Psalm 119:170

Verse 170. -- Let my supplication come before thee. Observe the order of the words here and in the preceding verse. First we had, "Let my cry come near;" then "Give me understanding," and that "according to thy word," and now we have "Let my prayer enter in (LXX., Syr., Arb., Vulg.,) before thee." Just so, if you wish for an interview with a man of very high rank, first you come near his house, then you ask for information and instruction as to his intentions, then you ask permission to enter, lest you should be driven away and refused admittance. Knock therefore at the door of the heavenly palace: knock, not with your bodily hand, but with the right hand of prayer. For the voice can knock as well as the hand, as it is written, "It is the voice of my Beloved that knocketh": Song of Solomon 5:2 . And when you have knocked, see how you go in, lest after entering you should not get the sight of the King. For there are many who make their way into palaces, and do not at once get an audience of an earthly sovereign, but have to watch constantly to obtain an interview at last. Nor have they the choice of the opportunity, they come when they are sent for, and then present their petition, if they wish to be favourably received. -- Ambrose, in Neale and Littledale.

HINTS FOR PASTORS AND LAYPERSONS

Verse 170-174. -- The pleader: Psalms 119:170 . The singer: Psalms 119:171 . The preacher: Ps 119:172. The worker: Psalms 119:173 . The waiter: Psalms 119:174 .

Verse 170. --