"How sweet are thy words unto my taste! Yea, sweeter than honey to my mouth! Through thy precepts I get understanding: Therefore I hate every false way."
Psalm 119:103-104
Not everything that is sweet is good for us. Even healthy sweet things have to be eaten in moderation, but the Law of God is a sweet thing that we can eat and enjoy to excess without harm. Let us continue to sing with the Psalmist the lovely 119th Psalm.
- The Goodness of God Even in Correction. (verses 67-68)
"67 Before I was afflicted I went astray; But now I observe thy word. 68 Thou art good, and doest good; Teach me thy statutes."
"Thou art good, and doest good; Teach me thy statutes." God's Law to the Psalmist was more precious to follow after he recognized that affliction had been good for him. It shows that he was grateful rather than bitter or resentful toward God for all he had to endure during his affliction. He recognized that affliction brought him closer in his walk with God with total obedience. In the midst of the affliction he still proclaimed, "Thou art good, and doest good." In fact, he even wanted to have more instruction and knowledge of God's Teachings in the Law, saying "Teach me thy statutes." He was aware that this was going to bring perhaps more affliction. Yet, it was his deep longing. This shows confidence in God's goodness. This is powerful!
- Delight in God's Law Despite Our Adversaries. (verses 69-70)
"69 The proud have forged a lie against me: With my whole heart will I keep thy precepts. 70 Their heart is as fat as grease; But I delight in thy law."
"The proud have forged a lie against me." It is surprising to me that this humble and godly man has enemies who would falsely lie against him. Yet, he expresses the reason behind all. They were proud people who despised the humble, obedient, teachable children of God. Does that sound familiar?
"With my whole heart will I keep thy precepts." The lies, slanders and scorning of the proud did not make him less faithful toward his God and His Word. It did not distract him or discourage him. Instead, it made him more obedient and honoring toward God's Law, pledging to obey Him with his whole heart. The Psalmist found delight in God's Law. Isn't it beautiful!
- Appreciation and Gratitude for God's Goodness in The Midst of Our Seasons of Affliction. (verses 71-72)
"71 It is good for me that I have been afflicted; That I may learn thy statutes. 72 The law of thy mouth is better unto me Than thousands of gold and silver."
"It is good for me that I have been afflicted; That I may learn thy statutes." The Psalmist repeats the thought of verse 67 in this section. He is obviously trying to make a point of emphasis. Affliction has done him a lot of good. God´s wisdom and the instruction of His Word had accomplished this good in his life. Blessed be the LORD for His discipline toward us His children! Sadly, there are those whose afflictions make them worse. Why? Because they fail to turn to God for guidance and wisdom during their times of affliction. The Psalmist models for us his love and dedication to the Word of God. This in fact helped him to endure hardship and was worthwhile for him. There is so much that we need to learn from this Psalmist.
"The law of thy mouth is better unto me Than thousands of gold and silver." As a logical extension to the previous verse, the Psalmist understood that even difficulties and troubles could be good if it drew him nearer to the Word of God and if he were taught by it. To him, this was of more value than his own comfort and all riches. He learned, loved and appreciated God's Word as a result of a life that had known affliction.
J. YODH: Trust in the Creator and His Word.
The Yodh stanza represents the small Hebrew letter that Jesus referred as "jot" in Matthew 5:18: " For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass away from the law, till all things be accomplished."
- Surrendering to the Word of the Creator: (verse 73)
"73 Thy hands have made me and fashioned me: Give me understanding, that I may learn thy commandments."
"Thy hands have made me." He proclaims that God is our Creator and that we are obligated to God as our Creator, the One who has fashioned us by His hands.
"Fashioned me." Here he is echoing Genesis 2:7. Although man might profoundly reject his Creator, he still has an obligation to His Maker. Why? Because God is the One who gives us life. Therefore we must revere Him as the One Who is supreme and greater than anyone else, because He is our Designer knowing what is best for our soul. He is the One Who has every right to end our life since He is our beginning. He acknowledges that many would forget all this and deny their Creator.
"Give me understanding." The Psalmist is praying to his Creator for understanding and the knowledge of His Word.
"That I may learn thy commandments." Man must understand and admit his need to learn God's Word (commandments) as well as to receive His Word as commands from a wise, loving and righteous Creator.
- The Common Gladness of Those Who Fear God. (verse 74)
"74 They that fear thee shall see me and be glad, Because I have hoped in thy word."
