Reading Plan · Day 178
Changes this passage only. Set your default for every passage.
Psalm 119
Day 178
Previously · Day 177 · Psalms 113-118
The previous day's reading covered the shortest psalm and the middle chapter of the Bible. We are now ready for the longest psalm which was also the longest chapter in the Bible...
Day 178 Read
Where You Stopped
Psalm 119
1Blessed are they that are perfect in the way, Who walk in the law of Jehovah.
1א ALEPH. Blessed are the undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the LORD.
Commentary · verse 1
2Blessed are they that keep his testimonies, That seek him with the whole heart.
3Yea, they do no unrighteousness; They walk in his ways.
2Blessed are they that keep his testimonies, and that seek him with the whole heart.
3They also do no iniquity: they walk in his ways.
Commentary · verses 2-3
When you make progress in God's ways, you will not do unrighteousness. This was principle driven: a focus on what to do. If we live by grace through faith, we will establish the Law and we will not sin.
4Thou hast commanded us thy precepts, That we should observe them diligently.
5Oh that my ways were established To observe thy statutes!
6Then shall I not be put to shame, When I have respect unto all thy commandments.
4Thou hast commanded us to keep thy precepts diligently.
5O that my ways were directed to keep thy statutes!
6Then shall I not be ashamed, when I have respect unto all thy commandments.
7I will give thanks unto thee with uprightness of heart, When I learn thy righteous judgments.
7I will praise thee with uprightness of heart, when I shall have learned thy righteous judgments.
Commentary · verse 7
We could understand God's Righteous Judgments.
8I will observe thy statutes: Oh forsake me not utterly. ב BETH.
9Wherewith shall a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed thereto according to thy word.
8I will keep thy statutes: O forsake me not utterly.
9ב BETH. Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word.
Commentary · verses 8-9
"Taking heed" according to God's Word led to cleanness. "Taking heed" meant to "keep, guard, observe." The effect of "taking heed" to God's Word was that His Word would be lived in your life.
10With my whole heart have I sought thee: Oh let me not wander from thy commandments.
11Thy word have I laid up in my heart, That I might not sin against thee.
10With my whole heart have I sought thee: O let me not wander from thy commandments.
11Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.
Commentary · verses 10-11
Having God's Word in your heart would lead to Righteousness, and not sinning.
12Blessed art thou, O Jehovah: Teach me thy statutes.
13With my lips have I declared All the ordinances of thy mouth.
14I have rejoiced in the way of thy testimonies, As much as in all riches.
15I will meditate on thy precepts, And have respect unto thy ways.
12Blessed art thou, O LORD: teach me thy statutes.
13With my lips have I declared all the judgments of thy mouth.
14I have rejoiced in the way of thy testimonies, as much as in all riches.
15I will meditate in thy precepts, and have respect unto thy ways.
Commentary · verses 12-15
The psalmist stated he would "meditate" on God's precepts and have respect on His ways. When the word "meditate" is understood at its root level, including etymology, it means "to think deeply and speak out loud." Meditating facilitates every part of our brain to be involved.
16I will delight myself in thy statutes: I will not forget thy word. ג GIMEL.
17Deal bountifully with thy servant, that I may live; So will I observe thy word.
18Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold Wondrous things out of thy law.
16I will delight myself in thy statutes: I will not forget thy word.
17ג GIMEL. Deal bountifully with thy servant, that I may live, and keep thy word.
18Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law.
Commentary · verses 16-18
The psalmist wanted to be aware and understand God's Law.
19I am a sojourner in the earth: Hide not thy commandments from me.
20My soul breaketh for the longing That it hath unto thine ordinances at all times.
21Thou hast rebuked the proud that are cursed, That do wander from thy commandments.
19I am a stranger in the earth: hide not thy commandments from me.
20My soul breaketh for the longing that it hath unto thy judgments at all times.
21Thou hast rebuked the proud that are cursed, which do err from thy commandments.
Commentary · verses 19-21
God confronted those who were proud and those who walked away from Him. It would never be God's fault if someone was not humble or did not walk in His commands.
22Take away from me reproach and contempt; For I have kept thy testimonies.
23Princes also sat and talked against me; But thy servant did meditate on thy statutes.
