Psalm 119
This, the longest Bible chapter, expresses the importance of God's law

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Text
Explanation
This psalm is an acrostic. See on v1. The Hebrew alphabet thus helped those who memorized the psalm to remember the order of the parts. What follows is from Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Whole Bible.

We are here taught, 

1. To own ourselves under the highest obligations to walk in God's law. The tempter would possess men with an opinion that they are at their liberty whether they will make the word of God their rule or no, that, though it may be good, yet it is not so necessary as they are made to believe it is.  He taught our first parents to question the command:  Hath God said, You shall not eat? And therefore we are concerned to be well established in this (Ps 119:4): Thou hast commanded us to keep thy precepts, to make religion our rule; and to keep them diligently, to make religion our business and to mind it carefully and constantly.  We are bound, and must obey at our peril. 

2. To look up to God for wisdom and grace to do so (Ps 119:5): O that my ways were directed accordingly! not only that all events concerning us may be so ordered and disposed by the providence of God as not to be in any thing a hindrance to us, but a furtherance rather, in the service of God, but that our hearts may be so guided and influenced by the Spirit of God that we may not in any thing transgress God's commandments--not only that our eyes may be directed to behold God's statutes, but our hearts directed to keep them. See how the desire and prayer of a good man exactly agree with the will and command of a good God:

 1 ALEPH. Blessed are the undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the LORD.
.2  Blessed are they that keep his testimonies, and that seek him with the whole heart.
 3  They also do no iniquity: they walk in his ways.
.4 Thou hast commanded us to keep thy precepts diligently.
.5  O that my ways were directed to keep thy statutes!
 6  Then shall I not be ashamed, when I have respect unto all thy commandments.
 7 I will praise thee with uprightness of heart, when I shall have learned thy righteous judgments.
 8  I will keep thy statutes: O forsake me not utterly. 
  1 - Aleph The first letter of the Hebrew alphabet. The lines in each stanza begin with a successive letter.
  4 - Precepts From piqqudim. These point to our essential duty toward God. Compare ps01907-10.
  5 - Statutes From chuqqim. "prescribed matters." 
9 BETH. Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word.
 10 With my whole heart have I sought thee: O let me not wander from thy commandments.
.11 Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.
.12 Blessed art thou, O LORD: teach me thy statutes.
 13 With my lips have I declared all the judgments of thy mouth.
 14  I have rejoiced in the way of thy testimonies, as much as in all riches.
 15  I will meditate in thy precepts, and have respect unto thy ways.
 16  I will delight myself in thy statutes: I will not forget thy word.
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  10 - Not wander We express our need and the Lord helps us keep our commitment not to drift away from the people of God. Compare de0811; is5306.
  11 - Word ... hid Memorizing the Bible text and knowing where to find keep principles are important. The words of the Bible are inspired and can be a blessing as we apply them to our lives.
It is the Spirit that makes effectual what has been wrought out by the world's Redeemer. It is by the Spirit that the heart is made pure. Through the Spirit the believer becomes a partaker of the divine nature. Christ has given His Spirit as a divine power to overcome all hereditary and cultivated tendencies to evil, and to impress His own character upon His church. (Desire of Ages, p. 671)
.17 GIMEL. Deal bountifully with thy servant, that I may live, and keep thy word.
 18 Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law.
 19 I am a stranger in the earth: hide not thy commandments from me.
 20 My soul breaketh for the longing that it hath unto thy judgments at all times.
 21 Thou hast rebuked the proud that are cursed, which do err from thy commandm-ents.
 22 Remove from me reproach and contempt; for I have kept thy testimonies.
 23 Princes also did sit and speak against me: but thy servant did meditate in thy statutes.
 24 Thy testimonies also are my delight and my counsellors.
 18 - Open From galah, "uncover" or "reveal." A promise for those who seek spiritual things 1co0214. We need enlightenment from the Holy Spirit 1co0210.
  19 - Stranger We are expatriates being citizens of heaven 2ti0418, mt1311, mt1914.