"They that fear thee shall see me and be glad." The Psalmist wishes that all who fear God may see him as an example of obedience, encouragement, and trust in the Word of God.
"Because I have hoped in thy word." The Psalmist's life can surely give anyone encouragement and gladness to all who fear God because his hope and intentions were put upon the Word of God.
- Comfort From God's Word in Our Times of Trouble and Affliction. (verses 75-77)
"75 I know, O Jehovah, that thy judgments are righteous, And that in faithfulness thou hast afflicted me. 76 Let, I pray thee, thy lovingkindness be for my comfort, According to thy word unto thy servant. 77 Let thy tender mercies come unto me, that I may live; For thy law is my delight."
"I know, O Jehovah, that thy judgments are righteous, And that in faithfulness thou hast afflicted me" He knew that God's judgments are pure and righteous. His love for God's Law had given him wise and righteous perspective even during his season of suffering. Without a doubt he can proclaim the righteousness of God's judgments even in the midst of his affliction. Another example of this is Job who came to know that all of God's judgments are righteous. Job even understood God's faithfulness in his affliction. He could say in his affliction, "blessed be the name of the LORD," Job 1:21. Other examples are found in I Samuel 3:18; 2 Samuel 16:11; 2 Kings 4:26.
"Let, I pray thee, thy lovingkindness be for my comfort, According to thy word unto thy servant." The Psalmist prays that he might receive God's promises that were written in His Word. He then asks according to His promises for His tender mercies in his time of affliction that he might be comforted. He knew well that God's tender mercies came to him through God's Word or Law. He also knew that if he stayed closer to God's Word (Law) allowing it to live in him, he would find His tender mercies.
- A Contrast Between the Proud and Those Who Fear the LORD. (verses 78-80)
"78 Let the proud be put to shame; For they have overthrown me wrongfully: But I will meditate on thy precepts. 79 Let those that fear thee turn unto me; And they shall know thy testimonies. 80 Let my heart be perfect in thy statutes, That I be not put to shame."
"Let the proud be put to shame." Since the proud had treated him wrongly with falsehood and ridicule, he wished that God would put them to shame. And even though this prayer might not sound good, it is a prayer for their good so that they might seek Him, Psalm 83:16.
"But I will meditate on thy precepts." The Psalmist loved to meditate on God's Word (Law). How? He would study the Law of God and not the law of retaliation.
"Let those that fear thee turn unto me." Although he recognizes the presence of proud enemies, he did not believe that all were against him and God. He admits there were some who feared God. Therefore he could find friendship with them since they had much in common; they both had God's Word (Law), those who knew and loved God's Testimonies.
"Let my heart be perfect in thy statutes." The Psalmist recognizes his need for greater obedience to God´s Word. He turns to God for knowledge and wisdom that he may be obedient, blameless in heart.
"That I be not put to shame." This is a reasonable desire. He wants to live a righteous and holy life, a life that is blameless before the eyes of God.
K. KAPH: Fainting From Affliction, Revived by the Word of God.
- Seeking Comfort in the Word of God. (verses 81-82)
"81 My soul fainteth for thy salvation; But I hope in thy word. 82 Mine eyes fail for thy word, While I say, When wilt thou comfort me?"
"My soul fainteth for thy salvation." The Psalmist seems to be desperate. Apparently, his heart is aching for God's Word because he has hope in His Word. Paul expresses this same feeling in 2 Corinthians 4:8-9, 13.
"But I hope in thy word." The Psalmist found hope and strength in God's Word. This same endurance of hope is found in I Thess. 1:3; I Thess. 5:8
"Mine eyes fail for thy word." This is to show how diligent the Psalmist is in reading and studying God's Word. He knew God's Word was richer than any earthly riches.
"When wilt thou comfort me?" The Psalmist is in distress and is in need of a greater motivation to study deeply and diligently than just mere theology. It is a fact that comfort can only come when one puts away all unbelief, complaining, sin and fulfill our obligations as Christians.
- Valuing Weakness and Trusting in God's Word. (verses 83-84)
"83 For I am become like a wine-skin in the smoke; Yet do I not forget thy statutes. 84 How many are the days of thy servant? When wilt thou execute judgment on them that persecute me?"
"For I am become like a wine-skin in the smoke." The Psalmist felt weak as a frail and weak wineskin that had turned dry and made black with smoke. His spiritual life felt dry. Don't we sometimes feel this way in the midst of our trials? A wineskin in smoke was useless, shriveled and unappealing because of being blackened with soot.
