Salmi 119

1 BEATI coloro che sono intieri di via, Che camminano nella Legge del Signore.

2 Beati coloro che guardano le sue testimonianze, Che lo cercano con tutto il cuore;

3 I quali eziandio non operano iniquità; Anzi camminano nelle sue vie.

4 Tu hai ordinato che i tuoi comandamenti Sieno strettamente osservati.

5 Oh! sieno pure addirizzate le mie vie, Per osservare i tuoi statuti.

6 Allora io non sarò svergognato, Quando io riguarderò a tutti i tuoi comandamenti.

7 Io ti celebrerò con dirittura di cuore, Quando io avrò imparate le leggi della tua giustizia.

8 Io osserverò i tuoi statuti; Non abbandonarmi del tutto.

9 Come renderà il fanciullo la sua via pura? Prendendo guardia ad essa secondo la tua parola.

10 Io ti ho cercato con tutto il mio cuore; Non lasciarmi deviar da’ tuoi comandamenti.

11 Io ho riposta la tua parola nel mio cuore; Acciocchè io non pecchi contro a te.

12 Tu sei benedetto, o Signore; Insegnami i tuoi statuti.

13 Io ho colle mie labbra raccontate Tutte le leggi della tua bocca.

14 Io gioisco nella via delle tue testimonianze, Come per tutte le ricchezze del mondo.

15 Io ragiono de’ tuoi comandamenti, E riguardo a’ tuoi sentieri.

16 Io mi diletto ne’ tuoi statuti; Io non dimenticherò le tue parole.

17 Fa’ del bene al tuo servitore, Ed io viverò, ed osserverò la tua parola.

18 Apri gli occhi miei, ed io riguarderò Le maraviglie della tua Legge.

19 Io son forestiere in terra; Non nascondermi i tuoi comandamenti.

20 L’anima mia si stritola di affezione Alle tue leggi in ogni tempo.

21 Tu sgridi i superbi maledetti Che deviano da’ tuoi comandamenti.

22 Togli d’addosso a me il vituperio e lo sprezzo; Perciocchè io ho guardate le tue testimonianze.

23 Eziandio, mentre i principi sedevano, e ragionavano contro a me, Il tuo servitore ha meditato ne’ tuoi statuti.

24 Ed anche le tue testimonianze sono i miei diletti Ed i miei consiglieri.

25 L’anima mia è attaccata alla polvere; Vivificami secondo la tua parola.

26 Io ti ho narrate le mie vie, e tu mi hai risposto; Insegnami i tuoi statuti.

27 Fammi intender la via de’ tuoi comandamenti, Ed io ragionerò delle tue maraviglie.

28 L’anima mia stilla di cordoglio; Sollevami secondo le tue parole.

29 Rimuovi da me la via della menzogna; E fammi dono della tua Legge.

30 Io ho scelta la via della verità; Io mi son proposte le tue leggi.

31 Io mi son tenuto alle tue testimonianze; Signore, non lasciar che io sia confuso.

32 Correrò nella via de’ tuoi comandamenti, Quando tu mi avrai allargato il cuore.

33 Insegnami, Signore, la via de’ tuoi statuti; Ed io la guarderò infino al fine.

34 Dammi intelletto, ed io guarderò la tua Legge; E l’osserverò con tutto il cuore.

35 Conducimi per lo sentiero de’ tuoi comandamenti; Perciocchè io mi diletto in esso.

36 Inchina il mio cuore alle tue testimonianze, E non a cupidigia.

37 Storna gli occhi miei, che non riguardino a vanità; Vivificami nelle tue vie.

38 Attieni la tua parola al tuo servitore, Il quale è tutto intento al tuo timore.

39 Rimuovi da me il mio vituperio, del quale io temo; Perciocchè le tue leggi son buone.

40 Ecco, io desidero affettuosamente i tuoi comandamenti; Vivificami nella tua giustizia.

41 Ed avvenganmi le tue benignità, o Signore; E la tua salute, secondo la tua parola.

42 Ed io risponderò a colui che mi fa vituperio; Perciocchè io mi confido nella tua parola.

43 E non ritrarmi del tutto dalla bocca la parola della verità; Perciocchè io spero nelle tue leggi.

44 Ed io osserverò la tua Legge del continuo, In sempiterno.

45 E camminerò al largo; Perciocchè io ho ricercati i tuoi comandamenti.

46 E parlerò delle tue testimonianze davanti ai re, E non sarò svergognato.

47 E mi diletterò ne’ tuoi comandamenti, I quali io amo.

48 Ed alzerò le palme delle mie mani a’ tuoi comandamenti, i quali io amo; E mediterò ne’ tuoi statuti.

49 Ricordati della parola detta al tuo servitore, Sopra la quale tu mi hai fatto sperare.

50 Questa è la mia consolazione nella mia afflizione, Che la tua parola mi ha vivificato.

51 I superbi mi hanno grandemente schernito; Ma io non mi sono stornato dalla tua Legge.

52 Signore, io mi son ricordato de’ tuoi giudicii ab antico; E mi son consolato.

53 Tremito mi occupa, per gli empi Che abbandonano la tua Legge.

