Salmos 119

Álef

1 Dichosos los que van por caminos perfectos,los que andan conforme a la ley del SEÑOR.

2 Dichosos los que guardan sus estatutosy de todo corazón lo buscan.

3 Jamás hacen nada malo,sino que siguen los caminos de Dios.

4 Tú has establecido tus preceptos,para que se cumplan fielmente.

5 ¡Cuánto deseo afirmar mis caminospara cumplir tus decretos!

6 No tendré que pasar vergüenzascuando considere todos tus mandamientos.

7 Te alabaré con integridad de corazón,cuando aprenda tus justos juicios.

8 Tus decretos cumpliré;no me abandones del todo.

Bet

9 ¿Cómo puede el joven llevar una vida íntegra?Viviendo conforme a tu palabra.

10 Yo te busco con todo el corazón;no dejes que me desvíe de tus mandamientos.

11 En mi corazón atesoro tus dichospara no pecar contra ti.

12 ¡Bendito seas, SEÑOR!¡Enséñame tus decretos!

13 Con mis labios he proclamadotodos los juicios que has emitido.

14 Me regocijo en el camino de tus estatutosmás que en^[a] todas las riquezas.

15 En tus preceptos medito,y pongo mis ojos en tus sendas.

16 En tus decretos hallo mi deleite,y jamás olvidaré tu palabra.

Guímel

17 Trata con bondad a este siervo tuyo;así viviré y obedeceré tu palabra.

18 Ábreme los ojos, para que contemplelas maravillas de tu ley.

19 En esta tierra soy un extranjero;no escondas de mí tus mandamientos.

20 A toda hora siento un nudo en la gargantapor el deseo de conocer tus juicios.

21 Tú reprendes a los insolentes;¡malditos los que se apartan de tus mandamientos!

22 Aleja de mí el menosprecio y el desdén,pues yo cumplo tus estatutos.

23 Aun los poderosos se confabulan contra mí,pero este siervo tuyo medita en tus decretos.

24 Tus estatutos son mi deleite;son también mis consejeros.

Dálet

25 Postrado estoy en el polvo;dame vida conforme a tu palabra.

26 Tú me respondiste cuando te hablé de mis caminos.¡Enséñame tus decretos!

27 Hazme entender el camino de tus preceptos,y meditaré en tus maravillas.

28 De angustia se me derrite el alma:susténtame conforme a tu palabra.

29 Manténme alejado de caminos torcidos;concédeme las bondades de tu ley.

30 He optado por el camino de la fidelidad,he escogido tus juicios.

31 Yo, SEÑOR, me apego a tus estatutos;no me hagas pasar vergüenza.

32 Corro por el camino de tus mandamientos,porque has ampliado mi modo de pensar.

He

33 Enséñame, SEÑOR, a seguir tus decretos,y los cumpliré hasta el fin.

34 Dame entendimiento para seguir tu ley,y la cumpliré de todo corazón.

35 Dirígeme por la senda de tus mandamientos,porque en ella encuentro mi solaz.

36 Inclina mi corazón hacia tus estatutosy no hacia las ganancias desmedidas.

37 Aparta mi vista de cosas vanas,dame vida conforme a tu palabra.^[b]

38 Confirma tu promesa a este siervo,como lo has hecho con los que te temen.

39 Líbrame del oprobio que me aterra,porque tus juicios son buenos.

40 ¡Yo amo tus preceptos!¡Dame vida conforme a tu justicia!

Vav

41 Envíame, SEÑOR, tu gran amory tu salvación, conforme a tu promesa.

42 Así responderé a quien me desprecie,porque yo confío en tu palabra.

43 No me quites de la boca la palabra de verdad,pues en tus juicios he puesto mi esperanza.

44 Por toda la eternidadobedeceré fielmente tu ley.

45 Viviré con toda libertad,porque he buscado tus preceptos.

46 Hablaré de tus estatutos a los reyesy no seré avergonzado,

47 pues amo tus mandamientos,y en ellos me regocijo.