"Yet do I not forget thy statutes." Despite his awareness of weakness, he was determined to not forget or forsake God's Statutes. The Word of God was stronger than his weakness. No trial, trouble, adversity.... would pull him away from his love of the TRUTH.
"How many are the days of thy servant? When wilt thou execute judgment on them that persecute me?" The awareness of his weakness led him to despair into thinking that God was not going to execute judgment against those who persecuted him. Something to notice in this verse is that the Psalmist does not mention the Word (Law) of God. It makes us think that perhaps his despair had made him lose his focus on God's Word.
- A Cry for Help When Attacked and Persecuted. (verses 85-86)
"85 The proud have digged pits for me, Who are not according to thy law. 86 All thy commandments are faithful: They persecute me wrongfully; help thou me."
"The proud have digged pits for me, Who are not according to thy law." The snares that his enemies had set were a direct attack on the Law of God. Exodus 21:33-34 gives us an example of this principle. Although his enemies had almost destroyed him, his faith remained unshakable.
"All thy commandments are faithful: They persecute me wrongfully, help thou me." The Psalmist found refuge and faithfulness in God's commandments that were an apparent contrast to the persecution of his enemies. Instead, he prays the logical: Help me!
- Revived by God Unto Obedience. (verses 87-88)
"87 They had almost consumed me upon earth; But I forsook not thy precepts. 88 Quicken me after thy lovingkindness; So shall I observe the testimony of thy mouth."
"They had almost consumed me upon earth; But I forsook not thy precepts." The Psalmist emphasizes over and over the fact that he is not going to forsake God's Word. He is determined to adhere to God's Word in good and bad times. This is remarkable to me! There are so many things that can provoke us to forsake God's Word: Sin, arrogance, persecution, indifference and coldness of heart, worldly distractions, love of material riches and busyness. The Psalmist was almost dead and destroyed but would not forsake God's Precepts (Word).
"Quicken me after thy lovingkindness." The Psalmist is looking for a new life, revival. Although he loved the Word of God so deeply and freely spoke of his love, yet he recognizes that his trust was in the goodness and mercy of God, not in his love for God's Word.
"So shall I observe the testimony of thy mouth." Here he understands well the purpose of a revived spirit within himself. It was for a more faithful, obedient walk with God. He also knew that the Word (Testimony) of God comes from the mouth of God. We see this in the inspired writing that communicates words from His mouth. Words that are infallible, and not just ideas.
L. LAMEDH: Saved by the Word Settled in Heaven.
- A Faithful God and His Settled Word. (verses 89-91)
"89 For ever, O Jehovah, Thy word is settled in heaven. 90 Thy faithfulness is unto all generations: Thou hast established the earth, and it abideth. 91 They abide this day according to thine ordinances; For all things are thy servants."
"For ever, O Jehovah, Thy word is settled in heaven." The Psalmist meditated on the unchanging nature of God's Word. Because God's Word is settled in heaven, and it will not change on earth. In contrast with man's teachings that often change and never have time to be settled. But the Word of God remains forever the same. The Word of God is composed of the very words of God and not man. We believe this because the Word of God confirms this in 2 Timothy 3:16. The Words that the inspired men wrote were breathed by God. Jesus confirms this also in Matthew 5:8. Therefore, the Word of God is settled in heaven.
"Thy faithfulness is unto all generations." The Psalmist believed that the settled Word of God was a proof of His faithfulness which extends across all generations. We see this when we contemplate how God has preserved His Word throughout all generations. The Bible not only survives, but it also flourishes.
"Thou hast established the earth, and it abideth. They abide this day according to thine ordinances." The spoken Word of God is certainly what created the earth and causes it to abide, Genesis 1. The earth and all creation are sustained and endure according to the Word of God. Isaiah 40:8 and Matthew 24:35 confirm all this.
"For all things are thy servants." The Psalmist understands the created order that all creation serves God and His purpose. The earth, which He established and which abides, obeys His Word.
- The Sustaining Power of God's Word (Law). (verses 92-93)
"92 Unless thy law had been my delight, I should then have perished in mine affliction. 93 I will never forget thy precepts; For with them thou hast quickened me."
"Unless thy law had been my delight." It is evident that the Psalmist loved and rejoiced in God's Law(Word). Reading and meditating on God's Law had not become a burdensome task, but a delight.
