Psalm 119

This psalm is a collection of David's precious thoughts, sorrowful complaints, humble petitions, and holy resolutions, which, it seems he had written down as they occurred, and which, in the end of his life, he digested into the form in which they now stand, consisting of as many parts as there are letters in the Hebrew alphabet, the eight verses of each always beginning with the same letter in the original. The general scope of it is to magnify God's word, and make it honourable. To intimate that it informs us of whatever we ought to expect from God in the way of gracious donation, and of whatever he may expect from us in the way of grateful returns of duty, it is represented under ten different characters, one or other of which is to be found in every verse, except the 122nd and 132nd: As God's Law, because framed and published by him as our Sovereign His Commandments, because given with authority, and lodged with us as a trust His Precepts, because peremptorily prescribed, and not left as a thing indifferent His Statutes, because fixed and determined, and of perpetual obligation His Word, because it is the declaration of his mind, and Christ, his essential Word, is all and in all therein His Way, because it represents Christ, the Way, the Truth, and the Life, and is the rule of our faith and obedience His Testimonies, because therein God, upon his word, his oath, and writ, declares to men the truths necessary to be known, in order to his honour and their salvation, as ratified in the death of his Son His Judgments, because it is framed in infinite wisdom, and by it we must both judge and be judged (but in verses 75, 84, 121, judgment denotes righteous conduct) His Righteousness, because it is holy, just, and good, and is the perfect standard of righteousness And his Truth, or Faithfulness, because its leading truths are eternal, and the faithfulness of God is pledged in every point thereof. While I sing, let me all along enter into the spirit of the psalm. Let my delight be in God's testimonies; my desires after God's presence; and my endeavours to have God honoured. Let God's word be my rule, my food, my armour, my wealth, my comfort; and God himself, as therein revealed and bestowed, be my everlasting and infinite all. Aleph, The 1st Part. Here, (1.) David marks out holy men as the only blessed men, ver. 1-3. (2.) Begs that, to his own honour and satisfaction, he may be helped of God to an upright observance of his laws, ver. 4-6. (3.) In the faith of God's direction and assistance, he resolves to praise and obey him, ver. 7-8. 1 Blessed are they that undefil'd, and straight are in the way; Who in the Lord's most holy law do walk, and do not stray. 2 Blessed are they who to observe his statutes are inclin'd; And who do seek the living God with their whole heart and mind. 3 Such in his ways do walk, and they do no iniquity. 4 Thou hast commanded us to keep thy precepts carefully. 5 O that thy statutes to observe thou would'st my ways direct! 6 Then shall I not be sham'd, when I thy precepts all respect. 7 Then with integrity of heart thee will I praise and bless, When I the judgments all have learn'd of thy pure righteousness. 8 That I will keep thy statutes all firmly resolv'd have I: O do not then, most gracious God, forsake me utterly. Beth, The 2nd Part. He, (1.) Points out the proper method of mortifying lust and attaining true holiness, ver. 9. (2.) Professeth his attachment to God and his word, and supplicates wisdom, direction, and support, ver. 10-12. (3.) Reflects with satisfaction on his former regard to God's truth and ways, ver. 13-14. And, (4.) Resolves to persevere therein, ver. 15-16. 9 By what means shall a young man learn his way to purify? If he according to thy word thereto attentive be. 10 Unfeignedly thee have I sought with all my soul and heart: O let me not from the right path of thy commands depart. 11 Thy word I in my heart have hid, that I offend not thee. 12 O Lord, thou ever blessed art, thy statutes teach thou me. 13 The judgments of thy mouth each one my lips declared have: 14 More joy thy testimonies' way than riches all me gave. 15 I will thy holy precepts make my meditation; And carefully I'll have respect unto thy ways each one. 16 Upon thy statutes my delight shall constantly be set: And, by thy grace, I never will thy holy word forget. Gimel, The 3rd Part. (1.) With eagerness and longings of heart, he supplicates divine favour, and instruction in God's truths, ver. 17-20. (2.) Remarks the just vengeance of God upon such as wander from his ways, ver. 21. (3.) Supplicates preservation from reproach, as he observed, meditated on, delighted in, and consulted God's word in all his conduct, ver. 22-24. 