Introduction
Many are the testimonies to the impact and influence of this psalm. Augustine saw Psalm 119 rising up like a Tree of Life in Paradise. Thomas a Kempis modelled his ‘Little Alphabet of the Monks in the School of Christ’ on it. Wilberforce, during the troubled year of 1819, noted in his diary: ‘Walked from Hyde Park corner, repeating the 119th Psalm, a great comfort.’ John Ruskin reflected, ‘It is strange, that of all the pieces of the Bible which my mother…taught me, and which cost me most to learn, and which was, to my child’s mind, chiefly repulsive – the 119th Psalm – has now become of all the most precious to me, in its overflowing and glorious passion for the law of God.’ The great pioneer missionary, Henry Martyn, found solace and encouragement in learning this Psalm by heart. He often found that repeating it would help him into a more spiritual frame of mind. At the age of nine David Livingstone won a New Testament from his Sunday school teacher for repeating Psa 119 by heart.
Matthew Henry, in his biography of his father, writes, ‘Once, pressing the study of the Scriptures, he advised us to take a verse of Psalm 119 every morning to meditate upon, and so go over the Psalm twice in a year; and that, he said, will bring you to be in love with all the rest of the Scriptures.’
It has been suggested that this Psalm was composed by David towards the end of his life, based on thoughts he had jotted down over a long period of time. There is, therefore, little by way of flow or connection from one verse to another. Like the Proverbs, it is ‘a chest of gold rings, not a chain of gold links’ (Henry). The dominating theme is ‘the Word of God’: every verse except three makes specific mention of the Scriptures. Still, every thought is different; the writer never repeats himself.
Here is a ‘giant among the Psalms’ (Kidner). It bring to full flower the delight in God’s law which is expressed in Psa 1:2, and reaps the bountiful harvest which is hinted at in Psa 19:7ff.
This psalm is an acrostic. Each letter of the Hebrew alphabet in turn introduces eight successive verses. >Poetry
Eight different words for Scripture are employed in this psalm: ‘law’; ‘testimonies’; ‘precepts’; ‘statutes’; ‘commandments’; ‘ordinances’; ‘word’; ‘promise’. We should not spend too much time analysing each one, but rather sense their cumulative impact. Along with these are some recurring themes which reflect the Psalmist’s response to the Word: ‘delight’, v14; v16; v72; ‘love’, v57; v103; ; and ‘awe’, v120; v161.
The benefits of Scripture include: liberty, v45; v96; enlightenment, v105; v130; life, ; and counsel, v24.
Let us not accuse the Psalmist of bibliolatry: for every reference to Scripture relates it to its Author. Indeed, almost the whole psalm is a meditative prayer addressed to him. ‘This is true piety: a love of God is not dessicated by study but refreshed, informed and nourished by it’ (Kidner).
Hints are given throughout of the Psalmist’s own life-situation. (a) He feels himself to be in a largely alien world, Ps 119v95; v126, subject to derision, v22, slander, v69, and intrigue, v85. He reacts to his isolation with tears, v136, and anger, v53. (b) He sometimes feels as though he is struggling to survive, v61f, although his note of dejection is frequently answered by an affirmation of faith, v81-83. He is conscious of his own temptations and shortcomings, v36f; v176. But his afflictions have been vastly outweighed by the glories of God’s Word, v162. Therefore he commends it to all, v42f; v46; v79. (c) He demonstrates an enthusiastic persistence, v32.
- Stanza 1 (Aleph): Those who walk in the law of the Lord are blameless and blessed (119:1-8).
- Stanza 2 (Beth): Those who treasure God’s Word in their heart will live a life that pleases the LORD (119:9-16).
- Stanza 3 (Gimel): Those who look carefully into the Word of God will see wonderful things (119:17-24).
- Stanza 4 (Daleth): Those who are experiencing troubles will fine life and strength in the Word of God (119:25-32).
- Stanza 5 (He): Those who allow the Lord to teach them His Word will obey, will live well, and will finish well (119:33-40).