"I should then have perished in mine affliction." The Psalmist understood well that without a close relationship with God and His Law(Word), he would have not been comforted or encouraged, in his time of affliction. I can relate to this well! It is important to understand that delight in His Word does not come through just Bible knowledge but rather in our relationship with God and His Law (Word). It is what gives us strength and spiritual sustenance.
"I will never forget thy precepts; For with them thou hast quickened (revived) me." The Psalmist recalls that God’s Word (Precepts) is what gives him a life of sustenance and character. It was this life that fortified him in his time of affliction. God's Word (Precepts) is alive and gives us sustaining life.
- Protection, Shelter in Seeking God's Word (Precepts). (verses 94-95)
"94 I am thine, save me; For I have sought thy precepts. 95 The wicked have waited for me, to destroy me; But I will consider thy testimonies."
"I am thine, save me." This short phrase portrays a delightful and sublime relationship between him and His God, springing from the Word of God. How can God save him through the Word? First, he recognizes God as his God because we are His children, His creation. Salvation is in seeking His Precepts (Law) and surrendering to His will; thus making us His election, redemption and acceptance. God hears and answers the prayers of those who seek Him; and we acknowledge that God will save us in the end because we have sought and kept His Precepts, Word.
"For I have sought thy precepts." A close relationship is built upon the Word (Precepts) of God. It is not a relationship built upon feelings or personal experiences but upon the firm cornerstone of God's Word.
"The wicked have waited for me, to destroy me; But I will consider thy testimonies." His enemies do evil against him. They seek to destroy him, but he will not be anxious or alarmed. He would rather find shelter, protection in God's Word (Testimonies).
- The Perfection of God's Word (Commandments, Law). (verse 96)
"96 I have seen an end of all perfection; But thy commandment is exceeding broad."
"I have seen an end of all perfection." The Psalmist examines those excellent things he has seen in his life; perhaps those of great beauty; the intricate, detailed things of God's creation, His love, and care. Yet, when he contemplates all these wonderful things they all have their limits, and they come to an end. But the Word (Commandments) of God has no end or boundaries. It remains forever.
"But thy commandment is exceeding broad." Despite all the extraordinary and delightful things he had seen, there was something of great value, the Commandments of God, His revealed Word to us. There are no boundaries or end to His Law. Why? Because His Word is before creation. It is the sustainer of creation. It will endure forever, beyond all creation.
M. MEM: Loving the Sweetness of God's Law (Word)
- The Love of God's Word Demonstrated Through Meditation. (verse 97)
"97 Oh how love I thy law! It is my meditation all the day."
"Oh how love I thy law!" Twice throughout this Psalm, the Psalmist has declared his love for God's Word (Law) (Psalm 119:47-48). Yet in this text, the Psalmist is expressing an intense, fervent devotion to God's Word. He is proclaiming that he loves God's Word (Law) more than anything else in this life. God's Word surpasses all things excellent. His is expressing his adoration of the Word of God. It is precious to him because it makes him superior in wisdom, intelligence, and judgment toward his enemies, his teachers and the aged. He is also praising and speaking highly to others about God's Law, His Word. The one who loves the Word of God would not just understand it but live it in total obedience. It is his food, medicine, comfort and his path of light. It is sustaining life. He cannot live without His Law. Oh, how I love this passage!
"It is my meditation all the day." The Psalmist ponders or considers God's Law all day long because he loves His Word. It is as natural for him as breathing air.
- God's Word (Commandments) Provides us With Great Wisdom. (verses 98-100)
"98 Thy commandments make me wiser than mine enemies; For they are ever with me. 99 I have more understanding than all my teachers; For thy testimonies are my meditation. 100 I understand more than the aged, Because I have kept thy precepts."
"Thy commandments make me wiser than mine enemies." The Psalmist has many enemies. Some are proud and evil. Yet, he is confident that God's Word (Commandments) has given him greater wisdom toward his teachers, his enemies and the aged one. How? Because of his diligent and earnest dedication to his study and meditation on God's Word. It shows us that we can gain much wisdom and understanding from God's Word from our own personal study and meditation, even more than from our teachers. Teachers are useful but not always necessary. It shows us that understanding is of much greater value than having teachers. Jesus teaches that if the blind leads the blind, they both shall fall into the ditch. The Lord requires us to try the spirits because there are many false teachers in the world. Consider how the faithful men of God were often men of little education and yet they had great understanding and were effective in teaching God's Word.