 25 DALETH. My soul cleaveth unto the dust: quicken thou me according to thy word.
 26 I have declared my ways, and thou heardest me: teach me thy statutes.
 27  Make me to understand the way of thy precepts: so shall I talk of thy wondrous works.
.28 My soul melteth for heaviness: strengthen thou me according unto thy word.
 29  Remove from me the way of lying: and grant me thy law graciously.
 30 I have chosen the way of truth: thy judgments have I laid before me.
.31  I have stuck unto thy testimonies: O LORD, put me not to shame.
.32  I will run the way of thy commandments, when thou shalt enlarge my heart.
  25 - Cleaveth unto the dust Distress ps02229, ps04425. "Quicken" here means "revive." 
  25 - Dust I am in danger of present death: I am like one laid in the grave.... Preserve my life, or raise me out of the dust.." (John Wesley's Notes)
  26 - My ways That is, confessed my sins pr2813, ps05103,4,. Confessing to a priest is not a biblical principle 1ti0205.
  27 - Understand Truth can bear investigation using the Bible as the standard. We don't believe because some religious official says we should.
  28 - Melteth From dalaph. The word appears elsewhere only in ec1018 and jb1620. It may express dripping water or weeping.
  32 - Run Expressing eager seeking. Compare selfish running hg0109.
.33 HE. Teach me, O LORD, the way of thy statutes; and I shall keep it unto the end.
.34  Give me understanding, and I shall keep thy law; yea, I shall observe it with my whole heart.
 35 Make me to go in the path of thy commandments; for therein do I delight.
 36  Incline my heart unto thy testimonies, and not to covetousness.
 37 Turn away mine eyes from beholding vanity; and quicken thou me in thy way.
 38 Stablish thy word unto thy servant, who is devoted to thy fear.
 38 - Establish Thy word to Thy servant, As that which produces reverence for Thee.
 39 Turn away my reproach which I fear: for thy judgments are good.
 40 Behold, I have longed after thy precepts: quicken me in thy righteousness.
  33 - Teach me ... I shall keep We may assume the promise is valid until the end of life.
  34 - Give me understanding A promise we can claim when we include the conditions jn0717.
  37 - Turn mine eyes We do the turning with His strength. In that sense, He turns our eyes. Pornography is everywhere we look. We see violence on TV withether in movies or the news.
  38 - Stablish thy word Request of those who know wish to know more. The psalmist wanted more confidence.
  40 - Quicken me ... righteousness Awaken me in Righteousness. God is eager for us to be restored into the likeness of His image 1jo0302, ge0126
 41 VAU. Let thy mercies come also unto me, O LORD, even thy salvation, according to thy word.
 42  So shall I have wherewith to answer him that reproacheth me: for I trust in thy word.
 43 And take not the word of truth utterly out of my mouth; for I have hoped in thy judgments.
 44  So shall I keep thy law continually for ever and ever.
 45 And I will walk at liberty: for I seek thy precepts.
 46  I will speak of thy testimonies also before kings, and will not be ashamed.
 47  And I will delight myself in thy commandments, which I have loved.
 48  My hands also will I lift up unto thy commandments, which I have loved; and I will meditate in thy statutes.

  42 - Wherewith to answer Compare 1pe0315. Our best answer may be our victorious life in Christ.
  43 - Take not A prayer for the ability to speak convincingly. See mr1311.
  45 - At liberty Literally "in a broad place."
  47 - Delight myself See on ps04008.
  48 - Hands ... lift up See on 1ti0208.
 49 ZAIN. Remember the word unto thy servant, upon which thou hast caused me to hope.
 50 This is my comfort in my affliction: for thy word hath quickened me.
 51 The proud have had me greatly in derision: yet have I not declined from thy law.
 52 I remembered thy judgments of old, O LORD; and have comforted myself.
 53 Horror hath taken hold upon me because of the wicked that forsake thy law.
  49 - Remember ... word What promise might David have been claiming?
  49 - Upon which Or "because," NBV, New Berkely Version 1969. The French, Louis Segond Version also translates to "because." "Two things David here pleads with God in prayer for that mercy and grace which he hoped for, according to the word, by which his requests were guided:" (Matthew Henry ... Whole Bible.") The two readings are essentially the same.
