PSALM CXIX _The various excellencies and important uses of the law or_ _revelation of God._ NOTES ON PSALM CXIX This is another of the _alphabetical_ or _acrostic_ Psalms. It is divided into _twenty-two_ parts, answering to the _number_ of letters in the _Hebrew alphabet_. Every _part_ is divide... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 119:3. _THEY ALSO DO NO INIQUITY_] They avoid all idolatry, injustice, and wrong; and they walk in God's ways, not in those ways to which an evil heart might entice them, nor those in which the thoughtless and the profligate tread.... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 119:4. _THY PRECEPTS DILIGENTLY._] מאד _meod_, "superlatively, to the uttermost." God has never given a commandment, the observance of which he knew to be _impossible_. And to whatsoever he has commanded he requires _obedience_; and _his grace is sufficient_ _for us_. We must not trifle... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 119:5. _O THAT MY WAYS WERE DIRECTED_] "I wish that my way may be _confirmed_ to _keep thy statutes_." Without thee I can do nothing; my soul is _unstable_ and _fickle_; and it will continue _weak_ and _uncertain_ till thou _strengthen_ and establish it.... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 119:6. _THEN SHALL I NOT BE ASHAMED_] Every act of transgression in the wicked man tends to _harden his heart_; and render it _callous_. If a man who fears God is so unhappy as to fall into sin, his conscience reproaches him, and he is _ashamed_ before God and man. This is a full proof... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 119:8. _O FORSAKE ME NOT UTTERLY._] עד מאד _ad meod_, "to utter dereliction;" never leave me to my own strength, nor to my own heart! ANALYSIS OF LETTER ALEPH. - _FIRST DIVISION_ I. In this first _octonary_ the prophet commends to us the law of God, and persuades us to practise it by... [ Continue Reading ]
LETTER: ב BETH - _SECOND DIVISION_ Verse Psalms 119:9. _A YOUNG MAN CLEANSE HIS WAY_] ארח _orach_, which we translate _way_ here, signifies a _track_, a _rut_, such as is made by the wheel of a cart or chariot. A _young sinner_ has no _broad beaten_ path; he has his _private ways_ of offence, his _... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 119:10. _WITH MY WHOLE HEART HAVE I SOUGHT THEE_] 4. He must _seek God_; make _earnest prayer_ and _supplication_ to him for Divine _light_, for a _tender conscience_, and for _strength_ to walk uprightly. 5. His _whole heart_; all his affections must be engaged here, or he cannot suc... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 119:11. _THY WORD HAVE I HID IN MY HEART_] 7. He must _treasure_ up those portions of _God's word_ in his mind and heart which speak against uncleanness of every kind; and that recommend purity, chastity, and holiness. The word of Christ should dwell _richly_ in him. If God's word be o... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 119:12. _BLESSED_ ART _THOU_] 8. He must _acknowledge the mercy of_ _God_, in so far preserving him from all the _consequences_ of his sin. 9. He should beg of him to become his _teacher_, that his heart and conscience might be _instructed_ in the _spirituality_ of his statutes.... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 119:13. _WITH MY LIPS HAVE I DECLARED_] 10. He should _declare_ to his own heart, and to all his _companions in iniquity_, God's _judgments_ against himself and them; that if his _long-suffering_ _mercy_ have not made a proper impression on their hearts, they may tremble at his approac... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 119:14. _I HAVE REJOICED_] 11. He must consider it his _chief_ _happiness_ to be found in the _path of obedience_, giving his whole heart and strength to God; and when enabled to do it, he should rejoice more in it than if he had gained thousands of gold and silver. O how great is the... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 119:15. _I WILL MEDITATE_] 12. He should encourage self-examination and reflection; and meditate frequently on God's words, works, and ways-and especially on his gracious dealings towards him. 13. He should _keep his eye_ upon _God's steps_; setting the example of his Saviour before h... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 119:16. _I WILL DELIGHT MYSELF_] The word is very emphatical: אשתעשע _eshtaasha, I will skip about and jump for joy_. 14. He must exult in God's word as his treasure, live in the spirit of obedience as his work, and ever glory in God, who has called him to such a _state_ of salvation.... [ Continue Reading ]
LETTER ג GIMEL. - _THIRD DIVISION_ Verse Psalms 119:17. _DEAL BOUNTIFULLY_] גמל _gemol, reward_ thy servant. Let him have the return of his faith and prayers, that the Divine _life_ may be preserved in his soul! Then he will keep thy word. From גמל _gamal_, to reward, c., comes the name of ג _gimel... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 119:18. _OPEN THOU MINE EYES_] גל עיני _gal eynai, reveal my_ _eyes_, illuminate my understanding, take away the veil that is on my heart, and then shall I see wonders in thy law. The Holy Scriptures are plain enough; but the heart of man is _darkened_ by sin. The _Bible_ does not so mu... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 119:19. _I_ AM _A STRANGER IN THE EARTH_] In the _land_. Being obliged to wander about from place to place, I am like a _stranger_ even in my _own country_. If it refer to the _captives_ in _Babylon_, it may mean that they felt themselves there as in a state of _exile_; for, although th... