Psalms 119

Psalms 119:1

Probably by Hezekiah. See App-67, Psalms 123:3, and notes below. An Acrostic Psalm (App-63), in which each verse in each of the twenty-two sections commences with the twenty-two successive letters of the Hebrew alphabet: i.e. the first eight begin with Aleph (= A), the second eight with Beth (= B), &c.: making 176 verses in all (i.e. 8 x 22). For the ten words (corresponding with the Ten Commandments) which are characteristic of this Psalm, see App-73.

Blessed = How happy (see App-63.). Here plural = O the great happiness.

way. The first of the ten words. See App-73. The thirteen occurrences of this word in this Psalm are all noted below, as are those of the other nine.

law. The sixth in order of the ten words. See App-73.

the LORD. Hebrew. Jehovah. App-4.

Psalms 119:2

Blessed. This Psalm, begins with a double Beatitude. See App-63.

keep = guard.

testimonies. The second in order of the ten words. See App-73.

Psalms 119:3

iniquity = perversity. Hebrew. ’aval. App-44.

Psalms 119:4

precepts. The third in order of the ten words. See App-73.

Psalms 119:5

statutes. The ninth in order of the ten words. See App-73.

Psalms 119:6

ashamed = put to shame; not shame of conscience.

commandments. The tenth in order of the ten words. See App-73.

Psalms 119:7

praise = give thanks, as in Psalms 92:1, &c.

righteous = righteousness: i.e. judgments of Thy righteousness. The eighth in order of the ten words. See App-73.

judgments. The seventh in order of the ten words. See App-73.

Psalms 119:8

not utterly = not in any wise. Compare Psalms 119:43.

Psalms 119:9

a young man. The writer not necessarily a youth.

way = path. Not the same word as in Psalms 119:1.

By taking = So as to take. Put interrogation at end of the second line instead of the first.

word = the articulate subject-matter of what is said. The tenth in order of the ten words of this Psalm. See note on Psalms 18:30. App-73. Not the same word as in Psalms 119:11. Some codices, with Aramaean, Septuagint, Syriac, and Vulgate, read “words” (plural)

Psalms 119:11

word = the mode, or purport of what is said. The fifth in order of the ten words of this Psalm. See App-73. Some codices, with one early printed edition, Aramaean, Septuagint, Syriac, and Vulgate, read “words” (plural)

hid = treasured up.

sin. Hebrew. chata’. App-44.

Psalms 119:13

lips . . . declared. Figure of speech Paronomasia. App-6: bispatay sipparti.

Psalms 119:16

word. Same word as in Psalms 119:9 (not Psalms 119:11): but some codices, with two early printed editions, Aramaean, Septuagint, Syriac, and Vulgate, read “words” (plural)

Psalms 119:18

Open = Unveil. behold = discern, or see clearly.

Psalms 119:19

stranger = foreigner sojourning.

Psalms 119:20

soul. Hebrew. nephesh. App-13.

breaketh for = hath broken owing to. Occurring again only in Lamentations 3:16.

longing = fervent desire; same word as verses: Psalms 119:40, Psalms 119:174, but not Psalms 119:131.

Psalms 119:21

err = go far astray (through wine or passion). Same word as “wander” (Psalms 119:10), and “err” (Psalms 119:118). Hebrew. shagah App-44.

Psalms 119:22

reproach and contempt. Compare Psalms 123:3, Psalms 123:4, confirming Hezekiah’s suggested authorship.

Psalms 119:24

also = nevertheless. See Psalms 129:2.

my counsellors = men (Hebrew. ’ish, App-14) of my counsel.

Psalms 119:25

dust. Put by Figure of speech Metonymy (of Adjunct), App-6, for the dead, as in Psalms 30:9. Ecclesiastes 12:7.

