Psalm 119 by Henry Law

1. "Blessed are the undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the Lord." Here is a glowing picture of the pious heart. Here is the inner life of those who sit on the high eminence of blessedness, and rank among the blessed of the Lord. The question cannot be repressed, Who are they to whom such dignity belongs? The clear reply here meets us, They are the undefiled in the way; they walk in the law of the Lord. It is a solemn truth, that the path of life is through a miry road. Our steps are in pollution's land. How, then, can our feet be undefiled! How can our garments be unsoiled! We cannot guide ourselves. Unaided, we stumble into sloughs of defilement. But all help is near. Jesus is at hand to keep us by His mighty power. Let us lean on His supporting arm at every step, and when we fall let us rise and wash our robes in His all-cleansing blood. So may we ever be among the undefiled in the way; and let the law of the Lord, lovely in purity, glorious in holiness, perfect in love, be the path in which our feet advance. Jesus is our model and our all. God's law was in His heart; He was its living portrait. 2. "Blessed are those who keep His testimonies, and who seek Him with the whole heart." Again, we learn that holiness is blessedness. Let our constant prayer grow stronger, Lord, what will You have us to do? The reply is, Study the testimonies. They speak from heaven, loud as the thunder, clear as the light, sweet as the celestial songs. Let us thus seek His will, with our whole hearts united in the one pursuit. 3. "They also do no iniquity; they walk in His ways." The blessed cannot consent to evil. They flee the downward path. They shun it with extreme abhorrence. Their hearts entirely love the heavenward way. They cling to it with undeviating tread. Their onward progress is always upward. Thus they advance in happiness towards heaven. 4. "You have commanded us to keep Your precepts diligently." He who desires our good at all times issues with authority His sovereign commands. They enjoin us to adhere with diligence to the tract which His Word marks out. In strict obedience is real and unfailing happiness. To obey is heaven begun. 5. "Oh that my ways were directed to keep Your statutes!" But when the heart is willing the flesh is weak. Proneness to err still threatens to mislead. Hence incessant desires besiege Heaven that directing grace may ever guide aright. 6. "Then shall I not be ashamed, when I have respect to all Your commandments." Shame and confusion are the wages of those who disregard God's will. If our hearts condemn us, God is greater than our hearts and knows all things. If our hearts condemn us not, we shall lift up our heads in joy. 7. "I will praise You with uprightness of heart, when I shall have learned Your righteous judgments." The blessed man is ever a pupil in God's school. He desires to learn the ways of righteousness. Thus upright praises will ever flow from his lips. 8. "I will keep Your statutes; O forsake me not utterly." Firm are his resolves, but he well knows that utter weakness may consist with strong desires. Experience has taught that when we would do good evil is present. He knows that real strength is heaven-born; therefore earnest cries implore that God at all times would uphold graciously. He hates putting away. 9. "How shall a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed according to Your word." Peculiar temptations plot against the young. Passions are strong; experience is weak. Satan assails with unremitted are. But still there is escape. Abundant records speak of holy youths. They have pursued one course. God's Word has been their compass. By this guidance they have diligently steered through all the waves of peril. 10. "With my whole heart have I sought You; O let me not wander from Your commandments." Sincerity is here avowed. Blessed are those who can thus truly appeal to God. May our conscience ever bear witness that no portion of the heart has been given to ungodly ways! But still God's help is asked, that the way may be so hedged up that no outlet to forbidden paths may be found. We may run well and yet may stumble. 11. "Your word have I hid in my heart, that I might not sin against You." It is a precious truth that God's Word is a sure antidote to sin. If this is treasured in the heart, if it stands as a guard before the portals, evil cannot enter. May we ever be thus garrisoned! 12. "Blessed are You, O Lord; teach me Your statutes." The blessed man will ever bless and ever pray. His constant cry will be, Send out Your light and Your truth, that they may lead me. 13. "With my lips have I declared all the judgments of Your mouth." He will learn that he may teach. His heart, filled with the Word, will overflow and fertilize all who are within his reach. 