54 I tuoi statuti sono stati i miei cantici Nella dimora de’ miei pellegrinaggi.

55 O Signore, di notte io mi son ricordato del tuo Nome, Ed ho osservata la tua Legge.

56 Questo mi è avvenuto, Perciocchè io ho guardati i tuoi comandamenti.

57 Il Signore è la mia parte; Io ho detto di osservare le tue parole.

58 Io ti ho supplicato con tutto il cuore; Abbi pietà di me, secondo la tua parola.

59 Io ho fatta ragione delle mie vie; Ed ho rivolti i miei piedi alle tue testimonianze.

60 Io mi sono affrettato, e non mi sono indugiato D’osservare i tuoi comandamenti.

61 Schiere d’empi mi hanno predato; Ma però non ho dimenticata la tua Legge.

62 Io mi levo a mezzanotte, per celebrarti, Per le leggi della tua giustizia.

63 Io son compagno di tutti quelli che ti temono, Ed osservano i tuoi comandamenti.

64 Signore, la terra è piena della tua benignità; Insegnami i tuoi statuti.

65 Signore, tu hai usata beneficenza inverso il tuo servitore, Secondo la tua parola.

66 Insegnami buon senno ed intendimento; Perciocchè io credo a’ tuoi comandamenti.

67 Avanti che io fossi afflitto, io andava errando; Ma ora osservo la tua parola.

68 Tu sei buono e benefattore; Insegnami i tuoi statuti.

69 I superbi hanno acconciate delle bugie contro a me; Ma io con tutto il cuore guarderò i tuoi comandamenti.

70 Il cuor loro è condenso come grasso; Ma io mi diletto nella tua Legge.

71 Egli è stato buono per me, che io sono stato afflitto; Acciocchè io impari i tuoi statuti.

72 La Legge della tua bocca mi è migliore Che le migliaia d’oro e d’argento.

73 Le tue mani mi hanno fatto e formato; Dammi intelletto, ed io imparerò i tuoi comandamenti.

74 Quelli che ti temono mi vedranno, e si rallegreranno; Perciocchè io ho sperato nella tua parola.

75 O Signore, io so che i tuoi giudicii non sono altro che giustizia; E che ciò che mi hai afflitto è stato fedeltà.

76 Deh! sia la tua benignità per consolarmi, Secondo la tua parola, detta al tuo servitore.

77 Avvenganmi le tue misericordie, acciocchè io viva; Perciocchè la tua Legge è ogni mio diletto.

78 Sien confusi i superbi, perciocchè a torto mi sovvertono; Ma io medito ne’ tuoi comandamenti.

79 Rivolgansi a me quelli che ti temono. E quelli che conoscono le tue testimonianze.

80 Sia il mio cuore intiero ne’ tuoi statuti; Acciocchè io non sia confuso.

81 L’anima mia vien meno dietro alla tua salute; Io spero nella tua parola.

82 Gli occhi miei vengono meno dietro alla tua parola, Dicendo: Quando mi consolerai tu?

83 Perciocchè io son divenuto come un otro al fumo; E pur non ho dimenticati i tuoi statuti.

84 Quanti hanno da essere i giorni del tuo servitore? Quando farai giudicio sopra quelli che mi perseguitano?

85 I superbi mi hanno cavate delle fosse; Il che non è secondo la tua Legge.

86 Tutti i tuoi comandamenti son verità; Essi mi perseguitano a torto; soccorrimi.

87 Mi hanno pressochè distrutto ed atterrato; Ma io non ho abbandonati i tuoi comandamenti.

88 Vivificami secondo la tua benignità, Ed io osserverò la testimonianza della tua bocca.

89 O Signore, la tua parola è in eterno; Ella è stabile ne’ cieli.

90 La tua verità è per ogni età; Tu hai stabilita la terra, ed ella sta ferma.

91 Il cielo e la terra stanno anche oggi fermi, per li tuoi ordini, Perciocchè ogni cosa è al tuo servigio.

92 Se la tua Legge non fosse stata ogni mio diletto, Io già sarei perito nella mia afflizione.

93 Giammai non dimenticherò i tuoi comandamenti; Perciocchè per essi tu mi hai vivificato.

94 Io son tuo, salvami; Perciocchè io ho ricercati i tuoi comandamenti.

95 Gli empi mi hanno atteso, per farmi perire; Ma io ho considerate le tue testimonianze.

96 Io ho veduto che tutte le cose le più perfette hanno fine; Ma il tuo comandamento è d’una grandissima distesa.

97 Oh! quanto amo la tua Legge! Ella è la mia meditazione di tutti i giorni.

98 Per li tuoi comandamenti tu mi rendi più savio che i miei nemici; Perciocchè quelli in perpetuo sono miei.

99 Io son più intendente che tutti i miei dottori; Perciocchè le tue testimonianze son la mia meditazione.

100 Io son più avveduto che i vecchi; Perciocchè io ho guardati i tuoi comandamenti.

101 Io ho rattenuti i miei piedi da ogni sentiero malvagio; Acciocchè io osservi la tua parola.

102 Io non mi sono stornato dalle tue leggi; Perciocchè tu mi hai ammaestrato.