48 Yo amo tus mandamientos,y hacia ellos elevo mis manos;¡quiero meditar en tus decretos!

Zayin

49 Acuérdate de la palabra que diste a este siervo tuyo,palabra con la que me infundiste esperanza.

50 Este es mi consuelo en medio del dolor:que tu promesa me da vida.

51 Los insolentes me ofenden hasta el colmo,pero yo no me aparto de tu ley.

52 Me acuerdo, SEÑOR, de tus juicios de antaño,y encuentro consuelo en ellos.

53 Me llenan de indignación los impíos,que han abandonado tu ley.

54 Tus decretos han sido mis cánticosen el lugar de mi destierro.

55 SEÑOR, por la noche evoco tu nombre;¡quiero cumplir tu ley!

56 Lo que a mí me correspondees obedecer tus preceptos.^[c]

Jet

57 ¡Mi herencia eres tú, SEÑOR!Prometo obedecer tus palabras.

58 De todo corazón busco tu rostro;compadécete de mí conforme a tu promesa.

59 Me he puesto a pensar en mis caminos,y he orientado mis pasos hacia tus estatutos.

60 Me doy prisa, no tardo nadapara cumplir tus mandamientos.

61 Aunque los lazos de los impíos me aprisionan,yo no me olvido de tu ley.

62 A medianoche me levanto a darte graciaspor tus rectos juicios.

63 Soy amigo de todos los que te honran,de todos los que observan tus preceptos.

64 Enséñame, SEÑOR, tus decretos;¡la tierra está llena de tu gran amor!

Tet

65 Tú, SEÑOR, tratas bien a tu siervo,conforme a tu palabra.

66 Impárteme conocimiento y buen juicio,pues yo creo en tus mandamientos.

67 Antes de sufrir anduve descarriado,pero ahora obedezco tu palabra.

68 Tú eres bueno, y haces el bien;enséñame tus decretos.

69 Aunque los insolentes me difaman,yo cumplo tus preceptos con todo el corazón.

70 El corazón de ellos es torpe e insensible,pero yo me regocijo en tu ley.

71 Me hizo bien haber sido afligido,porque así llegué a conocer tus decretos.

72 Para mí es más valiosa tu enseñanzaque millares de monedas de oro y plata.

Yod

73 Con tus manos me creaste, me diste forma.Dame entendimiento para aprender tus mandamientos.

74 Los que te honran se regocijan al verme,porque he puesto mi esperanza en tu palabra.

75 SEÑOR, yo sé que tus juicios son justos,y que con justa razón me afliges.

76 Que sea tu gran amor mi consuelo,conforme a la promesa que hiciste a tu siervo.

77 Que venga tu compasión a darme vida,porque en tu ley me regocijo.

78 Sean avergonzados los insolentes que sin motivo me maltratan;yo, por mi parte, meditaré en tus preceptos.

79 Que se reconcilien conmigo los que te temen,los que conocen tus estatutos.

80 Sea mi corazón íntegro hacia tus decretos,para que yo no sea avergonzado.

Caf

81 Esperando tu salvación se me va la vida.En tu palabra he puesto mi esperanza.

82 Mis ojos se consumen esperando tu promesa,y digo: «¿Cuándo vendrás a consolarme?»

83 Parezco un odre ennegrecido por el humo,pero no me olvido de tus decretos.

84 ¿Cuánto más vivirá este siervo tuyo?¿Cuándo juzgarás a mis perseguidores?

85 Me han cavado trampas los insolentes,los que no viven conforme a tu ley.

86 Todos tus mandamientos son fidedignos;¡ayúdame!, pues falsos son mis perseguidores.

87 Por poco me borran de la tierra,pero yo no abandono tus preceptos.

88 Por tu gran amor, dame viday cumpliré tus estatutos.

Lámed

89 Tu palabra, SEÑOR, es eterna,y está firme en los cielos.

90 Tu fidelidad permanece para siempre;estableciste la tierra, y quedó firme.

91 Todo subsiste hoy, conforme a tus decretos,porque todo está a tu servicio.

92 Si tu ley no fuera mi regocijo,la aflicción habría acabado conmigo.

93 Jamás me olvidaré de tus preceptos,pues con ellos me has dado vida.

94 ¡Sálvame, pues te pertenezcoy escudriño tus preceptos!

