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Psalms 119:176
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Summary
Commentary
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- Matthew Henry
- Tyndale
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Though a wanderer from God, the truly pious ever desires to be drawn back to Him; and, though for a time negligent of duty, he never forgets the commandments by which it is taught. lost--therefore utterly helpless as to recovering itself (Jer 50:6; Luk 15:4). Not only the sinner before conversion, but the believer after conversion, is unable to recover himself; but the latter, after temporary wandering, knows to whom to look for restoration. Psa 119:175-176 seem to sum up the petitions, confessions, and professions of the Psalm. The writer desires God's favor, that he may praise Him for His truth, confesses that he has erred, but, in the midst of all his wanderings and adversities, professes an abiding attachment to the revealed Word of God, the theme of such repeated eulogies, and the recognized source of such great and unnumbered blessings. Thus the Psalm, though more than usually didactic, is made the medium of both parts of devotion--prayer and praise. Next: Psalms Chapter 120
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
Here is, 1. A penitent confession: I have gone astray, or wander up and down, like a lost sheep. As unconverted sinners are like lost sheep (Luk 15:4), so weak unsteady saints are like lost sheep, Mat 18:12, Mat 18:13. We are apt to wander like sheep, and very unapt, when we have gone astray, to find the way again. By going astray we lose the comfort of the green pastures and expose ourselves to a thousand mischiefs. 2. A believing petition: Seek thy servant, as the good shepherd seeks a wandering sheep to bring it back again, Eze 34:12. "Lord, seek me, as I used to seek my sheep when they went astray;" for David had been himself a tender shepherd. "Lord, own me for one of thine; for, though I am a stray sheep, I have thy mark; concern thyself for me, send after me by the word, and conscience, and providences; bring me back by thy grace." Seek me, that is, find me; for God never seeks in vain. Turn me, and I shall be turned. 3. An obedient plea: "Though I have gone astray, yet I have not wickedly departed, I do not forget thy commandments." Thus he concludes the psalm with a penitent sense of his own sin and believing dependence on God's grace. With these a devout Christian will conclude his duties, will conclude his life; he will live and die repenting and praying. Observe here, (1.) It is the character of good people that they do not forget God's commandments, being well pleased with their convictions and well settled in their resolutions. (2.) Even those who, through grace, are mindful of their duty, cannot but own that they have in many instances wandered from it. (3.) Those that have wandered from their duty, if they continue mindful of it, may with a humble confidence commit themselves to the care of God's grace.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
119:176 God, the Great Shepherd, seeks out his lost sheep (23:1; Luke 15:4-6).
Psalms 119:176
Your Word Is a Lamp to My Feet
175Let me live to praise You; may Your judgments sustain me. 176I have strayed like a lost sheep; seek Your servant, for I have not forgotten Your commandments.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
The Word
By A.W. Tozer4.3K41:55Word Of GodPSA 119:1PSA 119:105PSA 119:174PSA 119:176ISA 8:20MAT 6:33JHN 14:1In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance and power of the Holy Scriptures. He compares trying to celebrate the Scriptures in a short amount of time to summarizing a tour of Europe or a visit to an art museum in just half an hour. The speaker highlights that God's voice is what created and sustains the world, and it is the speaking voice of God that keeps everything alive. He encourages listeners to rely on the Bible as the ultimate authority and not be swayed by charismatic personalities or beliefs that are not found in the Scriptures.
The Battle of Life (The Christian's Warfare)
By C.H. Spurgeon2.6K45:53PSA 31:5PSA 119:176MAT 6:33ROM 6:121CO 9:7HEB 10:22REV 1:5In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of starting early in the pursuit of a life dedicated to serving God. He warns young men and women that the road to spiritual victory will be filled with challenges and battles. The speaker shares the tragic stories of individuals who achieved worldly success but ultimately felt empty and disappointed. He urges young people to be cautious in their pursuit of success and to prioritize their spiritual lives. The sermon concludes with a reminder to live a life pleasing to God and to commit one's spirit to Him, ultimately finding redemption and eternal glory.