Quicken . . . me = Give me life, or keep me alive. The first of nine prayers for quickening (Imperative), verses: Psalms 119:37, Psalms 119:40, Psalms 119:88, Psalms 119:107, Psalms 119:149, Psalms 119:154, Psalms 119:156, Psalms 119:159. Twice as a statement of fact, verses: Psalms 119:50, Psalms 119:93.

word. As in Psalms 119:9; but some codices read ’ words" (plural)

Psalms 119:27

talk = meditate.

Psalms 119:28

melteth = weepeth. Occurs only here. Job 16:20. Ecclesiastes 10:18.

word. As in Psalms 119:9. Some codices read plural; but other codices, with Septuagint and Vulgate, read “by (or in) thy words” (plural)

Psalms 119:30

laid = set.

Psalms 119:31

stuck = cleaved, or adhered.

Psalms 119:32

enlarge my heart = set my heart at liberty, as in Isaiah 60:5. 2 Corinthians 6:11, 2 Corinthians 6:13.

Psalms 119:33

Teach me = Show, or make me to see.

Psalms 119:37

way. Some codices, with three early printed editions, Aramaean, and Syriac, read “ways” (plural)

Psalms 119:38

Who is devoted to Thy fear. Supply Ellipsis thus: “Which [leadeth to] reverence of Thee”; or, “Which [pertaineth to]”, &c.

Psalms 119:39

fear = dread.

Psalms 119:40

in: or by.

righteousness. Hebrew. zedakah. See App-73.

Psalms 119:41

mercies = lovingkindnesses.

Psalms 119:42

wherewith = a word. Hebrew. dabar as in Psalms 119:9. See App-73.

reproacheth. See note on “contempt”, Psalms 123:3.

trust in = confide in. Hebrew. batah. App-69.

word. Some codices, with one early printed edition, Aramaean, Septuagint, and Syriac, read “words” (plural)

Psalms 119:44

For ever and ever. Put by Figure of speech Synecdoche (of Whole), App-6, for a part: i.e. the rest of his life.

Psalms 119:45

at liberty = at large. Compare Psalms 118:5.

Psalms 119:46

kings. So Hezekiah testified, doubtless, when kings sent presents and embassies to him (2 Chronicles 32:22, 2 Chronicles 32:23). No occasion to suggest a later date for this Psalm.

Psalms 119:47

have loved = love. Septuagint adds “much”.

Psalms 119:48

My hands, &c. Hebrew idiom = to swear by, as in Genesis 14:22. Exodus 6:8 (margin) Deuteronomy 32:40. Ezekiel 20:5, Ezekiel 20:6; Ezekiel 36:7. See note on Exodus 17:16.

Psalms 119:49

Upon which. This is supported by the Septuagint and Vulgate. In Deuteronomy 29:25 it is rendered “Because”.

caused me to hope. Our hope is based on believing what we have “heard” from God. Compare Hebrews 11:1 with Romans 10:17.

Psalms 119:50

comfort. The word occurs (as a noun) elsewhere only in Job 6:10.

quickened me = kept me alive. See note on Psalms 119:25.

proud = insolent (like Rabshakeh).

Psalms 119:53

Horror = Indignation.

wicked = lawless. Hebrew. rasha’.

Psalms 119:54

songs. Put by Figure of speech Metonymy (of Subject), App-6, for the theme of my songs.

Psalms 119:55

name. See note on Psalms 20:1.

Psalms 119:56

This. Supply Ellipsis (App-6) thus: “This [comfort] I had”.

Psalms 119:57

The division is better made thus, dispensing with the supposed Ellipsis: I have said “Jehovah is my portion, That I might keep Thy word. "

Psalms 119:58

favour. Hebrew face; put by Figure of speech Metonymy (of Adjunct), App-6, for what is indicated by it.

merciful = gracious.

Psalms 119:61

robbed = surrounded. Compare Sennacherib’s investment of Hezekiah. See App-67.

Psalms 119:63

companion = fellow of the same party.

fear = revere.

Psalms 119:64

mercy = lovingkindness, or grace.

