7 I confess Thee with uprightness of heart, In my learning the judgments of Thy righteousness. 8 Thy statutes I keep, leave me not utterly!
9 'Beth.' With what doth a young man purify his path? To observe—according to Thy word.
10 With all my heart I have sought Thee, Let me not err from Thy commands.
11 In my heart I have hid Thy saying, That I sin not before Thee.
12 Blessed 'art' Thou, O Jehovah, teach me Thy statutes.
13 With my lips I have recounted All the judgments of Thy mouth. 14 In the way of Thy testimonies I have joyed, As over all wealth. 15 In Thy precepts I meditate, And I behold attentively Thy paths. 16 In Thy statutes I delight myself, I do not forget Thy word.
17 'Gimel.' Confer benefits on Thy servant, I live, and I keep Thy word.
18 Uncover mine eyes, and I behold wonders out of Thy law.
19 A sojourner I 'am' on earth, Hide not from me Thy commands.
20 Broken hath my soul for desire Unto Thy judgments at all times.
21 Thou hast rebuked the cursed proud, Who are erring from Thy commands.
22 Remove from me reproach and contempt, For Thy testimonies I have kept.
23 Princes also sat—against me they spoke, Thy servant doth meditate in Thy statutes,
24 Thy testimonies also 'are' my delight, The men of my counsel!
25 'Daleth.' Cleaved to the dust hath my soul, Quicken me according to Thy word.
26 My ways I have recounted, And Thou answerest me, teach me Thy statutes, 27 The way of Thy precepts cause me to understand, And I meditate in Thy wonders.
28 My soul hath dropped from affliction, Establish me according to Thy word. 29 The way of falsehood turn aside from me And with Thy law favour me.
30 The way of faithfulness I have chosen, Thy judgments I have compared, 31 I have adhered to Thy testimonies, O Jehovah, put me not to shame. 32 The way of Thy commands I run, For Thou dost enlarge my heart!
33 'He.' Show me, O Jehovah, the way of Thy statutes, And I keep it—'to' the end. 34 Cause me to understand, and I keep Thy law, And observe it with the whole heart.
35 Cause me to tread in the path of Thy commands, For in it I have delighted. 36 Incline my heart unto Thy testimonies, And not unto dishonest gain.
37 Remove mine eyes from seeing vanity, In Thy way quicken Thou me.
38 Establish to Thy servant Thy saying, That 'is' concerning Thy fear.
39 Remove my reproach that I have feared, For Thy judgments 'are' good.
40 Lo, I have longed for Thy precepts, In Thy righteousness quicken Thou me,
41 'Waw.' And meet me doth Thy kindness, O Jehovah, Thy salvation according to Thy saying. 42 And I answer him who is reproaching me a word, For I have trusted in Thy word.
43 And Thou takest not utterly away From my mouth the word of truth, Because for Thy judgment I have hoped. 44 And I keep Thy law continually, To the age and for ever.
45 And I walk habitually in a broad place, For Thy precepts I have sought. 46 And I speak of Thy testimonies before kings, And I am not ashamed. 47 And I delight myself in Thy commands, That I have loved, 48 And I lift up my hands unto Thy commands, That I have loved, And I do meditate on Thy statutes!
49 'Zain.' Remember the word to Thy servant, On which Thou hast caused me to hope.
50 This 'is' my comfort in mine affliction, That Thy saying hath quickened me.
51 The proud have utterly scorned me, From Thy law I have not turned aside.
52 I remembered Thy judgments of old, O Jehovah, And I comfort myself.
53 Horror hath seized me, Because of the wicked forsaking Thy law.
54 Songs have been to me Thy statutes, In the house of my sojournings.
55 I have remembered in the night Thy name, O Jehovah, And I do keep Thy law. 56 This hath been to me, That Thy precepts I have kept!
57 'Cheth.' My portion 'is' Jehovah; I have said—to keep Thy words,
58 I appeased Thy face with the whole heart, Favour me according to Thy saying.
59 I have reckoned my ways, And turn back my feet unto Thy testimonies. 60 I have made haste, And delayed not, to keep Thy commands.
61 Cords of the wicked have surrounded me, Thy law I have not forgotten.
62 At midnight I rise to give thanks to Thee, For the judgments of Thy righteousness.
63 A companion I 'am' to all who fear Thee, And to those keeping Thy precepts.
64 Of Thy kindness, O Jehovah, the earth is full, Thy statutes teach Thou me!
65 'Teth.' Good Thou didst with Thy servant, O Jehovah, According to Thy word. 66 The goodness of reason and knowledge teach me, For in Thy commands I have believed.