14. "I have rejoiced in the way of Your testimonies, as much as in all riches." The Word is a bright sunbeam in the soul. Riches do not so much exhilarate the worldling as the revelation of God's ways delight and gladden the blessed man. 15. "I will meditate in Your precepts, and have respect to Your ways." Holy meditation exalts above the world. The precepts are a perpetual feast. 16. "I will delight myself in Your statutes; I will not forget Your word." Do we seek happiness? It is to be found in constantly pondering the Word and will of God. It is a blessed resolve; Your Word shall not depart out of the precincts of my memory. 17. "Deal bountifully with Your servant, that I may live and keep Your word." We may humbly ask continuance of earthly life, if our desire is that as mirrors we may reflect the Word. Oh that we might live as a transcript of the heavenly will, and thus be followers of God as dear children! 18. "Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of Your law." Lovely light may beam upon us, and wondrous scenes surround; but the gain is none if sightless eyes survey. By nature we are thus blind; unless God grants sight, we cannot behold the wonders which His law contains. Let us weary heaven with cries for enlightening grace. When the command goes forth, Let there be light, there will be light. 19. "I am a stranger in the earth; hide not Your commandments from me." Here we are pilgrims in a foreign land. As such we need guidance. God's Word will show the right path and keep us in it. Let us pray that this word may brightly illumine our way. If we walk in darkness, it is because we do not see the light. 20. "My soul breaks for the longing that it has for Your judgments at all times." Weak and wavering desires should be utterly eschewed. The true child of God so longs for the precious Word, that his soul seems scarcely able to contain the swelling feeling. Unless the presence of God's Word relieves, he can scarcely live. 21. "You have rebuked the proud who are cursed, who err from Your commandments." We have heard who are the blessed. We have now the portrait of the cursed. They proudly wander from the everlasting way. Their straying feet rush to destruction. God's rebuke descends, and the rebuke is ruin. 22. "Remove from me reproach and contempt; for I have kept Your testimonies." The pious are generally regarded with scorn in this fallen world. It is a grievous trial. When we are conscious that contempt is incurred by adhering to God's Word, we may humbly pray for its removal. 23. "Princes also sat and spoke against me; but Your servant meditated on Your statutes." Men of exalted rank too often slander the servants of the Lord. But a sweet refuge is always near in meditation on the glorious law. They will not hear nor heed whose souls are thus engaged. 24. "Your testimonies also are my delight and my counselors." Such meditation is most precious. It is a boundless expanse of happiness. It is a treasury of counsels to guide throughout life's course. May we be thus happy and thus wise! 25. "My soul cleaves to the dust; quicken me according to Your word." The soul by nature rises not to heaven; unaided from on high it grovels in the mire of earth. Hence the wisdom of constant prayer, that spiritual life may expand wings for upward flight. Many promises give prospect of success. 26. "I have declared my ways, and You heard me; teach me Your statutes." Having deep experience of the success of prayer, let us keep nothing back from God. He will hear, and heavenly lessons will be granted. 27. "Make me to understand the way of Your precepts; so shall I talk of Your wondrous works." Our desire for intelligence in God's precepts cannot be too earnest. When thus enlightened we shall not be mute. Delighted converse will tell the dealings of Him whose name is Wonderful. 28. "My soul melts for heaviness; strengthen me according to Your word." Periods recur when the soul is heavy laden. When thus powerless, strength should be implored in accordance with the sure promises of God. 29. "Remove from me the way of lying; and grant me Your law graciously." Grievous evidence of the fall is seen in the tendency to misrepresent and to deceive. The devil was a liar from the beginning; and his progeny inherits his propensities. Let us strive to be the followers of Him who is emphatically the truth. For this purpose let us pray that God would write His law of uprightness on our hearts. 30. "I have chosen the way of truth; Your judgments have I laid before me." False ways will indeed be eschewed by the blessed man. The way of truth will be his deliberate choice. God's judgments will be the desired path. Let us not, however, forget that in ourselves we are weak to execute these good resolves. 31. "I have stuck to Your testimonies; O Lord, put me not to shame." With clinging hands the testimonies will be grasped. The disgrace of straying will be dreaded. Prayer will be made for deliverance from such shame. 