  50 - Quickened Or in modern English, "made me alive."
  51 - Proud From zedim. "The men of pride have made great sport of me; but I have not been turned from your law." (BBE).
  52 - Of old That is, from far back in history. See on ex2106. Also ex1526, de0602 and the ten commandments in ex2001-17.
.54 Thy statutes have been my songs in the house of my pilgrimage.
.55 I have remembered thy name, O LORD, in the night, and have kept thy law.
 56  This I had, because I kept thy precepts.
  54 - My Pilgrimage All God's children are pilgrims on our journey to their heavenly home. Singing songs of praise brings courage and joy. We are also as in a house having chosen to be restrained by the divine statutes. Paul spoke of a house that was decaying 2co0501-4.
.57 CHETH. Thou art my portion, O LORD: I have said that I would keep thy words.
 58 I intreated thy favour with my whole heart: be merciful unto me according to thy word.
 59 I thought on my ways, and turned my feet unto thy testimonies.
.60  I made haste, and delayed not to keep thy commandments.
 61 The bands of the wicked have robbed me: but I have not forgotten thy law.
 62 At midnight I will rise to give thanks unto thee because of thy righteous judgments.
 63 I am a companion of all them that fear thee, and of them that keep thy precepts.
.64 The earth, O LORD, is full of thy mercy: teach me thy statutes.
  57-60 - Portion "Sincere desires for God's favor, penitence, and activity in a new obedience, truly evince the sincerity of those who profess to find God a portion (Nu 18:20; Ps 16:5; La 3:24)." (JFB). 
  58 - Favor Literally "face." ps04512.
  60 - Haste, delayed not Many who are confronted with the divine requirements want to continue in their course until it's convenient. 2ti0222, ac2425.
  61 - Robbed me No misfortune can keep us from clinging to our Saviour. The Hebrew for "robbed" is 'uwd and also means "surrounded."
  62 - Midnight A good quiet time to be with the Lord in prayer. Also in v55.
  63 - Companion Our dearest friends are generally those who love the same Lord.
 65 TETH. Thou hast dealt well with thy servant, O LORD, according unto thy word.
 66  Teach me good judgment and knowledge: for I have believed thy commandments.
.67 Before I was afflicted I went astray: but now have I kept thy word.
 68 Thou art good, and doest good; teach me thy statutes.
 69 The proud have forged a lie against me: but I will keep thy precepts with my whole heart.
.70  Their heart is as fat as grease; but I delight in thy law.
.71 It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn thy statutes.
 72 The law of thy mouth is better unto me than thousands of gold and silver.
  66 - Good judgment A trait of good leaders. Here it may also apply to understanding the Scriptures. This also points to learning the statutes. See verses 12, and 64.
  67 - Before afflicted ... astray Notice that keeping close to the Lord is in keeping His word.
  69 - Forged From taphal Literally, "to stick on as a patch, to cover up?, to accuse falsely."
  70 - Heart ... as grease Or ... fat. Hardened to spiritual matters. Grease changes the nature of food. ps01710, ps07307, is0610.
  71 - Afflicted We can praise God for our troubles. ps09412.
 73 JOD. Thy hands have made me and fashioned me: give me understanding, that I may learn thy commandments.
74 They that fear thee will be glad when they see me; because I have hoped in thy word.
.75 I know, O LORD, that thy judgments are right, and that thou in faithfulness hast afflicted me.
 76 Let, I pray thee, thy merciful kindness be for my comfort, according to thy word unto thy servant.
 77  Let thy tender mercies come unto me, that I may live: for thy law is my delight.
 78 Let the proud be ashamed; for they dealt perversely with me without a cause: but I will meditate in thy precepts.
 79  Let those that fear thee turn unto me, and those that have known thy testimonies.
 80 Let my heart be sound in thy statutes; that I be not ashamed.
  73 - Thy hands made me David and all of us came from the hand and mind of the Lord ge0207.