- Stanza 6 (Waw): Those who rest in the Lord’s faithful love and keep his law will be ready to answer those who challenge them (119:41-48).
- Stanza 7 (Zayin): Those who remember God’s Word will be comforted by it (119:49-56).
- Stanza 8 (Heth): Those who run after the LORD will befriend all who also fear Him (119:57-64).
- Stanza 9 (Teth): Those who are afflicted by the discipline of the Lord will learn how good His instruction is (119:65-72).
- Stanza 10 (Yodh): Those who receive comfort from the Lord’s faithful love will delight in His Word (119:73-80).
- Stanza 11 (Kaph): Those who grow weary and discouraged should put their hope in the Lord’s salvation and His Word (119:81-88).
- Stanza 12 (Lamedh): Those who trust in the Lord’s perfect and powerful Word delight in His teachings (119:89-96).
- Stanza 13 (Mem): Those who love the Lord’s instruction meditate on it all day long (119:97-104).
- Stanza 14 (Nun): Those who keep the Lord’s righteous judgments find it to be a lamp for their feet and a light for their path (119:105-112).
- Stanza 15 (Samekh): Those who reject the wicked trust in the Lord and love His Word (119:113-120).
- Stanza 16 (Ayin): Those who are servants of the Lord are marked by justice, righteousness and a love for God’s Word (119:121-128).
- Stanza 17 (Pe): Those who find God’s Word wonderful weep over those who don’t (119:129-136).
- Stanza 18 (Tsadhe): Those who are zealous for the righteous God acknowledge His righteousness is an everlasting righteousness (119:137-144).
- Stanza 19 (Qoph): Those who call on the Lord to save them will call on Him early and know He is near (119:145-152).
- Stanza 20 (Resh): Those who need to be rescued by the Lord will ask Him to be their champion as they love His Word (119:153-160)
- Stanza 21 (Sin and Shin): Those who are persecuted will fear, rejoice, love and praise the Lord for His Word that gives them abundant peace (119:161-168).
- Stanza 22 (Taw): Those who cry out to the Lord as their Shepherd can ask Him to help them according to his promise (119:169-176).
א (Alef)
119:1 How blessed are those whose actions are blameless,
who obey the law of the LORD.
119:2 How blessed are those who observe his rules,
and seek him with all their heart,
119:3 who, moreover, do no wrong,
but follow in his footsteps.
119:4 You demand that your precepts
be carefully kept.
119:5 If only I were predisposed
to keep your statutes!
119:6 Then I would not be ashamed,
if I were focused on all your commands.
119:7 I will give you sincere thanks,
when I learn your just regulations.
119:8 I will keep your statutes.
Do not completely abandon me!
ב (Bet)
119:9 How can a young person maintain a pure life?
By guarding it according to your instructions!
119:10 With all my heart I seek you.
Do not allow me to stray from your commands!
119:11 In my heart I store up your words,
so I might not sin against you.
119:12 You deserve praise, O LORD!
Teach me your statutes!
119:13 With my lips I proclaim
all the regulations you have revealed.
119:14 I rejoice in the lifestyle prescribed by your rules
as if they were riches of all kinds.
119:15 I will meditate on your precepts
and focus on your behavior.
119:16 I find delight in your statutes;
I do not forget your instructions.
v15 'There is a distinct difference between Christian and New Age forms of meditation. In Christian meditation, the believer’s mind is actively engaged and focuses on the Word of God. The believer is always conscious and never seeks a mystical experience of direct contact with God. New Age meditators, on the other hand, attempt to empty their minds through repetitious chanting or yogic breathing exercises. For them the goal is to experience oneness with the universe or attain God-consciousness.' (Apologetics Study Bible)
ג (Gimel)
119:17 Be kind to your servant!
Then I will live and keep your instructions.
119:18 Open my eyes so I can truly see
the marvelous things in your law!
119:19 I am like a foreigner in this land.