17 With me thy servant, in thy grace, deal bountifully, Lord; That by thy favour I may live, and duly keep thy word. 18 Open mine eyes, that of thy law the wonders I may see. 19 I am a stranger on this earth, hide not thy laws from me. 20 My soul within me breaks, and doth much fainting still endure, Through longing that it hath all times unto thy judgments pure. 21 Thou hast rebuk'd the cursed proud, who from thy precepts swerve. 22 Reproach and shame remove from me, for I thy laws observe. 23 Against me princes spake with spite, while they in council sat: But I thy servant did upon thy statutes meditate. 24 My comfort, and my heart's delight, thy testimonies be; And they, in all my doubts and fears, are counsellors to me. Daleth, The 4th Part. He, (1.) Represents his distress, and his behaviour under it, ver. 25-26, 28, 30-31. (2.) Supplicates spiritual quickening, instruction, strength, rectitude of sentiment, and honour in the Lord's way, ver. 25, 31. (3.) Resolves under the influences of heaven, to be more active in holiness, ver. 32. 25 My soul to dust cleaves: quicken me, according to thy word. 26 My ways I shew'd, and me thou heard'st: teach me thy statutes, Lord. 27 The way of thy commandements make me aright to know; So all thy works that wondrous are I shall to others show. 28 My soul doth melt, and drop away, for heaviness and grief: To me, according to thy word, give strength, and send relief. 29 From me the wicked way of lies let far removed be; And graciously thy holy law do thou grant unto me. 30 I chosen have the perfect way of truth and verity: Thy judgments that most righteous are before me laid have I. 31 I to thy testimonies cleave; shame do not on me cast. 32 I'll run thy precepts' way, when thou my heart enlarged hast. He, The 5th Part. He, (1.) Prays for divine instruction, sanctifying influences, quickening grace; for the accomplishment of God's promises to him; and against covetousness, vanity, and reproach, ver. 33-40. (2.) Enforces his requests, from his holy resolutions, his relation to God, his zeal for his honour, and his regard to his excellent declarations, promises, and precepts, ver. 33-34, 38-40. 33 Teach me, O Lord, the perfect way of thy precepts divine, And to observe it to the end I shall my heart incline. 34 Give understanding unto me, so keep thy law shall I; Yea, ev'n with my whole heart I shall observe it carefully. 35 In thy law's path make me to go; for I delight therein. 36 My heart unto thy testimonies, and not to greed, incline. 37 Turn thou away my sight and eyes from viewing vanity; And in thy good and holy way be pleas'd to quicken me. 38 Confirm to me thy gracious word, which I did gladly hear, Ev'n to thy servant, Lord, who is devoted to thy fear. 39 Turn thou away my fear'd reproach; for good thy judgments be. 40 Lo, for thy precepts I have long'd; in thy truth quicken me. Vau, The 6th Part. Here are, (1.) The prayers he presented to God, ver. 41, 43. (2.) The graces he exercised upon God and his word faith, hope, love, ver. 42-43, 47-48. (3.) The practice he resolved on, through grace, viz. to keep God's law; to seek and cheerfully practise his precepts; boldly publish his truth to others; and to delight in, meditate on, and zealously reduce them to practice, ver. 44-48. 41 Let thy sweet mercies also come and visit me, O Lord; Ev'n thy benign salvation, according to thy word. 42 So shall I have wherewith I may give him an answer just, Who spitefully reproacheth me; for in thy word I trust. 43 The word of truth out of my mouth take thou not utterly; For on thy judgments righteous my hope doth still rely. 44 So shall I keep for evermore thy law continually. 45 And, sith that I thy precepts seek, I'll walk at liberty. 46 I'll speak thy word to kings, and I with shame shall not be mov'd; 47 And will delight myself always in thy laws, which I lov'd. 48 To thy commandments, which I lov'd, my hands lift up I will; And I will also meditate upon thy statutes still. Zain, The 7th Part. Represents, (1.) The comfort he had found in God's word, ver. 49-50, 52, 54. (2.) His desire that God would fulfil his promises, ver. 49; and his care to remember, think on, and practise God's truths, ver. 51-52, 55-56. (3.) The injurious reproach he suffered from the wicked; and his abhorrence of their sin and dread of their punishment, ver. 51, 53. 