32. "I will run the way of Your commandments, when You shall enlarge my heart." The narrowness of the contracted heart forbids expanse. Encumbered affections cannot mount; therefore earnest prayer is made that the entangling chains may be removed, and freedom granted to run nimbly up the blessed road. 33. "Teach me, O Lord, the way of Your statutes, and I shall keep it to the end." The believer, conscious of ignorance, ever seeks divine instruction. He knows that the page of Scripture is obscure unless heavenly light shines on it. Therefore constant is his prayer, and constant his resolve to persevere unto the end. 34. "Give me understanding, and I shall keep Your law; yes, I shall observe it with my whole heart." Repeated prayer wrestles for an understanding heart. Resolution is declared that the law shall be cherished with undivided affection. 35. "Make me to go in the path of Your commandments; for therein do I delight." Prayer again wrestles for strict adherence to the holy path. It is the way of pleasantness; every step abounds in delights. 36. "Incline my heart to Your testimonies, and not to covetousness." Without a restraining hand the heart is prone to turn aside into the byways of petty love of self. The remedy must be from above. Heavenly aid is therefore sought. 37. "Turn away my eyes from beholding vanity; and quicken me in Your way." The world abounds with sights of emptiness, frivolity, and folly. Eyes are enticed to gaze; there is danger in the very sight. Let prayer be made that the eyes may not behold, and that quickened steps may ascend Zion's hill. 38. "Establish Your word to Your servant, who is devoted to Your fear." It is happiness to have the Word firmly rooted in the heart. This blessed state will be the desire of those who are jealously apprehensive of straying from the gospel-rule. 39. "Turn away my reproach which I fear; for Your judgments are good." It is a reproach to wander. The godly man will dread this shame. He knows how excellent the ways of God are, and he prays that he may never incur the dishonor of disobedience. 40. "Behold, I have longed for Your precepts; quicken me in Your righteousness." Deep desire for entire sanctification is here expressed; prayer is made that the Spirit of the Lord would animate the pursuit of righteousness. May we thus ever strive! We shall succeed, and great will be our gain. 41. "Let Your mercies come also to me, O Lord, even Your salvation, according to Your word." This prayer is a cup filled to the brim. A multitude of tender mercies stand always ready to issue from the courts above. These mercies assure of salvation from the penalties and power of sin, and of welcome to the joys of heaven. These mercies are our promised heritage. How should we wrestle until they fill us to overflowing! 42. "So shall I have an answer for him who reproaches me; for I trust in Your word." When the heart realizes assured salvation, it is supplied with abundant answers to those who sneer at the delights of faith. 43. "And take not the word of truth utterly out of my mouth; for I have hoped in Your judgments." Assurance only lives while God maintains it. Fears will intrude lest the truth should languish on our lips. Hope sees the declarations of the Lord, and looks upward. 44. "So shall I keep Your law continually, forever and ever." There is rich comfort in the confidence that divine grace will enable us to persevere. The end is seen. Bright is the deliverance. 45. "And I will walk at liberty; for I seek Your precepts." All restraining shackles shall be cast off. The believer will freely walk in diligent pursuit of truth. 46. "I will speak of Your testimonies also before kings, and will not be ashamed." No array of earthly power will intimidate the man of God. Strong in the Lord, he will boldly wave the standard of salvation. 47. "And I will delight myself in Your commandments, which I have loved." Who can fail to see the believer's happy state? The paths of holiness are pleasantness and peace. The law reigns in the heart, and love delights in sanctified obedience. 48. "My hands also will I lift up to Your commandments, which I have loved; and I will meditate in Your statutes." He will give open testimony of his entire surrender to the ways of the Lord, and his mind will revel in holy meditation. Here the soul finds repose. This is the ecstasy of life. 49. "Remember the word to Your servant, upon which You have caused me to hope." The Spirit in tender love sometimes applies a word of Scripture with especial power to the heart. Hope grasps it, feasts upon it, and sweetly reposes. We may in faith bring such texts unto the mercy-seat, and crave their fulfillment. "Do as You have said." 50. "This is my comfort in my affliction; for Your word has quickened me." Many are the afflictions of the righteous; many, also, are their consolations. Especially sweet are the comforts flowing from the Word. Life thus quickened will be sustained. 