  74 - They that fear ... glad "So when He has led us to rely on His truth, He will 'make us to the praise of His grace' by others. 'Those who fear Thee will be glad at my prosperity, as they consider my cause their cause' (Ps 34:2; 142:7.) Parents of wayward children can be encouraged by this verse. David is like the lost son whose parents will be happy upon his return lu1521-24."
  80 - Sound From tamim meaning "complete" or "blameless." This is more important than what people think. Through Christ we may have power to obey ro0801-4.
 81 CAPH. My soul fainteth for thy salvation: but I hope in thy word.
 81 - My soul is wasted with desire for your salvation: but I have hope in your word." (BBE).
 82  Mine eyes fail for thy word, saying, When wilt thou comfort me?
 83 For I am become like a bottle in the smoke; yet do I not forget thy statutes.
 84 How many are the days of thy servant? when wilt thou execute judgment on them that persecute me?
  81 - Fainteth From kalah, literally "comes to an end." The translation from the Bible in Basic English at the left is good.
  82 - Fail Translated from kalah as in the verse above.
  83 - Bottle Water was carried by animal skins. David felt like a dried up one.
  84 - How many ... days David may have been thinking that he could not live long under persecution.
.85 The proud have digged pits for me, which are not after thy law.
 85 The arrogant have dug pits for me, Men who are not in accord with Thy law. (NASB).
 86  All thy commandments are faithful: they persecute me wrongfully; help thou me.
 87  They had almost consumed me upon earth; but I forsook not thy precepts.
 88 Quicken me after thy lovingkindness; so shall I keep the testimony of thy mouth.
  85 - Pits for me His enemies wanted him to be trapped. Compare je1820,22.
  87 - Persecute ... I forsook [abandoned] not "... I forsake not Thy precepts, and so am not mistaken of Thee (Ps 39:5,13; 2Co 4:8,9), and the injuries and insults of the wicked increase the need for it. But, however they act regardless of God's law, the pious, adhering to its teaching, receive quickening grace, and are sustained steadfast." (JFB).
.89 LAMED. For ever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven.
 90  Thy faithfulness is unto all generations: thou hast established the earth, and it abideth.
 91  They continue this day according to thine ordinances: for all are thy servants.
 92 Unless thy law had been my delights, I should then have perished in mine affliction.
 93 I will never forget thy precepts: for with them thou hast quickened me.
 94 I am thine, save me; for I have sought thy precepts.
 95 The wicked have waited for me to destroy me: but I will consider thy testimonies.
 96 I have seen an end of all perfection: but thy commandment is exceeding broad.
  89 - Word settled Sometimes we are told that God changes His mind or that church fathers were inspired and that they are right even when they disagree with the Scriptures. Human circumstances change but the God's word never does mal0306. Any new light must agree with old light or it is not light is0820.
  90 - Faithfulness From 'emuwnah, This verse completes the thought of the previous one. See ps3306-9, zc1201.
  96 - Perfection From tiklah which occurs only here so cannot be translated with certainty. It is from the root kalah meaning "to end" or "complete" indicating a limit. The Septuagint translates the word as peras which agrees. The comparison in this verse is between human limitation and the Lord who has no limits. See jb0910, ro1133.
 97 MEM. O how love I thy law! it is my meditation all the day.
.98 Thou through thy commandments hast made me wiser than mine enemies: for they are ever with me.
 99  I have more understanding than all my teachers: for thy testimonies are my meditation.
 100  I understand more than the ancients, because I keep thy precepts.
.101 I have refrained my feet from every evil way, that I might keep thy word.
 102 I have not departed from thy judgments: for thou hast taught me.
.103 How sweet are thy words unto my taste! yea, sweeter than honey to my mouth!
.104  Through thy precepts I get understanding: therefore I hate every false way.
  97 - Love I thy law "This is one of the strongest marks of a gracious and pious heart, cast in the mould of obedience. Such love the precepts of Christ: in his commandments they delight; and this delight is shown by their making them frequent subjects of their meditation." (Clarke)
  98 - Through commandments ... wiser Do the commandments teach? We don't normally think of that. As we think of them we learn to obey and in such learning our character is formed for God's glory. These are these the ten commandments seen clearly in Ex. 20 but there are more. See for example ex3411, de0606, de0801, de2701, je1104, re2214. And one more you would not have thought of am0903.