"I understand more than the aged, Because I have kept thy precepts." God's Word had given him more education than his elders. He understands more than the aged because he has kept God's Precepts even though they seem to have more experience than he. He understood that our rule of faith, doctrine and living is the Word, the Bible, itself, not the understanding or interpretation of great men in history. He acknowledges and respects the knowledge and wisdom of the ancients, but he also declares that we are not to be slaves to their counsel; only God's Word is worthy of slavish devotion.
- The Word of God Keeps us From All Evil. (verses 101-102)
"101 I have refrained my feet from every evil way, That I might observe thy word. 102 I have not turned aside from thine ordinances; For thou hast taught me."
"I have refrained my feet from every evil way, That I might observe thy word." The Psalmist recognized the importance of restraining one from evil. This would help him understand God's Word (Ordinances, Judgments) better.
"I have not turned aside from thine ordinances." That personal connection he had with God through His Word helped him to walk faithfully.
"For thou hast taught me." God is the guarantor of all Biblical Truth.
- The Sweet Understanding of God's Word. (verses 103-14)
"103 How sweet are thy words unto my taste! Yea, sweeter than honey to my mouth! 104 Through thy precepts I get understanding: Therefore I hate every false way."
"How sweet are thy words unto my taste!" The Psalmist is expressing how God's Words felt to him: pleasant, smooth and sweet, even sweeter than honey! When one spends time in God's Word, he finds a sweet acquaintance and thanksgiving. Studying and meditating on God's Word provided him enormous delight and satisfaction. God's Words are sweet to us when we love His whole Truth, His Doctrines, His Precepts.
"Through thy precepts I get understanding: Therefore I hate every false way." The Word of God (Precepts) gave him discernment and courage. It made him able to discern wisdom and hate every false way. And although we live in a world of darkness, bitterness, and ugliness, we can still have our sweet moments and see the beauty of God through His Word that aids us in hating all such evil and loving all righteousness.
N. NUN: The Unceasing Trust in Gods' Word.
- The Illuminating Enlightenment, Guidance of God's Word. (verse 105)
"105 Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, And light unto my path."
"Thy word is a lamp unto my feet." The Psalmist understood that the Word of God was constant enlightenment, guidance which he trusted forever. He also acknowledged that in order to walk with God, he needed the guidance of His Word. Because God's Law was a lamp to his feet, it helped him walk the Way God wanted him to walk. So how are Christians to walk?
- Worthy, Eph. 4:1.
- Uprightly, Isaiah 57:2.
- In the light, I John 1:7.
- Humbly, Micah 6:8.
"And light unto my path." The Word of God guided his steps and showed him the path of righteousness. A path he knew he needed to remain on. The Word of God is light and gives light. The Word of God can be clearly understood but one must avoid human opinions when studying it and teaching it for it to have its most beneficial effect on us and those who hear us.
- Trusting in the Life-giving Power of God's Word. (verses 106-108)
"106 I have sworn, and have confirmed it, That I will observe thy righteous ordinances. 107 I am afflicted very much: Quicken me, O Jehovah, according unto thy word. 108 Accept, I beseech thee, the freewill-offerings of my mouth, O Jehovah, And teach me thine ordinances."
"I have sworn, and have confirmed it, That I will observe thy righteous ordinances (Judgments)." The Psalmist was indeed determined to keep and obey God's righteous Judgments, laws, and requirements. His Word dictated his life.
"I am afflicted very much: Quicken me, O Jehovah, according unto thy word." His determination to obey God's Law came from a season of affliction rather than comfort and ease. Despite his many difficulties, pains and sufferings, he fixed his eyes on the Word of God. He looked to His Word for revival and sought to live it according to His Word.
"Accept, I beseech thee, the freewill-offerings of my mouth, O Jehovah." The Psalmist presented these words as a sacrifice brought to the altar of God. They were his freewill offerings of love and devotion to His Word. They were also sacrifices of prayer and praises, Psalm 50:14; Hosea 14:2.
"And teach me thine ordinances." The Psalmist is acknowledging with humility his need for God's instruction, His Judgments.
- Trusting in God's Word Despite Snares and Dangers. (verses 109-110)
"109 My soul is continually in my hand; Yet do I not forget thy law. 110 The wicked have laid a snare for me; Yet have I not gone astray from thy precepts."
