CLARITY EDITION · OLD TESTAMENT
Psalms 119
Chapter 119 of 150
Chapter Overview
What happens in Psalms 119
The longest chapter in the Bible with 176 verses, arranged as an acrostic with 22 sections of 8 verses each — one section for each letter of the Hebrew alphabet. Every verse mentions God's word, law, commands, or teachings. It is a love letter to God's word.
Scripture
Psalms 119
Aleph: The Blessings of God's Word
Study note
The first section (Aleph) declares blessed are those whose way is blameless, who walk in the law of the Lord. The psalmist desires to keep God's commands wholeheartedly.
1 How fortunate are those who live with nothing to be ashamed of, who follow the LORD's teachings. Blessed are the undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the LORD.
2 So happy are those who hold tight to what God says and go after him with everything they have. Blessed are they that keep his testimonies, and that seek him with the whole heart.
3 They stay away from doing wrong and walk along his path. They also do no iniquity: they walk in his ways.
4 You laid out your guidelines and told us to follow them closely. Thou hast commanded us to keep thy precepts diligently.
5 I wish so badly that I could always live by your rules! O that my ways were directed to keep thy statutes!
6 If I did, I would never feel embarrassed when I look at all you have asked of me. Then shall I not be ashamed, when I have respect unto all thy commandments.
7 I will thank you with an honest heart as I discover how fair your decisions are. I will praise thee with uprightness of heart, when I shall have learned thy righteous judgments.
8 I will live by your rules — please do not ever walk away from me. I will keep thy statutes: O forsake me not utterly.
Beth: How to Stay Pure
Study note
How can a young person stay pure? By living according to God's word. The psalmist has hidden God's word in his heart to avoid sinning.
9 What is the secret for a young person to stay on the right track? It is living by what you have said. Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word.
10 I have looked for you with my whole heart, so please keep me from drifting away from what you have told me. With my whole heart have I sought thee: O let me not wander from thy commandments.
11 I have stored your words deep inside my heart so that I will not sin against you. Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.
12 You deserve all the praise, LORD. Please show me your rules for living. Blessed art thou, O LORD: teach me thy statutes.
13 I speak out loud every decision that has come from your mouth. With my lips have I declared all the judgments of thy mouth.
14 Following the path your instructions lay out brings me as much happiness as being rich. I have rejoiced in the way of thy testimonies, as much as in all riches.
15 I will spend time thinking carefully about your guidelines and keep my attention on your ways. I will meditate in thy precepts, and have respect unto thy ways.
16 Your rules bring me real pleasure. I will not let your words slip from my mind. I will delight myself in thy statutes: I will not forget thy word.
Gimel: Open My Eyes
Study note
The psalmist asks God to open his eyes to see wonderful things in the law. He is a stranger on earth and needs God's commands for guidance.
17 Be generous to me, your servant, so I can live and hold on to your word. Deal bountifully with thy servant, that I may live, and keep thy word.
18 Help me see clearly so I can discover the amazing things hidden in your teachings. Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law.
19 I am passing through this world, so please do not keep your directions from me. I am a stranger in the earth: hide not thy commandments from me.
20 My heart aches all the time with a deep hunger to understand your decisions. My soul breaketh for the longing that it hath unto thy judgments at all times.
21 You warn those who are full of pride. A curse falls on anyone who wanders from your directions. Thou hast rebuked the proud that are cursed, which do err from thy commandments.
22 Lift the shame and the insults off of me, because I have followed your instructions. Remove from me reproach and contempt; for I have kept thy testimonies.
23 Even when leaders sit around and talk badly about me, I will keep thinking about your rules. Princes also did sit and speak against me: but thy servant did meditate in thy statutes.
24 Your instructions are what make me happy, and they give me the best advice. Thy testimonies also are my delight and my counsellors.
Daleth: Revive Me
Study note
The psalmist is laid low in the dust and asks God to revive him. He chooses the way of faithfulness and runs in the path of God's commands with an enlarged heart.
25 I am lying flat in the dust. Bring me back to life through your word. My soul cleaveth unto the dust: quicken thou me according to thy word.
