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Psalms 119:81
Verse
Context
Sermons
Keith DanielKeith DanielKeith DanielKeith Daniel
John Greene
George MuellerSummary
Commentary
- Keil-Delitzsch
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
- Tyndale
Carl Friedrich Keil and Franz Delitzsch Old Testament Commentary
The eightfold Kaph. This strengthening according to God's promise is his earnest desire (כּלה) now, when within a very little his enemies have compassed his ruin (כּלּה). His soul and eyes languish (כּלה as in Psa 69:4; Psa 84:3, cf. Job 19:27) for God's salvation, that it may be unto him according to God's word or promise, that this word may be fulfilled. In Psa 119:83 כּי is hypothetical, as in Psa 21:12 and frequently; here, as perhaps also in Psa 27:10, in the sense of "although" (Ew. ֗362, b). He does not suffer anything to drive God's word out of his mind, although he is already become like a leathern bottle blackened and shrivelled up in the smoke. The custom of the ancients of placing jars with wine over the smoke in order to make the wine prematurely old, i.e., to mellow it (vid., Rosenmller), does not yield anything towards the understanding of this passage: the skin-bottle that is not intended for present use is hung up on high; and the fact that it had to withstand the upward ascending smoke is intelligible, notwithstanding the absence of any mention of the chimney. The point of comparison, in which we agree for the most part with Hitzig, is the removal of him who in his dungeon is continually exposed to the drudgery of his persecutors. כּמּה in Psa 119:84 is equivalent to "how few." Our life here below is short, so also is the period within which the divine righteousness can reveal itself. שׁיחות (instead of which the lxx erroneously reads שׂיחות), pits, is an old word, Psa 57:7. The relative clause, Psa 119:85, describes the "proud" as being a contradiction to the revealed law; for there was no necessity for saying that to dig a pit for others is not in accordance with this law. All God's commandments are an emanation of His faithfulness, and therefore too demand faithfulness; but it is just this faithfulness that makes the poet an object of deadly hatred. They have already almost destroyed him"in the land." It is generally rendered "on earth;" but "in heaven" at the beginning of the following octonary is too far removed to be an antithesis to it, nor does it sound like one (cf. on the other hand ἐν τοῖς ouranoi's, Mat 5:12). It is therefore: in the land (cf. Psa 58:3; Psa 73:9), where they think they are the only ones who have any right there, they have almost destroyed him, without shaking the constancy of his faith. But he stands in need of fresh grace in order that he may not, however, at last succumb.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
CAPH. (Psa 119:81-88). In sorrow the pious heart yearns for the comforts of God's promises (Psa 73:26; Psa 84:2).
John Gill Bible Commentary
The proud have digged pits for me,.... Laid snares and temptations in his way, to draw him into sin, and so into mischief; they sought indeed to take away his life, and formed schemes for it. The allusion is to the digging of pits for the taking of wild beasts; which shows the ill opinion they had of David, and their ill usage of him; see Psa 7:15; which are not after thy law; no, contrary to it; which forbids the digging of a pit, and leaving it uncovered, so that a neighbour's beast might fall into it, Exo 21:33; and if those might not be dug to the injury of beasts, then much less to the injury of men, to the hurt of the servants of the Lord, or to the shedding of innocent blood, which the law forbids.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
Here we have the psalmist, I. Longing for help from heaven: My soul faints; my eyes fail. He longs for the salvation of the Lord and for his word, that is, salvation according to the word. He is not thus eager for the creatures of fancy, but for the objects of faith, salvation from the present calamities under which he was groaning and the doubts and fears which he was oppressed with. It may be understood of the coming of the Messiah, and so he speaks in the name of the Old Testament church; the souls of the faithful even fainted to see that salvation of which the prophets testified. (Pe1 1:10); their eyes failed for it. Abraham saw it at a distance, and so did others, but at such a distance that it put their eyes to the stretch and they could not stedfastly see it. David was now under prevailing dejections, and, having been long so, his eyes cried our, "When wilt thou comfort me? Comfort me with thy salvation, comfort me with thy word." Observe, 1. The salvation and consolation of God's people are secured to them by the word, which will certainly be fulfilled in its season. 2. The promised salvation and comfort may be, and often are, long deferred, so that they are ready to faint and fall in the expectation of them. 3. Though we think the time long ere the promised salvation and comfort come, yet we must still keep our eye upon that salvation, and resolve to take up with nothing short of it. "Thy salvation, thy word, thy comfort, are what my heart is still upon." II. Waiting for that help, assured that it will come, and tarrying till it come: But I hope in thy word; and but for hope the heart would break. When the eyes fail yet the faith must not; for the vision is for an appointed time, and at the end it shall speak and shall not lie.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
119:81-88 Kaph (כ): The psalmist is worn out from waiting for the Lord, but his hope is in God’s future rescue.
