It gives understanding to the simple .
131 I opened my mouth wide and panted , For I longed for Your commandments .
132 Turn to me and be gracious to me, After Your manner with those who love Your name .
133 Establish my footsteps in Your word , And do not let any iniquity have dominion over me.
134 Redeem me from the oppression of man , That I may keep Your precepts .
135 Make Your face shine upon Your servant , And teach me Your statutes .
136 My eyes shed streams of water , Because they do not keep Your law . Tsadhe.
137 Righteous are You, O Lord , And upright are Your judgments . 138 You have commanded Your testimonies in righteousness And exceeding faithfulness .
139 My zeal has consumed me, Because my adversaries have forgotten Your words .
140 Your word is very pure , Therefore Your servant loves it.
141 I am small and despised , Yet I do not forget Your precepts .
142 Your righteousness is an everlasting righteousness , And Your law is truth .
143 Trouble and anguish have come upon me, Yet Your commandments are my delight . 144 Your testimonies are righteous forever ; Give me understanding that I may live . Qoph.
145 I cried with all my heart ; answer me, O Lord ! I will observe Your statutes . 146 I cried to You; save me And I shall keep Your testimonies .
147 I rise before dawn and cry for help ; I wait for Your words . 148 My eyes anticipate the night watches , That I may meditate on Your word .
149 Hear my voice according to Your lovingkindness ; Revive me, O Lord , according to Your ordinances .
150 Those who follow after wickedness draw near ; They are far from Your law . 151 You are near , O Lord , And all Your commandments are truth .
152 Of old I have known from Your testimonies That You have founded them forever . Resh.
153 Look upon my affliction and rescue me, For I do not forget Your law . 154 Plead my cause and redeem me; Revive me according to Your word .
155 Salvation is far from the wicked , For they do not seek Your statutes .
156 Great are Your mercies , O Lord ; Revive me according to Your ordinances .
157 Many are my persecutors and my adversaries , Yet I do not turn aside from Your testimonies .
158 I behold the treacherous and loathe them, Because they do not keep Your word .
159 Consider how I love Your precepts ; Revive me, O Lord , according to Your lovingkindness .
160 The sum of Your word is truth , And every one of Your righteous ordinances is everlasting . Shin.
161 Princes persecute me without cause , But my heart stands in awe of Your words .
162 I rejoice at Your word , As one who finds great spoil .
163 I hate and despise falsehood , But I love Your law .
164 Seven times a day I praise You, Because of Your righteous ordinances .
165 Those who love Your law have great peace , And nothing causes them to stumble .
166 I hope for Your salvation , O Lord , And do Your commandments .
167 My soul keeps Your testimonies , And I love them exceedingly . 168 I keep Your precepts and Your testimonies , For all my ways are before You. Tav.
169 Let my cry come before You, O Lord ; Give me understanding according to Your word . 170 Let my supplication come before You; Deliver me according to Your word .
171 Let my lips utter praise , For You teach me Your statutes .
172 Let my tongue sing of Your word , For all Your commandments are righteousness .
173 Let Your hand be ready to help me, For I have chosen Your precepts . 174 I long for Your salvation , O Lord , And Your law is my delight .
175 Let my soul live that it may praise You, And let Your ordinances help me.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Psalm 119:7-175
Commentary on Psalm 119:1-8
(Read Psalm 119:1-8)
This psalm may be considered as the statement of a believer's experience. As far as our views, desires, and affections agree with what is here expressed, they come from the influences of the Holy Spirit, and no further. The pardoning mercy of God in Christ, is the only source of a sinner's happiness. And those are most happy, who are preserved most free from the defilement of sin, who simply believe God's testimonies, and depend on his promises. If the heart be divided between him and the world, it is evil. But the saints carefully avoid all sin; they are conscious of much evil that clogs them in the ways of God, but not of that wickedness which draws them out of those ways. The tempter would make men think they are at them out of those ways. The tempter would make men think they are at liberty to follow the word of God or not, as they please. But the desire and prayer of a good man agree with the will and command of God. If a man expects by obedience in one thing to purchase indulgence for disobedience in others, his hypocrisy will be detected; if he is not ashamed in this world, everlasting shame will be his portion. The psalmist coveted to learn the laws of God, to give God the glory. And believers see that if God forsakes them, the temper will be too hard for them.
Commentary on Psalm 119:9-16
(Read Psalm 119:9-16)
To original corruption all have added actual sin. The ruin of the young is either living by no rule at all, or choosing false rules: let them walk by Scripture rules. To doubt of our own wisdom and strength, and to depend upon God, proves the purpose of holiness is sincere. God's word is treasure worth laying up, and there is no laying it up safe but in our hearts, that we may oppose God's precepts to the dominion of sin, his promises to its allurements, and his threatenings to its violence. Let this be our plea with Him to teach us his statutes, that, being partakers of his holiness, we may also partake of his blessedness. And those whose hearts are fed with the bread of life, should with their lips feed many. In the way of God's commandments there is the unsearchable riches of Christ. But we do not meditate on God's precepts to good purpose, unless our good thoughts produce good works. I will not only think of thy statutes, but do them with delight. And it will be well to try the sincerity of our obedience by tracing the spring of it; the reality of our love by cheerfulness in appointed duties.