26 I opened up about my life to you, and you answered me. Now teach me your rules. I have declared my ways, and thou heardest me: teach me thy statutes.
27 Help me truly grasp what your guidelines mean, and I will think deeply about your wonderful works. Make me to understand the way of thy precepts: so shall I talk of thy wondrous works.
28 My heart is so heavy with grief that it weeps. Build me back up through your word. My soul melteth for heaviness: strengthen thou me according unto thy word.
29 Pull me away from every dishonest path, and be kind enough to give me your teachings. Remove from me the way of lying: and grant me thy law graciously.
30 I have picked the road of truth. I have set your decisions before me. I have chosen the way of truth: thy judgments have I laid before me.
31 I hold on to your instructions with everything I have. LORD, please do not let me be put to shame. I have stuck unto thy testimonies: O LORD, put me not to shame.
32 I run eagerly along the path your directions lay out. You have opened up my heart to understand. I will run the way of thy commandments, when thou shalt enlarge my heart.
He: Teach Me Your Ways
Study note
The psalmist asks God to teach him and give him understanding. He asks God to turn his heart toward God's teachings and away from worthless things.
33 Show me, LORD, how to follow your rules, and I will stick with them until the very end. Teach me, O LORD, the way of thy statutes; and I shall keep it unto the end.
34 Help me understand, and I will keep your teachings and pour my whole heart into them. Give me understanding, and I shall keep thy law; yea, I shall observe it with my whole heart.
35 Guide me down the trail of your directions, because that is where my happiness is found. Make me to go in the path of thy commandments; for therein do I delight.
36 Point my heart toward your instructions and away from wanting things just for myself. Incline my heart unto thy testimonies, and not to covetousness.
37 Keep my eyes from staring at things that are empty and worthless. Fill me with life as I walk your path. Turn away mine eyes from beholding vanity; and quicken thou me in thy way.
38 Follow through on your promise to me, your servant, because I am devoted to honoring you. Stablish thy word unto thy servant, who is devoted to thy fear.
39 Take away the disgrace that scares me, because your decisions are so good. Turn away my reproach which I fear: for thy judgments are good.
40 Look how much I long for your guidelines! Fill me with new life through your goodness. Behold, I have longed after thy precepts: quicken me in thy righteousness.
Vav: Your Faithful Love
Study note
The psalmist asks for God's faithful love and salvation. He will speak of God's testimonies before kings without shame and will meditate on God's commands which he loves.
41 Let your loyal love reach me, LORD — your saving power, just like you promised. Let thy mercies come also unto me, O LORD, even thy salvation, according to thy word.
42 Then I will have an answer for the people who make fun of me, because I have placed my trust in your word. So shall I have wherewith to answer him that reproacheth me: for I trust in thy word.
43 Do not ever take truthful words away from me, because I have put all my hope in your decisions. And take not the word of truth utterly out of my mouth; for I have hoped in thy judgments.
44 I will follow your teachings always, on and on without stopping. So shall I keep thy law continually for ever and ever.
45 I will walk in wide open freedom, because I have given myself to your guidelines. And I will walk at liberty: for I seek thy precepts.
46 I will talk about your instructions before kings and never feel ashamed. I will speak of thy testimonies also before kings, and will not be ashamed.
47 Your directions fill me with delight because I truly love them. And I will delight myself in thy commandments, which I have loved.
48 I reach out my hands toward your directions that I love so much, and I will sit and think about your rules. My hands also will I lift up unto thy commandments, which I have loved; and I will meditate in thy statutes.
Zayin: Remember Your Promise
Study note
The psalmist asks God to remember his promise. God's word has been his comfort in suffering. Though the arrogant mock him, he does not turn from God's law.
49 Hold on to the promise you made to me, your servant. It is what gives me hope. Remember the word unto thy servant, upon which thou hast caused me to hope.
50 When I am hurting, here is what comforts me: your promise breathes life into me. This is my comfort in my affliction: for thy word hath quickened me.
51 Proud people make fun of me all the time, but I refuse to turn away from your teachings. The proud have had me greatly in derision: yet have I not declined from thy law.
