Psalm 119

Psalm 119 is the longest chapter in the Bible, with 176 verses, divided into 22 sections, one for each letter of the Hebrew alphabet. Each section contains 8 verses, with every verse in the section beginning with the same Hebrew letter. The psalm emphasizes the beauty of God’s law, using terms such as "law," "testimonies," "precepts," and "statutes" interchangeably. It reflects the psalmist's deep love for God's Word and his reliance on it for guidance, comfort, and strength through all seasons of life.

Psalm 119:1-10 (NKJV)
1 Blessed are the undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the Lord!
2 Blessed are those who keep His testimonies, who seek Him with the whole heart!
3 They also do no iniquity; they walk in His ways.
4 You have commanded us to keep Your precepts diligently.
5 Oh, that my ways were directed to keep Your statutes!
6 Then I would not be ashamed, when I look into all Your commandments.
7 I will praise You with uprightness of heart, when I learn Your righteous judgments.
8 I will keep Your statutes; Oh, do not forsake me utterly!
9 How can a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed according to Your word.
10 With my whole heart I have sought You; Oh, let me not wander from Your commandments!

The psalmist opens by describing the blessing of living in obedience to God's law. A pure life is characterized by wholehearted pursuit of God, avoiding sin by staying on the path of His ways. He acknowledges that God's commands require careful obedience and expresses his desire for a life aligned with them, hoping this alignment will bring freedom from shame. As he learns more of God's ways, he commits to praising God sincerely. He pleads with God for His presence, recognizing that walking according to the Word is essential for purity, especially for the young.

Psalm 119:11-20 (NKJV)
11 Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You.
12 Blessed are You, O Lord! Teach me Your statutes.
13 With my lips I have declared all the judgments of Your mouth.
14 I have rejoiced in the way of Your testimonies, as much as in all riches.
15 I will meditate on Your precepts, and contemplate Your ways.
16 I will delight myself in Your statutes; I will not forget Your word.
17 Deal bountifully with Your servant, that I may live and keep Your word.
18 Open my eyes, that I may see wondrous things from Your law.
19 I am a stranger in the earth; do not hide Your commandments from me.
20 My soul breaks with longing for Your judgments at all times.

The psalmist emphasizes the importance of internalizing God’s Word to avoid sin. He prays for understanding and rejoices in the truths of God's law, considering them more valuable than material wealth. His love for God’s Word leads him to meditate on it continually, and he asks God to open his eyes to its deeper meaning. Acknowledging his vulnerability as a traveler on earth, he pleads not to be left without God’s guidance, expressing a longing for divine wisdom and direction at every moment.

Psalm 119:21-30 (NKJV)
21 You rebuke the proud—the cursed, who stray from Your commandments.
22 Remove from me reproach and contempt, for I have kept Your testimonies.
23 Princes also sit and speak against me, but Your servant meditates on Your statutes.
24 Your testimonies also are my delight and my counselors.
25 My soul clings to the dust; revive me according to Your word.
26 I have declared my ways, and You answered me; teach me Your statutes.
27 Make me understand the way of Your precepts; so shall I meditate on Your wonderful works.
28 My soul melts from heaviness; strengthen me according to Your word.
29 Remove from me the way of lying, and grant me Your law graciously.
30 I have chosen the way of truth; Your judgments I have laid before me.

The psalmist contrasts the proud who reject God’s Word with those who faithfully follow it, even amid opposition. He takes refuge in God’s law as his source of joy and guidance. Feeling overwhelmed, he prays for spiritual revival and strength through God's Word. He desires deeper understanding, knowing that meditation on God's precepts will reveal His marvelous works. Struggling with sorrow, he asks for the removal of deceit from his life and commits to following the way of truth, always keeping God's judgments before him.

Psalm 119:31-40 (NKJV)
31 I cling to Your testimonies; O Lord, do not put me to shame!
32 I will run the course of Your commandments, for You shall enlarge my heart.
33 Teach me, O Lord, the way of Your statutes, and I shall keep it to the end.
34 Give me understanding, and I shall keep Your law; indeed, I shall observe it with my whole heart.
35 Make me walk in the path of Your commandments, for I delight in it.
36 Incline my heart to Your testimonies, and not to covetousness.
37 Turn away my eyes from looking at worthless things, and revive me in Your way.
38 Establish Your word to Your servant, who is devoted to fearing You.
39 Turn away my reproach which I dread, for Your judgments are good.
40 Behold, I long for Your precepts; revive me in Your righteousness.