Do not hide your commands from me!
119:20 I desperately long to know
your regulations at all times.
119:21 You reprimand arrogant people.
Those who stray from your commands are doomed.
119:22 Spare me shame and humiliation,
for I observe your rules.
119:23 Though rulers plot and slander me,
your servant meditates on your statutes.
119:24 Yes, I find delight in your rules;
they give me guidance.
v18 'Some men can perceive no wonders in the gospel, but David felt sure that there were glorious things in the law: he had not half the Bible, but he prized it more than some men prize the whole. He felt that God had laid up great bounties in his word, and he begs for power to perceive, appreciate, and enjoy the same. We need not so much that God should give us more benefits, as the ability to see what he has given.' (Spurgeon)
'The prayer implies a conscious darkness, a dimness of spiritual vision, a powerlessness to remove that defect, and a full assurance that God can remove it. It shows also that the writer knew that there were vast treasures in the word which he had not yet fully seen, marvels which he had not yet beheld, mysteries which he had scarcely believed. The Scriptures teem with marvels; the Bible is wonder land; it not only relates miracles, but it is itself a world of wonders. Yet what are these to closed eyes? And what man can open his own eyes, since he is born blind? God himself must reveal revelation to each heart. Scripture needs opening, but not one half so much as our eyes do: the veil is not on the book, but on our hearts. What perfect precepts, what precious promises, what priceless privileges are neglected by us because we wander among them like blind men among the beauties of nature, and they are to us as a landscape shrouded in darkness!' (Spurgeon)
'The Psalmist had a measure of spiritual perception, or he would never have known that there were wondrous things to be seen, nor would he have prayed, "open thou mine eyes"; but what he had seen made him long for a clearer and wider sight. This longing proved the genuineness of what he possessed, for it is a test mark of the true knowledge of God that it causes its possessor to thirst for deeper knowledge.' (Spurgeon)
'"What wilt thou that I shall do unto thee?" was the gracious inquiry of the loving Jesus to a poor longing one on earth. "Lord! that I may receive my sight, " was the instant answer. So here, in the same spirit, and to the same compassionate and loving Lord, does the Psalmist pray, "Open thou mine eyes"; and both in this and the preceding petition, "Deal bountifully with thy servant, " we see at once who prompted the prayer.' (Barton Bouchier)
'If it be asked, seeing David was a regenerate man, and so illumined already, how is it that he prays for the opening of his eyes? The answer is easy: that our regeneration is wrought by degrees. The beginnings of light in his mind made him long for more; for no man can account of sense, but he who hath it. The light which he had caused him to see his own darkness; and therefore, feeling his wants, he sought to have them supplied by the Lord.' (William Cowper)
'The saints do not complain of the obscurity of the law, but of their own blindness. The Psalmist doth not say, Lord make a plainer law, but, Lord open mine eyes: blind men might as well complain of God, that he doth not make a sun whereby they might see. The word is "a light that shineth in a dark place" (2 Pet 1:19). There is no want of light in the Scripture, but there is a veil of darkness upon our hearts; so that if in this clear light we cannot see, the defect is not in the word, but in ourselves.' (Manton)
'We come to our reading of the Bible with our own agenda, bias, questions, preoccupations, concerns and convictions, and, unless we are extremely careful, we impose these on the biblical text. We may sincerely pray before we read, "Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law" (Ps 119:18), but still the same non-communication may persist. For even that introductory prayer, though to be sure it is taken from the Psalter, is suspect because it lays down the kind of message we want to hear.
"Please, Lord, I want to see some 'wonderful thing' in your word."
But he may reply, "What makes you think I have only 'wonderful things' to show you? As a matter of fact, I have some rather 'disturbing things' to show you today. Are you prepared to receive them?"
"Oh no, Lord, please not", we stammer in reply. "I come to Scripture only to be comforted; I really do not want to be challenged or disturbed."'
(Stott, Authentic Christianity, 133)
ד (Dalet)
119:25 I collapse in the dirt.