49 Remember, Lord, thy gracious word thou to thy servant spake, Which, for a ground of my sure hope, thou causedst me to take. 50 This word of thine my comfort is in mine affliction: For in my straits I am reviv'd by this thy word alone. 51 The men whose hearts with pride are stuff'd did greatly me deride; Yet from thy straight commandements I have not turn'd aside. 52 Thy judgments righteous, O Lord, which thou of old forth gave, I did remember, and myself by them comforted have. 53 Horror took hold on me, because ill men thy law forsake. 54 I in my house of pilgrimage thy laws my songs do make. 55 Thy name by night, Lord, I did mind, and I have kept thy law. 56 And this I had, because thy word I kept, and stood in awe. Cheth, The 8th Part. We have here, (1.) The portion he chose, ver. 57. (2.) The purpose he formed, ver. 57. (3.) The prayers he offered up, for favour, mercy, and instructions, ver. 58, 64. (4.) The penitential care he took to obey God's law, ver. 59-61. (5.) The complaints he uttered, ver. 61. (6.) His fervent thanksgiving, ver. 62. (7.) His choice companions, ver. 63. (8.) His deep sense of God's abundant mercy and grace, ver. 64. 57 Thou my sure portion art alone, which I did chuse, O Lord: I have resolv'd, and said, that I would keep thy holy word. 58 With my whole heart I did entreat thy face and favour free: According to thy gracious word be merciful to me. 59 I thought upon my former ways, and did my life well try; And to thy testimonies pure my feet then turned I. 60 I did not stay, nor linger long, as those that slothful are; But hastily thy laws to keep myself I did prepare. 61 Bands of ill men me robb'd; yet I thy precepts did not slight. 62 I'll rise at midnight thee to praise, ev'n for thy judgments right. 63 I am companion to all those who fear, and thee obey. 64 O Lord, thy mercy fills the earth: teach me thy laws, I pray. Teth, The 9th Part. Contains, (1. ) Hearty acknowledgements of God's faithfulness and goodness, and of the excellency and usefulness of his word, ver. 65, 68, 72. (2.) Humble acknowledgements of the advantages he had received from his afflictions, ver. 67, 71. (3.) Complaints of the pride, calumnious reproach, and luxurious stupidity, of wicked men, ver. 69-70. (4.) Supplications for divine instruction, ver. 66, 68. (5.) Declarations of his regard to God's word, and resolutions to persevere in the observance thereof, ver. 66-72. 65 Well hast thou with thy servant dealt, as thou didst promise give. 66 Good judgment me, and knowledge teach, for I thy word believe. 67 Ere I afflicted was I stray'd; but now I keep thy word. 68 Both good thou art, and good thou do'st: teach me thy statutes, Lord. 69 The men that are puff 'd up with pride against me forg'd a lie; Yet thy commandements observe with my whole heart will I. 70 Their hearts, through worldly ease and wealth, as fat as grease they be: But in thy holy law I take delight continually. 71 It hath been very good for me that I afflicted was, That I might well instructed be, and learn thy holy laws. 72 The word that cometh from thy mouth is better unto me Than many thousands and great sums of gold and silver be. Jod, The 10th Part. Contains, (1.) Thankful acknowledgements of God's kindness in creating, and of his equity and faithfulness in afflicting, ver. 73, 75. (2.) Earnest supplications for divine instruction, for fresh discoveries of God's mercy; for the confusion of enemies, and the comfortable fellowship of friends; and for an honourable soundness of heart, ver. 73, 76-77, 79-80. (3.) Holy joy in the comfort of fellow saints, and especially in God's mercy and word, ver. 74, 76-77. (4.) An holy resolution to meditate on, and cleave to God's testimonies amidst persecution, ver. 78. 73 Thou mad'st and fashion'dst me: thy laws to know give wisdom, Lord. 74 So who thee fear shall joy to see me trusting in thy word. 75 That very right thy judgments are I know, and do confess; And that thou hast afflicted me in truth and faithfulness. 