51. "The proud have had me greatly in derision; yet have I not declined from Your law." Haughty men may scorn and deride. Ridicule shakes not the confidence which the Word has inspired. Can man pull down what God has built up? 52. "I remembered Your judgments of old, O Lord; and have comforted myself." It is a profitable lesson to ponder God's righteous dealings. The history of the Church is a precious volume. It shows the overthrow of the wicked and constant security of the righteous. Deep streams of comfort flow in these channels. 53. "Horror has taken hold upon me because of the wicked who forsake Your law." How frightful is the sight of the ungodly trampling on God's precious Word! Who can contemplate the issue without fearful trembling! 54. "Your statutes have been my songs in the house of my pilgrimage." Zion's pilgrims are not always downcast. They realize absence from home; but in the cheering prospect of return they know joy and gladness, thanksgiving and the voice of melody. 55. "I have remembered Your name, O Lord, in the night, and have kept Your law." If in the night sleepless hours are appointed, let memory be alert to ponder the wonders involved in the Lord's name. The resolve will thus be quickened to cling tightly to His law. 56. "This I had, because I kept Your precepts." This rich gain springs from keeping His commandments. May they ever be the treasure of our hearts, the path of our steps, and our exceeding comfort! 57. "You are my portion, O Lord; I have said that I would keep Your words." Rich, indeed, is the believer. He has the Lord for his portion. He can say, All things are mine, for I am Christ's, and Christ is God's. The kingdom into which he is translated has statutes. He loves them, and delights to cleave most closely to them. 58. "I entreated Your favor with my whole heart; be merciful to me according to Your word." With earnest sincerity the heart seeks that heavenly favor may never cease to bless. Mercy is abundantly promised, and mercy may be sought with undoubting confidence that it will smile abundantly. 59. "I thought on my ways, and turned my feet to Your testimonies." No inconsiderate step should ever be allowed; a rash movement may plunge into inextricable straits. The feet should be diligently turned to the narrow way of life. Vigilance should never be relaxed. 60. "I made haste, and delayed not to keep Your commandments." Loitering in the Christian course is perilous. Onward, onward should be the constant cry. Lot's wife paused, and then looked back, and perished. Let us lay aside every weight and run unweariedly in the way which love and wisdom have enjoined. 61. "The bands of the wicked have robbed me; but I have not forgotten Your law." The godly may be called to bear the spoiling of their temporal goods. But they have riches which no robber's hands can touch. The Word is a treasure in which they daily meditate, with no fear of loss. 62. "At midnight I will rise to give thanks to You because of Your righteous judgments." When sleep fast locked the eyes of others, the Psalmist leaves his bed. He is intent to utter praises. God's righteous judgments call for joyful notice. Thanksgiving is repose of the heart. 63. "I am a companion of all those who fear You, and of those who keep Your precepts." The sincerity of grace is evidenced by the choice of associates. Two cannot walk together except they be agreed. Light has no fellowship with darkness. The feet cannot at the same time be set in the narrow and in the broad way. Those who fear God delight in pious fellowship. 64. "The earth, O Lord, is full of Your mercy; teach me Your statutes." The whole creation has a voice loudly proclaiming that good and gracious is the Lord. Every object reflects tender care. Let us seek enlarged knowledge of His works, so will His ways be our delight. Increased illumination will gladden the meditating heart. Advance in knowledge will be advance in joy. 65. "You have dealt well with Your servant, O Lord, according unto Your word." Where is the believer who can restrain this rapturous acknowledgment! Touched by divine grace he feels that God's goodness baffles all thought. He knows that our God has given largely like a God. All the provisions of the Covenant are bountifully poured into his lap. 66. "Teach me good judgment and knowledge; for I have believed Your commandments." The soul is athirst for brighter rays of light and knowledge. Faith is confessed to be the happy inhabitant of the heart; and the constant cry is, Give large increase. Faith has sweet skill in pleading. 67. "Before I was afflicted I went astray; but now I have kept Your word." Afflictions are often charged to do good work. Their commission is mercy. A thin disguise conceals a friendly form. They check the wanderers and bring them back. In the time of suffering they may be bitter, but in retrospect they are sweet. They lead to holiness, and holiness is joy. 68. "You are good, and do good; teach me Your statutes." The believer delights in contemplation of his God. Every view discovers goodness. This is inscribed on all His dealings. Hence the longing desire for more acquaintance with His statutes. To know His law is to know Himself. 