103 Oh! quanto son dolci le tue parole al mio palato! Son più dolci che miele alla mia bocca.

104 Io son divenuto avveduto per li tuoi comandamenti; Perciò, odio ogni sentiero di falsità.

105 La tua parola è una lampana al mio piè, Ed un lume al mio sentiero.

106 Io ho giurato, e l’atterrò, Di osservare le leggi della tua giustizia.

107 Io son sommamente afflitto; O Signore, vivificami secondo la tua parola.

108 Deh! Signore, gradisci le offerte volontarie della mia bocca, Ed insegnami le tue leggi.

109 Io ho l’anima mia del continuo in palma di mano; E pur non ho dimenticata la tua Legge.

110 Gli empi mi hanno tesi de’ lacci; E pur non mi sono sviato da’ tuoi comandamenti.

111 Le tue testimonianze son la mia eredità in perpetuo; Perciocchè esse son la letizia del mio cuore.

112 Io ho inchinato il mio cuore a mettere in opera i tuoi statuti, In perpetuo, infino al fine.

113 Io odio i discorsi; Ma amo la tua Legge.

114 Tu sei il mio nascondimento, ed il mio scudo; Io spero nella tua parola.

115 Ritraetevi da me, maligni; Ed io guarderò i comandamenti del mio Dio.

116 Sostienmi, secondo la tua parola, ed io viverò; E non rendermi confuso della mia speranza.

117 Confortami, ed io sarò salvato; E riguarderò del continuo a’ tuoi statuti.

118 Tu calpesti tutti quelli che si sviano da’ tuoi statuti; Perciocchè la lor frode è una cosa falsa.

119 Tu riduci al niente tutti gli empi della terra, come schiume; Perciò io amo le tue testimonianze.

120 La mia carne si raccapriccia tutta per lo spavento di te; Ed io temo de’ tuoi giudicii.

121 Io ho fatto ciò che è diritto e giusto; Non abbandonarmi a quelli che mi oppressano.

122 Da’ sicurtà per lo tuo servitore in bene, E non lasciar che i superbi mi oppressino.

123 Gli occhi miei vengono meno dietro alla tua salute, Ed alla parola della tua giustizia.

124 Opera inverso il tuo servitore secondo la tua benignità, Ed insegnami i tuoi statuti.

125 Io son tuo servitore; dammi intelletto; Acciocchè io possa conoscere le tue testimonianze.

126 Egli è tempo che il Signore operi; Essi hanno annullata la tua Legge.

127 Perciò io amo i tuoi comandamenti più che oro; Anzi più che oro finissimo.

128 Perciò approvo, come diritti, tutti i tuoi comandamenti intorno ad ogni cosa; Ed odio ogni sentiero di menzogna.

129 Le tue testimonianze son cose maravigliose; Perciò l’anima mia le ha guardate.

130 La dichiarazione delle tue parole allumina, E dà intelletto a’ semplici.

131 Io ho aperta la bocca, ed ho ansato; Perciocchè io ho bramati i tuoi comandamenti.

132 Riguarda a me, ed abbi pietà di me, Secondo ch’è ragionevole di fare inverso quelli che amano il tuo Nome.

133 Ferma i miei passi nella tua parola; E non lasciare che alcuna iniquità signoreggi sopra me.

134 Riscuotimi dall’oppressione degli uomini; Ed io osserverò i tuoi comandamenti.

135 Fa’ rilucere il tuo volto sopra il tuo servitore;

136 Ed insegnami i tuoi statuti. Ruscelli d’acque mi scendono giù dagli occhi; Perciocchè la tua Legge non è osservata.

137 O Signore, tu sei giusto, E i tuoi giudicii son diritti.

138 Tu hai strettamente comandata la giustizia, E la verità delle tue testimonianze.

139 Il mio zelo mi consuma; Perciocchè i miei nemici hanno dimenticate le tue parole.

140 La tua parola è sommamente purgata; E però il tuo servitore l’ama.

141 Io son piccolo e sprezzato; Ma però non ho dimenticati i tuoi comandamenti.

142 La tua giustizia è una giustizia eterna, E la tua Legge è verità.

143 Tribolazione e distretta mi hanno colto; Ma i tuoi comandamenti sono i miei diletti.

144 Le tue testimonianze sono una giustizia eterna; Dammi intelletto, ed io viverò.

145 Io ho gridato con tutto il cuore; rispondimi, Signore; Ed io guarderò i tuoi statuti.

146 Io ti ho invocato; salvami, Ed io osserverò le tue testimonianze.

147 Io mi son fatto avanti all’alba, ed ho gridato; Io ho sperato nella tua parola.

148 Gli occhi miei prevengono le vigilie della notte. Per meditar nella tua parola.

149 Ascolta la mia voce, secondo la tua benignità; O Signore, vivificami, secondo che tu hai ordinato.

150 Quelli che vanno dietro a scelleratezza, E si sono allontanati dalla tua Legge, si sono accostati a me.

151 O Signore, tu sei vicino; E tutti i tuoi comandamenti son verità.

152 Gran tempo è che io so questo delle tue testimonianze, Che tu le hai stabilite in eterno.