22Remove from me reproach and contempt; for I have kept thy testimonies.
23Princes also did sit and speak against me: but thy servant did meditate in thy statutes.
Commentary · verses 22-23
The psalmist responded to affliction from princes by meditating on God's Word.
24Thy testimonies also are my delight And my counsellors. ד DALETH.
25My soul cleaveth unto the dust: Quicken thou me according to thy word.
24Thy testimonies also are my delight and my counsellors.
25ד DALETH. My soul cleaveth unto the dust: quicken thou me according to thy word.
Commentary · verses 24-25
"Quicken" meant to "be restored to life." The psalmist understood that God's Word brought life: the ability to repair.
26I declared my ways, and thou answeredst me: Teach me thy statutes.
27Make me to understand the way of thy precepts: So shall I meditate on thy wondrous works.
28My soul melteth for heaviness: Strengthen thou me according unto thy word.
26I have declared my ways, and thou heardest me: teach me thy statutes.
27Make me to understand the way of thy precepts: so shall I talk of thy wondrous works.
28My soul melteth for heaviness: strengthen thou me according unto thy word.
Commentary · verses 26-28
The psalmist asked for God's strength in a time of burden.
29Remove from me the way of falsehood; And grant me thy law graciously.
30I have chosen the way of faithfulness: Thine ordinances have I set before me.
31I cleave unto thy testimonies: O Jehovah, put me not to shame.
29Remove from me the way of lying: and grant me thy law graciously.
30I have chosen the way of truth: thy judgments have I laid before me.
31I have stuck unto thy testimonies: O LORD, put me not to shame.
Commentary · verses 29-31
Another example of "cleave" being used for something as more excellent. The psalmist recognized that God's testimonies were more excellent than him. If he served God by putting God's testimonies before himself, it would cause him to be more excellent and not put to shame.
32I will run the way of thy commandments, When thou shalt enlarge my heart. ה HE.
33Teach me, O Jehovah, the way of thy statutes; And I shall keep it unto the end.
34Give me understanding, and I shall keep thy law; Yea, I shall observe it with my whole heart.
32I will run the way of thy commandments, when thou shalt enlarge my heart.
33ה HE. Teach me, O LORD, the way of thy statutes; and I shall keep it unto the end.
34Give me understanding, and I shall keep thy law; yea, I shall observe it with my whole heart.
Commentary · verses 32-34
The psalmist knew he would need to understand (the WHY, the cause, the definitions) of God's Law in order to intentionally do them.
35Make me to go in the path of thy commandments; For therein do I delight.
36Incline my heart unto thy testimonies, And not to covetousness.
37Turn away mine eyes from beholding vanity, And quicken me in thy ways.
35Make me to go in the path of thy commandments; for therein do I delight.
36Incline my heart unto thy testimonies, and not to covetousness.
37Turn away mine eyes from beholding vanity; and quicken thou me in thy way.
Commentary · verses 35-37
The psalmist wanted to focus and look on God, not on fleshly things.
38Confirm unto thy servant thy word, Which is in order unto the fear of thee.
39Turn away my reproach whereof I am afraid; For thine ordinances are good.
40Behold, I have longed after thy precepts: Quicken me in thy righteousness. ו VAV.
38Stablish thy word unto thy servant, who is devoted to thy fear.
39Turn away my reproach which I fear: for thy judgments are good.
40Behold, I have longed after thy precepts: quicken me in thy righteousness.
Commentary · verses 38-40
He wanted to be quickened (given life; repair) by God's Righteousness.
41Let thy lovingkindnesses also come unto me, O Jehovah, Even thy salvation, according to thy word.
42So shall I have an answer for him that reproacheth me; For I trust in thy word.
41ו VAU. Let thy mercies come also unto me, O LORD, even thy salvation, according to thy word.
42So shall I have wherewith to answer him that reproacheth me: for I trust in thy word.
Commentary · verses 41-42
God's Word had answers. However, we must understand (the WHY) God's Word in order to know those answers.
43And take not the word of truth utterly out of my mouth; For I have hoped in thine ordinances.
44So shall I observe thy law continually For ever and ever.
45And I shall walk at liberty; For I have sought thy precepts.