Psalms 119:81
Your Word Is a Lamp to My Feet
80May my heart be blameless in Your statutes, that I may not be put to shame. 81My soul faints for Your salvation; I wait for Your word. 82My eyes fail, looking for Your promise; I ask, “When will You comfort me?”
- Scripture
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Sixteen Vital Facets of the Bible
By Keith Daniel8851:15:58Bible1SA 30:6JOB 7:6PSA 94:19PSA 107:20PSA 119:18PSA 119:49PSA 119:81PSA 119:92LUK 24:27JHN 14:26ROM 15:42CO 3:6HEB 11:33In this sermon, the preacher warns about the dangers of being a backslider and burying God's Word for anything. He emphasizes that even in laughter, the heart of a backslider is sorrowful, highlighting the tragedy of pretending to be happy while inwardly weeping. The preacher asserts that it is a hundred times more difficult for a backslider to find a vital relationship with God than it is for a pervert or a drunk to find salvation. He passionately urges those who are not saved to accept Christ before leaving the hall, emphasizing the urgency of salvation. The preacher also encourages the audience to listen to the sermon again and to immerse themselves in God's Word, emphasizing its importance and the treasure it holds.
16 Facets of the Word of God
By Keith Daniel81658:24Word Of GodJOB 7:6PSA 107:20PSA 119:81PSA 119:92PSA 119:162ISA 34:16LUK 24:27JHN 14:26ROM 15:41CO 2:141CO 3:6HEB 11:33In this sermon, the speaker reflects on a moment when they were in a restaurant filled with expensive and beautiful things. They noticed that in order to enter the restaurant, the wealthy had to push through all these luxurious items. However, the speaker's attention was drawn to a small sign that promised the power to see in the darkest circumstances. They emphasize that neglecting the power of the Holy Spirit is a dangerous sign of backsliding. The speaker warns against seeking joy and fulfillment in anything other than a relationship with God and His Word, as it will ultimately leave one empty and sorrowful. The sermon references Proverbs 4:13 to emphasize the importance of staying connected to God's Word.
The Bible!
By Keith Daniel5691:15:15PSA 17:4PSA 112:1PSA 119:24PSA 119:49PSA 119:81PSA 119:92PSA 119:162ISA 34:16ROM 15:4
This sermon emphasizes the vital facets of the Bible, highlighting its role as the source of salvation, evidence of true faith, and the means for spiritual growth, renewal, and survival. It explores how the Bible serves as a moral compass, cleanses from wrong influences, and provides safe navigation and comfort in affliction. The sermon stresses the importance of the Word of God in testing and strengthening faith, instilling hope, and guiding believers to seek God's presence and wisdom through its sacred pages.
This Sacred Book
By Keith Daniel5541:26:32PSA 17:4PSA 112:1PSA 119:81PSA 119:92PSA 119:105PSA 119:130PSA 119:162ISA 34:16HEB 6:5JAS 1:21
This sermon emphasizes the vital facets of the Bible, highlighting its role as the source of salvation, the evidence of true faith, the importance of not neglecting it to avoid backsliding, and the necessity of soaking in its teachings for spiritual growth, renewal, and survival. It also underscores the Bible's significance as a moral compass, a means of daily renewal, a source of safe navigation, and a guide for prayer and testing of faith. The sermon stresses the power of God's word to comfort, strengthen, and instill hope in times of affliction, testing, and challenges, ultimately pointing to the essential role of the Bible in a believer's life.
In the Hope of Eternal Life
By John Greene46600:00LEV 11:44PSA 116:7PSA 119:49PSA 119:81PSA 119:114PSA 130:5LAM 3:22LAM 3:24ROM 6:18ROM 16:19EPH 4:22COL 3:91PE 1:31PE 1:13In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having a good hope of eternal life. He explains that a good hope must be based on God's Word, as God cannot lie. It must also be founded upon Jesus Christ and his work of obedience to the law and his sacrifice on the cross. The speaker further emphasizes that a good hope will be evident in a person's life, as they wait for the salvation of the Lord and seek Him. The sermon concludes with a reminder that the Gospel should not be taken for granted, as there will come a day when we will no longer hear it.
Helpful Hints in the Study of God's Word
By George Mueller0Spiritual NourishmentMeditation on ScripturePSA 119:23PSA 119:81PRO 30:8ISA 26:9JER 36:8DAN 3:17JHN 16:131CO 10:112TI 3:16JAS 1:5George Mueller emphasizes the importance of meditation on God's Word as a means to nourish the inner man and strengthen prayer. He encourages believers to seek wisdom from God and to trust in His ability to provide guidance and understanding through the Scriptures. Mueller highlights that daily reading and meditation on both the Old and New Testaments is crucial for spiritual growth and understanding. He reminds us that the Holy Spirit is our teacher, helping us to grasp the truths of Scripture and apply them to our lives. Ultimately, he calls believers to find joy and nourishment in God's Word, which is essential for their spiritual well-being.