Revive me with your word!
119:26 I told you about my ways and you answered me.
Teach me your statutes!
119:27 Help me to understand what your precepts mean!
Then I can meditate on your marvelous teachings.
119:28 I collapse from grief.
Sustain me by your word!
119:29 Remove me from the path of deceit!
Graciously give me your law!
119:30 I choose the path of faithfulness;
I am committed to your regulations.
119:31 I hold fast to your rules.
O LORD, do not let me be ashamed!
119:32 I run along the path of your commands,
for you enable me to do so.
v32 I run...for you have set my heart free - Guthrie speaks of a twofold influence of the Holy Spirit: 'either ordinary: and this is the operation of the Holy Spirit on the soul, and the habits of grace there, whereby they are still kept alive, and in some exercise and acting, although not very discernible. This influence, I conceive, doth always attend believers, and is that `keeping and watering night and day, and every moment,' promised Isaiah 27:3. Or, this influence is more singular and special, and is the same to a gracious, although a withered soul, as the `wind and breath to the dry bones' (Ezek. 37:9, 10); putting them in good case, and `as the dew or rain to the grass,' or newly-mown field and parched ground. (Ps. 77:6.) Such influence is meant by the `blowing of the south-wind, making the spices to flow out.' (Song 4:16.) When the Spirit moveth thus, there is an edge put upon the graces of God in the soul, and they are made to act more vigorously. This is the `enlarging of the heart,' by which `a man doth run in the ways of God.' (Ps. 119:32.) This influence is more discernible than the former, and not so ordinarily communicated. Also here sometimes the wind bloweth more upon one grace, and sometimes more discernible upon another, and often upon many of the graces together; and, according to the lesser or greater measure of this influence, the soul acteth more or less vigorously towards God; and since faith is a created grace in the soul, this influence of the Spirit is upon it, sometimes less, sometimes more, and accordingly is the Assurance','of faith small or great.'
ה (He)
119:33 Teach me, O LORD, the lifestyle prescribed by your statutes,
so that I might observe it continually.
119:34 Give me understanding so that I might observe your law,
and keep it with all my heart.
119:35 Guide me in the path of your commands,
for I delight to walk in it.
119:36 Give me a desire for your rules,
rather than for wealth gained unjustly.
119:37 Turn my eyes away from what is worthless!
Revive me with your word!
119:38 Confirm to your servant your promise,
which you made to the one who honors you.
119:39 Take away the insults that I dread!
Indeed, your regulations are good.
119:40 Look, I long for your precepts.
Revive me with your deliverance!
ו (Vav)
119:41 May I experience your loyal love, O LORD,
and your deliverance, as you promised.
119:42 Then I will have a reply for the one who insults me,
for I trust in your word.
119:43 Do not completely deprive me of a truthful testimony,
for I await your justice.
119:44 Then I will keep your law continually
now and for all time.
119:45 I will be secure,
for I seek your precepts.
119:46 I will speak about your regulations before kings
and not be ashamed.
119:47 I will find delight in your commands,
which I love.
119:48 I will lift my hands to your commands,
which I love,
and I will meditate on your statutes.
ז (Zayin)
119:49 Remember your word to your servant,
for you have given me hope.
119:50 This is what comforts me in my trouble,
for your promise revives me.
119:51 Arrogant people do nothing but scoff at me.
Yet I do not turn aside from your law.
119:52 I remember your ancient regulations,
O LORD, and console myself.
119:53 Rage takes hold of me because of the wicked,
those who reject your law.
119:54 Your statutes have been my songs
in the house where I live.
119:55 I remember your name during the night, O LORD,
and I will keep your law.
119:56 This has been my practice,
for I observe your precepts.
ח (Khet)
119:57 The LORD is my source of security.
I have determined to follow your instructions.
119:58 I seek your favor with all my heart.
Have mercy on me as you promised!
119:59 I consider my actions
and follow your rules.