67 Before I am afflicted, I—I am erring, And now Thy saying I have kept.
68 Good Thou 'art', and doing good, Teach me Thy statutes.
69 Forged against me falsehood have the proud, I with the whole heart keep Thy precepts. 70 Insensate as fat hath been their heart, I—in Thy law I have delighted.
71 Good for me that I have been afflicted, That I might learn Thy statutes.
72 Better to me 'is' the law of Thy mouth Than thousands of gold and silver!
73 'Yod.' Thy hands made me and establish me, Cause me to understand, and I learn Thy commands.
74 Those fearing Thee see me and rejoice, Because for Thy word I have hoped.
75 I have known, O Jehovah, That righteous 'are' Thy judgments, And 'in' faithfulness Thou hast afflicted me.
76 Let, I pray Thee, Thy kindness be to comfort me, According to Thy saying to Thy servant. 77 Meet me do Thy mercies, and I live, For Thy law 'is' my delight.
78 Ashamed are the proud, For 'with' falsehood they dealt perversely with me. I meditate in Thy precepts. 79 Those fearing Thee turn back to me, And those knowing Thy testimonies.
80 My heart is perfect in Thy statutes, So that I am not ashamed.
81 'Kaph.' Consumed for Thy salvation hath been my soul, For Thy word I have hoped. 82 Consumed have been mine eyes for Thy word, Saying, 'When doth it comfort me?'
83 For I have been as a bottle in smoke, Thy statutes I have not forgotten.
84 How many 'are' the days of Thy servant? When dost Thou execute Against my pursuers judgment?
85 The proud have digged for me pits, That 'are' not according to Thy law. 86 All Thy commands 'are' faithfulness, 'With' falsehood they have pursued me, Help Thou me. 87 Almost consumed me on earth have they, And I—I have not forsaken Thy precepts.
88 According to Thy kindness quicken Thou me, And I keep the testimony of Thy mouth!
89 'Lamed.' To the age, O Jehovah, Thy word is set up in the heavens. 90 To all generations Thy faithfulness, Thou didst establish earth, and it standeth. 91 According to Thine ordinances They have stood this day, for the whole 'are' Thy servants.
92 Unless Thy law 'were' my delights, Then had I perished in mine affliction.
93 To the age I forget not Thy precepts, For by them Thou hast quickened me.
94 I 'am' Thine, save Thou me, For Thy precepts I have sought.
95 Thy wicked waited for me to destroy me, Thy testimonies I understand.
96 Of all perfection I have seen an end, Broad 'is' Thy command—exceedingly!
97 'Mem.' O how I have loved Thy law! All the day it 'is' my meditation.
98 Than mine enemies Thy command maketh me wiser, For it 'is' before me to the age. 99 Above all my teachers I have acted wisely. For Thy testimonies 'are' my meditation. 100 Above elders I understand more, For Thy precepts I have kept.
101 From every evil path I restrained my feet, So that I keep Thy word.
102 From Thy judgments I turned not aside, For Thou—Thou hast directed me.
103 How sweet to my palate hath been Thy saying, Above honey to my mouth. 104 From Thy precepts I have understanding, Therefore I have hated every false path!
105 'Nun.' A lamp to my foot 'is' Thy word, And a light to my path.
106 I have sworn, and I confirm 'it', To keep the judgments of Thy righteousness.
107 I have been afflicted very much, O Jehovah, quicken me, according to Thy word.
108 Free-will-offerings of my mouth, Accept, I pray Thee, O Jehovah, And Thy judgments teach Thou me.
109 My soul 'is' in my hand continually, And Thy law I have not forgotten. 110 The wicked have laid a snare for me, And from thy precepts I wandered not.
111 I have inherited Thy testimonies to the age, For the joy of my heart 'are' they. 112 I have inclined my heart To do Thy statutes, to the age—'to' the end!
113 'Samech.' Doubting ones I have hated, And Thy law I have loved.
114 My hiding place and my shield 'art' Thou, For Thy word I have hoped.
115 Turn aside from me, ye evil-doers, And I keep the commands of my God.
116 Sustain me according to Thy saying, And I live, and Thou puttest me not to shame Because of my hope. 117 Support Thou me, and I am saved, And I look on Thy statutes continually.
118 Thou hast trodden down All going astray from Thy statutes, For falsehood 'is' their deceit. 119 Dross! Thou hast caused to cease All the wicked of the earth; Therefore I have loved Thy testimonies. 120 Trembled from Thy fear hath my flesh, And from Thy judgments I have been afraid!
