Salmos 119

1 Bem-aventurados os que trilham com integridade o seu caminho, os que andam na lei do Senhor!

2 Bem-aventurados os que guardam os seus testemunhos, que o buscam de todo o coração,

3 que não praticam iniqüidade, mas andam nos caminhos dele!

4 Tu ordenaste os teus preceitos, para que fossem diligentemente observados.

5 Oxalá sejam os meus caminhos dirigidos de maneira que eu observe os teus estatutos!

6 Então não ficarei confundido, atentando para todos os teus mandamentos.

7 Louvar-te-ei com retidão de coração, quando tiver aprendido as tuas retas ordenanças.

8 Observarei os teus estatutos; não me desampares totalmente!

9 Como purificará o jovem o seu caminho? Observando-o de acordo com a tua palavra.

10 De todo o meu coração tenho te buscado; não me deixes desviar dos teus mandamentos.

11 Escondi a tua palavra no meu coração, para não pecar contra ti.

12 Bendito és tu, ó Senhor; ensina-me os teus estatutos.

13 Com os meus lábios declaro todas as ordenanças da tua boca.

14 Regozijo-me no caminho dos teus testemunhos, tanto como em todas as riquezas.

15 Em teus preceitos medito, e observo os teus caminhos.

16 Deleitar-me-ei nos teus estatutos; não me esquecerei da tua palavra.

17 Faze bem ao teu servo, para que eu viva; assim observarei a tua palavra.

18 Desvenda os meus olhos, para que eu veja as maravilhas da tua lei.

19 Sou peregrino na terra; não escondas de mim os teus mandamentos.

20 A minha alma se consome de anelos por tuas ordenanças em todo o tempo.

21 Tu repreendeste os soberbos, os malditos, que se desviam dos teus mandamentos.

22 Tira de sobre mim o opróbrio e o desprezo, pois tenho guardado os teus testemunhos.

23 Príncipes sentaram-se e falavam contra mim, mas o teu servo meditava nos teus estatutos.

24 Os teus testemunhos são o meu prazer e os meus conselheiros.

25 A minha alma apega-se ao pó; vivifica-me segundo a tua palavra.

26 Meus caminhos te descrevi, e tu me ouviste; ensina-me os teus estatutos.

27 Faze-me entender o caminho dos teus preceitos; assim meditarei nas tuas maravilhas.

28 A minha alma se consome de tristeza; fortalece-me segundo a tua palavra.

29 Desvia de mim o caminho da falsidade, e ensina-me benignidade a tua lei.

30 Escolhi o caminho da fidelidade; diante de mim pus as tuas ordenanças.

31 Apego-me aos teus testemunhos, ó Senhor; não seja eu envergonhado.

32 Percorrerei o caminho dos teus mandamentos, quando dilatares o meu coração.

33 Ensina-me, ó Senhor, o caminho dos teus estatutos, e eu o guardarei até o fim.

34 Dá-me entendimento, para que eu guarde a tua lei, e a observe de todo o meu coração.

35 Faze-me andar na vereda dos teus mandamentos, porque nela me comprazo.

36 Inclina o meu coração para os teus testemunhos, e não para a cobiça.

37 Desvia os meus olhos de contemplarem a vaidade, e vivifica-me no teu caminho.

38 Confirma a tua promessa ao teu servo, que se inclina ao teu temor.

39 Desvia de mim o opróbrio que temo, pois as tuas ordenanças são boas.

40 Eis que tenho anelado os teus preceitos; vivifica-me por tua justiça.

41 Venha também sobre mim a tua benignidade, ó Senhor, e a tua salvação, segundo a tua palavra.

42 Assim terei o que responder ao que me afronta, pois confio na tua palavra.

43 De minha boca não tires totalmente a palavra da verdade, pois tenho esperado nos teus juízos.

44 Assim observarei de contínuo a tua lei, para sempre e eternamente;

45 e andarei em liberdade, pois tenho buscado os teus preceitos.