153 Riguarda alla mia afflizione, e trammene fuori; Perciocchè io non ho dimenticata la tua Legge.

154 Dibatti la mia lite, e riscuotimi; Vivificami, secondo la tua parola.

155 La salute è lungi dagli empi; Perciocchè non ricercano i tuoi statuti.

156 Le tue misericordie son grandi, Signore; Vivificami secondo ciò che hai ordinato.

157 I miei persecutori ed i miei nemici son molti; Ma io non mi sono deviato dalle tue testimonianze.

158 Io ho veduti i disleali, e ne ho sentita gran noia; Perciocchè non osservano la tua parola.

159 Vedi quanto amo i tuoi comandamenti! Signore, vivificami, secondo la tua benignità.

160 La somma della tua parola è verità; E tutte le leggi della tua giustizia sono in eterno.

161 I principi m’hanno perseguitato senza cagione; Ma il mio cuore ha spavento della tua parola.

162 Io mi rallegro per la tua parola, Come una persona che avesse trovate grandi spoglie.

163 Io odio ed abbomino la menzogna; Ma io amo la tua Legge.

164 Io ti lodo sette volte il dì, Per li giudicii della tua giustizia.

165 Quelli che amano la tua Legge godono di molta pace; E non vi è alcuno intoppo per loro.

166 Signore, io ho sperato nella tua salute; Ed ho messi in opera i tuoi comandamenti.

167 L’anima mia ha osservate le tue testimonianze; Ed io le ho grandemente amate.

168 Io ho osservati i tuoi comandamenti, e le tue testimonianze; Perciocchè tutte le mie vie sono nel tuo cospetto.

169 Pervenga il mio grido al tuo cospetto, o Signore; Dammi intelletto, secondo la tua parola.

170 Venga la mia supplicazione in tua presenza; Riscuotimi, secondo la tua parola.

171 Le mie labbra sgorgheranno lode, Quando tu mi avrai insegnati i tuoi statuti.

172 La mia lingua ragionerà della tua parola; Perciocchè tutti i tuoi comandamenti son giustizia.

173 Siami in aiuto la tua mano; Perciocchè io ho eletti i tuoi comandamenti.

174 Signore, io ho desiderata la tua salute; E la tua Legge è ogni mio diletto.

175 Viva l’anima mia, ed ella ti loderà; E soccorranmi i tuoi ordinamenti.

176 Io vo errando, come una pecora smarrita; cerca il tuo servitore; Perciocchè io non ho dimenticati i tuoi comandamenti.

Salmi 119 Commentary

Chapter 119

The general scope and design of this psalm is to magnify the Divine law, and make it honourable. There are ten words by which Divine revelation is called in this psalm, and each expresses what God expects from us, and what we may expect from him. 1. God's law; this is enacted by him as our Sovereign. 2. His way; this is the rule of his providence. 3. His testimonies; they are solemnly declared to the world. 4. His commandments; given with authority. 5. His precepts; not left as indifferent matters to us. 6. His word, or saying; it is the declaration of his mind. 7. His judgments; framed in infinite wisdom. 8. His righteousness; it is the rule and standard of what is right. 9. His statutes; they are always binding. 10. His truth or faithfulness; it is eternal truth, it shall endure for ever.

Verses 1-8 This psalm may be considered as the statement of a believer's experience. As far as our views, desires, and affections agree with what is here expressed, they come from the influences of the Holy Spirit, and no further. The pardoning mercy of God in Christ, is the only source of a sinner's happiness. And those are most happy, who are preserved most free from the defilement of sin, who simply believe God's testimonies, and depend on his promises. If the heart be divided between him and the world, it is evil. But the saints carefully avoid all sin; they are conscious of much evil that clogs them in the ways of God, but not of that wickedness which draws them out of those ways. The tempter would make men think they are at them out of those ways. The tempter would make men think they are at liberty to follow the word of God or not, as they please. But the desire and prayer of a good man agree with the will and command of God. If a man expects by obedience in one thing to purchase indulgence for disobedience in others, his hypocrisy will be detected; if he is not ashamed in this world, everlasting shame will be his portion. The psalmist coveted to learn the laws of God, to give God the glory. And believers see that if God forsakes them, the temper will be too hard for them.