The psalmist expresses his determination to hold fast to God's testimonies and seeks God's help to avoid shame. He prays for both understanding and the ability to walk joyfully in God's commandments. Acknowledging his weakness, he asks God to guide his heart away from material desires and distractions, focusing instead on His Word. He longs for God’s promises to be fulfilled and seeks spiritual revival, fully committed to living in reverence and obedience to God’s judgments.

Psalm 119:41-50 (NKJV)
41 Let Your mercies come also to me, O Lord—Your salvation according to Your word.
42 So shall I have an answer for him who reproaches me, for I trust in Your word.
43 And take not the word of truth utterly out of my mouth, for I have hoped in Your ordinances.
44 So shall I keep Your law continually, forever and ever.
45 And I will walk at liberty, for I seek Your precepts.
46 I will speak of Your testimonies also before kings, and will not be ashamed.
47 And I will delight myself in Your commandments, which I love.
48 My hands also I will lift up to Your commandments, which I love, and I will meditate on Your statutes.
49 Remember the word to Your servant, upon which You have caused me to hope.
50 This is my comfort in my affliction, for Your word has given me life.

The psalmist prays for God’s mercy and salvation, knowing it will strengthen him against criticism and attacks. Trusting fully in God’s Word, he asks that truth remain constant in his speech and hopes to continue in God’s law without interruption. He describes the freedom found in following God’s precepts and expresses his confidence to proclaim God’s Word even before kings. Loving God’s commandments, he lifts his hands in worship and meditates on them. In times of suffering, God's promises offer him comfort and renew his life.

Psalm 119:51-60 (NKJV)
51 The proud have me in great derision, yet I do not turn aside from Your law.
52 I remembered Your judgments of old, O Lord, and have comforted myself.
53 Indignation has taken hold of me because of the wicked, who forsake Your law.
54 Your statutes have been my songs in the house of my pilgrimage.
55 I remember Your name in the night, O Lord, and I keep Your law.
56 This has become mine, because I kept Your precepts.
57 You are my portion, O Lord; I have said that I would keep Your words.
58 I entreated Your favor with my whole heart; be merciful to me according to Your word.
59 I thought about my ways, and turned my feet to Your testimonies.
60 I made haste, and did not delay to keep Your commandments.

Though mocked by the arrogant, the psalmist remains steadfast in God’s law, finding comfort in remembering God’s past judgments. His righteous anger burns against the wicked who abandon God's law, but God’s statutes bring him joy even in his earthly journey. He recalls God’s faithfulness in the stillness of the night and remains committed to keeping God’s law. Declaring God as his portion, he aligns his life with God's Word and prays earnestly for mercy. Reflecting on his ways, he makes an urgent decision to obey God without hesitation.

Psalm 119:61-70 (NKJV)
61 The cords of the wicked have bound me, but I have not forgotten Your law.
62 At midnight I will rise to give thanks to You, because of Your righteous judgments.
63 I am a companion of all who fear You, and of those who keep Your precepts.
64 The earth, O Lord, is full of Your mercy; teach me Your statutes.
65 You have dealt well with Your servant, O Lord, according to Your word.
66 Teach me good judgment and knowledge, for I believe Your commandments.
67 Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I keep Your word.
68 You are good, and do good; teach me Your statutes.
69 The proud have forged a lie against me, but I will keep Your precepts with my whole heart.
70 Their heart is as fat as grease, but I delight in Your law.

Despite being trapped by the wicked, the psalmist stays faithful to God's law. Even in the middle of the night, he rises to offer thanks for God’s righteous judgments. He surrounds himself with those who revere God, finding fellowship among the faithful. Acknowledging God’s goodness, he reflects on how past afflictions led him back to God’s Word. He prays for greater wisdom and understanding, affirming his commitment to obey God wholeheartedly. Though falsely accused by the arrogant, he finds joy in God’s law and contrasts their hard hearts with his love for God’s truth.