46I will also speak of thy testimonies before kings, And shall not be put to shame.
43And take not the word of truth utterly out of my mouth; for I have hoped in thy judgments.
44So shall I keep thy law continually for ever and ever.
45And I will walk at liberty: for I seek thy precepts.
46I will speak of thy testimonies also before kings, and will not be ashamed.
Commentary · verses 43-46
The psalmist stated he would walk in God's Law and speak of His testimonies, even to the kings.
47And I will delight myself in thy commandments, Which I have loved.
48I will lift up my hands also unto thy commandments, which I have loved; And I will meditate on thy statutes. ז ZAYIN.
49Remember the word unto thy servant, Because thou hast made me to hope.
50This is my comfort in my affliction; For thy word hath quickened me.
47And I will delight myself in thy commandments, which I have loved.
48My hands also will I lift up unto thy commandments, which I have loved; and I will meditate in thy statutes.
49ז ZAIN. Remember the word unto thy servant, upon which thou hast caused me to hope.
50This is my comfort in my affliction: for thy word hath quickened me.
Commentary · verses 47-50
God's Word brought him comfort, even in affliction because God's Word brought him life: the ability to repair.
51The proud have had me greatly in derision: Yet have I not swerved from thy law.
52I have remembered thine ordinances of old, O Jehovah, And have comforted myself.
51The proud have had me greatly in derision: yet have I not declined from thy law.
52I remembered thy judgments of old, O LORD; and have comforted myself.
Commentary · verses 51-52
God's Word comforted this man when he was in derision (to scorn, talk arrogantly). His response to abuse from the proud was to think on God's Word.
53Hot indignation hath taken hold upon me, Because of the wicked that forsake thy law.
54Thy statutes have been my songs In the house of my pilgrimage.
55I have remembered thy name, O Jehovah, in the night, And have observed thy law.
56This I have had, Because I have kept thy precepts. ח HHETH.
57Jehovah is my portion: I have said that I would observe thy words.
58I entreated thy favor with my whole heart: Be merciful unto me according to thy word.
59I thought on my ways, And turned my feet unto thy testimonies.
53Horror hath taken hold upon me because of the wicked that forsake thy law.
54Thy statutes have been my songs in the house of my pilgrimage.
55I have remembered thy name, O LORD, in the night, and have kept thy law.
56This I had, because I kept thy precepts.
57ח CHETH. Thou art my portion, O LORD: I have said that I would keep thy words.
58I intreated thy favour with my whole heart: be merciful unto me according to thy word.
59I thought on my ways, and turned my feet unto thy testimonies.
Commentary · verses 53-59
The psalmist said he would walk in God's Word, and he did.
60I made haste, and delayed not, To observe thy commandments.
61The cords of the wicked have wrapped me round; But I have not forgotten thy law.
60I made haste, and delayed not to keep thy commandments.
61The bands of the wicked have robbed me: but I have not forgotten thy law.
Commentary · verses 60-61
This man was being surrounded and smothered by the wicked and he still remembered God's Law.
62At midnight I will rise to give thanks unto thee Because of thy righteous ordinances.
62At midnight I will rise to give thanks unto thee because of thy righteous judgments.
Commentary · verse 62
The psalmist gave thanks to God because of His Righteousness.
63I am a companion of all them that fear thee, And of them that observe thy precepts.
64The earth, O Jehovah, is full of thy lovingkindness: Teach me thy statutes. ט TETH.
65Thou hast dealt well with thy servant, O Jehovah, according unto thy word.
66Teach me good judgment and knowledge; For I have believed in thy commandments.
63I am a companion of all them that fear thee, and of them that keep thy precepts.
64The earth, O LORD, is full of thy mercy: teach me thy statutes.
65ט TETH. Thou hast dealt well with thy servant, O LORD, according unto thy word.
66Teach me good judgment and knowledge: for I have believed thy commandments.
Commentary · verses 63-66
The psalmist wanted to be taught (understand) Right and Just judgment and knowledge because he was firmly convinced (believed) in God's commands.
67Before I was afflicted I went astray; But now I observe thy word.
67Before I was afflicted I went astray: but now have I kept thy word.