119:60 I keep your commands
eagerly and without delay.
119:61 The ropes of the wicked tighten around me,
but I do not forget your law.
119:62 In the middle of the night I arise to thank you
for your just regulations.
119:63 I am a friend to all your loyal followers,
and to those who keep your precepts.
119:64 O LORD, your loyal love fills the earth.
Teach me your statutes!
ט (Tet)
119:65 You are good to your servant,
O LORD, just as you promised.
119:66 Teach me proper discernment and understanding!
For I consider your commands to be reliable.
119:67 Before I was afflicted I used to stray off,
but now I keep your instructions.
119:68 You are good and you do good.
Teach me your statutes!
119:69 Arrogant people smear my reputation with lies,
but I observe your precepts with all my heart.
119:70 Their hearts are calloused,
but I find delight in your law.
119:71 It was good for me to suffer,
so that I might learn your statutes.
119:72 The law you have revealed is more important to me
than thousands of pieces of gold and silver.
v71 'Prosperity, ease, and the desires of the soul, send leanness to the soul; the evils of the world are much better than the good thereof.' (James Fraser)
י (Yod)
119:73 Your hands made me and formed me.
Give me understanding so that I might learn your commands.
119:74 Your loyal followers will be glad when they see me,
for I find hope in your word.
119:75 I know, LORD, that your regulations are just.
You disciplined me because of your faithful devotion to me.
119:76 May your loyal love console me,
as you promised your servant.
119:77 May I experience your compassion, so I might live!
For I find delight in your law.
119:78 May the arrogant be humiliated, for they have slandered me!
But I meditate on your precepts.
119:79 May your loyal followers turn to me,
those who know your rules.
119:80 May I be fully committed to your statutes,
so that I might not be ashamed.
ך (Kaf)
119:81 I desperately long for your deliverance.
I find hope in your word.
119:82 My eyes grow tired as I wait for your promise to be fulfilled.
I say, “When will you comfort me?”
119:83 For I am like a wineskin dried up in smoke.
I do not forget your statutes.
119:84 How long must your servant endure this?
When will you judge those who pursue me?
119:85 The arrogant dig pits to trap me,
which violates your law.
119:86 All your commands are reliable.
I am pursued without reason. Help me!
119:87 They have almost destroyed me here on the earth,
but I do not reject your precepts.
119:88 Revive me with your loyal love,
that I might keep the rules you have revealed.
ל (Lamed)
119:89 O LORD, your instructions endure;
they stand secure in heaven.
119:90 You demonstrate your faithfulness to all generations.
You established the earth and it stood firm.
119:91 Today they stand firm by your decrees,
for all things are your servants.
119:92 If I had not found encouragement in your law,
I would have died in my sorrow.
119:93 I will never forget your precepts,
for by them you have revived me.
119:94 I belong to you. Deliver me!
For I seek your precepts.
119:95 The wicked prepare to kill me,
yet I concentrate on your rules.
119:96 I realize that everything has its limits,
but your commands are beyond full comprehension.
ם (Mem)
119:97 O how I love your law!
All day long I meditate on it.
119:98 Your commandments make me wiser than my enemies,
for I am always aware of them.
119:99 I have more insight than all my teachers,
for I meditate on your rules.
119:100 I am more discerning than those older than I,
for I observe your precepts.
119:101 I stay away from the evil path,
so that I might keep your instructions.
119:102 I do not turn aside from your regulations,
for you teach me.
119:103 Your words are sweeter
in my mouth than honey!
119:104 Your precepts give me discernment.