"My soul is continually in my hand; Yet do I not forget thy law. " Although the Psalmist was in constant danger, his devotion and connection to God's Word remained firm and unshakable.
"The wicked have laid a snare for me; Yet have I not gone astray from thy precepts." Even though his enemies endangered his life with their wickedness, he would not forsake the Precepts of God. I think he is not just speaking of physical dangers but of spiritual dangers as well. Dangers of falling into sin.
- A Long-Lasting Loyalty to God and His Word. (verses 111-112)
"111 Thy testimonies have I taken as a heritage for ever; For they are the rejoicing of my heart. 112 I have inclined my heart to perform thy statutes For ever, even unto the end."
"Thy testimonies have I taken as a heritage for ever; For they are the rejoicing of my heart." The Psalmist rejoiced in God's Testimonies (Word, Law) with a genuinely heartfelt joy. Thus God's Law became his heritage forever.
"I have inclined my heart to perform thy statutes For ever, even unto the end." Again, the Psalmist would not forsake God's Statues, Word. He would not stop studying, learning, meditating and mainly obeying God's Word to the end.
O. SAMEKH: Hold Up, Supported by God's Word.
- Protection, Shelter Found in God's Word. (verses 113-114).
"113 I hate them that are of a double mind; But thy law do I love. 114 Thou art my hiding-place and my shield: I hope in thy word."
"I hate them that are of a double mind; But thy law do I love." The Psalmist understood the frustration of the doubled minded man. He is unpredictable and uncommitted in his lie. And yet, the Law of God is sure and certain. The double minded wants both God and the world. He wants God but he wants to live in sin also. The Psalmist rejects the mindset of the double minded man because he wants God´s Word to sustain him and uphold him when he is tempted to fall into sin. "But thy law I love." When one loves the Law of God it becomes the law of love toward His Word. One does not waver or depart from God's Word. He holds on to His Testimonies forever.
"Thou art my hiding-place and my shield: I hope in thy word." The God whom the Psalmist came to know and love through the Word, became his shelter in troubled times. His hope was not just in knowledge but in a genuine relationship with God Himself (my hiding place and my shield) who protected him. Our Lord Jesus is our safe hiding place. When one loves the Truth the Lord becomes his Shield and Protector against anything that would lead us astray.
- A Word to the Wicked. (verse 115)
"115 Depart from me, ye evil-doers, That I may keep the commandments of my God."
"Depart from me, ye evil-doers." Here the Psalmist is addressing the evil doers that caused him so much trouble. He realized he needed to put distance between himself and the evil doers. It means he was cautious about choosing his friends.
"That I may keep the commandments of my God." This is the reason for the Psalmist wanting that distance mentioned previously. He was committed to keeping and obeying God's Commandments. He continually relied on God's Word.
- Upheld and Saved by the Word of God. (verses 116-17)
"116 Uphold me according unto thy word, that I may live; And let me not be ashamed of my hope. 117 Hold thou me up, and I shall be safe, And shall have respect unto thy statutes continually."
"Uphold me according unto thy word, that I may live." The Psalmist knows that without God holding him up, he could not stand up against his enemies; without God's steadfast sustenance he could not live either physically or spiritually. The idea of support (uphold me) would only occur according to God's Word. It would be unchanging precisely because it finds its origin in God's Word.
"And let me not be ashamed of my hope." The Psalmist's love, hope, and faith are devoted to God and His Word. (Psalm 110:43; 49, 74, 81, 114). God will vindicate us and protect us when we set our hope in Him.
"Hold thou me up, and I shall be safe, And shall have respect unto thy statutes continually." He is requesting to be supported and upheld by the strength that comes from God and His Word. It will help him use that strength to obey His Statutes, Word.
- The Righteous Judgments of God. (verses 118-120)
"118 Thou hast set at nought all them that err from thy statutes; For their deceit is falsehood. 119 Thou puttest away all the wicked of the earth like dross: Therefore I love thy testimonies. 120 My flesh trembleth for fear of thee; And I am afraid of thy judgments."
"Thou hast set at nought all them that err from thy statutes." The Psalmist speaks of the righteousness of God's Judgments. He uses the word statutes as His standard for Judgment. God rejects those who stray from His Word and the laws revealed therein. God in His righteousness will purify the earth from the lawlessness of the wicked. Isaiah 1:22; Ezekiel 22:18-19; Jeremiah 6:28-30.
"Therefore I love thy testimonies." The Psalmist praises God for all His righteous Judgments. He also praises God for His Testimonies as a measure of righteousness.