Verses 9-16 To original corruption all have added actual sin. The ruin of the young is either living by no rule at all, or choosing false rules: let them walk by Scripture rules. To doubt of our own wisdom and strength, and to depend upon God, proves the purpose of holiness is sincere. God's word is treasure worth laying up, and there is no laying it up safe but in our hearts, that we may oppose God's precepts to the dominion of sin, his promises to its allurements, and his threatenings to its violence. Let this be our plea with Him to teach us his statutes, that, being partakers of his holiness, we may also partake of his blessedness. And those whose hearts are fed with the bread of life, should with their lips feed many. In the way of God's commandments there is the unsearchable riches of Christ. But we do not meditate on God's precepts to good purpose, unless our good thoughts produce good works. I will not only think of thy statutes, but do them with delight. And it will be well to try the sincerity of our obedience by tracing the spring of it; the reality of our love by cheerfulness in appointed duties.

Verses 17-24 If God deals in strict justice with us, we all perish. We ought to spend our lives in his service; we shall find true life in keeping his word. Those that would see the wondrous things of God's law and gospel, must beg him to give them understanding, by the light of his Spirit. Believers feel themselves strangers on earth; they fear missing their way, and losing comfort by erring from God's commandments. Every sanctified soul hungers after the word of God, as food which there is no living without. There is something of pride at the bottom of every wilful sin. God can silence lying lips; reproach and contempt may humble and do us good, and then they shall be removed. Do we find the weight of the cross is above that we are able to bear? He that bore it for us will enable us to bear it; upheld by him we cannot sink. It is sad when those who should protect the innocent, are their betrayers. The psalmist went on in duty, and he found comfort in the word of God. The comforts of the word of God are most pleasant to a gracious soul, when other comforts are made bitter; and those that would have God's testimonies to be their delight, must be advised by them. May the Lord direct us in exercising repentance of sin, and faith in Christ.

Verses 25-32 While the souls of the children of this world cleave to the earth as their portion, the children of light are greatly burdened, because of the remains of carnal affections in their hearts. It is unspeakable comfort to a gracious soul, to think with what tenderness all its complaints are received by a gracious God. We can talk of the wonders of redeeming love, when we understand the way of God's precepts, and walk in that way. The penitent melts in sorrow for sin: even the patient spirit may melt in the sense of affliction, it is then its interest to pour out its soul before God. The way of lying means all false ways by which men deceive themselves and others, or are deceived by Satan and his instruments. Those who know and love the law of the Lord, desire to know it more, and love it better. The way of serious godliness is the way of truth; the only true way to happiness: we must always have actual regard to it. Those who stick to the word of God, may in faith expect and pray for acceptance with God. Lord, never leave me to do that by which I shall shame myself, and do not thou reject my services. Those that are going to heaven, should still press forward. God, by his Spirit, enlarges the hearts of his people when he gives them wisdom. The believer prays to be set free from sin.

Verses 33-40 Teach me thy statutes, not the mere words, but the way of applying them to myself. God, by his Spirit, gives a right understanding. But the Spirit of revelation in the word will not suffice, unless we have the Spirit of wisdom in the heart. God puts his Spirit within us, causing us to walk in his statutes. The sin here prayed against is covetousness. Those that would have the love of God rooted in them, must get the love of the world rooted out; for the friendship of the world is enmity with God. Quicken me in thy way; to redeem time, and to do every duty with liveliness of spirit. Beholding vanity deadens us, and slackens our pace; a traveller must not stand gazing upon every object that presents itself to his view. The promises of God's word greatly relate to the preservation of the true believer. When Satan has drawn a child of God into worldly compliances, he will reproach him with the falls into which he led him. Victory must come from the cross of Christ. When we enjoy the sweetness of God's precepts, it will make us long for more acquaintance with them. And where God has wrought to will, he will work to do.

Verses 41-48 Lord, I have by faith thy mercies in view; let me by prayer prevail to obtain them. And when the salvation of the saints is completed, it will plainly appear that it was not in vain to trust in God's word. We need to pray that we may never be afraid or ashamed to own God's truths and ways before men. And the psalmist resolves to keep God's law, in a constant course of obedience, without backsliding. The service of sin is slavery; the service of God is liberty. There is no full happiness, or perfect liberty, but in keeping God's law. We must never be ashamed or afraid to own our religion. The more delight we take in the service of God, the nearer we come to perfection. Not only consent to his law as good, but take pleasure in it as good for us. Let me put forth all the strength I have, to do it. Something of this mind of Christ is in every true disciple.

Verses 49-56 Those that make God's promises their portion, may with humble boldness make them their plea. He that by his Spirit works faith in us, will work for us. The word of God speaks comfort in affliction. If, through grace, it makes us holy, there is enough in it to make us easy, in all conditions. Let us be certain we have the Divine law for what we believe, and then let not scoffers prevail upon us to decline from it. God's judgments of old comfort and encourage us, for he is still the same. Sin is horrible in the eyes of all that are sanctified. Ere long the believer will be absent from the body, and present with the Lord. In the mean time, the statutes of the Lord supply subjects for grateful praise. In the season of affliction, and in the silent hours of the night, he remembers the name of the Lord, and is stirred up to keep the law. All who have made religion the first thing, will own that they have been unspeakable gainers by it.