46 Falarei dos teus testemunhos perante os reis, e não me envergonharei.

47 Deleitar-me-ei em teus mandamentos, que eu amo.

48 Também levantarei as minhas mãos para os teus mandamentos, que amo, e meditarei nos teus estatutos.

49 Lembra-te da palavra dada ao teu servo, na qual me fizeste esperar.

50 Isto é a minha consolação na minha angústia, que a tua promessa me vivifica.

51 Os soberbos zombaram grandemente de mim; contudo não me desviei da tua lei.

52 Lembro-me dos teus juízos antigos, ó Senhor, e assim me consolo.

53 Grande indignação apoderou-se de mim, por causa dos ímpios que abandonam a tua lei.

54 Os teus estatutos têm sido os meus cânticos na casa da minha peregrinação.

55 De noite me lembrei do teu nome, ó Senhor, e observei a tua lei.

56 Isto me sucedeu, porque tenho guardado os teus preceitos.

57 O Senhor é o meu quinhão; prometo observar as tuas palavras.

58 De todo o meu coração imploro o teu favor; tem piedade de mim, segundo a tua palavra.

59 Quando considero os meus caminhos, volto os meus pés para os teus testemunhos.

60 Apresso-me sem detença a observar os teus mandamentos.

61 Enleiam-me os laços dos ímpios; mas eu não me esqueço da tua lei.

62 Â meia-noite me levanto para dar-te graças, por causa dos teus retos juízos.