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 119:20. _MY SOUL BREAKETH_] We have a similar expression: _It_ _broke my heart, That is heart-breaking, She died of a broken_ _heart_. It expresses excessive longing, grievous disappointment, hopeless love, accumulated sorrow. By this we may see the _hungering_ and _thirsting_ which the... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 119:21. _THOU HAST REBUKED THE PROUD_] This was done often in the case of David; and was true also in reference to the Babylonians, who held the Israelites in subjection, and whose kings were among the proudest of human beings. Instead of זדים _zedim_, the _proud_, some MSS. read זרים _... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 119:22. _REMOVE FROM ME REPROACH AND CONTEMPT_] Of these the captives in Babylon had a more than ordinary load.... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 119:23. _PRINCES ALSO DID SIT_] It is very likely that the _nobles_ of Babylon did often, by wicked misrepresentations, render the minds of the kings of the empire evil affected towards the Jews.... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 119:24. _THY TESTIMONIES ALSO_ ARE - _my counsellors._] אנשי עצתי _anshey atsathi_, "the men of my counsel." I sit with them; and I consider every testimony thou hast given as a particular counsellor; one whose advice I especially need. The Analysis will farther explain the particular... [ Continue Reading ]
LETTER ד DALETH. - _FOURTH DIVISION_ Verse Psalms 119:25. _MY SOUL CLEAVETH UNTO THE DUST_] It would be best to translate נפשי _naphshi, my life_; and then _cleaving to the dust_ may imply an apprehension of _approaching death_; and this agrees best with the petition. _QUICKEN THOU ME_] חיני _chai... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 119:26. _I HAVE DECLARED MY WAYS_] ספרתי _sipparti_, "I have numbered my ways," I have searched them out; I have investigated them. And that he had earnestly prayed for pardon of what was wrong in them, is evident; for he adds, "Thou heardest me.... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 119:28. _MY SOUL MELTETH_] דלף _dalaph_ signifies _to distil_, to _drop_ as _tears from the eye_. As my distresses cause the _tears_ to _distil_ from my eyes, so the overwhelming load of my afflictions causes my life to _ebb_ and _leak_ out.... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 119:29. _THE WAY OF LYING_] The propensity to _falsity_ and _prevarication_, whatsoever is contrary to _truth_. _Remove me_ from its solicitations, and _remove_ it from _me_. "Grant me thy law graciously;" give it to me as a rule of moral conduct; but give it to me graciously through th... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 119:30. _I HAVE CHOSEN THE WAY OF TRUTH_] And that I may continue in its "remove from me the way of lying." See above.... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 119:31. _I HAVE STUCK_] דבקתי _dabakti_, I have _cleaved_ to, been _glued_ to, them: the same word as in Psalms 119:25. My _soul cleaves_ as much to _thy testimonies_, as my _life_ has _cleaved_ to the _dust_. _O LORD, PUT ME NOT TO SHAME._] Let my sins and follies be blotted out by th... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 119:32. _I WILL RUN_] The particle כי, which we translate _when_, should be translated _because: Because thou shalt enlarge_, or dilate, _my heart_; make plain my path by cleansing me from my impurity, and taking the hinderances out of my way. I _will_ then run without dread of stumblin... [ Continue Reading ]
LETTER ה HE. - _FIFTH DIVISION_ Verse Psalms 119:33. _TEACH ME, O LORD, THE WAY OF THY STATUTES_] To understand the spiritual reference of all the statutes, c, under the law, required a teaching which could only come from God. _I SHALL KEEP IT_ UNTO _THE END._] Here is a _good thing_ asked for a g... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 119:34. _WITH_ MY _WHOLE HEART._] I will not trifle with my God, I will not divide my affections with the world; God shall have all.... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 119:36. _NOT TO COVETOUSNESS._] Let me have no inordinate love for gain of any kind, nor for any thing that may grieve thy Spirit, or induce me to seek my happiness here _below_.... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 119:37. _FROM BEHOLDING VANITY_] An idol, worldly pleasure, beauty, finery; any thing that is vain, empty, or transitory. Let me not _behold_ it; let me not _dwell upon_ it. Let me remember _Achan:_ he _saw_, - he _coveted_, - he _took_, - he _hid_ his theft, and was _slain_ for his sin... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 119:38. _STABLISH THY WORD_] Fulfil the promises thou hast made to me.... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 119:39. _TURN AWAY MY REPROACH, WHICH I FEAR_] This may be understood of the reproach which a man may meet with in consequence of living a godly life, for such a life was never _fashionable_ in any _time_ or _country_. But I have found the following note on the passage: "I have done a _... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 119:40. _BEHOLD, I HAVE LONGED_] Thou searchest the heart; thou knowest that I have long desired thy salvation; thou seest that this desire still remains. Behold it! it is thy work; and through thy mercy I breathe after thy mercy. _QUICKEN ME_] I am _dying_; O give me the spirit of lif... [ Continue Reading ]