Therefore I hate all deceitful actions.
v97 ''Lord,' said Augustine, 'let the holy Scriptures be my chaste delight.' Chrysostom compares the Scripture to a garden, every truth is a fragrant flower, which we should wear, not on our bosom, but in our heart. David counted the Word 'sweeter than honey and the honeycomb.' Psa 19:10. There is that in Scripture which may breed delight. It shows us the way to riches:Deut 28:5, Prov 3:10; to long life, Psa 34:12; to a kingdom, Heb 12:28. Well then may we count those the sweetest hours which are spent in reading the holy Scriptures; well may we say with the prophet, Jer 15:16, 'Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and they were the joy and rejoicing of my heart.'' (Thomas Watson, A Body of Divinity)
'Were I to enjoy Hezekiah’s grant and to have fifteen years added to my life, I would be much more frequent in my applications to the throne of grace. Were I to renew my studies, I would take my leave of those accomplished trifles – the historians, the orators, the poets of antiquity – and devote my attention to the Scriptures of truth. I would sit with much greater assiduity at my divine Master’s feet and desire to know nothing but “Jesus Christ, and Him crucified” [1 Corinthians 2.2]. This wisdom, whose fruits are peace in life, consolation in death, and everlasting salvation after death – this I would trace, this I would seek, this I would explore through the spacious and delightful fields of the Old and New Testaments.' (James Hervey).
ן (Nun)
119:105 Your word is a lamp to walk by,
and a light to illumine my path.
119:106 I have vowed and solemnly sworn
to keep your just regulations.
119:107 I am suffering terribly.
O LORD, revive me with your word!
119:108 O LORD, please accept the freewill offerings of my praise!
Teach me your regulations!
119:109 My life is in continual danger,
but I do not forget your law.
119:110 The wicked lay a trap for me,
but I do not wander from your precepts.
119:111 I claim your rules as my permanent possession,
for they give me joy.
119:112 I am determined to obey your statutes
at all times, to the very end.
v105 'Let us lead Scripture lives. Oh that the Bible might be seen printed in our lives! Do what the Word commands. Obedience is an excellent way of commenting upon the Bible. Psa 86:2:'I will walk in thy truth.' Let the Word be the sun-dial by which you set your life. What are we the better for having the Scripture, if we do not direct all our speeches and actions according to it? What is a carpenter the better for his rule about him, if he sticks it at his back, and never makes use of it for measuring and squaring his work? So, what are we the better for the rule of the Word, if we do not make use of it, and regulate our lives by it? How many swerve and deviate from the rule! The Word teaches to be sober and temperate, but they are drunk; to be chaste and holy, but they are profane; they go quite from the rule! What a dishonour is it to religion, for men to live in contradiction to Scripture! The Word is called a 'light to our feet.' Psa 119:105. It is not only a light to our eyes to mend our sight, but to our feet to mend our walk. Oh let us lead Bible conversations!' (Thomas Watson, A Body of Divinity)
ס (Samek)
119:113 I hate people with divided loyalties,
but I love your law.
119:114 You are my hiding place and my shield.
I find hope in your word.
119:115 Turn away from me, you evil men,
so that I can observe the commands of my God.
119:116 Sustain me as you promised, so that I will live.
Do not disappoint me!
119:117 Support me, so that I will be delivered.
Then I will focus on your statutes continually.
119:118 You despise all who stray from your statutes,
for they are deceptive and unreliable.
119:119 You remove all the wicked of the earth like slag.
Therefore I love your rules.
119:120 My body trembles because I fear you;
I am afraid of your judgments.
ע (Ayin)
119:121 I do what is fair and right.
Do not abandon me to my oppressors!
119:122 Guarantee the welfare of your servant!
Do not let the arrogant oppress me!
119:123 My eyes grow tired as I wait for your deliverance,
for your reliable promise to be fulfilled.
119:124 Show your servant your loyal love!
Teach me your statutes!
119:125 I am your servant. Give me insight,
so that I can understand your rules.
119:126 It is time for the LORD to act—
they break your law!
119:127 For this reason I love your commands
more than gold, even purest gold.
119:128 For this reason I carefully follow all your precepts.
I hate all deceitful actions.
פ (Pe)
119:129 Your rules are marvelous.
Therefore I observe them.
119:130 Your instructions are a doorway through which light shines.
They give insight to the untrained.