76 O let thy kindness merciful, I pray thee, comfort me, As to thy servant faithfully was promised by thee. 77 And let thy tender mercies come to me, that I may live; Because thy holy laws to me sweet delectation give. 78 Lord, let the proud ashamed be; for they, without a cause, With me perversely dealt: but I will muse upon thy laws. 79 Let such as fear thee, and have known thy statutes, turn to me. 80 My heart let in thy laws be sound, that sham'd I never be. Caph, The 11th Part. Contains, (1.) Bitter complaints of great and long distress, ver. 81-87. (2.) Fervent supplications for speedy comfort, help, and quickening, ver. 82, 86, 88. (3.) Pleas wherewith these supplications are enforced: as, that his distress was become insupportable; that his hope was in God's word, and he clave to it in his profession and practice; that his life was but short, to have so much of it spent in the furnace of affliction; that the malice and pride of his enemies were excessive; and, in fine, that God's loving kindness was infinite, ver. 81-88. 81 My soul for thy salvation faints; yet I thy word believe. 82 Mine eyes fail for thy word: I say, When wilt thou comfort give? 83 For like a bottle I'm become, that in the smoke is set: I'm black, and parch'd with grief; yet I thy statutes not forget. 84 How many are thy servant's days? when wilt thou execute Just judgment on these wicked men that do me persecute? 85 The proud have digged pits for me, which is against thy laws. 86 Thy words all faithful are: help me, pursu'd without a cause. 87 They so consum'd me, that on earth my life they scarce did leave: Thy precepts yet forsook I not, but close to them did cleave. 88 After thy loving-kindness, Lord, me quicken, and preserve: The testimony of thy mouth so shall I still observe. Lamed, The 12th Part. Represents, (1.) The eternity and unchangeableness of God's word and works, ver. 89-91. (2.) The advantage of delighting in, and cleaving to God's truths, ver. 92-93. (3.) God's interest in men, a reason of his saving the observers of his law, ver. 94. (4.) David's adherence to God's truths amidst furious persecution, ver. 95. (5.) The superlative excellency of God's word above all earthly enjoyments, ver. 96. 89 Thy word for ever is, O Lord, in heaven settled fast; 90 Unto all generations thy faithfulness doth last: The earth thou hast established, and it abides by thee. 91 This day they stand as thou ordain'dst; for all thy servants be. 92 Unless in thy most perfect law my soul delights had found, I should have perished, when as my troubles did abound. 93 Thy precepts I will ne'er forget; they quick'ning to me brought. 94 Lord, I am thine; O save thou me: thy precepts I have sought. 95 For me the wicked have laid wait, me seeking to destroy: But I thy testimonies true consider will with joy. 96 An end of all perfection here have I seen, O God: But as for thy commandement, it is exceeding broad. Mem, The 13th Part. Represents the psalmist's ardent affection to God's law, ver. 97; because that, (1.) Thereby he had attained much useful knowledge and wisdom, ver. 98-100. (2.) Thereby he was enabled to refrain from, and hate sin, ver. 101, 104. (3.) Thereby he was preserved steady in the path of his duty, ver. 101-02. (4.) And thereby he obtained much comfort to his soul, ver. 103. 97 O how love I thy law! it is my study all the day: 98 It makes me wiser than my foes; for it doth with me stay. 99 Than all my teachers now I have more understanding far; Because my meditation thy testimonies are. 100 In understanding I excel those that are ancients; For I endeavoured to keep all thy commandements. 101 My feet from each ill way I stay'd, that I may keep thy word. 102 I from thy judgments have not swerv'd; for thou hast taught me, Lord. 103 How sweet unto my taste, O Lord, are all thy words of truth! Yea, I do find them sweeter far than honey to my mouth. 104 I through thy precepts, that are pure, do understanding get; I therefore ev'ry way that's false with all my heart do hate. Nun, The 14th Part. Represents, (1.) The remarkable usefulness of God's word, ver. 105. (2.) David's solemn dedication of himself to his service, ver. 106. (3.) His recourse to God by prayer under his afflictions, ver. 107-08. (4.) His faithful adherence to the Lord's way, amidst trouble and persecution, ver. 109-10. (5.) His solemn and deliberate choice of God's word for his portion and rule, ver. 111-12. 105 Thy word is to my feet a lamp, and to my path a light. 106 I sworn have, and I will perform, to keep thy judgments right. 107 I am with sore affliction ev'n overwhelm'd, O Lord: In mercy raise and quicken me, according to thy word. 108 The free-will-off 'rings of my mouth accept, I thee beseech: And unto me thy servant, Lord, thy judgments clearly teach. 109 Though still my soul be in my hand, thy laws I'll not forget. 