Psalm 119:71-80 (NKJV)
71 It is good for me that I have been afflicted, that I may learn Your statutes.
72 The law of Your mouth is better to me than thousands of coins of gold and silver.
73 Your hands have made me and fashioned me; give me understanding, that I may learn Your commandments.
74 Those who fear You will be glad when they see me, because I have hoped in Your word.
75 I know, O Lord, that Your judgments are right, and that in faithfulness You have afflicted me.
76 Let, I pray, Your merciful kindness be for my comfort, according to Your word to Your servant.
77 Let Your tender mercies come to me, that I may live; for Your law is my delight.
78 Let the proud be ashamed, for they treated me wrongfully with falsehood; but I will meditate on Your precepts.
79 Let those who fear You turn to me, those who know Your testimonies.
80 Let my heart be blameless regarding Your statutes, that I may not be ashamed.

The psalmist acknowledges that suffering has been beneficial, teaching him to value God's statutes more than material wealth. He asks for deeper understanding from the Creator, hoping his faith will encourage others who fear God. Trusting in God's righteous judgments, he finds comfort in knowing that affliction has come from God's faithfulness. He prays for God's mercy to sustain him and bring life. While the arrogant act deceitfully, he focuses on meditating on God's precepts. He hopes to inspire others to follow God’s testimonies and seeks to live blamelessly to avoid shame.

Psalm 119:81-90 (NKJV)
81 My soul faints for Your salvation, but I hope in Your word.
82 My eyes fail from searching Your word, saying, “When will You comfort me?”
83 For I have become like a wineskin in smoke, yet I do not forget Your statutes.
84 How many are the days of Your servant? When will You execute judgment on those who persecute me?
85 The proud have dug pits for me, which is not according to Your law.
86 All Your commandments are faithful; they persecute me wrongfully; help me!
87 They almost made an end of me on earth, but I did not forsake Your precepts.
88 Revive me according to Your lovingkindness, so that I may keep the testimony of Your mouth.
89 Forever, O Lord, Your word is settled in heaven.
90 Your faithfulness endures to all generations; You established the earth, and it abides.

The psalmist is exhausted, longing for God's deliverance but clinging to the hope found in His Word. Though he feels worn out like a wineskin exposed to smoke, he remains steadfast in God's statutes. He pleads for divine justice, lamenting how the proud have set traps contrary to God’s law. Even when facing near-destruction, he does not abandon God’s precepts and asks for revival through God's steadfast love. He praises the eternal nature of God's Word, affirming that it is firmly established in heaven. God’s faithfulness spans all generations, as demonstrated in the stability of creation.

Psalm 119:91-100 (NKJV)
91 They continue this day according to Your ordinances, for all are Your servants.
92 Unless Your law had been my delight, I would then have perished in my affliction.
93 I will never forget Your precepts, for by them You have given me life.
94 I am Yours, save me; for I have sought Your precepts.
95 The wicked wait for me to destroy me, but I will consider Your testimonies.
96 I have seen the consummation of all perfection, but Your commandment is exceedingly broad.
97 Oh, how I love Your law! It is my meditation all the day.
98 You, through Your commandments, make me wiser than my enemies; for they are ever with me.
99 I have more understanding than all my teachers, for Your testimonies are my meditation.
100 I understand more than the ancients, because I keep Your precepts.

The psalmist marvels at how creation continues to function under God’s sovereign command, acknowledging that all things serve Him. He reflects that God's law has been his lifeline, preserving him through hardships. With the wicked threatening him, he finds refuge in meditating on God's testimonies. Recognizing that human perfection has limits, he delights in the boundless wisdom of God's commandments. His love for God's law fuels continuous meditation, which grants him wisdom exceeding that of enemies, teachers, and elders. His understanding grows not through mere knowledge but through living according to God’s precepts.

Psalm 119:101-110 (NKJV)
101 I have restrained my feet from every evil way, that I may keep Your word.
102 I have not departed from Your judgments, for You Yourself have taught me.
103 How sweet are Your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth!
104 Through Your precepts I get understanding; therefore I hate every false way.
105 Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.
106 I have sworn and confirmed that I will keep Your righteous judgments.
107 I am afflicted very much; revive me, O Lord, according to Your word.
108 Accept, I pray, the freewill offerings of my mouth, O Lord, and teach me Your judgments.
109 My life is continually in my hand, yet I do not forget Your law.
110 The wicked have laid a snare for me, yet I have not strayed from Your precepts.