LETTER ו VAU. - _SIXTH DIVISION_ Verse Psalms 119:41. _LET THY MERCIES COME_] Let me speedily see the accomplishment of all my prayers! Let me have _thy salvation_-such a deliverance as it becomes thy greatness and goodness to impart. Let it be _according to thy word_-thy exceeding great and precio... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 119:42. _SO SHALL I HAVE WHEREWITH TO ANSWER_] Many say, "My hope in thy mercy is vain;" but when thou fulfillest thy promises to me, then shall I answer to the confusion of their infidelity.... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 119:43. _TAKE NOT THE WORD OF TRUTH_] Grant that the assurances which thy prophets have given to the people of approaching deliverance may not fall to the ground; let it appear that _they_ have spoken _thy mind_, and that _thou_ hast fulfilled _their word_.... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 119:45. _I WILL WALK AT LIBERTY_] When freed from the present bondage, we shall rejoice in obedience to thy testimonies; we shall _delight_ to keep all thy ordinances.... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 119:46. _I WILL SPEAK - BEFORE KINGS_] Dr. _Delaney_ supposes that this is spoken in reference to _Achish, king of Gath_, whom David had instructed in the Jewish religion; but we have already seen that it is most likely that the Psalm was compiled under the Babylonish captivity. But the... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 119:47. _THY COMMANDMENTS, WHICH I HAVE LOVED._] O shame to Christians who feel so little affection to the _Gospel of Christ_, when we see such cordial, conscientious, and inviolate attachment in a Jew to the laws and ordinances of Moses, that did not afford a thousandth part of the pri... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 119:48. _MY HANDS ALSO WILL I LIFT UP_] I will present every victim and sacrifice which the law requires. I will make prayer and supplication before thee, lifting up holy hands without wrath and doubting. ANALYSIS OF LETTER VAU. - _SIXTH DIVISION_ The psalmist prays for _mercy_, and p... [ Continue Reading ]
LETTER ז ZAIN. - _SEVENTH DIVISION_ Verse Psalms 119:49. _REMEMBER THE WORD_] Thou hast _promised_ to redeem us from our captivity; on that _word_ we have built our _hope_. _Remember_ that thou hast thus promised, and _see_ that we thus _hope_.... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 119:50. _THIS_ IS _MY COMFORT_] While enduring our harsh captivity, we anticipated our enlargement; and thy _word of promise_ was the _means_ of keeping our souls _alive_.... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 119:51. _THE PROUD HAVE HAD ME_] We have been treated, not only with oppressive _cruelty_, but also with _contempt_, because we still professed to _trust in thee_, the living God, who because of our transgressions hadst been greatly displeased with us; _yet we have_ _not declined from t... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 119:52. _I REMEMBERED THY JUDGMENTS OF OLD_] The word _judgments_ is here taken for _providential dealing_; and indeed _kind treatment_; that which God showed to the Hebrews in bearing with and blessing them. And it was the recollection of _these judgments_ that caused him to _comfort_... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 119:53. _HORROR HATH TAKEN HOLD UPON ME_] The word זלעפה _zilaphah_, which we render _horror_, is thought to signify the pestilential burning wind called by the Arabs _simoom_. Here it strongly marks the idea that the psalmist had of the destructive nature of _sin_; it is pestilential;... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 119:54. _THY STATUTES HAVE BEEN MY SONGS_] During our captivity all our consolation was derived from singing thy praises, and chanting among our fellow-captives portions of thy law, and the precepts it contains.... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 119:55. _I HAVE REMEMBERED THY NAME_] Thou art _Jehovah_; and as _our God_ thou hast made thyself known unto us. In the deepest _night_ of our affliction this has consoled me.... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 119:56. _THIS I HAD, BECAUSE I KEPT THY PRECEPTS._] Though thou didst leave us under the power of our enemies, yet thou hast not left us without the consolations of thy Spirit. ANALYSIS OF LETTER ZAIN. - _SEVENTH DIVISION_ In this part the psalmist - I. Prays. II. Shows his trust in... [ Continue Reading ]
LETTER ח CHETH. - _EIGHTH DIVISION_ Verse Psalms 119:57. THOU ART _MY PORTION, O LORD_] From the _fifty-seventh_ to the _sixtieth_ verse may be seen the _progress_ of the work of grace on the human heart, from the first dawn of heavenly light till the soul is filled with the fulness of God. But as... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 119:58. Psalms 119:60.... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 119:59. FIRST. - _I THOUGHT ON MY WAYS_] חשבתי _chashabti_, I deeply pondered them; I turned them upside down; I viewed my conduct on all sides. The word, as used here, is a metaphor taken from _embroidering_, where the _figure_ must appear the _same_ on the _one side_ as it does on the... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 119:60. THIRDLY. - _I MADE HASTE, AND DELAYED NOT_] He did this with the utmost _speed_; and did not trifle with his convictions, nor seek to drown the voice of conscience. The original word, which we translate _delayed not_, is amazingly emphatical. ולא התמהמהתי _velo hithmahmahti_, I... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 119:61. _THE BANDS OF THE WICKED HAVE ROBBED ME_] חבלי _chebley_, the _cables, cords_, or _snares_ of the wicked. They have _hunted_ us like wild beasts; many they have taken for prey, and many they have destroyed.... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 119:62. _AT MIDNIGHT I WILL RISE_] We are so overpowered with a sense of thy goodness, that in season and out of season we will return thee thanks.... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 119:63. _I_ AM _A COMPANION_] This was the natural consequence of his own conversion; he abandoned the workers of iniquity, and associated with them that feared the Lord.... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 119:64. _THE EARTH IS FULL OF THY MERCY_] What an astonishing operation has the grace of God! In the midst of want, poverty, affliction, and bondage, it makes those who possess it happy! When Christ dwells in the heart by faith, we have nothing but _goodness_ around us. Others may compl... [ Continue Reading ]
