Psalm 119:148

148 Mine eyes are awake through the ashmurot (night watches), that I might meditate on Thy word.

Psalm 119:148 Meaning and Commentary

Psalms 119:148

Mine eyes prevent the [night] watches
The Targum is,

``the morning and evening watches.''

There were three of them; Kimchi interprets it of the second and third; the meaning is, that the psalmist was awake and employed in one religious exercise or another, praying, reading, or meditating; either before the watches were set, or however before the time that some of them took place, or at least before they were all over;

that I might meditate in thy word;
he rose so early, in order to give himself up to meditation on the word of God; that he might be better instructed in the knowledge of divine things; that he might have solace and comfort from thence under his afflictions; and that he might be better furnished for the work of prayer; for the more familiar the word of God is to us, the better able we are to speak to God in his own language.

Psalm 119:148 In-Context

146 I cried unto Thee; save me, and I shall be shomer over Thy edot (testimonies).

147 I rose before the dawn, and cried out for help; I hoped in Thy Davar.

148 Mine eyes are awake through the ashmurot (night watches), that I might meditate on Thy word.

149 Hear my voice according unto Thy chesed; Hashem, revive me according to Thy mishpat.

150 They draw near that follow after wicked schemes; they are far from Thy torah.