The psalmist carefully avoids evil paths to remain obedient to God's Word. His relationship with God is personal, recognizing that God Himself teaches him. God's words are described as sweeter than honey, revealing the delight they bring to his soul. With God's precepts offering insight, the psalmist rejects all falsehood. God's Word acts as a guiding light, directing his steps through life’s darkness. Despite great affliction and danger, he remains committed to God's judgments and prays for revival. He offers heartfelt praise and asks God to continue teaching him, even as enemies seek to entrap him.

Psalm 119:111-120 (NKJV)
111 Your testimonies I have taken as a heritage forever, for they are the rejoicing of my heart.
112 I have inclined my heart to perform Your statutes forever, to the very end.
113 I hate the double-minded, but I love Your law.
114 You are my hiding place and my shield; I hope in Your word.
115 Depart from me, you evildoers, for I will keep the commandments of my God!
116 Uphold me according to Your word, that I may live; and do not let me be ashamed of my hope.
117 Hold me up, and I shall be safe, and I shall observe Your statutes continually.
118 You reject all those who stray from Your statutes, for their deceit is falsehood.
119 You put away all the wicked of the earth like dross; therefore I love Your testimonies.
120 My flesh trembles for fear of You, and I am afraid of Your judgments.

The psalmist treasures God's testimonies as his eternal inheritance, finding joy in them. He commits to following God's statutes for life and rejects those with divided hearts, fully devoted to God's law. God is his refuge and defense, a source of hope amid adversity. In times of difficulty, he asks God for support to keep his hope alive and avoid shame. Trusting in God’s judgments, he acknowledges that those who stray from God's ways are ultimately cast aside, like dross in refining. The psalmist’s deep reverence for God produces a healthy fear, urging him to stay faithful.

Psalm 119:121-130 (NKJV)
121 I have done justice and righteousness; do not leave me to my oppressors.
122 Be surety for Your servant for good; do not let the proud oppress me.
123 My eyes fail from seeking Your salvation and Your righteous word.
124 Deal with Your servant according to Your mercy, and teach me Your statutes.
125 I am Your servant; give me understanding, that I may know Your testimonies.
126 It is time for You to act, O Lord, for they have regarded Your law as void.
127 Therefore I love Your commandments more than gold, yes, than fine gold!
128 Therefore all Your precepts concerning all things I consider to be right; I hate every false way.
129 Your testimonies are wonderful; therefore my soul keeps them.
130 The entrance of Your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple.

The psalmist appeals to God for protection from his oppressors, highlighting his commitment to justice and righteousness. He pleads for God's mercy and deeper understanding of His statutes, recognizing his role as God's servant. Witnessing the disregard for God’s law by the wicked, the psalmist asks God to intervene. His love for God's commandments surpasses even the finest riches, and he affirms the righteousness of all God's precepts, rejecting falsehood entirely. He finds God’s testimonies wonderful and treasures them in his heart. God's Word brings light, illuminating the path for even the simplest person.

Psalm 119:131-140 (NKJV)
131 I opened my mouth and panted, for I longed for Your commandments.
132 Look upon me and be merciful to me, as Your custom is toward those who love Your name.
133 Direct my steps by Your word, and let no iniquity have dominion over me.
134 Redeem me from the oppression of man, that I may keep Your precepts.
135 Make Your face shine upon Your servant, and teach me Your statutes.
136 Rivers of water run down from my eyes, because men do not keep Your law.
137 Righteous are You, O Lord, and upright are Your judgments.
138 Your testimonies, which You have commanded, are righteous and very faithful.
139 My zeal has consumed me, because my enemies have forgotten Your words.
140 Your word is very pure; therefore Your servant loves it.

The psalmist expresses a deep longing for God’s commandments, comparing his desire to panting for air. He pleads for mercy and asks God to guide his steps, ensuring sin does not control him. He prays for deliverance from human oppression to continue obeying God's precepts. Overwhelmed by the disregard for God's law, he weeps with sorrow. He affirms God's righteousness and the faithfulness of His testimonies. Consumed by zeal for God's Word, the psalmist’s love grows as he reflects on the purity of God's commands.