69. "The proud have forged a lie against me; but I will keep Your precepts with my whole heart." Lying witnesses were obtained to bring false charges against Jesus. If the Head was thus slandered, shall the members escape? But these arch devices are all vain. They lead to closer adherence to God's Word. 70. "Their heart is as fat as grease; but I delight in Your law." Their heart swells with pride, and becomes impervious to tender impression. Prosperity often exerts benumbing influence. No sense of sin—no self-abhorrence is its fruit. But there is a lovely contrast. In the believer the contrite heart loathes self-satisfaction, and finds no joy but in clinging to the law of God. 71. "It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn Your statutes." Corrupt nature needs the frequent scourge. The present smart may be severe, but the resulting benefit is more than compensation for the pain. Satisfaction makes rich amends for the sorrows which preceded it. Let not our frowns then meet affliction. 72. "The law of Your mouth is better unto me than thousands of gold and silver." True is the testimony that the Word of the Lord is more to be desired than gold, yes, than much fine gold. This treasure is in our hands. May the Spirit write its contents on our hearts! God's law inscribed there is everlasting wealth. 73. "Your hands have made me, and fashioned me; give me understanding, that I may learn Your commandments." Appeal is made to God as our Creator. Every faculty of mind and body is the offspring of His sovereign will. Therefore He who gives our every power is implored to increase spiritual intelligence. In His school blessed lessons are learned. 74. "Those who do not fear will be glad when they see me; because I have hoped in Your word." Our course should be so free from ambiguity that it may be evident on what foundation our hopes are built. When those who fear the Lord distinctly see that all our expectations are from Him, they will rejoice in our godly communion. 75. "I know, O Lord, that Your judgments are right, and that You in faithfulness have afflicted me." When afflictions oppress us it is well to remember the smiting hand. Correction is ordered in the Covenant for us. God in these trials acts in accordance with most holy righteousness. 76. "Let, I pray You, Your merciful kindness be for my comfort, according to Your word to Your servant." We often need strong consolation. A rich store is laid up for us in our God. To Him let us draw near and pray that all His promises to us in Christ Jesus may be our rich enjoyment. 77. "Let Your tender mercies come to me, that I may live; for Your law is my delight." Tender mercy can prolong our days; but continued life should only be desired in submission to God's will, and for the furtherance of His glory. Such will be our desire when our delight is to follow His law as our one rule. 78. "Let the proud be ashamed; for they dealt perversely with me without a cause; but I will meditate on Your precepts." Confusion will overwhelm the perverse adversaries. Their persecution is without cause. Harmless will be all their rage when the mind retires into the secret places of holy meditation. 79. "Let those who do not fear turn to me, and those who have known Your testimonies." The man of God delights only in the fellowship of those who are fellow-servants of His God. They are described as fearing God and intelligently keeping His testimonies. Prayer is made that such may cheer him by their company. 80. "Let my heart be sound in Your statutes, that I may not be ashamed." Let us ever be watchful over the treachery of our hearts. They are prone to nurture unwholesome desires. But deviation from God's law brings shame. Let us shun it as sure misery. Holiness may boldly raise the head. 81. "My soul faints for Your salvation; but I hope in Your word." Intense was the Psalmist's desire to realize an interest in God's salvation. Through anxiety he fails in strength, as a deer panting for the waterbrooks. But in weakness hope cheered him. Let us strive for an increase of this precious grace. It will gladden and sustain us. 82. "My eyes fail for Your word, saying, When will You comfort me?" If comforts seem to tarry long, the eye strained by constant looking becomes weak. Earnest cries wrestle with God for His restoring presence. The sigh is heard, How long shall trouble last? When will Your comforts again revive me? 83. "I am shriveled like a wineskin in the smoke, exhausted with waiting. But I cling to your principles and obey them" Under the grievous pressure of this trial, the bodily appearance manifests distress. The shriveled skin loses all sign of moisture. It is dried like a leather vessel in the smoke. But grace still lives and feasts on the banquet of God's word. 84. "How many are the days of Your servant? when will You execute judgment on those who persecute me?" It is sad when impatient peevishness frets. May the gracious Lord preserve us from such weakness. Under its influence cessation of life is desired; vengeance calls for wrath on the head of persecutors. This is our infirmity. May the Lord pardon it and tear it from our hearts. 