63 Companheiro sou de todos os que te temem, e dos que guardam os teus preceitos.

64 A terra, ó Senhor, está cheia da tua benignidade; ensina-me os teus estatutos.

65 Tens usado de bondade para com o teu servo, Senhor, segundo a tua palavra.

66 Ensina-me bom juízo e ciência, pois creio nos teus mandamentos.

67 Antes de ser afligido, eu me extraviava; mas agora guardo a tua palavra.

68 Tu és bom e fazes o bem; ensina-me os teus estatutos.

69 Os soberbos forjam mentiras contra mim; mas eu de todo o coração guardo os teus preceitos.

70 Torna-se-lhes insensível o coração como a gordura; mas eu me deleito na tua lei.

71 Foi-me bom ter sido afligido, para que aprendesse os teus estatutos.

72 Melhor é para mim a lei da tua boca do que milhares de ouro e prata.

73 As tuas mãos me fizeram e me formaram; dá-me entendimento para que aprenda os teus mandamentos.

74 Os que te temem me verão e se alegrarão, porque tenho esperado na tua palavra.

75 Bem sei eu, ó Senhor, que os teus juízos são retos, e que em tua fidelidade me afligiste.

76 Sirva, pois, a tua benignidade para me consolar, segundo a palavra que deste ao teu servo.

77 Venham sobre mim as tuas ternas misericórdias, para que eu viva, pois a tua lei é o meu deleite.

78 Envergonhados sejam os soberbos, por me haverem subvertido sem causa; mas eu meditarei nos teus preceitos.

79 Voltem-se para mim os que te temem, para que conheçam os teus testemunhos.

80 Seja perfeito o meu coração nos teus estatutos, para que eu não seja envergonhado.

81 Desfalece a minha alma, aguardando a tua salvação; espero na tua palavra.

82 Os meus olhos desfalecem, esperando por tua promessa, enquanto eu pergunto: Quando me consolarás tu?

83 Pois tornei-me como odre na fumaça, mas não me esqueci dos teus estatutos.

84 Quantos serão os dias do teu servo? Até quando não julgarás aqueles que me perseguem?

85 Abriram covas para mim os soberbos, que não andam segundo a tua lei.

86 Todos os teus mandamentos são fiéis. Sou perseguido injustamente; ajuda-me!

87 Quase que me consumiram sobre a terra, mas eu não deixei os teus preceitos.

88 Vivifica-me segundo a tua benignidade, para que eu guarde os testemunhos da tua boca.

89 Para sempre, ó Senhor, a tua palavra está firmada nos céus.

90 A tua fidelidade estende-se de geração a geração; tu firmaste a terra, e firme permanece.

91 Conforme a tua ordenança, tudo se mantém até hoje, porque todas as coisas te obedecem.

92 Se a tua lei não fora o meu deleite, então eu teria perecido na minha angústia.

93 Nunca me esquecerei dos teus preceitos, pois por eles me tens vivificado.

94 Sou teu, salva-me; pois tenho buscado os teus preceitos.

95 Os ímpios me espreitam para me destruírem, mas eu atento para os teus testemunhos.

96 A toda perfeição vi limite, mas o teu mandamento é ilimitado.

97 Oh! quanto amo a tua lei! ela é a minha meditação o dia todo.

98 O teu mandamento me faz mais sábio do que meus inimigos, pois está sempre comigo.

99 Tenho mais entendimento do que todos os meus mestres, porque os teus testemunhos são a minha meditação.

100 Sou mais entendido do que os velhos, porque tenho guardado os teus preceitos.

101 Retenho os meus pés de todo caminho mau, a fim de observar a tua palavra.

102 Não me aperto das tuas ordenanças, porque és tu quem me instrui.

103 Oh! quão doces são as tuas palavras ao meu paladar! mais doces do que o mel � minha boca.

104 Pelos teus preceitos alcanço entendimento, pelo que aborreço toda vereda de falsidade.

105 Lâmpada para os meus pés é a tua palavra, e luz para o meu caminho.

106 Fiz juramento, e o confirmei, de guardar as tuas justas ordenanças.

107 Estou aflitíssimo; vivifica-me, ó Senhor, segundo a tua palavra.

108 Aceita, Senhor, eu te rogo, as oferendas voluntárias da minha boca, e ensina-me as tuas ordenanças.

109 Estou continuamente em perigo de vida; todavia não me esqueço da tua lei.

110 Os ímpios me armaram laço, contudo não me desviei dos teus preceitos.

111 Os teus testemunhos são a minha herança para sempre, pois são eles o gozo do meu coração.

112 Inclino o meu coração a cumprir os teus estatutos, para sempre, até o fim.

113 Aborreço a duplicidade, mas amo a tua lei.

114 Tu és o meu refúgio e o meu escudo; espero na tua palavra.

115 Apartai-vos de mim, malfeitores, para que eu guarde os mandamentos do meu Deus.

116 Ampara-me conforme a tua palavra, para que eu viva; e não permitas que eu seja envergonhado na minha esperança.

117 Sustenta-me, e serei salvo, e de contínuo terei respeito aos teus estatutos.

118 Desprezas todos os que se desviam dos teus estatutos, pois a astúcia deles é falsidade.

119 Deitas fora, como escória, todos os ímpios da terra; pelo que amo os teus testemunhos.

120 Arrepia-se-me a carne com temor de ti, e tenho medo dos teus juízos.

121 Tenho praticado a retidão e a justiça; não me abandones aos meus opressores.

122 Fica por fiador do teu servo para o bem; não me oprimem os soberbos.

123 Os meus olhos desfalecem � espera da tua salvação e da promessa da tua justiça.

124 Trata com o teu servo segundo a tua benignidade, e ensina-me os teus estatutos.

125 Sou teu servo; dá-me entendimento, para que eu conheça os teus testemunhos.

126 É tempo de agires, ó Senhor, pois eles violaram a tua lei.