52 I think back on the decisions you made long ago, LORD, and they bring peace to my heart. I remembered thy judgments of old, O LORD; and have comforted myself.
53 A blazing anger rises up inside me when I see wicked people throw away your teachings. Horror hath taken hold upon me because of the wicked that forsake thy law.
54 Wherever I have traveled in this life, your rules have become the songs I sing. Thy statutes have been my songs in the house of my pilgrimage.
55 In the darkness of night I remember who you are, LORD, and I hold on to your teachings. I have remembered thy name, O LORD, in the night, and have kept thy law.
56 This is the pattern of my life: I have followed your guidelines. This I had, because I kept thy precepts.
Cheth: The Lord Is My Portion
Study note
The Lord is the psalmist's portion. He has sought God's favor with all his heart. Though wicked people bind him, he does not forget God's law. The earth is full of God's faithful love.
57 You, LORD, are all I need. I have given my word to follow your instructions. Thou art my portion, O LORD: I have said that I would keep thy words.
58 I have begged for your kindness with my whole heart. Show me grace, just as you promised. I entreated thy favour with my whole heart: be merciful unto me according to thy word.
59 I took a careful look at the direction my life was going and turned my feet right back to your instructions. I thought on my ways, and turned my feet unto thy testimonies.
60 I rushed to obey your directions and did not waste any time. I made haste, and delayed not to keep thy commandments.
61 Wicked people tried to tie me up with their traps, but I never forgot your teachings. The bands of the wicked have robbed me: but I have not forgotten thy law.
62 In the middle of the night I get up to thank you, because your decisions are so right. At midnight I will rise to give thanks unto thee because of thy righteous judgments.
63 I am a friend to everyone who honors you and follows your guidelines. I am a companion of all them that fear thee, and of them that keep thy precepts.
64 LORD, the whole earth is overflowing with your loyal love. Teach me your rules. The earth, O LORD, is full of thy mercy: teach me thy statutes.
Teth: Suffering Taught Me
Study note
God has been good to his servant. Before suffering, the psalmist went astray, but now he keeps God's word. It was good to be afflicted so he could learn God's laws. God's law is more valuable than gold and silver.
65 LORD, you have been so good to me, your servant, just like you said you would. Thou hast dealt well with thy servant, O LORD, according unto thy word.
66 Teach me to think clearly and to know what is right, because I believe in your directions. Teach me good judgment and knowledge: for I have believed thy commandments.
67 Before hard times came, I used to wander off the path. But now I pay close attention to your word. Before I was afflicted I went astray: but now have I kept thy word.
68 You are good, and everything you do is good. Teach me your rules. Thou art good, and doest good; teach me thy statutes.
69 Proud people have painted me with lies, but I follow your guidelines with my whole heart. The proud have forged a lie against me: but I will keep thy precepts with my whole heart.
70 Their hearts have grown thick and numb, but your teachings are my greatest joy. Their heart is as fat as grease; but I delight in thy law.
71 Going through hard times turned out to be a gift, because it taught me your rules. It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn thy statutes.
72 The teachings that come from your mouth are worth more to me than piles of gold and silver. The law of thy mouth is better unto me than thousands of gold and silver.
Yod: Your Hands Made Me
Study note
God's hands made and formed the psalmist. He asks for understanding to learn God's commands. Those who fear God will be glad to see him because he has hoped in God's word.
73 Your hands shaped me and put me together. Now give me the understanding to learn your directions. Thy hands have made me and fashioned me: give me understanding, that I may learn thy commandments.
74 People who honor you will see me and be glad, because I have placed my hope in your word. They that fear thee will be glad when they see me; because I have hoped in thy word.
75 I know, LORD, that your decisions are right and that you let me suffer because you are faithful. I know, O LORD, that thy judgments are right, and that thou in faithfulness hast afflicted me.
76 Wrap me in the comfort of your loyal love, just as you promised your servant. Let, I pray thee, thy merciful kindness be for my comfort, according to thy word unto thy servant.
77 Send your tender care my way so I can keep on living, because your teachings are my joy. Let thy tender mercies come unto me, that I may live: for thy law is my delight.