The Danger of Doubting
By C.H. Spurgeon2.5K51:55GEN 7:11NEH 8:10PSA 52:1PSA 119:176ISA 55:8EZK 18:24HAB 2:4In this sermon, the speaker addresses the doubts and fears that can arise in times of trouble. He encourages the audience to trust in God's purposes and not to doubt His faithfulness. The speaker emphasizes the importance of patiently waiting and hoping, even when we cannot see the outcome. He reminds the audience of God's past faithfulness and urges them to be just to God and not to doubt His promises. The sermon also highlights the danger of doubting God and turning away from Him, using the example of David's sin as a cautionary tale.
Jesus Appears
By Jim Cymbala1.6K32:48Renewing The MindPSA 119:11PSA 119:176MAT 7:7MAT 18:12MRK 12:28LUK 24:32JHN 20:19In this sermon, the speaker addresses the mechanical nature of faith in Christian circles today. He highlights a recent study that shows a significant number of churches in America are either stagnant or decreasing in membership, with thousands of churches closing each year. The speaker then focuses on the story of Jesus appearing to two disciples on the road to Emmaus, emphasizing their initial confusion and sadness despite Jesus being alive. He emphasizes the need for a real and personal encounter with God, rather than just intellectual knowledge, and prays for revival and unity among believers.
The Inner Man
By Hans R. Waldvogel1.2K27:54Inner ManPSA 119:176ISA 40:31MAT 7:172CO 12:9EPH 3:17HEB 10:39JUD 1:12In this sermon, the preacher shares his experience at a convention in Germany where he witnessed a crowded and lively gathering of preachers and attendees. However, he noticed that many of the preachers were not truly preaching the indwelling life of Christ, which he believes is what people's hearts truly hunger for. He references the biblical passage in Jude about clouds without water and trees that are dead, emphasizing the need for genuine spiritual nourishment. The preacher also highlights the importance of allowing God to work in our lives, even when it may be uncomfortable or challenging, in order to be strengthened with the might of Christ dwelling in our hearts.
Lukewarm No More - Part 13
By George Verwer96009:53LukewarmDEU 28:64NEH 1:3PSA 119:176MAT 6:33EPH 5:221JN 1:9In this sermon, the speaker discusses the life of an evangelist named Roy Hesham who was transformed by the East African revival in the 50s and 60s. The revival emphasized personal repentance and a deep walk with Jesus. The speaker then focuses on Nehemiah's prayer in response to the distress of the remnant in Jerusalem. Nehemiah immediately goes to prayer, confessing the sins of the people and seeking God's help. The speaker also shares his own experience of practicing confession and brokenness in his marriage, emphasizing the importance of humility and surrender to Jesus.
Set a Mark Upon the Foreheads
By Timothy Williams58200:001SA 13:13PSA 119:169PSA 119:176EZK 9:4In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of having a love for righteousness and a grief over sin. He refers to the story in Ezekiel chapter 9 where the Lord instructs a heavenly messenger to mark the foreheads of those who sigh and cry over the abominations in the city of Jerusalem. The preacher encourages the audience to examine their own hearts and ask if they have enough love for righteousness and grief over sin for the Lord to stir their hearts. The sermon also mentions the historical context of the Babylonian invasion of Jerusalem and the warning messages from anointed prophets.
Building the House of God - Give Me or Make Me
By Phil Beach Jr.261:00:59Seeking GodChurchSpiritual TransformationPSA 119:176LUK 15:11Phil Beach Jr. emphasizes the importance of recognizing our tendency to stray from God's path and the need for His guidance as our faithful shepherd. He contrasts the selfish desire of 'give me' with the transformative plea of 'make me,' illustrating how true fulfillment comes from seeking a relationship with God rather than material possessions. Through the parable of the prodigal son, he highlights the journey from wanting what we think we deserve to understanding our spiritual poverty and longing for God's presence. The sermon calls for a heart transformation that desires God above all else, urging believers to seek spiritual blessings and a deeper relationship with Him.
