Psalms 119:112

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's word, in the use of it. 1. God's word was a lamp to his feet to guide him through every dark place. 2. It was a light to his path, ever showing him generally the way in which he should walk.

1. He therefore resolves to keep it, and binds himself to fulfil his resolution. As the lamp was going before, and the light was shining, it was necessary that he should walk while the light shone. He therefore, 1. Binds himself by an oath or vow: "I have sworn." 2. He will be faithful to his oath: "I will perform it." 3. Not merely to admire, but to keep God's word. 4. Not its promises merely, but its righteous judgments.

2. And this he will do in all circumstances, even in extreme affliction. Then he requests two things from the Lord. 1. That he would "accept the freewill-offerings of his mouth." All his praises, thanksgivings, and vows. 2. That he would "teach him his judgments," that he might perform what he had vowed.

3. He shows the difficulties he was in: 1. "My soul is continually in my hand." I am in continual danger. He had got the sword of the Spirit, and his life depended on the use he made of it: if the soldier, whose life depends on his drawn sword, does not use it well, his enemy kills him. 2. Hence he says, "I do not forget thy law." I am making - a proper use of my sword. 3. And that I have need of it is evident for "the wicked have laid a snare for me." 4. This did not intimidate him: he did not leave the path of duty for fear of a snare being in that path: "I erred not from thy precepts." I did not go about to seek a safer way.

4. He keeps his resolution, and vows still. 1. He preferred God's testimonies even to the land of Canaan, to riches and crowns: "I have taken them for my heritage." 2. He delighted in them: "They are the rejoicing of my heart."

5. In this work he was determined to continue: 1. "I have inclined my heart." The counsel of the soul is like a balance; and the mind, which hath the commanding power over the affections, inclines the balance to that which it judges best. 2. It was to perform it, that he thus inclined his heart. 3. And this, not for a time, or on some particular occasion, but always, and unto the end. Then the end of life would be the beginning of glory.