78 Let the proud be put to shame for hurting me when I did nothing wrong. As for me, I will think deeply about your guidelines. Let the proud be ashamed; for they dealt perversely with me without a cause: but I will meditate in thy precepts.
79 Let everyone who honors you and knows your instructions come and be with me. Let those that fear thee turn unto me, and those that have known thy testimonies.
80 Let my heart follow your rules completely, so I will never have to hang my head in shame. Let my heart be sound in thy statutes; that I be not ashamed.
Kaph: My Soul Faints
Study note
The psalmist's soul faints with longing for God's salvation. His eyes fail watching for God's promise. He asks how long he must wait and begs God to revive him according to his faithful love.
81 I am worn out from waiting for you to save me, but I still hold on to your word. My soul fainteth for thy salvation: but I hope in thy word.
82 My eyes are tired from searching for your promise. I keep asking, 'When will you bring me comfort?' Mine eyes fail for thy word, saying, When wilt thou comfort me?
83 I feel like a dried-out leather bag left hanging in smoke, but I still remember your rules. For I am become like a bottle in the smoke; yet do I not forget thy statutes.
84 How much longer must I, your servant, hold on? When will you deal with the people who are after me? How many are the days of thy servant? when wilt thou execute judgment on them that persecute me?
85 Proud people have dug deep holes to trap me. They do not live by your teachings. The proud have digged pits for me, which are not after thy law.
86 Every one of your directions is something I can count on. People chase after me with lies — please help me! All thy commandments are faithful: they persecute me wrongfully; help thou me.
87 They nearly wiped me out completely, but I have not let go of your guidelines. They had almost consumed me upon earth; but I forsook not thy precepts.
88 Breathe new life into me through your loyal love, and I will follow every word you have spoken. Quicken me after thy lovingkindness; so shall I keep the testimony of thy mouth.
Lamed: Your Word Is Eternal
Study note
God's word is settled in heaven forever. His faithfulness endures through all generations. He established the earth and it stands firm. Everything has limits, but God's commands are boundless.
89 LORD, your word stands forever. It is planted firmly in the heavens. For ever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven.
90 You are faithful through every generation. You set the earth in place, and there it stays. Thy faithfulness is unto all generations: thou hast established the earth, and it abideth.
91 Everything keeps going today because you said so. All of creation serves you. They continue this day according to thine ordinances: for all are thy servants.
92 If your teachings had not been my joy, I would have been destroyed by my suffering. Unless thy law had been my delights, I should then have perished in mine affliction.
93 I will never let your guidelines slip from my mind, because they are what keep me alive. I will never forget thy precepts: for with them thou hast quickened me.
94 I belong to you — rescue me! I have given my heart to your guidelines. I am thine, save me; for I have sought thy precepts.
95 Wicked people are waiting to destroy me, but I keep my mind fixed on your instructions. The wicked have waited for me to destroy me: but I will consider thy testimonies.
96 I have noticed that even the best things in this world have limits, but your directions stretch out further than I can see. I have seen an end of all perfection: but thy commandment is exceeding broad.
Mem: Wiser Than My Enemies
Study note
Oh how the psalmist loves God's law! He meditates on it all day long. God's commands make him wiser than his enemies, give him more insight than his teachers, and more understanding than the elderly.
97 How deeply I love your teachings! I think about them from morning to night. O how love I thy law! it is my meditation all the day.
98 Your directions make me smarter than the people who work against me, because they stay with me at all times. Thou through thy commandments hast made me wiser than mine enemies: for they are ever with me.
99 I understand more than all my teachers, because I spend my time thinking about your instructions. I have more understanding than all my teachers: for thy testimonies are my meditation.
100 I have more wisdom than people much older than me, because I follow your guidelines. I understand more than the ancients, because I keep thy precepts.
101 I have kept my feet off every wrong road so that I can obey your word. I have refrained my feet from every evil way, that I might keep thy word.
102 I have not drifted from your decisions, because you are the one who has been teaching me. I have not departed from thy judgments: for thou hast taught me.
103 Your words taste so sweet to me — even sweeter than honey on my tongue! How sweet are thy words unto my taste! yea, sweeter than honey to my mouth!