"My flesh trembleth for fear of thee; And I am afraid of thy judgments." As the Psalmist reflects on the righteousness of God's Judgments, he examines his own life and acknowledges that his life has not been entirely righteous. His awareness of fear and trembling made him rush to God for his atoning, covering sacrifice. The Psalmist did not rejoice in the judgment of the wicked but rather trembled in holy fear himself.
P. AYIN: The Servant Seeks After The Word of God.
- A Prayer of God's Protection Against the Proud. (verses 121-122)
"121 I have done justice and righteousness: Leave me not to mine oppressors. 122 Be surety for thy servant for good: Let not the proud oppress me."
"I have done justice and righteousness: Leave me not to mine oppressors." The Psalmist knew he was devoted to living a godly, holy and righteous life before God, in contrast to the life of his oppressors.
"Be surety for thy servant for good." The Psalmist is praying to God to defend and stand up for him. It was through God's defense that he was able to avoid the oppression of the proud. The Psalmist cries out to God as Job did. Job 17:3. He also prayed that GOD would be to him what Jesus is to us, a surety of the covenant, Hebrew 7:22. One thing to notice is that verse 122 does not mention the Word of God.
"Let not the proud oppress me." The Psalmist is expressing his deep anguish as a result of the oppression he had endured from wicked men. He hopes that God will not leave him in the oppressive hands of his arbitrary enemies.
- God's Servant Seeks Salvation in His Statutes. (verses 123-125)
"123 Mine eyes fail for thy salvation, And for thy righteous word. 124 Deal with thy servant according unto thy lovingkindness, And teach me thy statutes. 125 I am thy servant; give me understanding, That I may know thy testimonies."
"Mine eyes fail for thy salvation, And for thy righteous word." This points out how devoted the Psalmist was to the Word of God and how much he valued the salvation he found from the Word. The Psalmist shows how patiently he was to wait for God's salvation.
"Deal with thy servant according unto thy lovingkindness, And teach me thy statutes." He is acknowledging how God teaches His children. Although God has no obligation to teach us, He does so anyway out of His great mercy toward us. But as His children we have a duty to Him, the Master. An obligation to learn His Law, Word, and obey it.
"I am thy servant; give me understanding, That I may know thy testimonies." The Psalmist yearns for understanding that he may know the Testimonies of God better. He knew that with God's help he could understand His Word better. Understanding His Word was of significant importance to him. Why? Because that same Word would lead him into deeper understanding and wisdom of God's Word so he could walk in righteousness.
- A Plea For God to Act, Work. (verse 126)
"126 It is time for Jehovah to work; For they have made void thy law."
"It is time for Jehovah to work." Those who walk in God's laws understand the urgent need of the Psalmist. His need for God to do what is right is so great that he dares to make this request to God. We are often so ignorant of God's Ways and timing that we seem to be wrong on this matter. We become anxious demanding God to act right away.
"For they have made void thy law." The Psalmist is pointing out those who ignore the Word and Law of God. And instead of pleading about his desperate condition, he calls on God since His Law is being broken. His Law is made void by those who deny its authority and their obligation to it.
- The Word of God is Precious and Right. (verses 127-128)
"127 Therefore I love thy commandments Above gold, yea, above fine gold. 128 Therefore I esteem all thy precepts concerning all things to be right; And I hate every false way."
"Therefore I love thy commandments Above gold, yea, above fine gold." Even though others regarded the Word of God as void and despised, the Psalmist resolved to love and keep His Commandments instead. To him the Word, Law, was of more value than gold. When he considered how much the Word was voided and despised, he decided to love it even more.
"Therefore I esteem all thy precepts concerning all things to be right." He regarded God's Precepts to be right with great confidence. He proclaimed the infallibility of God's Word. Because the Law, Word of God is perfect concerning all matters. The Word is perfect in matters of history, poetry, prophecy, instruction, right and wrong.
"And I hate every false way." He abhorred every false way since he loved the Word of God so intensely. He loved the Truth , therefore he hated falsehood. This is what Jesus said in Matthew 6:24 about serving two masters. It is impossible to love the path of righteousness without hating the wrong one, the unrighteous one.
We have arrived about two-thirds of the way in our stroll through the meditations of Psalm 119. I hope that you are enjoying these beautiful thoughts as much as I am. Lord willing I would post the last part of this study in the next few days.
Luci
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