119:131 I open my mouth and pant,
because I long for your commands.
119:132 Turn toward me and extend mercy to me,
as you typically do to your loyal followers.
119:133 Direct my steps by your word!
Do not let any sin dominate me!
119:134 Deliver me from oppressive men,
so that I can keep your precepts.
119:135 Smile on your servant!
Teach me your statutes!
119:136 Tears stream down from my eyes,
because people do not keep your law.
v130 Distributed light. 'If all the light of the heavenly luminaries had been contracted into one, it would have been destructive, not useful, to our sight; but being by divine wisdom distributed into sun, moon, and stars, each giving out his own proportion, it is suited to declare the glory of God and to enlighten the world. So, if the whole revelation of the glory of Christ, and all that belongs unto it, had been committed into one series and contexture of words, it would have overwhelmed our minds rather than enlightened us. Why God has distributed the light of it through the whole firmament of the books of the Old and New Testament; whence it communicates itself, by various parts and degrees, unto the proper use of the church.' (John Owen)
ץ (Tsade)
119:137 You are just, O LORD,
and your judgments are fair.
119:138 The rules you impose are just,
and absolutely reliable.
119:139 My zeal consumes me,
for my enemies forget your instructions.
119:140 Your word is absolutely pure,
and your servant loves it!
119:141 I am insignificant and despised,
yet I do not forget your precepts.
119:142 Your justice endures,
and your law is reliable.
119:143 Distress and hardship confront me,
yet I find delight in your commands.
119:144 Your rules remain just.
Give me insight so that I can live.
ק (Qof)
119:145 I cried out with all my heart, “Answer me, O LORD!
I will observe your statutes.”
119:146 I cried out to you, “Deliver me,
so that I can keep your rules.”
119:147 I am up before dawn crying for help.
I find hope in your word.
119:148 My eyes anticipate the nighttime hours,
so that I can meditate on your word.
119:149 Listen to me because of your loyal love!
O LORD, revive me, as you typically do!
119:150 Those who are eager to do wrong draw near;
they are far from your law.
119:151 You are near, O LORD,
and all your commands are reliable.
119:152 I learned long ago that
you ordained your rules to last.
ר (Resh)
119:153 See my pain and rescue me!
For I do not forget your law.
119:154 Fight for me and defend me!
Revive me with your word!
119:155 The wicked have no chance for deliverance,
for they do not seek your statutes.
119:156 Your compassion is great, O LORD.
Revive me, as you typically do!
119:157 The enemies who chase me are numerous.
Yet I do not turn aside from your rules.
119:158 I take note of the treacherous and despise them,
because they do not keep your instructions.
119:159 See how I love your precepts!
O LORD, revive me with your loyal love!
119:160 Your instructions are totally reliable;
all your just regulations endure.
שׂ/שׁ (Sin/Shin)
119:161 Rulers pursue me for no reason,
yet I am more afraid of disobeying your instructions.
119:162 I rejoice in your instructions,
like one who finds much plunder.
119:163 I hate and despise deceit;
I love your law.
119:164 Seven times a day I praise you
because of your just regulations.
119:165 Those who love your law are completely secure;
nothing causes them to stumble.
119:166 I hope for your deliverance, O LORD,
and I obey your commands.
119:167 I keep your rules;
I love them greatly.
119:168 I keep your precepts and rules,
for you are aware of everything I do.
ת (Tav)
119:169 Listen to my cry for help, O LORD!
Give me insight by your word!
119:170 Listen to my appeal for mercy!
Deliver me, as you promised.
119:171 May praise flow freely from my lips,
for you teach me your statutes.
119:172 May my tongue sing about your instructions,
for all your commands are just.
119:173 May your hand help me,
for I choose to obey your precepts.
119:174 I long for your deliverance, O LORD;
I find delight in your law.
119:175 May I live and praise you!
May your regulations help me!
119:176 I have wandered off like a lost sheep.
Come looking for your servant,
for I do not forget your commands.