121 'Ain.' I have done judgment and righteousness, Leave me not to mine oppressors. 122 Make sure Thy servant for good, Let not the proud oppress me.
123 Mine eyes have been consumed for Thy salvation. And for the saying of Thy righteousness.
124 Do with Thy servant according to Thy kindness. And Thy statutes teach Thou me. 125 Thy servant 'am' I—cause me to understand, And I know Thy testimonies.
126 Time for Jehovah to work! they have made void Thy law.
127 Therefore I have loved Thy commands Above gold—even fine gold. 128 Therefore all my appointments I have declared wholly right, Every path of falsehood I have hated!
129 'Pe.' Wonderful 'are' Thy testimonies, Therefore hath my soul kept them.
130 The opening of Thy words enlighteneth, Instructing the simple.
131 My mouth I have opened, yea, I pant, For, for Thy commands I have longed.
132 Look unto me, and favour me, As customary to those loving Thy name.
133 My steps establish by Thy saying, And any iniquity doth not rule over me.
134 Ransom me from the oppression of man, And I observe Thy precepts,
135 Thy face cause to shine on Thy servant, And teach me Thy statutes.
136 Rivulets of waters have come down mine eyes, Because they have not kept Thy law!
137 'Tzade.' Righteous 'art' Thou, O Jehovah, And upright 'are' Thy judgments. 138 Thou hast appointed Thy testimonies, Righteous and exceeding faithful,
139 Cut me off hath my zeal, For mine adversaries forgot Thy words.
140 Tried 'is' thy saying exceedingly, And Thy servant hath loved it.
141 Small I 'am', and despised, Thy precepts I have not forgotten.
142 Thy righteousness 'is' righteousness to the age, And Thy law 'is' truth.
143 Adversity and distress have found me, Thy commands 'are' my delights. 144 The righteousness of Thy testimonies 'is' to Cause me to understand, and I live!
145 'Koph.' I have called with the whole heart, Answer me, O Jehovah, Thy statutes I keep, 146 I have called Thee, save Thou me, And I do keep Thy testimonies.
147 I have gone forward in the dawn, and I cry, For Thy word I have hoped. 148 Mine eyes have gone before the watches, To meditate in Thy saying.
149 My voice hear, according to Thy kindness, Jehovah, according to Thy judgment quicken me.
150 Near have been my wicked pursuers, From Thy law they have been far off. 151 Near 'art' Thou, O Jehovah, And all Thy commands 'are' truth.
152 Of old I have known Thy testimonies, That to the age Thou hast founded them!
153 'Resh.' See my affliction, and deliver Thou me, For Thy law I have not forgotten. 154 Plead my plea, and redeem me, According to Thy saying quicken me.
155 Far from the wicked 'is' salvation, For Thy statutes they have not sought.
156 Thy mercies 'are' many, O Jehovah, According to Thy judgments quicken me.
157 Many 'are' my pursuers, and adversaries, From Thy testimonies I have not turned aside.
158 I have seen treacherous ones, And grieve myself, Because Thy saying they have not kept.
159 See, for thy precepts I have loved, Jehovah, According to Thy kindness quicken me.
160 The sum of Thy word 'is' truth, And to the age 'is' every judgment of Thy righteousness!
161 'Shin.' Princes have pursued me without cause, And because of Thy words was my heart afraid.
162 I do rejoice concerning Thy saying, As one finding abundant spoil.
163 Falsehood I have hated, yea I abominate 'it', Thy law I have loved.
164 Seven 'times' in a day I have praised Thee, Because of the judgments of Thy righteousness.
165 Abundant peace have those loving Thy law, And they have no stumbling-block.
166 I have waited for Thy salvation, O Jehovah, And Thy commands I have done.
167 Kept hath my soul Thy testimonies, And I do love them exceedingly. 168 I have kept Thy precepts and Thy testimonies, For all my ways are before Thee!
169 'Taw.' My loud cry cometh near before Thee, O Jehovah; According to Thy word cause me to understand. 170 My supplication cometh in before Thee, According to Thy saying deliver Thou me.
171 My lips do utter praise, For Thou dost teach me Thy statutes.
172 My tongue doth sing of Thy saying, For all Thy commands 'are' righteous.
173 Thy hand is for a help to me, For Thy commands I have chosen. 174 I have longed for Thy salvation, O Jehovah, And Thy law 'is' my delight.
175 My soul liveth, and it doth praise Thee, And Thy judgments do 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.