95 Los impíos me acechan para destruirme,pero yo me esfuerzo por entender tus estatutos.

96 He visto que aun la perfección tiene sus límites;¡solo tus mandamientos son infinitos!

Mem

97 ¡Cuánto amo yo tu ley!Todo el día medito en ella.

98 Tus mandamientos me hacen más sabio que mis enemigosporque me pertenecen para siempre.

99 Tengo más discernimiento que todos mis maestrosporque medito en tus estatutos.

100 Tengo más entendimiento que los ancianosporque obedezco tus preceptos.

101 Aparto mis pies de toda mala sendapara cumplir con tu palabra.

102 No me desvío de tus juiciosporque tú mismo me instruyes.

103 ¡Cuán dulces son a mi paladar tus palabras!¡Son más dulces que la miel a mi boca!

104 De tus preceptos adquiero entendimiento;por eso aborrezco toda senda de mentira.

Nun

105 Tu palabra es una lámpara a mis pies;es una luz en mi sendero.

106 Hice un juramento, y lo he confirmado:que acataré tus rectos juicios.

107 SEÑOR, es mucho lo que he sufrido;dame vida conforme a tu palabra.

108 SEÑOR, acepta la ofrenda que brota de mis labios;enséñame tus juicios.

109 Mi vida pende de un hilo,^[d]pero no me olvido de tu ley.

110 Los impíos me han tendido una trampa,pero no me aparto de tus preceptos.

111 Tus estatutos son mi herencia permanente;son el regocijo de mi corazón.

112 Inclino mi corazón a cumplir tus decretospara siempre y hasta el fin.

Sámej

113 Aborrezco a los hipócritas,pero amo tu ley.

114 Tú eres mi escondite y mi escudo;en tu palabra he puesto mi esperanza.

115 ¡Malhechores, apártense de mí,que quiero cumplir los mandamientos de mi Dios!