110 I err'd not from them, though for me the wicked snares did set. 111 I of thy testimonies have above all things made choice, To be my heritage for aye; for they my heart rejoice. 112 I carefully inclined have my heart still to attend; That I thy statutes may perform alway unto the end. Samech, The 15th Part. We have here, (1.) David's hatred of sin, and love of God's law, ver. 113. (2.) His profession of dependence upon God, ver. 114. (3.) His debarring of wicked men from his company, ver. 115. (4.) His prayer for support, comfort, and honour, in the Lord's way, ver. 116-17. (5.) His foresight of, and trembling at the ruin of the wicked, ver. 118-20. 113 I hate the thoughts of vanity, but love thy law do I. 114 My shield and hiding-place thou art: I on thy word rely. 115 All ye that evil-doers are from me depart away; For the commandments of my God I purpose to obey. 116 According to thy faithful word uphold and stablish me, That I may live, and of my hope ashamed never be. 117 Hold thou me up, so shall I be in peace and safety still; And to thy statutes have respect continually I will. 118 Thou tread'st down all that love to stray; false their deceit doth prove. 119 Lewd men, like dross, away thou putt'st; therefore thy law I love. 120 For fear of thee my very flesh doth tremble, all dismay'd; And of thy righteous judgments, Lord, my soul is much afraid. Ain, The 16th Part. Here David, (1.) Appeals to God for his integrity and equity, ver. 121. (2.) Supplicates that God would protect him against enemies; grant him merciful deliverance, and saving instruction; and arise for the maintenance of his own honour, ver. 121-26. (3.) Enforces his requests with these pleas that he was God's servant; and that he could no longer bear up under trouble, ver. 122-25. (4.) Professeth his superlative regard to God's law, and hatred of all iniquity, ver. 127-28. 121 To all men I have judgment done, performing justice right; Then let me not be left unto my fierce oppressors' might. 122 For good unto thy servant, Lord, thy servant's surety be: From the oppression of the proud do thou deliver me. 123 Mine eyes do fail with looking long for thy salvation, The word of thy pure righteousness while I do wait upon. 124 In mercy with thy servant deal, thy laws me teach and show. 125 I am thy servant, wisdom give, that I thy laws may know. 126 'Tis time thou work, Lord; for they have made void thy law divine. 127 Therefore thy precepts more I love than gold, yea, gold most fine. 128 Concerning all things thy commands all right I judge therefore; And ev'ry false and wicked way I perfectly abhor. Pe, The 17th Part. Here David, (1.) Declares his esteem of, and regard to God's word, ver. 129-31; and his deep concern for men's violation thereof, ver. 136. (2.) Supplicates for mercy, direction, preservation, deliverance, spiritual comfort, and instruction, ver. 132-35. 129 Thy statutes, Lord, are wonderful, my soul them keeps with care. 130 The entrance of thy words gives light, makes wise who simple are. 131 My mouth I have wide opened, and panted earnestly, While after thy commandements I long'd exceedingly. 132 Look on me, Lord, and merciful do thou unto me prove, As thou art wont to do to those thy name who truly love. 133 O let my footsteps in thy word aright still order'd be: Let no iniquity obtain dominion over me. 134 From man's oppression save thou me; so keep thy laws I will. 135 Thy face make on thy servant shine; teach me thy statutes still. 136 Rivers of waters from mine eyes did run down, when I saw How wicked men run on in sin, and do not keep thy law. Tzaddi, The 18th Part. Contains, (1.) David's celebration of the righteousness of God's nature and work, and of the righteousness, faithfulness, and purity of his word, ver. 137-38, 140, 142, 144. (2.) His avowed remembrance of, zeal for, and delight in God's word, notwithstanding much contempt and trouble, suffered on account of his adherence to it, ver. 139-43. (3.) His fervent prayer for spiritual instruction, ver. 144. 137 O Lord, thou art most righteous; thy judgments are upright. 138 Thy testimonies thou command'st most faithful are and right. 139 My zeal hath ev'n consumed me, because mine enemies Thy holy words forgotten have, and do thy laws despise. 140 Thy word's most pure, therefore on it thy servant's love is set. 141 Small, and despis'd I am, yet I thy precepts not forget. 