127 Pelo que amo os teus mandamentos mais do que o ouro, sim, mais do que o ouro fino.

128 Por isso dirijo os meus passos por todos os teus preceitos, e aborreço toda vereda de falsidade.

129 Maravilhosos são os teus testemunhos, por isso a minha alma os guarda.

130 A exposição das tuas palavras dá luz; dá entendimento aos simples.

131 Abro a minha boca e arquejo, pois estou anelante pelos teus mandamentos.

132 Volta-te para mim, e compadece-te de mim, conforme usas para com os que amam o teu nome.

133 Firma os meus passos na tua palavra; e não se apodere de mim iniqüidade alguma.

134 Resgata-me da opressão do homem; assim guardarei os teus preceitos.

135 Faze resplandecer o teu rosto sobre o teu servo, e ensina-me os teus estatutos.

136 Os meus olhos derramam rios de lágrimas, porque os homens não guardam a tua lei.

137 Justo és, ó Senhor, e retos são os teus juízos.

138 Ordenaste os teus testemunhos com retidão, e com toda a fidelidade.

139 O meu zelo me consome, porque os meus inimigos se esquecem da tua palavra.

140 A tua palavra é fiel a toda prova, por isso o teu servo a ama.

141 Pequeno sou e desprezado, mas não me esqueço dos teus preceitos.

142 A tua justiça é justiça eterna, e a tua lei é a verdade.

143 Tribulação e angústia se apoderaram de mim; mas os teus mandamentos são o meu prazer.

144 Justos são os teus testemunhos para sempre; dá-me entendimento, para que eu viva.

145 Clamo de todo o meu coração; atende-me, Senhor! Eu guardarei os teus estatutos.

146 A ti clamo; salva-me, para que guarde os teus testemunhos.

147 Antecipo-me � alva da manhã e clamo; aguardo com esperança as tuas palavras.

148 Os meus olhos se antecipam �s vigílias da noite, para que eu medite na tua palavra.

149 Ouve a minha voz, segundo a tua benignidade; vivifica-me, ó Senhor, segundo a tua justiça.

150 Aproximam-se os que me perseguem maliciosamente; andam afastados da tua lei.

151 Tu estás perto, Senhor, e todos os teus mandamentos são verdade.

152 Há muito sei eu dos teus testemunhos que os fundaste para sempre.

153 Olha para a minha aflição, e livra-me, pois não me esqueço da tua lei.

154 Pleiteia a minha causa, e resgata-me; vivifica-me segundo a tua palavra.

155 A salvação está longe dos ímpios, pois não buscam os teus estatutos.

156 Muitas são, Senhor, as tuas misericórdias; vivifica-me segundo os teus juízos.

157 Muitos são os meus perseguidores e os meus adversários, mas não me desvio dos teus testemunhos.

158 Vi os pérfidos, e me afligi, porque não guardam a tua palavra.

159 Considera como amo os teus preceitos; vivifica-me, Senhor, segundo a tua benignidade.

160 A soma da tua palavra é a verdade, e cada uma das tuas justas ordenanças dura para sempre.

161 Príncipes me perseguem sem causa, mas o meu coração teme as tuas palavras.

162 Regozijo-me com a tua palavra, como quem acha grande despojo.

163 Odeio e abomino a falsidade; amo, porém, a tua lei.

164 Sete vezes no dia te louvo pelas tuas justas ordenanças.

165 Muita paz têm os que amam a tua lei, e não há nada que os faça tropeçar.

166 Espero, Senhor, na tua salvação, e cumpro os teus mandamentos.

167 A minha alma observa os teus testemunhos; amo-os extremamente.

168 Observo os teus preceitos e os teus testemunhos, pois todos os meus caminhos estão diante de ti.

169 Chegue a ti o meu clamor, ó Senhor; dá-me entendimento conforme a tua palavra.

170 Chegue � tua presença a minha súplica; livra-me segundo a tua palavra.

171 Profiram louvor os meus lábios, pois me ensinas os teus estatutos.

172 Celebre a minha língua a tua palavra, pois todos os teus mandamentos são justos.

173 Esteja pronta a tua mão para me socorrer, pois escolhi os teus preceitos.

174 Anelo por tua salvação, ó Senhor; a tua lei é o meu prazer.

175 Que minha alma viva, para que te louve; ajudem-me as tuas ordenanças.

176 Desgarrei-me como ovelha perdida; busca o teu servo, pois não me esqueço dos teus mandamentos.

Salmos 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\\.