Commentary · verse 67
The affliction he experienced caused him to go towards God. How do you respond to affliction?
68Thou art good, and doest good; Teach me thy statutes.
68Thou art good, and doest good; teach me thy statutes.
Commentary · verse 68
God was Good (Right and Just) and as an effect, always did Good: Right and Just.
69The proud have forged a lie against me: With my whole heart will I keep thy precepts.
70Their heart is as fat as grease; But I delight in thy law.
71It is good for me that I have been afflicted; That I may learn thy statutes.
69The proud have forged a lie against me: but I will keep thy precepts with my whole heart.
70Their heart is as fat as grease; but I delight in thy law.
71It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn thy statutes.
Commentary · verses 69-71
Not only did the affliction this man experienced cause him to go towards God, he saw the affliction as good because it caused Him to learn God's statutes.
Doctrines on this passage
72The law of thy mouth is better unto me Than thousands of gold and silver. י YODH.
73Thy hands have made me and fashioned me: Give me understanding, that I may learn thy commandments.
72The law of thy mouth is better unto me than thousands of gold and silver.
73י JOD. Thy hands have made me and fashioned me: give me understanding, that I may learn thy commandments.
Commentary · verses 72-73
The psalmist first recognized God as his Creator and then asked for understanding.
74They that fear thee shall see me and be glad, Because I have hoped in thy word.
75I know, O Jehovah, that thy judgments are righteous, And that in faithfulness thou hast afflicted me.
74They that fear thee will be glad when they see me; because I have hoped in thy word.
75I know, O LORD, that thy judgments are right, and that thou in faithfulness hast afflicted me.
Commentary · verses 74-75
When God equaled out Justice it was done Righteously.
76Let, I pray thee, thy lovingkindness be for my comfort, According to thy word unto thy servant.
77Let thy tender mercies come unto me, that I may live; For thy law is my delight.
78Let the proud be put to shame; for they have overthrown me wrongfully: But I will meditate on thy precepts.
76Let, I pray thee, thy merciful kindness be for my comfort, according to thy word unto thy servant.
77Let thy tender mercies come unto me, that I may live: for thy law is my delight.
78Let the proud be ashamed; for they dealt perversely with me without a cause: but I will meditate in thy precepts.
Commentary · verses 76-78
Even after being overthrown, this man meditated on God's precepts: God's Law.
79Let those that fear thee turn unto me; And they shall know thy testimonies.
80Let my heart be perfect in thy statutes, That I be not put to shame. כ KAPH.
81My soul fainteth for thy salvation; But I hope in thy word.
82Mine eyes fail for thy word, While I say, When wilt thou comfort me?
83For I am become like a wine-skin in the smoke; Yet do I not forget thy statutes.
79Let those that fear thee turn unto me, and those that have known thy testimonies.
80Let my heart be sound in thy statutes; that I be not ashamed.
81כ CAPH. My soul fainteth for thy salvation: but I hope in thy word.
82Mine eyes fail for thy word, saying, When wilt thou comfort me?
83For I am become like a bottle in the smoke; yet do I not forget thy statutes.
Commentary · verses 79-83
In those days, in the Eastern Countries, bottles were made from skins. To dry them out, they were hung in smoke and became parched. The psalmist compared himself to a wine skin because he felt exhausted from the constant troubles he had gone through.
84How many are the days of thy servant? When wilt thou execute judgment on them that persecute me?
84How many are the days of thy servant? when wilt thou execute judgment on them that persecute me?
Commentary · verse 84
God was merciful; He postponed judgment. Have you ever asked God when He would judge those who have hurt you?
85The proud have digged pits for me, Who are not according to thy law.
86All thy commandments are faithful: They persecute me wrongfully; help thou me.
87They had almost consumed me upon earth; But I forsook not thy precepts.
88Quicken me after thy lovingkindness; So shall I observe the testimony of thy mouth. ל LAMEDH.
85The proud have digged pits for me, which are not after thy law.
86All thy commandments are faithful: they persecute me wrongfully; help thou me.
87They had almost consumed me upon earth; but I forsook not thy precepts.
88Quicken me after thy lovingkindness; so shall I keep the testimony of thy mouth.