Verses 57-64 True believers take the Lord for the portion of their inheritance, and nothing less will satisfy them. The psalmist prayed with his whole heart, knowing how to value the blessing he prayed for: he desired the mercy promised, and depended on the promise for it. He turned from by-paths, and returned to God's testimonies. He delayed not. It behoves sinners to hasten to escape; and the believer will be equally in haste to glorify God. No care or grief should take away God's word out of our minds, or hinder the comfort it bestows. There is no situation on earth in which a believer has not cause to be thankful. Let us feel ashamed that others are more willing to keep from sleep to spend the time in sinful pleasures, than we are to praise God. And we should be more earnest in prayer, that our hearts may be filled with his mercy, grace, and peace.

Verses 65-72 However God has dealt with us, he has dealt with us better than we deserve; and all in love, and for our good. Many have knowledge, but little judgment; those who have both, are fortified against the snares of Satan, and furnished for the service of God. We are most apt to wander from God, when we are easy in the world. We should leave our concerns to the disposal of God, seeing we know not what is good for us. Lord, thou art our bountiful Benefactor; incline our hearts to faith and obedience. The psalmist will go on in his duty with constancy and resolution. The proud are full of the world, and its wealth and pleasures; these make them senseless, secure, and stupid. God visits his people with affliction, that they may learn his statutes. Not only God's promises, but even his law, his percepts, though hard to ungodly men, are desirable, and profitable, because they lead us with safety and delight unto eternal life.

Verses 73-80 God made us to serve him, and enjoy him; but by sin we have made ourselves unfit to serve him, and to enjoy him. We ought, therefore, continually to beseech him, by his Holy Spirit, to give us understanding. The comforts some have in God, should be matter of joy to others. But it is easy to own, that God's judgments are right, until it comes to be our own case. All supports under affliction must come from mercy and compassion. The mercies of God are tender mercies; the mercies of a father, the compassion of a mother to her son. They come to us when we are not able to go to them. Causeless reproach does not hurt, and should not move us. The psalmist could go on in the way of his duty, and find comfort in it. He valued the good will of saints, and was desirous to keep up his communion with them. Soundness of heart signifies sincerity in dependence on God, and devotedness to him.

Verses 81-88 The psalmist sought deliverance from his sins, his foes, and his fears. Hope deferred made him faint; his eyes failed by looking out for this expected salvation. But when the eyes fail, yet faith must not. His affliction was great. He was become like a leathern bottle, which, if hung up in the smoke, is dried and shrivelled up. We must ever be mindful of God's statutes. The days of the believer's mourning shall be ended; they are but for a moment, compared with eternal happiness. His enemies used craft as well as power for his ruin, in contempt of the law of God. The commandments of God are true and faithful guides in the path of peace and safety. We may best expect help from God when, like our Master, we do well and suffer for it. Wicked men may almost consume the believer upon earth, but he would sooner forsake all than forsake the word of the Lord. We should depend upon the grace of God for strength to do every good work. The surest token of God's good-will toward us, is his good work in us.

Verses 89-96 The settling of God's word in heaven, is opposed to the changes and revolutions of the earth. And the engagements of God's covenant are established more firmly than the earth itself. All the creatures answer the ends of their creation: shall man, who alone is endued with reason, be the only unprofitable burden of the earth? We may make the Bible a pleasant companion at any time. But the word, without the grace of God, would not quicken us. See the best help for bad memories, namely, good affections; and though the exact words be lost, if the meaning remain, that is well. I am thine, not my own, not the world's; save me from sin, save me from ruin. The Lord will keep the man in peace, whose mind is stayed on him. It is poor perfection which one sees and end of. Such are all things in this world, which pass for perfections. The glory of man is but as the flower of the grass. The psalmist had seen the fulness of the word of God, and its sufficiency. The word of the Lord reaches to all cases, to all times. It will take us from all confidence in man, or in our own wisdom, strength, and righteousness. Thus shall we seek comfort and happiness from Christ alone.

Verses 97-104 What we love, we love to think of. All true wisdom is from God. A good man carries his Bible with him, if not in his hands, yet in his head and in his heart. By meditation on God's testimonies we understand more than our teachers, when we understand our own hearts. The written word is a more sure guide to heaven, than all the fathers, the teachers, and ancients of the church. We cannot, with any comfort or boldness, attend God in holy duties, while under guilt, or in any by-way. It was Divine grace in his heart, that enabled the psalmist to receive these instructions. The soul has its tastes as well as the body. Our relish for the word of God will be greatest, when that for the world and the flesh is least. The way of sin is a wrong way; and the more understanding we get by the precepts of God, the more rooted will be our hatred of sin; and the more ready we are in the Scriptures, the better furnished we are with answers to temptation.