LETTER ט TETH. - _NINTH DIVISION_ Verse Psalms 119:65. _THOU HAST DEALT WELL WITH THY SERVANT_] Whatsoever thy word has promised, thou hast fulfilled. Every _servant_ of God can testify that God has done him nothing but _good_, and therefore he can speak _good_ of his name.... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 119:66. _TEACH ME GOOD JUDGMENT AND KNOWLEDGE_] טוב טעם ודעי למדני _tob taam vedaath lammnedeni_. _Teach me_ (to have) _a good taste and_ _discernment_. Let me see and know the importance of Divine things, and give me a _relish_ for them.... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 119:67. _BEFORE I WAS AFFLICTED I WENT ASTRAY_] Many have been humbled under affliction, and taught to know themselves and humble themselves before God, that probably without this could never have been saved; after this, they have been serious and faithful. _Affliction_ sanctified is a... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 119:68. _THOU_ ART _GOOD_] And because thou art good, _thou doest_ _good_; and because thou delightest to do good, _teach me thy_ _statutes_.... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 119:69. _THE PROUD HAVE FORGED A LIE_] The poor captives in Babylon had their conduct and motives continually misrepresented, and themselves belied and calumniated.... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 119:70. _THEIR HEART IS AS FAT AS GREASE_] They are egregiously stupid, they have fed themselves without fear; they are become _flesh-brutalized_, and given over to vile affections, and have no kind of _spiritual relish_: but _I delight in thy law _- I have, through thy goodness, a _spi... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 119:71. IT IS _GOOD FOR ME THAT I HAVE BEEN AFFLICTED_] See on Psalms 119:67.... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 119:72. _THE LAW OF THY MOUTH_ IS _BETTER_] Who can say this? Who _prefers_ the law of his God, the Christ that bought him, and the heaven to which he hopes to go, when he can live no longer upon earth, _to thousands of gold and silver_? Yea, how many are there who, like Judas, _sell th... [ Continue Reading ]
LETTER י YOD. - _TENTH DIVISION_ Verse Psalms 119:73. _THY HANDS HAVE MADE ME_] Thou hast formed the _mass_ out of which I was made; and _fashioned me _- thou hast given me that particular _form_ that distinguishes me from all thy other creatures. _GIVE ME UNDERSTANDING_] As thou hast raised me ab... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 119:74. _THEY THAT FEAR THEE_] They who are truly religious _will_ _be glad _- will rejoice, at this farther proof of the saving power of God.... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 119:75. _I KNOW - THAT THY JUDGMENTS_ ARE _RIGHT_] All the dispensations of thy providence are laid in _wisdom_, and executed in _mercy_: let me see that it is through this wisdom and mercy that I have been afflicted.... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 119:76. _THY MERCIFUL KINDNESS_] Let me derive my comfort and happiness from a diffusion of thy love and mercy, חסדך _chasdecha_, thy exuberant goodness, through my soul.... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 119:77. _LET THY TENDER MERCIES_] רחמיך _rachameycha, thy_ _fatherly and affectionate feelings_.... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 119:78. _LET THE PROUD BE ASHAMED_] To reduce a _proud man_ to _shame_, is to humble him indeed. Let them be _confounded_. _Without_ _cause _- without any colourable pretext, have they persecuted me.... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 119:79. _LET THOSE THAT FEAR THEE_] The truly pious. _TURN UNTO ME_] Seeing thy work upon me, they shall acknowledge me as a _brand plucked from the burning_.... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 119:80. _LET MY HEART BE SOUND IN THY STATUTES_] Let it be _perfect _- all given up to thee, and all possessed by thee. ANALYSIS OF LETTER YOD. - _TENTH DIVISION_ I. In the first place the psalmist prays for understanding, _comfort_, and _mercy_; and uses this argument, I am thy creat... [ Continue Reading ]