Commentary · verses 85-88
The psalmist had been persecuted wrongfully and asked God for help and did not forsake God's precepts.
89For ever, O Jehovah, Thy word is settled in heaven.
89ל LAMED. For ever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven.
Commentary · verse 89
God's Word was eternal. God's Word was spiritual.
90Thy faithfulness is unto all generations: Thou hast established the earth, and it abideth.
91They abide this day according to thine ordinances; For all things are thy servants.
90Thy faithfulness is unto all generations: thou hast established the earth, and it abideth.
91They continue this day according to thine ordinances: for all are thy servants.
Commentary · verses 90-91
God was the Creator and we lived because of Him.
92Unless thy law had been my delight, I should then have perished in mine affliction.
93I will never forget thy precepts; For with them thou hast quickened me.
92Unless thy law had been my delights, I should then have perished in mine affliction.
93I will never forget thy precepts: for with them thou hast quickened me.
Commentary · verses 92-93
The psalmist recognized that God's Law saved his life. He stated he would not forget God's precepts because they were what gave him life.
94I am thine, save me; For I have sought thy precepts.
95The wicked have waited for me, to destroy me; But I will consider thy testimonies.
96I have seen an end of all perfection; But thy commandment is exceeding broad. מ MEM.
97Oh how love I thy law! It is my meditation all the day.
94I am thine, save me; for I have sought thy precepts.
95The wicked have waited for me to destroy me: but I will consider thy testimonies.
96I have seen an end of all perfection: but thy commandment is exceeding broad.
97מ MEM. O how love I thy law! it is my meditation all the day.
Commentary · verses 94-97
How often do you think deeply about and speak God's Word?
98Thy commandments make me wiser than mine enemies; For they are ever with me.
98Thou through thy commandments hast made me wiser than mine enemies: for they are ever with me.
Commentary · verse 98
God's commandments caused us to be wise: to make profitable decisions.
99I have more understanding than all my teachers; For thy testimonies are my meditation.
100I understand more than the aged, Because I have kept thy precepts.
99I have more understanding than all my teachers: for thy testimonies are my meditation.
100I understand more than the ancients, because I keep thy precepts.
Commentary · verses 99-100
The psalmist understood more than those older than him because he understood God's Word.
101I have refrained my feet from every evil way, That I might observe thy word.
102I have not turned aside from thine ordinances; For thou hast taught me.
101I have refrained my feet from every evil way, that I might keep thy word.
102I have not departed from thy judgments: for thou hast taught me.
Commentary · verses 101-102
God was this man's teacher and that was WHY he was wise.
103How sweet are thy words unto my taste! Yea, sweeter than honey to my mouth!
104Through thy precepts I get understanding: Therefore I hate every false way. נ NUN.
103How sweet are thy words unto my taste! yea, sweeter than honey to my mouth!
104Through thy precepts I get understanding: therefore I hate every false way.
Commentary · verses 103-104
God's Law, His Word, gave us understanding. God's Word gave the WHY.
105Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, And light unto my path.
105נ NUN. Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.
Commentary · verse 105
God's Word would direct you in the right way to go. God's Word gave us right HOW's and right WHY's.
106I have sworn, and have confirmed it, That I will observe thy righteous ordinances.
107I am afflicted very much: Quicken me, O Jehovah, according unto thy word.
106I have sworn, and I will perform it, that I will keep thy righteous judgments.
107I am afflicted very much: quicken me, O LORD, according unto thy word.
Commentary · verses 106-107
Again, affliction came and this man asked God to give him life according to God's Word.
108Accept, I beseech thee, the freewill-offerings of my mouth, O Jehovah, And teach me thine ordinances.
109My soul is continually in my hand; Yet do I not forget thy law.
110The wicked have laid a snare for me; Yet have I not gone astray from thy precepts.
111Thy testimonies have I taken as a heritage for ever; For they are the rejoicing of my heart.
108Accept, I beseech thee, the freewill offerings of my mouth, O LORD, and teach me thy judgments.
109My soul is continually in my hand: yet do I not forget thy law.
110The wicked have laid a snare for me: yet I erred not from thy precepts.
111Thy testimonies have I taken as an heritage for ever: for they are the rejoicing of my heart.