104 Your guidelines give me understanding, and therefore I hate every road that leads to lies. Through thy precepts I get understanding: therefore I hate every false way.
Nun: A Lamp to My Feet
Study note
God's word is a lamp to the psalmist's feet and a light to his path. He is deeply afflicted but holds to God's teachings. His life is always in danger, but he does not forget God's law.
105 Your word is a lamp to my feet, and a light to my path. Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.
106 I made a solemn promise, and I will keep it — to live by your fair decisions. I have sworn, and I will perform it, that I will keep thy righteous judgments.
107 I am suffering so deeply, LORD. Bring me back to life, just as you said you would. I am afflicted very much: quicken me, O LORD, according unto thy word.
108 LORD, please accept the thanks I freely offer from my lips, and teach me your decisions. Accept, I beseech thee, the freewill offerings of my mouth, O LORD, and teach me thy judgments.
109 My life is always in danger, yet I never forget your teachings. My soul is continually in my hand: yet do I not forget thy law.
110 Wicked people have laid a trap right in my path, but I have not wandered from your guidelines. The wicked have laid a snare for me: yet I erred not from thy precepts.
111 Your instructions are my treasure that I will keep forever. They fill my heart with happiness. Thy testimonies have I taken as an heritage for ever: for they are the rejoicing of my heart.
112 I have made up my mind to follow your rules all the way to the finish. I have inclined mine heart to perform thy statutes alway, even unto the end.
Samekh: You Are My Hiding Place
Study note
The psalmist hates double-minded people but loves God's law. God is his hiding place and shield. He trembles in awe before God's judgments.
113 I cannot stand it when people try to live with one foot on each side, but I love your teachings. I hate vain thoughts: but thy law do I love.
114 You are the place where I hide, and you are my shield. I have set my hope on your word. Thou art my hiding place and my shield: I hope in thy word.
115 Get away from me, you people who do evil, because I am going to follow what my God has told me. Depart from me, ye evildoers: for I will keep the commandments of my God.
116 Hold me up just like you promised, and I will live. Do not let my hope be crushed. Uphold me according unto thy word, that I may live: and let me not be ashamed of my hope.
117 Keep me steady on my feet, and I will be safe. I will always keep your rules in view. Hold thou me up, and I shall be safe: and I will have respect unto thy statutes continually.
118 You push aside everyone who wanders from your rules, because all their scheming is based on lies. Thou hast trodden down all them that err from thy statutes: for their deceit is falsehood.
119 You sweep away the wicked of the earth like trash. Therefore I love your instructions. Thou puttest away all the wicked of the earth like dross: therefore I love thy testimonies.
120 My whole body shakes with awe of you. Your decisions fill me with a deep respect. My flesh trembleth for fear of thee; and I am afraid of thy judgments.
Ayin: I Have Done What Is Right
Study note
The psalmist has done what is just and right and asks God not to leave him to his oppressors. His eyes strain looking for God's salvation. It is time for God to act because people are breaking his law.
121 I have lived honestly and done the right thing. Do not hand me over to the people bullying me. I have done judgment and justice: leave me not to mine oppressors.
122 Promise to take care of me, your servant. Do not let proud people walk all over me. Be surety for thy servant for good: let not the proud oppress me.
123 My eyes are worn out from looking and looking for your rescue and for the righteous promise you made. Mine eyes fail for thy salvation, and for the word of thy righteousness.
124 Treat me, your servant, with your loyal love, and teach me your rules. Deal with thy servant according unto thy mercy, and teach me thy statutes.
125 I serve you — give me understanding so I can truly know your instructions. I am thy servant; give me understanding, that I may know thy testimonies.
126 It is time for you to step in, LORD, because people have torn apart your teachings. It is time for thee, LORD, to work: for they have made void thy law.
127 That is exactly why I love your directions more than gold — more than the purest gold there is. Therefore I love thy commandments above gold; yea, above fine gold.
128 So I follow every one of your guidelines, and I hate every path that leads to lies. Therefore I esteem all thy precepts concerning all things to be right; and I hate every false way.