Commentary on Psalm 119:17-24
(Read Psalm 119:17-24)
If God deals in strict justice with us, we all perish. We ought to spend our lives in his service; we shall find true life in keeping his word. Those that would see the wondrous things of God's law and gospel, must beg him to give them understanding, by the light of his Spirit. Believers feel themselves strangers on earth; they fear missing their way, and losing comfort by erring from God's commandments. Every sanctified soul hungers after the word of God, as food which there is no living without. There is something of pride at the bottom of every wilful sin. God can silence lying lips; reproach and contempt may humble and do us good, and then they shall be removed. Do we find the weight of the cross is above that we are able to bear? He that bore it for us will enable us to bear it; upheld by him we cannot sink. It is sad when those who should protect the innocent, are their betrayers. The psalmist went on in duty, and he found comfort in the word of God. The comforts of the word of God are most pleasant to a gracious soul, when other comforts are made bitter; and those that would have God's testimonies to be their delight, must be advised by them. May the Lord direct us in exercising repentance of sin, and faith in Christ.
Commentary on Psalm 119:25-32
(Read Psalm 119:25-32)
While the souls of the children of this world cleave to the earth as their portion, the children of light are greatly burdened, because of the remains of carnal affections in their hearts. It is unspeakable comfort to a gracious soul, to think with what tenderness all its complaints are received by a gracious God. We can talk of the wonders of redeeming love, when we understand the way of God's precepts, and walk in that way. The penitent melts in sorrow for sin: even the patient spirit may melt in the sense of affliction, it is then its interest to pour out its soul before God. The way of lying means all false ways by which men deceive themselves and others, or are deceived by Satan and his instruments. Those who know and love the law of the Lord, desire to know it more, and love it better. The way of serious godliness is the way of truth; the only true way to happiness: we must always have actual regard to it. Those who stick to the word of God, may in faith expect and pray for acceptance with God. Lord, never leave me to do that by which I shall shame myself, and do not thou reject my services. Those that are going to heaven, should still press forward. God, by his Spirit, enlarges the hearts of his people when he gives them wisdom. The believer prays to be set free from sin.
Commentary on Psalm 119:33-40
(Read Psalm 119:33-40)
Teach me thy statutes, not the mere words, but the way of applying them to myself. God, by his Spirit, gives a right understanding. But the Spirit of revelation in the word will not suffice, unless we have the Spirit of wisdom in the heart. God puts his Spirit within us, causing us to walk in his statutes. The sin here prayed against is covetousness. Those that would have the love of God rooted in them, must get the love of the world rooted out; for the friendship of the world is enmity with God. Quicken me in thy way; to redeem time, and to do every duty with liveliness of spirit. Beholding vanity deadens us, and slackens our pace; a traveller must not stand gazing upon every object that presents itself to his view. The promises of God's word greatly relate to the preservation of the true believer. When Satan has drawn a child of God into worldly compliances, he will reproach him with the falls into which he led him. Victory must come from the cross of Christ. When we enjoy the sweetness of God's precepts, it will make us long for more acquaintance with them. And where God has wrought to will, he will work to do.
Commentary on Psalm 119:41-48
(Read Psalm 119:41-48)
Lord, I have by faith thy mercies in view; let me by prayer prevail to obtain them. And when the salvation of the saints is completed, it will plainly appear that it was not in vain to trust in God's word. We need to pray that we may never be afraid or ashamed to own God's truths and ways before men. And the psalmist resolves to keep God's law, in a constant course of obedience, without backsliding. The service of sin is slavery; the service of God is liberty. There is no full happiness, or perfect liberty, but in keeping God's law. We must never be ashamed or afraid to own our religion. The more delight we take in the service of God, the nearer we come to perfection. Not only consent to his law as good, but take pleasure in it as good for us. Let me put forth all the strength I have, to do it. Something of this mind of Christ is in every true disciple.
Commentary on Psalm 119:49-56
(Read Psalm 119:49-56)
Those that make God's promises their portion, may with humble boldness make them their plea. He that by his Spirit works faith in us, will work for us. The word of God speaks comfort in affliction. If, through grace, it makes us holy, there is enough in it to make us easy, in all conditions. Let us be certain we have the Divine law for what we believe, and then let not scoffers prevail upon us to decline from it. God's judgments of old comfort and encourage us, for he is still the same. Sin is horrible in the eyes of all that are sanctified. Ere long the believer will be absent from the body, and present with the Lord. In the mean time, the statutes of the Lord supply subjects for grateful praise. In the season of affliction, and in the silent hours of the night, he remembers the name of the Lord, and is stirred up to keep the law. All who have made religion the first thing, will own that they have been unspeakable gainers by it.