Verses 105-112 The word of God directs us in our work and way, and a dark place indeed the world would be without it. The commandment is a lamp kept burning with the oil of the Spirit, as a light to direct us in the choice of our way, and the steps we take in that way. The keeping of God's commands here meant, was that of a sinner under a dispensation of mercy, of a believer having part in the covenant of grace. The psalmist is often afflicted; but with longing desires to become more holy, offers up daily prayers for quickening grace. We cannot offer any thing to God, that he will accept but what he is pleased to teach us to do. To have our soul or life continually in our hands, implies constant danger of life; yet he did not forget God's promises nor his precepts. Numberless are the snares laid by the wicked; and happy is that servant of God, whom they have not caused to err from his Master's precepts. Heavenly treasures are a heritage for ever; all the saints accept them as such, therefore they can be content with little of this world. We must look for comfort only in the way of duty, and that duty must be done. A good man, by the grace of God, brings his heart to his work, then it is done well.

Verses 113-120 Here is a dread of the risings of sin, and the first beginnings of it. The more we love the law of God, the more watchful we shall be, lest vain thoughts draw us from what we love. Would we make progress in keeping God's commands, we must be separate from evil-doers. The believer could not live without the grace of God; but, supported by his hand, his spiritual life shall be maintained. Our holy security is grounded on Divine supports. All departure from God's statutes is error, and will prove fatal. Their cunning is falsehood. There is a day coming which will put the wicked into everlasting fire, the fit place for the dross. See what comes of sin Surely we who fall so low in devout affections, should fear, lest a promise being left us of entering into heavenly rest, any of us should be found to come short of it, ( Hebrews 4:1 ) .

Verses 121-128 Happy is the man, who, acting upon gospel principles, does justice to all around. Christ our Surety, having paid our debt and ransom, secures all the blessings of salvation to every true believer. The psalmist expects the word of God's righteousness, and no other salvation than what is secured by that word, which cannot fall to the ground. We deserve no favour form God; we are most easy when we cast ourselves upon God's mercy, and refer ourselves to it. If any man resolve to do God's will as his servant, he shall be made to know his testimonies. We must do what we can for the support of religion, and, after all, must beg of God to take the work into his own hands. It is hypocrisy to say we love God's commandments more than our worldly interests. The way of sin is a false way, being directly contrary to God's precepts, which are right: those that love and esteem God's law, hate sin, and will not be reconciled to it.

Verses 129-136 The wonders of redeeming love will fix the heart in adoration of them. The Scriptures show us what we were, what we are, and what we shall be. They show us the mercy and the justice of the Lord, the joys of heaven, and the pains of hell. Thus they give to the simple, in a few days, understanding of those matters, which philosophers for ages sought in vain. The believer, wearied with the cares of life and his conflicts with sin, pants for the consolations conveyed to him by means of the sacred word. And every one may pray, Look thou upon me, and be merciful unto me as thou usest to do unto those that love thy name. We must beg that the Holy Spirit would order our steps. The dominion of sin is to be dreaded and prayed against by every one. The oppression of men is often more than flesh and blood can bear; and He who knoweth our frame, will not refuse to remove it in answer to the prayers of his people. Whatever obscurity may appear as to the faith of the Old Testament believers, their confidence at the throne of grace can only be explained by their having obtained more distinct views of gospel privileges, through the sacrifices and services of their law, than is generally imagined. Go to the same place, plead the name and merits of Jesus, and you will not, you cannot plead in vain. Commonly, where there is a gracious heart, there is a weeping eye. Accept, O Lord, the tears our blessed Redeemer shed in the days of his flesh, for us who should weep for our brethren or ourselves.

Verses 137-144 God never did, and never can do wrong to any. The promises are faithfully performed by Him that made them. Zeal against sin should constrain us to do what we can against it, at least to do more in religion ourselves. Our love to the word of God is evidence of our love to God, because it is designed to make us partake his holiness. Men's real excellency always makes them low in their own eyes. When we are small and despised, we have the more need to remember God's precepts, that we may have them to support us. The law of God is the truth, the standard of holiness, the rule of happiness; but the obedience of Christ alone justifies the believer. Sorrows are often the lot of saints in this vale of tears; they are in heaviness through manifold temptations. There are delights in the word of God, which the saints often most sweetly enjoy when in trouble and anguish. This is life eternal, to know God and Jesus Christ whom he has sent, ( John 17:3 ) . May we live the life of faith and grace here, and be removed to the life of glory hereafter.

Verses 145-152 Supplications with the whole heart are presented only by those who desire God's salvation, and who love his commandments. Whither should the child go but to his father? Save me from my sins, my corruptions, my temptations, all the hinderances in my way, that I may keep thy testimonies. Christians who enjoy health, should not suffer the early hours of the morning to glide away unimproved. Hope in God's word encourages us to continue in prayer. It is better to take time from sleep, than not to find time for prayer. We have access to God at all hours; and if our first thoughts in the morning are of God, they will help to keep us in his fear all the day long. Make me lively and cheerful. God knows what we need and what is good for us, and will quicken us. If we are employed in God's service, we need not fear those who try to set themselves as far as they can out of the reach of the convictions and commands of his law. When trouble is near, God is near. He is never far to seek. All his commandments are truth. And God's promises will be performed. All that ever trusted in God have found him faithful.