Pe: Your Words Give Light
Study note
God's testimonies are wonderful. The unfolding of God's words gives light and understanding to the simple. The psalmist opens his mouth and pants, longing for God's commands. Streams of tears flow because people do not keep God's law.
129 Your instructions are full of wonder, and therefore I gladly obey them. Thy testimonies are wonderful: therefore doth my soul keep them.
130 When your words are opened up, they pour out light. Even someone without experience gains understanding. The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple.
131 I open my mouth wide and pant like a thirsty person, because I long for your directions so badly. I opened my mouth, and panted: for I longed for thy commandments.
132 Look my way and be kind to me, the way you always are with those who love your name. Look thou upon me, and be merciful unto me, as thou usest to do unto those that love thy name.
133 Keep my steps firm through your promise. Do not let any sin have power over me. Order my steps in thy word: and let not any iniquity have dominion over me.
134 Set me free from people who push me around, and I will follow your guidelines. Deliver me from the oppression of man: so will I keep thy precepts.
135 Smile on me, your servant, and teach me your rules. Make thy face to shine upon thy servant; and teach me thy statutes.
136 Rivers of tears pour from my eyes because people refuse to follow your teachings. Rivers of waters run down mine eyes, because they keep not thy law.
Tsade: You Are Righteous
Study note
The Lord is righteous and his laws are right. Zeal consumes the psalmist because his enemies ignore God's words. God's promises have been tested and proven true. His righteousness is everlasting.
137 You always do what is right, LORD, and every one of your decisions is fair. Righteous art thou, O LORD, and upright are thy judgments.
138 The instructions you have given are right and completely trustworthy. Thy testimonies that thou hast commanded are righteous and very faithful.
139 I burn with strong feelings inside because my enemies have turned their backs on your words. My zeal hath consumed me, because mine enemies have forgotten thy words.
140 Your word has been tested and proven pure, and I, your servant, treasure it. Thy word is very pure: therefore thy servant loveth it.
141 I may be small and looked down on, but I do not forget your guidelines. I am small and despised: yet do not I forget thy precepts.
142 Your goodness lasts forever, and your teachings are the truth. Thy righteousness is an everlasting righteousness, and thy law is the truth.
143 Trouble and hard times have grabbed hold of me, but your directions still bring me joy. Trouble and anguish have taken hold on me: yet thy commandments are my delights.
144 Your instructions are right forever. Help me understand them, and I will truly live. The righteousness of thy testimonies is everlasting: give me understanding, and I shall live.
Qoph: I Call with All My Heart
Study note
The psalmist calls with all his heart and asks God to answer. He rises before dawn to meditate on God's promises. He stays awake through the night watches to think about God's word. From long ago he knows that God's testimonies last forever.
145 I cry out from the bottom of my heart — answer me, LORD! I will follow your rules. I cried with my whole heart; hear me, O LORD: I will keep thy statutes.
146 I call out to you — save me! And I will live by your instructions. I cried unto thee; save me, and I shall keep thy testimonies.
147 I wake up before the sun rises and cry out for help. My hope rests on your word. I prevented the dawning of the morning, and cried: I hoped in thy word.
148 I lie awake through the long hours of the night, thinking about your promise. Mine eyes prevent the night watches, that I might meditate in thy word.
149 Hear me, LORD, because of your loyal love. Breathe new life into me through your justice. Hear my voice according unto thy lovingkindness: O LORD, quicken me according to thy judgment.
150 People with evil plans are closing in on me. They have wandered far from your teachings. They draw nigh that follow after mischief: they are far from thy law.
151 But you are close by, LORD, and every one of your directions is true. Thou art near, O LORD; and all thy commandments are truth.
152 I learned a long time ago from your instructions that you set them up to last forever. Concerning thy testimonies, I have known of old that thou hast founded them for ever.
Resh: Defend My Cause
Study note
The psalmist asks God to look at his suffering and rescue him. Salvation is far from the wicked because they do not seek God's decrees. God's compassion is great. All of God's words are true and his righteous laws are eternal.
153 See how much I am hurting and pull me out of it, because I have not forgotten your teachings. Consider mine affliction, and deliver me: for I do not forget thy law.