Psalms 119:67

Before. If we begin this verse with the word “Till”, and Psalms 119:71 with ’“Tis”, then each verse in this section will commence with “T”, as it does in the Hebrew.

afflicted = oppressed.

But now. Compare Hebrews 12:6-11, and references there.

Psalms 119:68

good = kind. doest good = actest kindly.

Psalms 119:71

It is. See note on Psalms 119:67.

good = right, or fitting.

Psalms 119:72

gold and silver. Put by Figure of speech Metonymy (of Cause), App-6, for coins made from these metals.

Jod. This is the small letter referred to in Matthew 5:18.

Psalms 119:73

fashioned = formed. Compare Job 31:15; also Deuteronomy 32:18.

Psalms 119:74

fear = revere.

Psalms 119:75

right = righteousness, as in Psalms 119:7.

afflicted = humbled.

Psalms 119:76

merciful kindness = lovingkindness, or grace.

Psalms 119:77

tender mercies = compassions.

For, &c. This is the ground of his prayer.

delight. Plural as in Psalms 119:92 = great delight.

Psalms 119:78

proud = insolent, or arrogant.

perversely = with falsehood.

without a cause. Compare John 15:25 with Romans 3:24 (“freely”).

Psalms 119:79

those that have known. Some codices read “and they shall know”.

Psalms 119:80

sound = thorough.

Psalms 119:82

fail. Same word as “fainteth”, in Psalms 119:81.

Psalms 119:83

bottle = wine-skin: i.e. black and shrivelled. Compare Job 30:30.

Psalms 119:84

many: i.e. few at the most. Compare Psalms 89:47. 2 Samuel 19:34.

execute judgment = vindicate.

Psalms 119:85

Which, &c. = “[Men] who are not”, &c.

after = according to.

Psalms 119:86

faithful = faithfulness.

wrongfully. See note on “perversely”, Psalms 119:78.

Psalms 119:87

almost = soon. See note on “almost” (Proverbs 5:14).

consumed = made an end of.

Psalms 119:89

For ever, O LORD. Supply Ellipsis (App-6), “For ever [art Thou], O Jehovah [For ever] Thy Word”, &c.

settled = standeth fast, as the earth: i.e. endureth for ever (Psalms 102:12, Psalms 102:26. Isaiah 40:8. Luke 16:17. 1 Peter 1:25). So Christ, the Living Word (John 12:34).

Psalms 119:90

abideth = standeth, as in Psalms 119:91.

Psalms 119:91

They: i.e. heaven and earth.

continue = stand, as in Psalms 119:90.

this day = [to] this day, or to-day.

ordinances = regulations. Hebrew. mishpat. The seventh of the ten words. App-73. Compare Psalms 119:132.

all. With Art. = the whole [universe].

Psalms 119:94

sought = inquired into, or studied. Compare Psalms 105:4.

Psalms 119:96

all perfection = an end, or limit to all things. Compare Job 26:10; Job 28:3.

Thy commandment, &c. = spacious exceedingly [are] Thy commandments: i.e. including all (as opposed to “end”).

they are = it [is]: i.e. the Law containing the commandments.

Psalms 119:99

than all my teachers. Because Divinely taught Divine wisdom.

Psalms 119:100

ancients = elders, or the aged ones.

Psalms 119:101

evil. Hebrew. ra’a’. App-44.

way. Including religious way, in the sense of Act 9:2; Acts 19:9, Acts 19:23; Acts 24:14. Compare Acts 16:17; Acts 18:26; especially in Psalms 119:104.

word. Same word as in Psalms 119:9. Some codices, with one early printed edition, with Aramaean, Septuagint, Syriac, and Vulgate, read “words” (plural)

Psalms 119:102

departed = swerved.

taught = directed.

Psalms 119:103

sweet = smooth, or agreeable. Not the same word as in Psalms 19:10.

Psalms 119:105

lamp: or lantern, for light on the path for the feet; not merely a light for the eyes (Psalms 19:8).