Signs and Wonders of God
By Dick Brogden0PSA 119:176JHN 21:11JN 2:28REV 22:20Dick Brogden emphasizes the awe-inspiring signs of God through Christ's incarnation, crucifixion, resurrection, ascension, and promised return, surpassing any earthly miracles. He highlights the scandalous act of God becoming man, dignifying humanity forever, and the continuous pursuit of humanity through Jesus' repeated appearances. Brogden urges believers to abide in Jesus, eagerly anticipating His glorious return when He will fully reveal Himself, encouraging them to be confident and unashamed before Him.
David’s Surpising Admission
By David Wilkerson0God's LoveRestorationPSA 3:1PSA 23:1PSA 119:176David Wilkerson emphasizes the profound realization of David, who acknowledges his straying from God's love despite his extensive biblical knowledge and past experiences. He cries out for the Lord to seek him as a shepherd seeks a lost sheep, recognizing his helplessness and longing for restoration. Even amidst increasing troubles, David finds comfort in knowing that the Lord knows him by name and invites him to rest in His love. This transformation leads David to abandon self-made plans and embrace the peace that comes from trusting in God's unwavering care. Ultimately, he testifies to the deliverance that belongs to the Lord, finding solace in His unconditional love.
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- Matthew Henry
- Tyndale
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Though a wanderer from God, the truly pious ever desires to be drawn back to Him; and, though for a time negligent of duty, he never forgets the commandments by which it is taught. lost--therefore utterly helpless as to recovering itself (Jer 50:6; Luk 15:4). Not only the sinner before conversion, but the believer after conversion, is unable to recover himself; but the latter, after temporary wandering, knows to whom to look for restoration. Psa 119:175-176 seem to sum up the petitions, confessions, and professions of the Psalm. The writer desires God's favor, that he may praise Him for His truth, confesses that he has erred, but, in the midst of all his wanderings and adversities, professes an abiding attachment to the revealed Word of God, the theme of such repeated eulogies, and the recognized source of such great and unnumbered blessings. Thus the Psalm, though more than usually didactic, is made the medium of both parts of devotion--prayer and praise. Next: Psalms Chapter 120
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
Here is, 1. A penitent confession: I have gone astray, or wander up and down, like a lost sheep. As unconverted sinners are like lost sheep (Luk 15:4), so weak unsteady saints are like lost sheep, Mat 18:12, Mat 18:13. We are apt to wander like sheep, and very unapt, when we have gone astray, to find the way again. By going astray we lose the comfort of the green pastures and expose ourselves to a thousand mischiefs. 2. A believing petition: Seek thy servant, as the good shepherd seeks a wandering sheep to bring it back again, Eze 34:12. "Lord, seek me, as I used to seek my sheep when they went astray;" for David had been himself a tender shepherd. "Lord, own me for one of thine; for, though I am a stray sheep, I have thy mark; concern thyself for me, send after me by the word, and conscience, and providences; bring me back by thy grace." Seek me, that is, find me; for God never seeks in vain. Turn me, and I shall be turned. 3. An obedient plea: "Though I have gone astray, yet I have not wickedly departed, I do not forget thy commandments." Thus he concludes the psalm with a penitent sense of his own sin and believing dependence on God's grace. With these a devout Christian will conclude his duties, will conclude his life; he will live and die repenting and praying. Observe here, (1.) It is the character of good people that they do not forget God's commandments, being well pleased with their convictions and well settled in their resolutions. (2.) Even those who, through grace, are mindful of their duty, cannot but own that they have in many instances wandered from it. (3.) Those that have wandered from their duty, if they continue mindful of it, may with a humble confidence commit themselves to the care of God's grace.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
119:176 God, the Great Shepherd, seeks out his lost sheep (23:1; Luke 15:4-6).