116 Sosténme conforme a tu promesa, y viviré;no defraudes mis esperanzas.

117 Defiéndeme, y estaré a salvo;siempre optaré por tus decretos.

118 Tú rechazas a los que se desvían de tus decretos,porque solo maquinan falsedades.

119 Tú desechas como escoria a los impíos de la tierra;por eso amo tus estatutos.

120 Mi cuerpo se estremece por el temor que me inspiras;siento reverencia por tus leyes.

Ayin

121 Yo practico la justicia y el derecho;no me dejes en manos de mis opresores.

122 Garantiza el bienestar de tu siervo;que no me opriman los arrogantes.

123 Mis ojos se consumen esperando tu salvación,esperando que se cumpla tu justicia.

124 Trata a tu siervo conforme a tu gran amor;enséñame tus decretos.

125 Tu siervo soy: dame entendimientoy llegaré a conocer tus estatutos.

126 SEÑOR, ya es tiempo de que actúes,pues tu ley está siendo quebrantada.

127 Sobre todas las cosas amo tus mandamientos,más que el oro, más que el oro refinado.

128 Por eso tomo en cuenta todos tus preceptos^[e]y aborrezco toda senda falsa.

Pe

129 Tus estatutos son maravillosos;por eso los obedezco.

130 La exposición de tus palabras nos da luz,y da entendimiento al sencillo.

131 Jadeante abro la bocaporque ansío tus mandamientos.

132 Vuélvete a mí, y tenme compasióncomo haces siempre con los que aman tu nombre.

133 Guía mis pasos conforme a tu promesa;no dejes que me domine la iniquidad.

134 Líbrame de la opresión humana,pues quiero obedecer tus preceptos.

135 Haz brillar tu rostro sobre tu siervo;enséñame tus decretos.

136 Ríos de lágrimas brotan de mis ojos,porque tu ley no se obedece.

Tsade

137 SEÑOR, tú eres justo,y tus juicios son rectos.

138 Justos son los estatutos que has ordenado,y muy dignos de confianza.

139 Mi celo me consume,porque mis adversarios pasan por alto tus palabras.

140 Tus promesas han superado muchas pruebas,por eso tu siervo las ama.

141 Insignificante y menospreciable como soy,no me olvido de tus preceptos.

142 Tu justicia es siempre justa;tu ley es la verdad.

143 He caído en la angustia y la aflicción,pero tus mandamientos son mi regocijo.

144 Tus estatutos son siempre justos;dame entendimiento para poder vivir.

Qof

145 Con todo el corazón clamo a ti, SEÑOR;respóndeme, y obedeceré tus decretos.

146 A ti clamo: «¡Sálvame!»Quiero cumplir tus estatutos.

147 Muy de mañana me levanto a pedir ayuda;en tus palabras he puesto mi esperanza.

148 En toda la noche no pego los ojos,^[f]para meditar en tu promesa.

149 Conforme a tu gran amor, escucha mi voz;conforme a tus juicios, SEÑOR, dame vida.

150 Ya se acercan mis crueles perseguidores,pero andan muy lejos de tu ley.

151 Tú, SEÑOR, también estás cerca,y todos tus mandamientos son verdad.

152 Desde hace mucho conozco tus estatutos,los cuales estableciste para siempre.

Resh

153 Considera mi aflicción, y líbrame,pues no me he olvidado de tu ley.

154 Defiende mi causa, rescátame;dame vida conforme a tu promesa.

155 La salvación está lejos de los impíos,porque ellos no buscan tus decretos.

156 Grande es, SEÑOR, tu compasión;dame vida conforme a tus juicios.

157 Muchos son mis adversarios y mis perseguidores,pero yo no me aparto de tus estatutos.

158 Miro a esos renegados y me dan náuseas,porque no cumplen tus palabras.

159 Mira, SEÑOR, cuánto amo tus preceptos;conforme a tu gran amor, dame vida.

160 La suma de tus palabras es la verdad;tus rectos juicios permanecen para siempre.

Shin

161 Gente poderosa^[g] me persigue sin motivo,pero mi corazón se asombra ante tu palabra.

162 Yo me regocijo en tu promesacomo quien halla un gran botín.

163 Aborrezco y repudio la falsedad,pero amo tu ley.

164 Siete veces al día te alabopor tus rectos juicios.

165 Los que aman tu ley disfrutan de gran bienestar,y nada los hace tropezar.

166 Yo, SEÑOR, espero tu salvacióny practico tus mandamientos.

167 Con todo mi ser cumplo tus estatutos.¡Cuánto los amo!

168 Obedezco tus preceptos y tus estatutos,porque conoces todos mis caminos.

Tav

169 Que llegue mi clamor a tu presencia;dame entendimiento, SEÑOR, conforme a tu palabra.

170 Que llegue a tu presencia mi súplica;líbrame, conforme a tu promesa.

171 Que rebosen mis labios de alabanza,porque tú me enseñas tus decretos.

172 Que entone mi lengua un cántico a tu palabra,pues todos tus mandamientos son justos.

173 Que acuda tu mano en mi ayuda,porque he escogido tus preceptos.

174 Yo, SEÑOR, ansío tu salvación.Tu ley es mi regocijo.

175 Déjame vivir para alabarte;que vengan tus juicios a ayudarme.

176 Cual oveja perdida me he extraviado;ven en busca de tu siervo,porque no he olvidado tus mandamientos.

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.

Footnotes

• [a]. "más que en " (Siríaca); "como sobre " (TM).
• [b]. "conforme a tu palabra " (Targum y dos mss. hebreos); "en tu camino " (TM).
• [c]. "Lo que a mí " "… " "tus preceptos" . Alt. "Esto es lo que me corresponde, porque obedezco tus preceptos" .
• [d]. "pende de un hilo" . Lit. "está siempre en mi puño" .
• [e]. "Por eso " "… " "tus preceptos " (véanse LXX y Vulgata); "Por eso todos los estatutos de todo lo que hago recto " (TM).
• [f]. "En toda " "… " "los ojos" . Lit. "Se anticipan mis ojos a las vigilias" .
• [g]. "Gente poderosa" . Lit. "Príncipes" .

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\\.