Commentary · verses 108-111
The psalmist took God's testimonies as a "heritage." "Heritage" meant "possession, to acquire." This man saw God's testimonies as something that belonged to him, something God had given him and he inherited.
112I have inclined my heart to perform thy statutes For ever, even unto the end. ס SAMEKH.
113I hate them that are of a double mind; But thy law do I love.
112I have inclined mine heart to perform thy statutes alway, even unto the end.
113ס SAMECH. I hate vain thoughts: but thy law do I love.
Commentary · verses 112-113
Those of a double mind were people who lived with apparent contradictions and suffered because of it. Notice how the psalmist contrasted double minded people with God's Law. God's Law and Word did not contradict.
114Thou art my hiding-place and my shield: I hope in thy word.
115Depart from me, ye evil-doers, That I may keep the commandments of my God.
116Uphold me according unto thy word, that I may live; And let me not be ashamed of my hope.
114Thou art my hiding place and my shield: I hope in thy word.
115Depart from me, ye evildoers: for I will keep the commandments of my God.
116Uphold me according unto thy word, that I may live: and let me not be ashamed of my hope.
Commentary · verses 114-116
The psalmist knew God's Word would give him life.
117Hold thou me up, and I shall be safe, And shall have respect unto thy statutes continually.
118Thou hast set at nought all them that err from thy statutes; For their deceit is falsehood.
119Thou puttest away all the wicked of the earth like dross: Therefore I love thy testimonies.
120My flesh trembleth for fear of thee; And I am afraid of thy judgments. ע AYIN.
117Hold thou me up, and I shall be safe: and I will have respect unto thy statutes continually.
118Thou hast trodden down all them that err from thy statutes: for their deceit is falsehood.
119Thou puttest away all the wicked of the earth like dross: therefore I love thy testimonies.
120My flesh trembleth for fear of thee; and I am afraid of thy judgments.
Commentary · verses 117-120
This man respected/revered God's Judgments.
121I have done justice and righteousness: Leave me not to mine oppressors.
121ע AIN. I have done judgment and justice: leave me not to mine oppressors.
Commentary · verse 121
Have you lived by God's Word enough to confidently tell Him that you have "done justice and righteousness"? God was Right and Just, so His Word ought to result in us doing justice and righteousness.
Doctrines on this passage
122Be surety for thy servant for good: Let not the proud oppress me.
123Mine eyes fail for thy salvation, And for thy righteous word.
124Deal with thy servant according unto thy lovingkindness, And teach me thy statutes.
125I am thy servant; give me understanding, That I may know thy testimonies.
122Be surety for thy servant for good: let not the proud oppress me.
123Mine eyes fail for thy salvation, and for the word of thy righteousness.
124Deal with thy servant according unto thy mercy, and teach me thy statutes.
125I am thy servant; give me understanding, that I may know thy testimonies.
Commentary · verses 122-125
The psalmist asked God to teach him and give him understanding. He wanted to know the WHY.
Doctrines on this passage
126It is time for Jehovah to work; For they have made void thy law.
126It is time for thee, LORD, to work: for they have made void thy law.
Commentary · verse 126
This verse made it clear that man could make God's Law, His Word, void!
127Therefore I love thy commandments Above gold, yea, above fine gold.
128Therefore I esteem all thy precepts concerning all things to be right; And I hate every false way. פ PE.
127Therefore I love thy commandments above gold; yea, above fine gold.
128Therefore I esteem all thy precepts concerning all things to be right; and I hate every false way.
Commentary · verses 127-128
"False ways" were man's traditions, which made the Word of God of none effect: void
129Thy testimonies are wonderful; Therefore doth my soul keep them.
129פ PE. Thy testimonies are wonderful: therefore doth my soul keep them.
Commentary · verse 129
God's testimonies were wonderful (marvelous, extraordinary) and that was WHY this man kept them.
130The opening of thy words giveth light; It giveth understanding unto the simple.
130The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple.
Commentary · verse 130
God was Light and the opening (unfolding) of His Words gave Light. Even the "simple" could and ought to understand God and His Word.
131I opened wide my mouth, and panted; For I longed for thy commandments.