LETTER כ CAPH. - _ELEVENTH DIVISION_ Verse Psalms 119:81. _MY SOUL FAINTETH FOR THY SALVATION_] I have longed so incessantly after _thy salvation _- the complete purification and restoration of my soul, that my very spirits are exhausted. "My heartstrings groan with deep complaint; My soul lies p... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 119:82. _MINE EYES FAIL_] With _looking up_ for the fulfilment of thy promise, as my heart fails in longing after thy presence.... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 119:83. _LIKE A BOTTLE IN THE SMOKE_] In the eastern countries their _bottles_ are made of _skins_; one of these hung in the smoke must soon be _parched_ and _shrivelled up_. This represents the exhausted state of his body and mind by long bodily affliction and mental distress.... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 119:84. _HOW MANY_ ARE _THE DAYS OF THY SERVANTS_] Dost thou not know that I have few to live, and they are full of trouble? _WHEN WILT THOU EXECUTE JUDGMENT ON THEM THAT PERSECUTE ME?_] Shall not the pride of the Chaldeans be brought down, the arm of their strength broken, and thy peo... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 119:85. _THE PROUD HAVE DIGGED PITS_] The _Vulgate, Septuagint,_ _AEthiopic_, and _Arabic_, translate this verse thus: "They have recited to me unholy fables, which are not according to thy law." They wish us to receive their _system of idolatry_, and the _tales_ concerning their _gods_... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 119:87. _THEY HAD ALMOST CONSUMED ME_] Had it not been for thy mercy, we had all been destroyed under this oppressive captivity.... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 119:88. _QUICKEN ME_] Make and keep me _alive_. _SO SHALL I KEEP_] Without the spiritual _life_ there is no _obedience_; we must therefore rise from the _dead_, and be _quickened_ by the Spirit of Christ. ANALYSIS OF LETTER CAPH. - _ELEVENTH DIVISION_ I. In this section the psalmist... [ Continue Reading ]
LETTER ל LAMED. - _TWELFTH DIVISION_ Verse Psalms 119:89. _FOR EVER, O LORD, THY WORD IS SETTLED IN HEAVEN._] Thy purposes are all settled above, and they shall all be fulfilled below.... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 119:90. _THY FAITHFULNESS_] That which binds thee to accomplish the promise made. And this shall be, not for an age merely, but from generation to generation; for thy promises refer to the whole duration of time. _THOU HAST ESTABLISHED THE EARTH_] Thou hast given it its appointed place... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 119:91. _THEY CONTINUE THIS DAY_] This verse should be thus read: _All are thy servants; therefore, they continue this day_ _according to thy ordinances_. "All the celestial bodies are governed by thy power. Thou hast given an ordinance or appointment to each, and each fulfils thy will... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 119:92. _UNLESS THY LAW_ HAD BEEN _MY DELIGHTS_] Had we not had the consolations of religion, we should long ago have died of a broken heart.... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 119:93. _I WILL NEVER FORGET THY PRECEPTS_] How can I? It is by them I _live_.... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 119:94. _I_ AM _THINE, SAVE ME_] He who can say this need fear no evil. In all trials, temptations, dangers, afflictions, persecutions, I am thine. Thy enemies wish to destroy me! Lord, look to thy servant; thy servant looks to thee. O how sovereign is such a word against all the evils... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 119:96. _I HAVE SEEN AN END OF ALL PERFECTION_] Literally, "Of all consummations I have seen the end:" as if one should say, Every thing of human origin has its limits and end, howsoever extensive, noble, and excellent. All arts and sciences, languages, inventions, have their respectiv... [ Continue Reading ]
LETTER מ MEM. - _THIRTEENTH DIVISION_ Verse Psalms 119:97. _O HOW LOVE I THY LAW_] This is one of the strongest marks of a gracious and pious heart, cast in the mould of obedience. Such love the precepts of Christ: in his commandments they delight; and this delight is shown by their making them fre... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 119:98. _WISER THAN MINE ENEMIES_] Some have thought that this Psalm was composed by _Daniel_, and that he speaks of himself in these verses. Being instructed by God, he was found to have more _knowledge_ than any of the Chaldeans, magicians, soothsayers, c., c. and his wisdom soon appe... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 119:99. _I HAVE MORE UNDERSTANDING THAN ALL MY TEACHERS_] As he had entered into the spiritual nature of the law of God, and saw into the exceeding breadth of the commandment, he soon became wiser than any of the _priests_ or even _prophets_ who instructed him.... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 119:100. _I UNDERSTAND MORE THAN THE ANCIENTS_] God had revealed to him more of that _hidden wisdom_ which was in his law than he had done to any of his predecessors. And this was most literally true of _David_, who spoke more fully about _Christ_ than any who had gone before him; or, i... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 119:101. _I HAVE REFRAINED MY FEET_] By avoiding all sin, the spirit of wisdom still continues to rest upon me.... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 119:103. SWEETER _THAN HONEY TO MY MOUTH!_] What deep communion must this man have had with his Maker! These expressions show a soul filled with God. O Christians, how vastly _superior_ are our privileges! and alas! how vastly _inferior_ in general, are our consolations, our communion w... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 119:104. _THROUGH THY PRECEPTS I GET UNDERSTANDING_] Spiritual knowledge increases while we tread in the path of _obedience_. Obedience is the grand means of _growth_ and _instruction_. Obedience trades with the talent of grace, and thus grace becomes multiplied. ANALYSIS OF LETTER MEM... [ Continue Reading ]