  99 - More understanding Practical skill ps00210, ps03208. And consider the blessing of understanding given to Daniel da0116-20.
.105 NUN. Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.
 106 I have sworn, and I will perform it, that I will keep thy righteous judgments.
 107 I am afflicted very much: quicken me, O LORD, according unto thy word.
 108 Accept, I beseech thee, the freewill offerings of my mouth, O LORD, and teach me thy judgments.
 109 My soul is continually in my hand: yet do I not forget thy law.
 110  The wicked have laid a snare for me: yet I erred not from thy precepts.
 111 Thy testimonies have I taken as an heritage for ever: for they are the rejoicing of my heart.
 112  I have inclined mine heart to perform thy statutes alway, even unto the end.

  105 - Nun A letter of the Hebrew alphabet. The word that begins each block of text in this psalm has the English sound of a successive letter in the Hebrew alphabet.
  105 Word The inspired Scriptures are a blessing to our lives. Also v130. Compare mt0404, jn1717. This verse is probably the most often quoted and it's important.
  106 - Sworn ... perform It is easy to decide to give money to support a project financially or with our time. Here the psalmist emphasizes faithfulness in following through. See verse 2.
  107 - Afflicted ... quicken We may ask God for strength and courage when afflicted ph0129, ga0609, 2th0313.
  108 - Offerings of my mouth A sacrifice of prasise he1315; je3311.
  109 - Soul Here meaning "life." See 1sa1905. The psalmist is willing to risk life.
  111 - Heritage Not a temporary interest but faithful for life and to be passed on to future generations. Compare re0210.
  112 - Inclined ... heart See on ps06618.
 113 SAMECH. I hate vain thoughts: but thy law do I love.
.114 Thou art my hiding place and my shield: I hope in thy word.
.115 Depart from me, ye evildoers: for I will keep the commandments of my God.
.116 Uphold me according unto thy word, that I may live: and let me not be ashamed of my hope.
.117  Hold thou me up, and I shall be safe: and I will have respect unto thy statutes continually.
  113 - Vain thoughts Or "unstable people." "literally, 'divided men,' those of a divided, doubting mind (Jas 1:8); 'a double-minded man' [HENGSTENBERG], skeptics, or, skeptical notions as opposed to the certainty of God's word.'" (JFB commentary).
  114 - Hiding place Compare ps02705. And for "shield," ps00303, ps00710.
  115 - Depart from me The atmosphere of evil makes it hard to be righteous 1co0509, 2th0314. At the same time we need to be friendly with those who may be interested in putting away sin.
  116 - Not be ashamed We need never appologize for holding a high standard based on the word of God ro0505, ph0120, 1jo0228.
.118 Thou hast trodden down all them that err from thy statutes: for their deceit is falsehood.
  You have overcome all those who are wandering from your rules; for all their thoughts are false. (BBE)
 119  Thou puttest away all the wicked of the earth like dross: therefore I love thy testimonies.
 120  My flesh trembleth for fear of thee; and I am afraid of thy judgments
  118 - Trodden down This was true to a degree in David's time but in the final punishment many will choose the way of destruction. Compare the trampling of God's sanctuary (way of righteousness) and His people (persecution) da0813.
  119 - Puttest away ... wicked They are thrown out like the impurities in the refining process. Why does this make the psalmist love the law? Because that law expressed in all of the Bible and clearly stated in the ten commandments keeps his feet in the right path. We may pray for that same blessing ps02303, pr0820.
  120 - Flesh trembleth Because the judgments determine eternal life and eternal death (no life for those who perish) jn0316.
 121 AIN. I have done judgment and justice: leave me not to mine oppressors.
 122  Be surety for thy servant for good: let not the proud oppress me.
 123 Mine eyes fail for thy salvation, and for the word of thy righteousness.
 124 Deal with thy servant according unto thy mercy, and teach me thy statutes.
 125  I am thy servant; give me understanding, that I may know thy testimonies.
.126 It is time for thee, LORD, to work: for they have made void thy law.