Psalm 119:141-150 (NKJV)
141 I am small and despised, yet I do not forget Your precepts.
142 Your righteousness is an everlasting righteousness, and Your law is truth.
143 Trouble and anguish have overtaken me, yet Your commandments are my delights.
144 The righteousness of Your testimonies is everlasting; give me understanding, and I shall live.
145 I cry out with my whole heart; hear me, O Lord! I will keep Your statutes.
146 I cry out to You; save me, and I will keep Your testimonies.
147 I rise before the dawning of the morning, and cry for help; I hope in Your word.
148 My eyes are awake through the night watches, that I may meditate on Your word.
149 Hear my voice according to Your lovingkindness; O Lord, revive me according to Your justice.
150 They draw near who follow after wickedness; they are far from Your law.

The psalmist acknowledges his insignificance in the eyes of others but finds value in God’s precepts. God's righteousness and law are unchanging and true, providing comfort amid his affliction. Even when overwhelmed by hardship, he finds joy in God's commandments. He seeks understanding, believing that true life comes through knowing God’s Word. Crying out with earnestness, the psalmist commits to keeping God's statutes. Rising early and staying awake at night, he prays and meditates on God’s Word, seeking revival through God's justice. Despite the threats of the wicked, he finds solace in staying close to God’s law.

Psalm 119:151-160 (NKJV)
151 You are near, O Lord, and all Your commandments are truth.
152 Concerning Your testimonies, I have known of old that You have founded them forever.
153 Consider my affliction and deliver me, for I do not forget Your law.
154 Plead my cause and redeem me; revive me according to Your word.
155 Salvation is far from the wicked, for they do not seek Your statutes.
156 Great are Your tender mercies, O Lord; revive me according to Your judgments.
157 Many are my persecutors and my enemies, yet I do not turn from Your testimonies.
158 I see the treacherous, and am disgusted, because they do not keep Your word.
159 Consider how I love Your precepts; revive me, O Lord, according to Your lovingkindness.
160 The entirety of Your word is truth, and every one of Your righteous judgments endures forever.

The psalmist draws strength from knowing that God is near and that His commandments are true and eternal. He appeals to God for deliverance, affirming his faithfulness to God's law. Though salvation is distant from the wicked, the psalmist clings to God's mercies, pleading for revival through God’s righteous judgments. Despite facing many enemies, he remains steadfast in following God’s testimonies. Witnessing the disobedience of the treacherous brings him sorrow. The psalmist reaffirms his love for God’s precepts and rests in the knowledge that every part of God’s Word is true and endures forever.

Psalm 119:161-170 (NKJV)
161 Princes persecute me without a cause, but my heart stands in awe of Your word.
162 I rejoice at Your word as one who finds great treasure.
163 I hate and abhor lying, but I love Your law.
164 Seven times a day I praise You, because of Your righteous judgments.
165 Great peace have those who love Your law, and nothing causes them to stumble.
166 Lord, I hope for Your salvation, and I do Your commandments.
167 My soul keeps Your testimonies, and I love them exceedingly.
168 I keep Your precepts and Your testimonies, for all my ways are before You.
169 Let my cry come before You, O Lord; give me understanding according to Your word.
170 Let my supplication come before You; deliver me according to Your word.

The psalmist remains committed to God's Word, even when persecuted by powerful leaders. He treasures God's Word like a valuable discovery and abhors deceit, clinging to God's law. Praising God throughout the day, he experiences the peace that comes from loving His law. This peace keeps him from stumbling in life. While hoping for salvation, the psalmist continues to obey God's commandments with deep love and devotion. He offers his life transparently before God, knowing that all his actions are known to Him. His prayer is for understanding and deliverance, grounded in God's Word.

Psalm 119:171-176 (NKJV)
171 My lips shall utter praise, for You teach me Your statutes.
172 My tongue shall speak of Your word, for all Your commandments are righteousness.
173 Let Your hand become my help, for I have chosen Your precepts.
174 I long for Your salvation, O Lord, and Your law is my delight.
175 Let my soul live, and it shall praise You; and let Your judgments help me.
176 I have gone astray like a lost sheep; seek Your servant, for I do not forget Your commandments.

The psalmist commits to speaking God's praises as he continues to learn from His statutes. Declaring the righteousness of God's commandments, he prays for God’s hand to sustain him, having chosen to follow God's precepts. His longing for salvation is accompanied by delight in God's law, showing the deep connection between hope and obedience. He prays for life so that he can continue to praise God and live by His judgments. The psalm ends with a heartfelt plea, acknowledging the psalmist’s occasional wandering but reaffirming his commitment to God's commandments, trusting that God will seek and restore him.