LETTER נ NUN. - _FOURTEENTH DIVISION_ Verse Psalms 119:105. _THY WORD_ IS _A LAMP_] This is illustrated thus by _Solomon_, Proverbs 6:23: "The _commandment_ is a _lamp_; and the _law_ is _light_; and _reproofs_ _of instruction_ are the _way_ of _life_." God's word is a _candle_ which may be held in... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 119:106. _I HAVE SWORN_] Perhaps this means no more than that he had renewed his covenant with God; he had _bound_ himself to love and serve him only.... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 119:107. _I AM AFFLICTED VERY MUCH_] עד מאד _ad meod_, "to extremity, excessively." We are in the most oppressive captivity. _QUICKEN ME_] Deliver us from our bondage.... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 119:108. _THE FREEWILL-OFFERINGS OF MY MOUTH_] נדבות פי _nidboth_ _pi_, the _voluntary offerings which I have promised_. Or, As we are in _captivity_, and cannot sacrifice to thee, but _would_ if we _could;_ accept the _praises_ of our _mouth_, and the _purposes_ of our _hearts_, instea... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 119:109. _MY SOUL_ IS _CONTINUALLY IN MY HAND_] נפשי _naphshi,_ _my life_; that is, it is in _constant danger_, every hour I am on the confines of death. The expression signifies to be in _continual_ _danger_. So _Xenarchus_ in Athenaeus, lib. xiii., c. 4: Εν τῃ χειρι την ψυχην εχοντα,... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 119:110. _THE WICKED HAVE LAID A SNARE_] Thus their lives were continually exposed to danger.... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 119:111. _AS A HERITAGE_] In Psalms 119:57 he says, God _is my portion_, חלקי chelki. In this he says, _Thy testimonies_ _have I taken as a heritage_, נחל nachal. To these he was _heir_; he had _inherited_ them from his fathers, and he was determined to leave them to his _family_ for ev... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 119:112. _I HAVE INCLINED MINE HEART_] I used the power God gave me, and turned to his testimonies with all mine heart. When we _work with God_, we can _do all things_. ANALYSIS OF LETTER NUN. - _FOURTEENTH DIVISION_ In this division the psalmist points out farther excellencies of God... [ Continue Reading ]
LETTER ס SAMECH. - _FIFTEENTH DIVISION_ Verse Psalms 119:113. _I HATE_ VAIN _THOUGHTS_] I have hated סעפים _seaphim_, "tumultuous, violent men." I abominate all _mobs_ and _insurrections_, and troublers of the public peace.... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 119:114. _MY HIDING PLACE_] My asylum. _AND MY SHIELD_] There is a time in which I may be called to _suffer in secret_; then thou _hidest me_. There may be a time in which thou callest me to _fight_; then thou art my _Shield_ and _Protector_.... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 119:115. _DEPART FROM ME_] _Odi profanum vulgus, etarceo_, I abominate the profane, and will have no communion with them. I drive them away from my presence.... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 119:116. _UPHOLD ME_] סמכני _sammecheni_, prop me up; give me thyself to _lean upon_.... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 119:117. _HOLD THOU ME UP_] I shall grow weary and faint in the way, if not strengthened and _supported_ by thee. _AND I SHALL BE SAFE_] No soul can be _safe_, unless upheld by thee.... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 119:118. _THOU HAST TRODDEN DOWN_] All thy enemies will be finally trodden down under thy feet. _THEIR DECEIT_ IS _FALSEHOOD._] Their elevation is a _lie_. The wicked often become _rich_ and _great_, and affect to be _happy_, but it is all _false_; they have neither a _clean_ nor _appr... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 119:119. _THOU PUTTEST AWAY ALL THE WICKED OF THE EARTH_ LIKE _DROSS_] There is no _true metal_ in them: when they are tried by the _refining fire_, they are burnt up; they fly off in fumes, and come to no amount. There is probably an allusion here to the _scum_ or _scoriae_ at the _sur... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 119:120. _MY FLESH TREMBLETH FOR FEAR OF THEE_] I know thou art a just and holy God: I know thou requirest truth in the inner parts. I know that thou art a Spirit, and that they who worship thee must worship thee in spirit and in truth; and I am often _alarmed_ lest I _fall short_. It i... [ Continue Reading ]
LETTER ע AIN. - _SIXTEENTH DIVISION_ Verse Psalms 119:121. _I HAVE DONE JUDGMENT AND JUSTICE_] I have given the best _decision_ possible on every case that came before me; and I have endeavoured to _render_ to all their _due_.... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 119:122. _BE SURETY FOR THY SERVANT_] ערב _arob_, give a pledge or token that thou wilt help me in times of necessity. Or, _Be bail_ _for thy servant_. What a word is this! Pledge thyself for me, that thou wilt produce me _safely_ at the judgment of the great day. Then sustain and keep... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 119:123. _MINE EYES FAIL_] See on Psalms 119:82.... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 119:125. _I_ AM _THY SERVANT_] See on Psalms 119:94.... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 119:126. IT IS _TIME FOR_ THEE, _LORD, TO WORK_] The _time_ is fulfilled in which thou hast promised deliverance to thy people. _They _- the Babylonians, _HAVE MADE VOID THY LAW._] They have filled up the measure of their iniquities.... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 119:127. _THEREFORE I LOVE THY COMMANDMENTS_] I see thou wilt do all things well. I will trust in thee. _ABOVE GOLD_] מזהב _mizzahab_, more than _resplendent gold_; gold without any stain or rust. _YEA, ABOVE FINE GOLD._] ומפז _umippaz, above solid gold_; gold separated from the dross... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 119:128. _ALL_ THY _PRECEPTS_ CONCERNING _ALL_ THINGS TO BE _RIGHT_] There are too many _supplied_ words here to leave the text unsuspected. All the ancient versions, except the _Chaldee_, seem to have omitted the second כל _col_, ALL and read the text thus: "Therefore I have walked str... [ Continue Reading ]