Commentary on Psalm 119:57-64
(Read Psalm 119:57-64)
True believers take the Lord for the portion of their inheritance, and nothing less will satisfy them. The psalmist prayed with his whole heart, knowing how to value the blessing he prayed for: he desired the mercy promised, and depended on the promise for it. He turned from by-paths, and returned to God's testimonies. He delayed not. It behoves sinners to hasten to escape; and the believer will be equally in haste to glorify God. No care or grief should take away God's word out of our minds, or hinder the comfort it bestows. There is no situation on earth in which a believer has not cause to be thankful. Let us feel ashamed that others are more willing to keep from sleep to spend the time in sinful pleasures, than we are to praise God. And we should be more earnest in prayer, that our hearts may be filled with his mercy, grace, and peace.
Commentary on Psalm 119:65-72
(Read Psalm 119:65-72)
However God has dealt with us, he has dealt with us better than we deserve; and all in love, and for our good. Many have knowledge, but little judgment; those who have both, are fortified against the snares of Satan, and furnished for the service of God. We are most apt to wander from God, when we are easy in the world. We should leave our concerns to the disposal of God, seeing we know not what is good for us. Lord, thou art our bountiful Benefactor; incline our hearts to faith and obedience. The psalmist will go on in his duty with constancy and resolution. The proud are full of the world, and its wealth and pleasures; these make them senseless, secure, and stupid. God visits his people with affliction, that they may learn his statutes. Not only God's promises, but even his law, his percepts, though hard to ungodly men, are desirable, and profitable, because they lead us with safety and delight unto eternal life.
Commentary on Psalm 119:73-80
(Read Psalm 119:73-80)
God made us to serve him, and enjoy him; but by sin we have made ourselves unfit to serve him, and to enjoy him. We ought, therefore, continually to beseech him, by his Holy Spirit, to give us understanding. The comforts some have in God, should be matter of joy to others. But it is easy to own, that God's judgments are right, until it comes to be our own case. All supports under affliction must come from mercy and compassion. The mercies of God are tender mercies; the mercies of a father, the compassion of a mother to her son. They come to us when we are not able to go to them. Causeless reproach does not hurt, and should not move us. The psalmist could go on in the way of his duty, and find comfort in it. He valued the good will of saints, and was desirous to keep up his communion with them. Soundness of heart signifies sincerity in dependence on God, and devotedness to him.
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.
Commentary on Psalm 119:89-96
(Read Psalm 119:89-96)
The settling of God's word in heaven, is opposed to the changes and revolutions of the earth. And the engagements of God's covenant are established more firmly than the earth itself. All the creatures answer the ends of their creation: shall man, who alone is endued with reason, be the only unprofitable burden of the earth? We may make the Bible a pleasant companion at any time. But the word, without the grace of God, would not quicken us. See the best help for bad memories, namely, good affections; and though the exact words be lost, if the meaning remain, that is well. I am thine, not my own, not the world's; save me from sin, save me from ruin. The Lord will keep the man in peace, whose mind is stayed on him. It is poor perfection which one sees and end of. Such are all things in this world, which pass for perfections. The glory of man is but as the flower of the grass. The psalmist had seen the fulness of the word of God, and its sufficiency. The word of the Lord reaches to all cases, to all times. It will take us from all confidence in man, or in our own wisdom, strength, and righteousness. Thus shall we seek comfort and happiness from Christ alone.
Commentary on Psalm 119:97-104
(Read Psalm 119:97-104)
What we love, we love to think of. All true wisdom is from God. A good man carries his Bible with him, if not in his hands, yet in his head and in his heart. By meditation on God's testimonies we understand more than our teachers, when we understand our own hearts. The written word is a more sure guide to heaven, than all the fathers, the teachers, and ancients of the church. We cannot, with any comfort or boldness, attend God in holy duties, while under guilt, or in any by-way. It was Divine grace in his heart, that enabled the psalmist to receive these instructions. The soul has its tastes as well as the body. Our relish for the word of God will be greatest, when that for the world and the flesh is least. The way of sin is a wrong way; and the more understanding we get by the precepts of God, the more rooted will be our hatred of sin; and the more ready we are in the Scriptures, the better furnished we are with answers to temptation.
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.