Verses 153-160 The closer we cleave to the word of God, both as our rule and as our stay, the more assurance we have of deliverance. Christ is the Advocate of his people, their Redeemer. Those who were quickened by his Spirit and grace, when they were dead in trespasses and sins, often need to have the work of grace revived in them, according to the word of promise. The wicked not only do not God's statutes, but they do not even seek them. They flatter themselves that they are going to heaven; but the longer they persist in sin, the further it is from them. God's mercies are tender; they are a fountain that can never be exhausted. The psalmist begs for God's reviving, quickening grace. A man, steady in the way of his duty, though he may have many enemies, needs to fear none. Those that hate sin truly, hate it as sin, as a transgression of the law of God, and a breaking of his word. Our obedience is only pleasing to God, and pleasant to ourselves, when it comes from a principle of love. All, in every age, who receive God's word in faith and love, find every saying in it faithful.

Verses 161-168 Those whose hearts stand in awe of God's word, will rather endure the wrath of man, than break the law of God. By the word of God we are unspeakable gainers. Every man hates to have a lie told him, but we should more hate telling a lie; by the latter we give an affront to God. The more we see the beauty of truth, the more we shall see the hateful deformity of a lie. We are to praise God even for afflictions; through grace we get good from them. Those that love the world have great vexation, for it does not answer what they expect; those that love God's word have great peace, for it outdoes what they expect. Those in whom this holy love reigns, will not perplex themselves with needless scruples, or take offence at their brethren. A good hope of salvation will engage the heart in doing the commandments. And our love to the word of God must subdue our lusts, and root out carnal affections: we must make heart work of it, or we make nothing of it. We must keep the commandments of God by obedience to them, and his promises by reliance on them. God's eye is on us at all times; this should make us very careful to keep his commandments.

Verses 169-176 The psalmist desired grace and strength to lift up his prayers, and that the Lord would receive and notice them. He desired to know more of God in Christ; to know more of the doctrines of the word, and the duties of religion. He had a deep sense of unworthiness, and holy fear that his prayer should not come before God; Lord, what I pray for is, what thou hast promised. We have learned nothing to purpose, if we have not learned to praise God. We should always make the word of God the rule of our discourse, so as never to transgress it by sinful speaking, or sinful silence. His own hands are not sufficient, nor can any creature lend him help; therefore he looks up to God, that the hand that had made him may help him. He had made religion his deliberate choice. There is an eternal salvation all the saints long for, and therefore they pray that God would help their way to it. Let thy judgments help me; let all ordinances and all providences, (both are God's judgments,) further me in glorifying God; let them help me for that work. He often looks back with shame and gratitude to his lost estate. He still prays for the tender care of Him who purchased his flock with his own blood, that he may receive from him the gift of eternal life. Seek me, that is, Find me; for God never seeks in vain. Turn me, and I shall be turned. Let this psalm be a touchstone by which to try our hearts, and our lives. Do our hearts, cleansed in Christ's blood, make these prayers, resolutions and confessions our own? Is God's word the standard of our faith, and the law of our practice? Do we use it as pleas with Christ for what we need? Happy those who live in such delightful exercises.

Chapter Summary

INTRODUCTION TO PSALM 119

This psalm is generally thought to be written by David, but when is uncertain; very probably towards the decline of life; and, as some think, for the sake or his son Solomon. It seems to be a collection of observations on the word of God and its precepts, the usefulness and excellency of it, he had made in the course of his life; interspersed with various petitions for the grace of God, to enable him to observe it. The psalm is a very extraordinary one; partly on account of the unusual length of it, it being more than double the length of the longest psalm in the whole book; and partly on account of its curious composition. It consists of twenty two parts, according to the number of the letters in the Hebrew alphabet; the names of which letters stand between each part; and every part consists of eight verses, all of which begin with the same letter: thus, for instance, the first eight verses begin with the letter a, "aleph", and the second eight verses begin with the letter b, "beth", and so on throughout; hence the Masorah calls this psalm the Great Alphabet. This the psalmist did, perhaps to excite attention to what he said, and also to help the memory. And it is observable that there are very few verses in the whole, not more than one or two, but what has something in it concerning the word of God, and its precepts and ordinances; there are nine or ten different words used relative to it, which signify much one and the same thing; as laws, statutes, judgments, testimonies Luther {m} observes, that neither Cicero, nor Virgil, nor Demosthenes, are to be compared with David for eloquence, as we see in the hundred nineteenth Psalm, where he divideth one sense and meaning into twenty two sorts. And it may also be remarked, that there is nothing in it concerning the tabernacle worship, or the rites and ceremonies of the legal dispensation; so that it seems to be calculated for, and is suited to, the word of God, and the ordinances of it, as we now have them in their full perfection: and the design of the whole is to show the fervent affection the psalmist had for the word of God, and to stir up the same in others.

{m} Mensal. Colloqu. c. 32. p. 365.

a, \\ALEPH.--The First Part\\.