LETTER פ PE. - _SEVENTEENTH DIVISION_ Verse Psalms 119:129. _THY TESTIMONIES_ ARE _WONDERFUL_] There is a height, length, depth, and breadth in thy word and testimonies that are truly astonishing; and on this account my soul loves them, and I deeply study them. The more I study, the more light and... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 119:130. _THE ENTRANCE OF THY WORDS GIVETH LIGHT_] פתח _pethach_, the _opening_ of it: when I open my Bible to read, light springs up in my mind. Every sermon, every prayer, every act of faith, is an _opening_ by which light is let into the seeking soul.... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 119:131. _I OPENED MY MOUTH, AND PANTED_] A metaphor taken from an animal exhausted in the chase. He runs, open-mouthed, to take in the cooling air; the heart beating high, and the muscular force nearly expended through fatigue. The psalmist sought for salvation, as he would run from a... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 119:132. _AS THOU USEST TO DO_] Treat me as thy mercy has induced thee to treat others in my circumstances. Deal with me as thou dealest with thy _friends_.... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 119:133. _ORDER MY STEPS_] הכן _hachen_, make them _firm_; let me not walk with a halting or unsteady step. _HAVE DOMINION OVER ME._] בי _bi, IN me_. Let me have no governor but God; let the throne of my heart be filled by him, and none other.... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 119:135. _MAKE THY FACE TO SHINE_] Give me a sense of thy approbation. Let me know, by the testimony of thy Spirit in my conscience, that thou art reconciled to me. The godly in all ages derived their happiness from a consciousness of the Divine favour. The witness of God's spirit in th... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 119:136. _RIVERS OF WATERS RUN DOWN MINE EYES_] How much had this blessed man the honour of God and the salvation of souls at heart! O for more of that spirit which mourns for the transgressions of the land! But we are not properly convinced of the exceeding sinfulness of sin. ANALYSIS... [ Continue Reading ]
LETTER צ TSADDI. - _EIGHTEENTH DIVISION_ Verse Psalms 119:137. _RIGHTEOUS_ ART _THOU_] Thou art infinitely holy in thy nature; and therefore thou art _upright in thy judgments _- all thy dispensations to men.... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 119:138. _THY TESTIMONIES_] Every thing that proceeds from thee partakes of the perfections of thy nature.... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 119:139. _MY ZEAL HATH CONSUMED ME_] My earnest desire to promote thy glory, and the pain I feel at seeing transgressions multiplied, have worn down both my flesh and spirits.... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 119:140. _THY WORD_ IS _VERY PURE_] צרופה _tseruphah_, it is _purification_. It is not a _purified thing_, but a _thing_ that _purifies_. "Now ye are _clean_," said Christ, "by the _word_ I have spoken unto you." God's word is a _fire_ to _purify_ as well as a _hammer_ to _break_.... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 119:141. _I_ AM _SMALL AND DESPISED_] And on these accounts have every thing to _fear_. Being _small_, I cannot _resist_; being _despised_, I am in _danger_; but even all this does not induce me to start aside, or through the fear of man to be unfaithful to thee.... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 119:142. _THY RIGHTEOUSNESS_ IS _AN EVERLASTING RIGHTEOUSNESS_] The word צדק _tsedek_ is a word of very extensive meaning in the Bible. It signifies, not only God's inherent righteousness and perfection of nature, but also his method of treating others; his plan of redemption; _his meth... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 119:143. _TROUBLE AND ANGUISH_] I am exercised with various trials from men and devils. _HAVE TAKEN HOLD ON ME_] But still I cleave to my God, and am _delighted_ with his law.... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 119:144. _THE RIGHTEOUSNESS OF THY TESTIMONIES_ IS _EVERLASTING_] Thy _moral law_ was not made for _one people_, or for one _particular_ _time_; it is as imperishable as thy _nature_, and of _endless_ _obligation_. It is that law by which all the children of Adam shall be judged. _GIVE... [ Continue Reading ]
LETTER ק KOPH. - _NINETEENTH DIVISION_ Verse Psalms 119:145. _I CRIED WITH_ MY _WHOLE HEART_] The whole soul of the psalmist was engaged in this good work. He whose _whole heart_ cries to God will never rise from the throne of grace without a blessing.... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 119:147. _I PREVENTED THE DAWNING_] קדמתי _kiddamti_, "I went before the dawn or twilight.... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 119:148. _MINE EYES PREVENT_] קדמו _kiddemu_, "go before the watches." Before the watchman proclaims the hour, I am awake, meditating on thy words. The Jews divided the night into three watches, which began at what we call six o'clock in the evening, and consisted each of four hours. Th... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 119:150. _THEY DRAW NIGH_] They are just at hand who seek to destroy me. _THEY ARE FAR FROM THY LAW._] They are _near_ to all _evil_, but _far_ from _thee_.... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse 151. _THOU_ ART _NEAR_] As they are _near_ to destroy, so art thou _near_ to _save_. When the enemy comes in as a flood, the Spirit of the Lord lifts up a standard against him.... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 119:152. _CONCERNING THY TESTIMONIES, I HAVE KNOWN OF OLD_] קדם ידעתי _kedem yedati_, "Long ago I have known concerning thy testimonies." Thou hast designed that thy testimonies should bear reference to, and evidence of, those glorious things which thou hast provided for the salvation o... [ Continue Reading ]