Commentary on Psalm 119:137-144
(Read Psalm 119:137-144)
God never did, and never can do wrong to any. The promises are faithfully performed by Him that made them. Zeal against sin should constrain us to do what we can against it, at least to do more in religion ourselves. Our love to the word of God is evidence of our love to God, because it is designed to make us partake his holiness. Men's real excellency always makes them low in their own eyes. When we are small and despised, we have the more need to remember God's precepts, that we may have them to support us. The law of God is the truth, the standard of holiness, the rule of happiness; but the obedience of Christ alone justifies the believer. Sorrows are often the lot of saints in this vale of tears; they are in heaviness through manifold temptations. There are delights in the word of God, which the saints often most sweetly enjoy when in trouble and anguish. This is life eternal, to know God and Jesus Christ whom he has sent, John 17:3. May we live the life of faith and grace here, and be removed to the life of glory hereafter.
Commentary on Psalm 119:145-152
(Read Psalm 119:145-152)
Supplications with the whole heart are presented only by those who desire God's salvation, and who love his commandments. Whither should the child go but to his father? Save me from my sins, my corruptions, my temptations, all the hinderances in my way, that I may keep thy testimonies. Christians who enjoy health, should not suffer the early hours of the morning to glide away unimproved. Hope in God's word encourages us to continue in prayer. It is better to take time from sleep, than not to find time for prayer. We have access to God at all hours; and if our first thoughts in the morning are of God, they will help to keep us in his fear all the day long. Make me lively and cheerful. God knows what we need and what is good for us, and will quicken us. If we are employed in God's service, we need not fear those who try to set themselves as far as they can out of the reach of the convictions and commands of his law. When trouble is near, God is near. He is never far to seek. All his commandments are truth. And God's promises will be performed. All that ever trusted in God have found him faithful.
Commentary on Psalm 119:153-160
(Read Psalm 119:153-160)
The closer we cleave to the word of God, both as our rule and as our stay, the more assurance we have of deliverance. Christ is the Advocate of his people, their Redeemer. Those who were quickened by his Spirit and grace, when they were dead in trespasses and sins, often need to have the work of grace revived in them, according to the word of promise. The wicked not only do not God's statutes, but they do not even seek them. They flatter themselves that they are going to heaven; but the longer they persist in sin, the further it is from them. God's mercies are tender; they are a fountain that can never be exhausted. The psalmist begs for God's reviving, quickening grace. A man, steady in the way of his duty, though he may have many enemies, needs to fear none. Those that hate sin truly, hate it as sin, as a transgression of the law of God, and a breaking of his word. Our obedience is only pleasing to God, and pleasant to ourselves, when it comes from a principle of love. All, in every age, who receive God's word in faith and love, find every saying in it faithful.
Commentary on Psalm 119:161-168
(Read Psalm 119:161-168)
Those whose hearts stand in awe of God's word, will rather endure the wrath of man, than break the law of God. By the word of God we are unspeakable gainers. Every man hates to have a lie told him, but we should more hate telling a lie; by the latter we give an affront to God. The more we see the beauty of truth, the more we shall see the hateful deformity of a lie. We are to praise God even for afflictions; through grace we get good from them. Those that love the world have great vexation, for it does not answer what they expect; those that love God's word have great peace, for it outdoes what they expect. Those in whom this holy love reigns, will not perplex themselves with needless scruples, or take offence at their brethren. A good hope of salvation will engage the heart in doing the commandments. And our love to the word of God must subdue our lusts, and root out carnal affections: we must make heart work of it, or we make nothing of it. We must keep the commandments of God by obedience to them, and his promises by reliance on them. God's eye is on us at all times; this should make us very careful to keep his commandments.
Commentary on Psalm 119:169-176
(Read Psalm 119:169-176)
The psalmist desired grace and strength to lift up his prayers, and that the Lord would receive and notice them. He desired to know more of God in Christ; to know more of the doctrines of the word, and the duties of religion. He had a deep sense of unworthiness, and holy fear that his prayer should not come before God; Lord, what I pray for is, what thou hast promised. We have learned nothing to purpose, if we have not learned to praise God. We should always make the word of God the rule of our discourse, so as never to transgress it by sinful speaking, or sinful silence. His own hands are not sufficient, nor can any creature lend him help; therefore he looks up to God, that the hand that had made him may help him. He had made religion his deliberate choice. There is an eternal salvation all the saints long for, and therefore they pray that God would help their way to it. Let thy judgments help me; let all ordinances and all providences, (both are God's judgments,) further me in glorifying God; let them help me for that work. He often looks back with shame and gratitude to his lost estate. He still prays for the tender care of Him who purchased his flock with his own blood, that he may receive from him the gift of eternal life. Seek me, that is, Find me; for God never seeks in vain. Turn me, and I shall be turned. Let this psalm be a touchstone by which to try our hearts, and our lives. Do our hearts, cleansed in Christ's blood, make these prayers, resolutions and confessions our own? Is God's word the standard of our faith, and the law of our practice? Do we use it as pleas with Christ for what we need? Happy those who live in such delightful exercises.