142 Thy righteousness is righteousness which ever doth endure: Thy holy law, Lord, also is the very truth most pure. 143 Trouble and anguish have me found, and taken hold on me: Yet in my trouble my delight thy just commandments be. 144 Eternal righteousness is in thy testimonies all: Lord, to me understanding give, and ever live I shall. Koph, The 19th Part. Contains, (1.) David's importunate supplications for gracious audience, necessary salvation, and quickening influence, ver. 145-47, 149. (2.) His hopes in, and meditations on God's word as perfectly true, and perpetually stable, ver. 147-48, 151-52. (3.) In danger from wicked men, he flees to God for relief, ver. 149-51. 145 With my whole heart I cry'd, Lord, hear; I will thy word obey. 146 I cry'd to thee; save me, and I will keep thy laws alway. 147 I of the morning did prevent the dawning, and did cry: For all mine expectation did on thy word rely. 148 Mine eyes did timeously prevent the watches of the night, That in thy word with careful mind then meditate I might. 149 After thy loving-kindness hear my voice, that calls on thee: According to thy judgment, Lord, revive and quicken me. 150 Who follow mischief they draw nigh; they from thy law are far: 151 But thou art near, Lord; most firm truth all thy commandments are. 152 As for thy testimonies all, of old this have I try'd, That thou hast surely founded them for ever to abide. Resh, The 20th Part. Contains, (1.) David's cries to God that he would consider his affliction, plead his cause, deliver him, and quicken his soul, ver. 153-54, 156, 159. (2.) His adherence to, love for, and high esteem of God's word, ver. 153-54, 157, 159-60. (3.) His description of the character and misery of the wicked, ver. 155, 157-58. 153 Consider mine affliction, in safety do me set: Deliver me, O Lord, for I thy law do not forget. 154 After thy word revive thou me: save me, and plead my cause. 155 Salvation is from sinners far; for they seek not thy laws. 156 O Lord, both great and manifold thy tender mercies be: According to thy judgments just, revive and quicken me. 157 My persecutors many are, and foes that do combine; Yet from thy testimonies pure my heart doth not decline. 158 I saw transgressors, and was griev'd; for they keep not thy word. 159 See how I love thy law! as thou art kind, me quicken, Lord. 160 From the beginning all thy word hath been most true and sure: Thy righteous judgments ev'ry one for evermore endure. Schin, The 21st Part. Here, (1.) David complains to God of persecution from princes, ver. 161. (2.) Professeth his holy awe of, his delight in, love to, and careful observance of God's testimonies, and his utter detestation of falsehood, ver. 161-68. (3.) Avows his persuasion of the happiness of the godly, and his own hopes of God's salvation, ver. 165-66. 161 Princes have persecuted me, although no cause they saw: But still of thy most holy word my heart doth stand in awe. 162 I at thy word rejoice, as one of spoil that finds great store. 163 Thy law I love; but lying all I hate and do abhor. 164 Sev'n times a-day it is my care to give due praise to thee; Because of all thy judgments, Lord, which righteous ever be. 165 Great peace have they who love thy law; offence they shall have none. 166 I hop'd for thy salvation, Lord, and thy commands have done. 167 My soul thy testimonies pure observed carefully; On them my heart is set, and them I love exceedingly. 168 Thy testimonies and thy laws I kept with special care; For all my works and ways each one before thee open are. Tau, The 22nd Part. Here, (1.) David's prayers for access to God, and for instruction, deliverance, help, and recovery, from God, ver. 169-70, 173, 175-76. (2.) Hearty professions of his regard to God's word, and to the salvation therein contained, ver. 169-76. (3.) His humble confession of his wandering from God, and desire to be brought back, ver. 176. 169 O let my earnest pray'r and cry come near before thee, Lord: Give understanding unto me, according to thy word. 170 Let my request before thee come: after thy word me free. 171 My lips shall utter praise, when thou hast taught thy laws to me. 172 My tongue of thy most blessed word shall speak, and it confess; Because all thy commandements are perfect righteousness. 173 Let thy strong hand make help to me: thy precepts are my choice. 174 I long'd for thy salvation, Lord, and in thy law rejoice. 175 O let my soul live, and it shall give praises unto thee; And let thy judgments gracious be helpful unto me. 176 I, like a lost sheep, went astray; thy servant seek, and find: For thy commands I suffer'd not to slip out of my mind.