Psalm 119:65

It was "according to his word" too, in the sense of being in accordance with his revealed manner of dealing with his people, who are chastened for their profit.

Again, God had "dealt well" with David according to his word or covenant; the present fulfilment (even if in itself bitter) being a sure earnest of his final perfecting of his work, and glorifying himself in the entire fulfilment of his word, in the completed salvation of his servant.

According to thy word, O Lord, thou hast dealt well with thy servant. Thy word is the light and lamp that shows things in their true aspect, and teaches us to know that all things work together for good to thy people; that thou doest all things well. "Open thou mine eyes, O Lord, that I may see wondrous things out of thy law." What can be more wonderful than such views to our eyes?

According to thy word: not only "because of thy promise," but in such a manner and measure as thy word declares. See how such an understanding of the expression opens out the idea of "Be merciful to me according to thy word" ( Psalms 119:58 ). All the sweet promises and declarations of God's infinite mercy rise before us, and make it a vast request. Again, "Quicken thou me," and "strengthen thou me according to thy word" -- up to the full measure of what thou hast promised and provided for thy people. See the fulness in this view, of Psalms 119:76 , "Let, I pray thee, thy merciful kindness be for my comfort, according to thy word." Again, Psalms 119:169 , "Give me understanding according to thy word"; Psalms 119:170 , "Deliver me according to thy word." In each of these we are led to feel that the request includes the thought of all that the word teaches on the subject.

Let our prayer then for mercy, and strength, and comfort, and understanding, and deliverance, ever be a prayer for these, in the full measure in which they are revealed and promised in the word of God. --Mary B.M. Duncan (1825- 1865), in "Under the Shadow."

HINTS FOR PASTORS AND LAYPERSONS

Outlines Upon Keywords of the Psalm, By Pastor C. A. Davis.

Verse 65-72. -- The Lord's dealings. Gratefully acknowledged ( Psalms 119:65 ), and their instructiveness still desired ( Psalms 119:66 ), even affliction from him is "good" ( Psalms 119:67-68 ), and with its beneficial result is preferred to the prosperity of the wicked ( Psalms 119:69-72 ).

HINTS FOR PASTORS AND LAYPERSONS

Verse 65. -- The servant giving his master a character; or, tallying with Scripture: two fruitful themes.

Verse 65. --

Verse 65. -- A servant's story.