LETTER ר RESH. - _TWENTIETH DIVISION_ Verse Psalms 119:153. _CONSIDER MINE AFFLICTION_] _See mine affliction_ or _humiliation_: but the _eye of the Lord affects his heart_; and therefore he never _sees_ the distresses of his followers without _considering_ their situation, and _affording_ them help... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse 154. _PLEAD MY CAUSE_] ריבה ריבי _ribah ribi_. "Be my Advocate in my suit." Contend for us against the Babylonians, and bring us out of our bondage. _ACCORDING TO THY WORD._] Spoken by thy prophets for our comfort and encouragement.... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse 155. _SALVATION_ IS _FAR FROM THE WICKED_] There is no hope of their conversion. _FOR THEY SEEK NOT THY STATUTES._] And they who _do not seek, shall_ _not find_.... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse 156. _GREAT_ ARE _THY TENDER MERCIES_] They are רבים _rabbim,_ _multitudes_. They extend to _all_ the _wretchednesses_ of _all men_.... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse 158. _I BEHELD THE TRANSGRESSORS, AND WAS GRIEVED_] Literally, _I was affected with anguish_.... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 119:160. _THY WORD_ IS _TRUE_ FROM _THE BEGINNING_] ראש _rosh,_ the _head_ or _beginning_ of thy word, is _true_. Does he refer to the _first word_ in the Book of _Genesis_, בראשית bereshith, "in the beginning?" The learned reader knows that ראש _rash_, or _raash_, is the _root_ in that... [ Continue Reading ]
LETTER ש SCHIN. - _TWENTY-FIRST DIVISION_ Verse Psalms 119:161. _PRINCES HAVE PERSECUTED ME_] This may refer to what was done by _prime ministers_, and the rulers of provinces, to sour the king against the _unfortunate Jews_, in order still to detain them in bondage. In reference to _David_, the pl... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse 162. _AS ONE THAT FINDETH GREAT SPOIL._] שלל רב _shalal rab_. This appears to refer to such _spoil_ as is acquired by _stripping_ _the dead_ in a field of battle, taking the rich garments of the slain chiefs; or it may refer to _plunder_ in general. As God _opened_ _his eyes_ he _beheld wonder... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse 163. _I - ABHOR LYING_] Perhaps they might have made the confessions which the Chaldeans required, and by mental reservation have kept an inward firm adherence to their creed; but this, in the sight of the God of truth, must have been _lying_; and at such a sacrifice they would not purchase th... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse 164. _SEVEN TIMES A DAY DO I PRAISE THEE_] We have often seen that _seven_ was a number expressing _perfection, completion_, c., among the Hebrews and that it is often used to signify _many_, or an _indefinite number_, see Proverbs 24:16; Leviticus 26:28. And here it may mean no more than tha... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse 165. _GREAT PEACE HAVE THEY_] They have peace in their conscience, and joy in the Holy Spirit; and _NOTHING SHALL OFFEND_] Stumble, or put them out of the way.... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse 166. _LORD, I HAVE HOPED_] Thou hast _promised deliverance_, and I have _expected_ it on the _ground_ of that _promise_.... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse 167. _MY SOUL HATH KEPT_] I have not attended to the _latter_ merely, but my spirit has entered into the spirit and design of thy testimonies.... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 119:168. _FOR ALL MY WAYS ARE BEFORE THEE._] Thou knowest that I do not lie; thy eye has been upon my heart and my conduct, and thou knowest that I have endeavoured to walk before thee with a perfect heart. ANALYSIS OF LETTER SCHIN. - _TWENTY-FIRST DIVISION_ In this section the psalmi... [ Continue Reading ]
LETTER ת TAU. - _TWENTY-SECOND DIVISION_ Verse 169. _LET MY CRY COME NEAR BEFORE THEE_] This is really a fine image; it is of frequent occurrence, and is little heeded. Here the psalmists cry for deliverance is _personified_; made an intelligent being, and sent up to the throne of grace to negotiat... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse 171. _MY LIPS SHALL UTTER PRAISE_] תהלה _tehillah_, a song of praise.... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse 172. _MY TONGUE SHALL SPEAK OF THY WORD_] There is a curious _distinction_ here. In the preceding verse he says, "My lips shall utter;" here no reference is made to _articulate sounds_, except as affixed to musical notes. In _this verse_ he says, "My tongue shall speak; " here _articulate_ and... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse 173. _LET THINE HAND HELP ME_] Exert thy _power_ in my defence.... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse 175. _LET MY SOUL LIVE_] Let my _life_ be _preserved_, and my _soul quickened_!... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse 176. _I HAVE GONE ASTRAY LIKE A LOST SHEEP_] A sheep, when it has once lost the flock, strays in such a manner as to render the prospect of its own return utterly hopeless. I have seen them bleating when they have lost the flock, and when answered by the others, instead of turning to the _soun... [ Continue Reading ]