154 Stand up for me and set me free. Give me life, just like you promised. Plead my cause, and deliver me: quicken me according to thy word.
155 Rescue stays far away from wicked people, because they never bother looking for your rules. Salvation is far from the wicked: for they seek not thy statutes.
156 Your tender care is so great, LORD. Breathe life into me through your decisions. Great are thy tender mercies, O LORD: quicken me according to thy judgments.
157 So many people hunt me and work against me, but I have not turned away from your instructions. Many are my persecutors and mine enemies; yet do I not decline from thy testimonies.
158 I look at people who break their promises to you, and it makes me sick because they ignore your word. I beheld the transgressors, and was grieved; because they kept not thy word.
159 See how much I love your guidelines! LORD, fill me with life because of your loyal love. Consider how I love thy precepts: quicken me, O LORD, according to thy lovingkindness.
160 From beginning to end, everything you say is true. Every one of your fair decisions stands forever. Thy word is true from the beginning: and every one of thy righteous judgments endureth for ever.
Shin: My Heart Trembles at Your Word
Study note
Rulers persecute the psalmist without cause, but his heart trembles at God's word. He rejoices in God's promise like someone who finds great treasure. He praises God seven times a day. Great peace belongs to those who love God's law.
161 Powerful people chase after me for no reason, but deep down my heart trembles only at your word. Princes have persecuted me without a cause: but my heart standeth in awe of thy word.
162 Your word makes me as happy as someone who stumbles onto an enormous treasure. I rejoice at thy word, as one that findeth great spoil.
163 I hate lies with a passion — I cannot stand them — but I love your teachings. I hate and abhor lying: but thy law do I love.
164 Seven times a day I stop to praise you because your decisions are so right. Seven times a day do I praise thee because of thy righteous judgments.
165 People who love your teachings enjoy deep peace, and nothing trips them up. Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them.
166 I am looking to you for rescue, LORD, and I follow through on your directions. LORD, I have hoped for thy salvation, and done thy commandments.
167 I live by your instructions, and I love them with all my heart. My soul hath kept thy testimonies; and I love them exceedingly.
168 I follow your guidelines and your instructions, because you see every step I take. I have kept thy precepts and thy testimonies: for all my ways are before thee.
Tav: Let My Cry Reach You
Study note
The psalmist asks his cry to reach the Lord. Let his lips pour out praise because God teaches him. Let God's hand be ready to help. He longs for God's salvation. He has wandered like a lost sheep — may God seek his servant.
169 Let my cry reach your ears, LORD. Help me understand, just as your word promises. Let my cry come near before thee, O LORD: give me understanding according to thy word.
170 Let my prayer come before you. Pull me to safety, just as you said you would. Let my supplication come before thee: deliver me according to thy word.
171 Praise will pour from my lips, because you are teaching me your rules. My lips shall utter praise, when thou hast taught me thy statutes.
172 My tongue will sing about your promise, because all of your directions are right. My tongue shall speak of thy word: for all thy commandments are righteousness.
173 Reach out your hand and help me, because I have chosen to follow your guidelines. Let thine hand help me; for I have chosen thy precepts.
174 I long for you to rescue me, LORD. Your teachings are my greatest joy. I have longed for thy salvation, O LORD; and thy law is my delight.
175 Let me go on living so I can praise you, and let your decisions be my helper. Let my soul live, and it shall praise thee; and let thy judgments help me.
176 I have wandered off like a sheep that lost its way. Come find me, your servant, because I have not forgotten your directions. I have gone astray like a lost sheep; seek thy servant; for I do not forget thy commandments.
Key Themes
Themes in Psalms 119
The supreme value of God's wordScripture as a lamp to the feet and light to the pathDelight and obedience in God's lawGod's word as comfort in afflictionA comprehensive love letter to Scripture
Apply This Today
Living Psalms 119
With 176 verses devoted to the beauty and power of God's word, this psalm makes one thing clear: Scripture is not just a book — it is living bread for your soul. It is your light in darkness, your counselor in confusion, and your comfort in affliction. If you want a richer life, open your Bible more. It will never disappoint.
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