85. "The proud have dug pits for me, which are not after Your law." Haughty persecutors may plot evil against the Lord's followers. Such conduct is enmity to His law. Assuredly it will end in misery. 86. "All Your commandments are faithful; they persecute me wrongfully; help me." In such trial it is sweet relief to remember that God is true. According to the faithful Word, help will be given, and the persecutors perish in their wickedness. 87. "They had almost consumed me upon earth; but I forsook not Your precepts." At times their cruel plans seem to border on success. Let not the righteous be dismayed. Let the Word be remembered which can never fail. 88. "Quicken me after Your lovingkindness; so shall I keep the testimony of Your mouth." Let prayer be made that God, in the multitude of His lovingkindness, would infuse new life into our drooping hearts. Then upright walking in the Lord's ways will not flag. 89. "Forever, O Lord, Your word is settled in heaven." Before the foundations of the world, the purposes of God were firmly settled. As He is stable and immutable, so they cannot change. Therefore floods of peace and trust pervade the believer's heart. Every event flies on the winds of eternal decree. 90. "Your faithfulness is to all generations; You have established the earth, and it abides." From age to age God's faithfulness shines in unfading brightness. The earth abides in accordance with original design. There is no interruption in its progress. It pursues the course of immutability. 91. "They continue this day according to your ordinances; for all are Your servants." The course of nature undergoes no departure from primeval will. All things act out the great Creator's plan. His word commands perpetual obedience. 92. "Unless Your law had been my delights, I should then have perished in my affliction." Afflictions often threaten to overwhelm. Billows upon billows go over the sinking head. But the immutable Word is grasped, and it is found to be a never-failing plank. 93. "I will never forget Your precepts; for with them You have quickened me." It is our highest wisdom tightly to grasp the Word. Let us set its precepts continually before our eyes. They are life-giving and life-sustaining. Let us enshrine them in our memories. 94. "I am Yours, save me; for I have sought Your precepts." It is a happy moment when the believer can appeal to God, I am Yours. You have called me, and I have obeyed. You have quickened me, and I live to You. All my desire is to know and obey Your will. Therefore I cry to You for aid; save me, for I am Your servant. 95. "The wicked have waited for me to destroy me but I will consider Your testimonies." I have indeed many foes. Plots are laid for my destruction. But I will not fear. The assurances of Your Word sustain me. 96. "I have seen an end of all perfection; but Your commandment is exceeding broad." Many objects are full of wonder. They excite admiration. But their beauty is not durable; it quickly fades away. But the glory of God's law suffers no eclipse. The more we ponder, the more cause shall we find for trust and praise. 97. "O how I love Your law! it is my meditation all the day." Mark the profession of the blessed man. Every affection goes forth in admiration of the law. It is his constant delight. At every moment of the day his heart lovingly feasts on it. 98. "You, through Your commandments, have made me wiser than my enemies; for they are ever with me." Where can true wisdom be found but in the counsels of the all-wise and only-wise God! His name and His word are emphatic wisdom. They are the perfection of intelligence. They ever fill the believer's heart. Thus his foes appear as fools before him. 99. "I have more understanding than all my teachers for Your testimonies are my meditation." The world professes to have schools of sage instruction; but the poorest believer, enlightened by the Spirit, is wiser than this boasted wisdom. God's testimonies are his meditation. Here he derives celestial understanding. 100. "I understand more than the ancients, because I keep Your precepts." The lowliest man who has the Bible in his heart knows more than the sage philosophers of old. True wisdom is acquired in the path of heavenly precepts. 101. "I have refrained my feet from every evil way, that I might keep Your word."

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Psalm 119

Henry Law

Henry Law (1797 - 1884)

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