132Turn thee unto me, and have mercy upon me, As thou usest to do unto those that love thy name.
133Establish my footsteps in thy word; And let not any iniquity have dominion over me.
131I opened my mouth, and panted: for I longed for thy commandments.
132Look thou upon me, and be merciful unto me, as thou usest to do unto those that love thy name.
133Order my steps in thy word: and let not any iniquity have dominion over me.
Commentary · verses 131-133
If our actions were established in God's Word, we would not let iniquity have rule over us.
134Redeem me from the oppression of man: So will I observe thy precepts.
135Make thy face to shine upon thy servant; And teach me thy statutes.
136Streams of water run down mine eyes, Because they observe not thy law. צ TSADHE.
134Deliver me from the oppression of man: so will I keep thy precepts.
135Make thy face to shine upon thy servant; and teach me thy statutes.
136Rivers of waters run down mine eyes, because they keep not thy law.
Commentary · verses 134-136
The psalmist was extremely saddened because of others not observing God's Law.
138Thou hast commanded thy testimonies in righteousness And very faithfulness.
139My zeal hath consumed me, Because mine adversaries have forgotten thy words.
140Thy word is very pure; Therefore thy servant loveth it.
138Thy testimonies that thou hast commanded are righteous and very faithful.
139My zeal hath consumed me, because mine enemies have forgotten thy words.
140Thy word is very pure: therefore thy servant loveth it.
Commentary · verses 138-140
God's Word was pure (Holy), it cleansed those who lived by it. This was WHY the psalmist loved God's Word.
141I am small and despised; Yet do I not forget thy precepts.
141I am small and despised: yet do not I forget thy precepts.
Commentary · verse 141
This man was humble.
142Thy righteousness is an everlasting righteousness, And thy law is truth.
142Thy righteousness is an everlasting righteousness, and thy law is the truth.
Commentary · verse 142
God's Righteousness was eternal and God's Law was truth. God's Law had a right WHAT with a right HOW/WHY.
143Trouble and anguish have taken hold on me; Yet thy commandments are my delight.
144Thy testimonies are righteous for ever: Give me understanding, and I shall live. ק QOPH.
143Trouble and anguish have taken hold on me: yet thy commandments are my delights.
144The righteousness of thy testimonies is everlasting: give me understanding, and I shall live.
Commentary · verses 143-144
The psalmist knew the power of knowing the WHY. Understanding (the WHY) gave life: the ability to repair.
145I have called with my whole heart; answer me, O Jehovah: I will keep thy statutes.
146I have called unto thee; save me, And I shall observe thy testimonies.
147I anticipated the dawning of the morning, and cried: I hoped in thy words.
148Mine eyes anticipated the night-watches, That I might meditate on thy word.
145ק KOPH. I cried with my whole heart; hear me, O LORD: I will keep thy statutes.
146I cried unto thee; save me, and I shall keep thy testimonies.
147I prevented the dawning of the morning, and cried: I hoped in thy word.
148Mine eyes prevent the night watches, that I might meditate in thy word.
Commentary · verses 145-148
The psalmist "anticipated" the dawn and the night. "Anticipated" meant "to meet, confront, go before." This meant he went towards these things intentionally because of his desire to focus on God's Word.
149Hear my voice according unto thy lovingkindness: Quicken me, O Jehovah, according to thine ordinances.
150They draw nigh that follow after wickedness; They are far from thy law.
151Thou art nigh, O Jehovah; And all thy commandments are truth.
149Hear my voice according unto thy lovingkindness: O LORD, quicken me according to thy judgment.
150They draw nigh that follow after mischief: they are far from thy law.
151Thou art near, O LORD; and all thy commandments are truth.
Commentary · verses 149-151
All of God's commandments were a right WHAT with a right HOW/WHY: truth.
152Of old have I known from thy testimonies, That thou hast founded them for ever. ר RESH.
153Consider mine affliction, and deliver me; For I do not forget thy law.
154Plead thou my cause, and redeem me: Quicken me according to thy word.
152Concerning thy testimonies, I have known of old that thou hast founded them for ever.
153ר RESH. Consider mine affliction, and deliver me: for I do not forget thy law.