 127 Therefore I love thy commandments above gold; yea, above fine gold.
 128  Therefore I esteem all thy precepts concerning all things to be right; and I hate every false way.

  121-126 "On the grounds of his integrity, desire for God's word, and covenant relation to Him, the servant of God may plead for His protecting care against the wicked, gracious guidance to the knowledge of truth, and His effective vindication of the righteous and their cause, which is also His own." (JFB).
  126 - Time At some point, the righteous will know that the direct assault on God's law is a complete rebellion and that the time for punishment has come. This will not be a point in time but a brief duration of time. See on da1113. It will be the time of trouble da1201.
  127 - Therefore I love When God punishes the final wicked of earth, the righteous (sealed ones, re0701-3) will be protected. "Come, my people, enter thou into thy chambers, and shut thy doors about thee: hide thyself as it were for a little moment, until the indignation be overpast." (Isa. 26:20).
  128 - Hate every false way Those who are covered with Christ's robe of righteousness hate wicked ways while having a loving desire to save sinners. Those who love evil are lost. See 2th0210,11.
 129 PE. Thy testimonies are wonderful: therefore doth my soul keep them.
.130 The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple.
 131 I opened my mouth, and panted: for I longed for thy commandments.
 132 Look thou upon me, and be merciful unto me, as thou usest to do unto those that love thy name.
 132 - Let your eyes be turned to me, and have mercy on me, as it is right for you to do to those who are lovers of your name. (BBE)
 133 Order my steps in thy word: and let not any iniquity have dominion over me.
 134 Deliver me from the oppression of man: so will I keep thy precepts.
 135 Make thy face to shine upon thy servant; and teach me thy statutes.
 136 Rivers of waters run down mine eyes, because they keep not thy law.
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  131 - Entrance of thy words The Bible gives meaning to life.
  132 - As thou usest to do It is the Lord's purpose and practice to reward those who love Him with understanding and guidance. See alternative translation. BBE means "Bible in Basic English."
  133 - Steps The decisions we make ps03723.
  135 - Thy face shine To look with favor and blessing nu0624-6, ps067, da0917.
  136 - Rivers ... eyes Literary hyperbole meaning great sorrow. Those who chose not to be obedient have chosen the loss of eternal life.
 137 TZADDI. Righteous art thou, O LORD, and upright are thy judgments.
 138  Thy testimonies that thou hast commanded are righteous and very faithful.
 139 My zeal hath consumed me, because mine enemies have forgotten thy words.
 140 Thy word is very pure: therefore thy servant loveth it.
 141 I am small and despised: yet do not I forget thy precepts.
.142 Thy righteousness is an everlasting righteousness, and thy law is the truth.
 143 Trouble and anguish have taken hold on me: yet thy commandments are my delights.
 144  The righteousness of thy testimonies is everlasting: give me understanding, and I shall live.

  137 - Righteous Response to verse 136.
  138 - Testimonies ... thou hast commanded David recognizes that the Lord himself has given the words to write.
  139 - Zeal See ps06909.
  140 - Word is very pure No human ideas have been added or subtracted from it.
  141 - Small Those with less opportunity or ability are not excused.
  142 - Law is truth The righteousness or holiness of the Lord is His character. The law of God defines it. He wants to restore us to His image. This is, indeed the process of redemption. The law is is pure truth. We are not saved by truth, but truth in us is a sign of our salvation. Corrupt humans cannot define truth, nor can any church or religious leader.
  144 - Testimonies ... everlasting They are permanent and did not change in the time of the New Testament ps11103. The psalmist wanted to understand not only in words but in application ps119017, ps119116. Psalm 111 is in acrostic pattern as is this psalm.