- Keil-Delitzsch
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
- Tyndale
Carl Friedrich Keil and Franz Delitzsch Old Testament Commentary
The eightfold Kaph. This strengthening according to God's promise is his earnest desire (כּלה) now, when within a very little his enemies have compassed his ruin (כּלּה). His soul and eyes languish (כּלה as in Psa 69:4; Psa 84:3, cf. Job 19:27) for God's salvation, that it may be unto him according to God's word or promise, that this word may be fulfilled. In Psa 119:83 כּי is hypothetical, as in Psa 21:12 and frequently; here, as perhaps also in Psa 27:10, in the sense of "although" (Ew. ֗362, b). He does not suffer anything to drive God's word out of his mind, although he is already become like a leathern bottle blackened and shrivelled up in the smoke. The custom of the ancients of placing jars with wine over the smoke in order to make the wine prematurely old, i.e., to mellow it (vid., Rosenmller), does not yield anything towards the understanding of this passage: the skin-bottle that is not intended for present use is hung up on high; and the fact that it had to withstand the upward ascending smoke is intelligible, notwithstanding the absence of any mention of the chimney. The point of comparison, in which we agree for the most part with Hitzig, is the removal of him who in his dungeon is continually exposed to the drudgery of his persecutors. כּמּה in Psa 119:84 is equivalent to "how few." Our life here below is short, so also is the period within which the divine righteousness can reveal itself. שׁיחות (instead of which the lxx erroneously reads שׂיחות), pits, is an old word, Psa 57:7. The relative clause, Psa 119:85, describes the "proud" as being a contradiction to the revealed law; for there was no necessity for saying that to dig a pit for others is not in accordance with this law. All God's commandments are an emanation of His faithfulness, and therefore too demand faithfulness; but it is just this faithfulness that makes the poet an object of deadly hatred. They have already almost destroyed him"in the land." It is generally rendered "on earth;" but "in heaven" at the beginning of the following octonary is too far removed to be an antithesis to it, nor does it sound like one (cf. on the other hand ἐν τοῖς ouranoi's, Mat 5:12). It is therefore: in the land (cf. Psa 58:3; Psa 73:9), where they think they are the only ones who have any right there, they have almost destroyed him, without shaking the constancy of his faith. But he stands in need of fresh grace in order that he may not, however, at last succumb.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
CAPH. (Psa 119:81-88). In sorrow the pious heart yearns for the comforts of God's promises (Psa 73:26; Psa 84:2).
John Gill Bible Commentary
The proud have digged pits for me,.... Laid snares and temptations in his way, to draw him into sin, and so into mischief; they sought indeed to take away his life, and formed schemes for it. The allusion is to the digging of pits for the taking of wild beasts; which shows the ill opinion they had of David, and their ill usage of him; see Psa 7:15; which are not after thy law; no, contrary to it; which forbids the digging of a pit, and leaving it uncovered, so that a neighbour's beast might fall into it, Exo 21:33; and if those might not be dug to the injury of beasts, then much less to the injury of men, to the hurt of the servants of the Lord, or to the shedding of innocent blood, which the law forbids.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
Here we have the psalmist, I. Longing for help from heaven: My soul faints; my eyes fail. He longs for the salvation of the Lord and for his word, that is, salvation according to the word. He is not thus eager for the creatures of fancy, but for the objects of faith, salvation from the present calamities under which he was groaning and the doubts and fears which he was oppressed with. It may be understood of the coming of the Messiah, and so he speaks in the name of the Old Testament church; the souls of the faithful even fainted to see that salvation of which the prophets testified. (Pe1 1:10); their eyes failed for it. Abraham saw it at a distance, and so did others, but at such a distance that it put their eyes to the stretch and they could not stedfastly see it. David was now under prevailing dejections, and, having been long so, his eyes cried our, "When wilt thou comfort me? Comfort me with thy salvation, comfort me with thy word." Observe, 1. The salvation and consolation of God's people are secured to them by the word, which will certainly be fulfilled in its season. 2. The promised salvation and comfort may be, and often are, long deferred, so that they are ready to faint and fall in the expectation of them. 3. Though we think the time long ere the promised salvation and comfort come, yet we must still keep our eye upon that salvation, and resolve to take up with nothing short of it. "Thy salvation, thy word, thy comfort, are what my heart is still upon." II. Waiting for that help, assured that it will come, and tarrying till it come: But I hope in thy word; and but for hope the heart would break. When the eyes fail yet the faith must not; for the vision is for an appointed time, and at the end it shall speak and shall not lie.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
119:81-88 Kaph (כ): The psalmist is worn out from waiting for the Lord, but his hope is in God’s future rescue.