154Plead my cause, and deliver me: quicken me according to thy word.
Commentary · verses 152-154
This man faced affliction and wanted deliverance and life according to God's Word.
155Salvation is far from the wicked; For they seek not thy statutes.
156Great are thy tender mercies, O Jehovah: Quicken me according to thine ordinances.
157Many are my persecutors and mine adversaries; Yet have I not swerved from thy testimonies.
158I beheld the treacherous, and was grieved, Because they observe not thy word.
159Consider how I love thy precepts: Quicken me, O Jehovah, according to thy lovingkindness.
160The sum of thy word is truth; And every one of thy righteous ordinances endureth for ever. ש SHIN.
155Salvation is far from the wicked: for they seek not thy statutes.
156Great are thy tender mercies, O LORD: quicken me according to thy judgments.
157Many are my persecutors and mine enemies; yet do I not decline from thy testimonies.
158I beheld the transgressors, and was grieved; because they kept not thy word.
159Consider how I love thy precepts: quicken me, O LORD, according to thy lovingkindness.
160Thy word is true from the beginning: and every one of thy righteous judgments endureth for ever.
Commentary · verses 155-160
"The sum of thy word is truth" meant that God's Word was/is true from the beginning. God's Word was and is always truth: right WHAT with a right HOW/WHY.
161Princes have persecuted me without a cause; But my heart standeth in awe of thy words.
161ש SCHIN. Princes have persecuted me without a cause: but my heart standeth in awe of thy word.
Commentary · verse 161
The psalmist was persecuted "without a cause" and his heart was still in awe of God's Word.
162I rejoice at thy word, As one that findeth great spoil.
163I hate and abhor falsehood; But thy law do I love.
162I rejoice at thy word, as one that findeth great spoil.
163I hate and abhor lying: but thy law do I love.
Commentary · verses 162-163
This man hated wrong WHAT's but loved God's Law, which was a right WHAT with a right HOW/WHY.
164Seven times a day do I praise thee, Because of thy righteous ordinances.
164Seven times a day do I praise thee because of thy righteous judgments.
Commentary · verse 164
How often do you praise God?
165Great peace have they that love thy law; And they have no occasion of stumbling.
166I have hoped for thy salvation, O Jehovah, And have done thy commandments.
167My soul hath observed thy testimonies; And I love them exceedingly.
168I have observed thy precepts and thy testimonies; For all my ways are before thee. ת TAV.
165Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them.
166LORD, I have hoped for thy salvation, and done thy commandments.
167My soul hath kept thy testimonies; and I love them exceedingly.
168I have kept thy precepts and thy testimonies: for all my ways are before thee.
Commentary · verses 165-168
God was aware of all of our ways/actions.
169Let my cry come near before thee, O Jehovah: Give me understanding according to thy word.
170Let my supplication come before thee: Deliver me according to thy word.
169ת TAU. Let my cry come near before thee, O LORD: give me understanding according to thy word.
170Let my supplication come before thee: deliver me according to thy word.
Commentary · verses 169-170
God's Word gave understanding and deliverance.
171Let my lips utter praise; For thou teachest me thy statutes.
172Let my tongue sing of thy word; For all thy commandments are righteousness.
173Let thy hand be ready to help me; For I have chosen thy precepts.
174I have longed for thy salvation, O Jehovah; And thy law is my delight.
175Let my soul live, and it shall praise thee; And let thine ordinances help me.
176I have gone astray like a lost sheep; seek thy servant; For I do not forget thy commandments.
171My lips shall utter praise, when thou hast taught me thy statutes.
172My tongue shall speak of thy word: for all thy commandments are righteousness.
173Let thine hand help me; for I have chosen thy precepts.
174I have longed for thy salvation, O LORD; and thy law is my delight.
175Let my soul live, and it shall praise thee; and let thy judgments help me.
176I have gone astray like a lost sheep; seek thy servant; for I do not forget thy commandments.
Commentary · verses 171-176
The psalmist spoke to God as his Shepherd and felt like a lost sheep.
Commentary · verse 176
This day's reading covered the longest chapter in the Bible.
Blessed were those who were perfect (maximum profitability) and who walked (made progress) in the Law of God.