 145 KOPH. I cried with my whole heart; hear me, O LORD: I will keep thy statutes.
 146  I cried unto thee; save me, and I shall keep thy testimonies.
 147 I prevented the dawning of the morning, and cried: I hoped in thy word.
 148  Mine eyes prevent the night watches, that I might meditate in thy word.
 149 Hear my voice according unto thy lovingkindness: O LORD, quicken me according to thy judgment.
 150 They draw nigh that follow after mischief: they are far from thy law.
 151  Thou art near, O LORD; and all thy commandments are truth.
 152 Concerning thy testimonies, I have known of old that thou hast founded them for ever.
  145 - With my whole heart Heart prayers are effective. God listens to our concerns.
  147 - Prevented Means "preceded" in modern English.
  148 - Prevent the night watches There were generally three la0219. See jg0719, 1sa1111. The psalmist is like a watchman and awake before darkness time of his shift drawing strength from the Scriptures.
  149 - Quicken We may seek the Lord's favors in prayer submitting to His judgment.
  150 - An interesting comparison, close to their "gang" activity but far from God.
 153 RESH. Consider mine affliction, and deliver me: for I do not forget thy law.
 154  Plead my cause, and deliver me: quicken me according to thy word.
 155 Salvation is far from the wicked: for they seek not thy statutes.
 156 Great are thy tender mercies, O LORD: quicken me according to thy judgments.
 157 Many are my persecutors and mine enemies; yet do I not decline from thy testimonies.
 158 I beheld the transgressors, and was grieved; because they kept not thy word.
 159 Consider how I love thy precepts: quicken me, O LORD, according to thy lovingkindness.
 160 Thy word is true from the beginning: and every one of thy righteous judgments endureth for ever.
  153 - Consider mine affliction God cares about His children and will come especially close in response to such a prayer. We may be saved out of our problem or we may not.
.161 SCHIN. Princes have persecuted me without a cause: but my heart standeth in awe of thy word.
 162 I rejoice at thy word, as one that findeth great spoil.
.163 I hate and abhor lying: but thy law do I love.
  161 - Persecuted without cause lu2322.
  162 - Findeth great spoil Persecution was like a battle, the psalmist's endurance like a victory, and the profit, or spoil, from the battle was the discovery of the treasure of the Scriptures. Compare is0903.
  163 - Hate ... lying The natural result is a love for righteousness which is defined by the law. See the next verse. Hating falsehood implies loving truth 2th0210.
.164 Seven times a day do I praise thee because of thy righteous judgments.
.165 Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them.
 166 LORD, I have hoped for thy salvation, and done thy commandments.
 167 My soul hath kept thy testimonies; and I love them exceedingly.
 168  I have kept thy precepts and thy testimonies: for all my ways are before thee.
  164 - Seven times a day "We have often seen that seven was a number expressing perfection, completion, &c., among the Hebrews; and that it is often used to signify many, or an indefinite number, see Pr 24:16; Le 26:28. And here it may mean no more than that his soul was filled with the spirit of gratitude and praise, and that he very frequently expressed his joyous and grateful feelings in this way. But Rabbi Solomon says this is to be understood literally, for they praised God twice in the morning before reading the decalogue, and once after; twice in the evening before the same reading, and twice after; making in the whole seven times. The Roman Church has prescribed a similar service. 
   "In a manuscript Saxon Homily, Domin. 3, in Quadrag, A.D. 971, I find" similar unique directions." (Clarke's commentary)
   And we might compare this to the 5 times of prayers of the Muslims.
  165 - Great peace What a blessing!
  165 - Offend That is, cause them to stumble into sin.
  168 - All my ways As we live for our Lord, we want Him to watch and correct us as needed. See ps139023,4.
.169 TAU. Let my cry come near before thee, O LORD: give me understanding according to thy word.
 170  Let my supplication come before thee: deliver me according to thy word.
 171 My lips shall utter praise, when thou hast taught me thy statutes.
 172 My tongue shall speak of thy word: for all thy commandments are righteousness.
 173 Let thine hand help me; for I have chosen thy precepts.
 174  I have longed for thy salvation, O LORD; and thy law is my delight.
 175 Let my soul live, and it shall praise thee; and let thy judgments help me.
176 I have gone astray like a lost sheep; seek thy servant; for I do not forget thy commandments.
   169 - Understanding according to Your word James also says that we may claim wisdom. Notice that the understandings to claim promises. ja0105.

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