Psalms 119:106

I will perform it. Some codices, with seven early printed editions, Aramaean, Septuagint, Syriac, and Vulgate, read “I have performed it”; but some codices, with four early printed editions (1 in margin), read “and will perform it”.

Psalms 119:109

in my hand. An idiom for great danger. Compare Judges 12:3. 1 Samuel 19:5; 1 Samuel 28:21. Job 13:14.

Psalms 119:110

erred = to err from the paths of virtue and piety. Hebrew. ta’ah; not the same word as in verses: Psalms 119:21, Psalms 119:118.

Psalms 119:113

thoughts = divided or doubting thoughts. Same root as 1 Kings 18:21 (compare James 1:8); or, them that are of double mind.

Psalms 119:114

hiding place. Compare Psalms 32:7; Psalms 91:1. shield. Compare Psalms 84:9, and note. Figure of speech Anthropopatheia. App-6.

Psalms 119:115

God. Hebrew. Elohim. App-4. But “my God” implies Jehovah.

Psalms 119:116

live. See note || on p. 827.

Psalms 119:117

and I shall be safe = so shall I be saved.

have respect unto. Aram, and Syriac read “find dear delight in”. Septuagint reads “shall meditate”.

Psalms 119:118

trodden down: or set at naught.

Psalms 119:119

Thou puttest away. Septuagint and Vulg, read “I have accounted”.

Psalms 119:120

My flesh trembleth: or, My flesh creeps (as we say). Compare Job 4:15, i.e. at the judgment executed on the wicked.

Psalms 119:121

justice = righteousness. Same word as in Psalms 119:7.

Psalms 119:122

proud = arrogant. This is the only verse in this Psalm which has not one of the “ten words”, unless we may include the Living Word Himself, Who is the “surety” for His people. See note on Proverbs 11:15, and compare Hebrews 7:22. See App-73.

Psalms 119:124

mercy = lovingkindness, or grace.

Psalms 119:126

to work: i.e. to intervene.

Psalms 119:129

wonderful. Same root as in verses: Psalms 119:18, Psalms 119:27.

keep = keep safely.

Psalms 119:130

entrance = doorway; which was always an open way for the light, in the absence of windows.

simple = sincere, as opposed to crafty.

Psalms 119:131

I longed. An Aramaic word (ya’ab). Occurs only here. Weaker than in verses: Psalms 119:20, Psalms 119:40, Psalms 119:174.

Psalms 119:132

merciful = gracious.

As Thou usest to do = According to Thy ordinance. Hebrew. mishpat. The seventh in order of the “ten words” (App-73). So rendered in Psalms 119:91.

name. See note on Psalms 20:1.

Psalms 119:133

Order = Direct, or guide.

in = by. Some codices, with one early printed edition, Septuagint, and Vulgate, read “according to”.

iniquity. Hebrew ’aven. App-44.

Psalms 119:134

Deliver: i.e. by power. Hebrew. padah. See notes on Exodus 6:6 with Exodus 13:13. Not the same word as verses: Psalms 119:153, Psalms 119:154, Psalms 119:170. man. Hebrew. ’adam. App-14.

Psalms 119:136

Rivers of waters. Hebrew. palgey-mayim. See note on Proverbs 21:1. Eng. idiom = Floods of tears.

Psalms 119:137

Righteous, &c. See Psalms 119:7. See also Revelation 16:5, Revelation 16:7.

Psalms 119:138

righteous and very faithful = righteousness and faithfulness.

Psalms 119:140

very pure = refined.

Psalms 119:141

small = insignificant. Compare Judges 6:15.

Psalms 119:142

is the truth = is truth (no Art.) Compare John 17:17.

Psalms 119:143

taken hold. Figure of speech Prosopopoeia. App-6.

Psalms 119:145

cried = called [unto Thee], as in Psalms 119:146.

hear = answer.

Psalms 119:146

cried = called. Figure of speech Anaphora. App-6.

Psalms 119:147

prevented = anticipated, or forestalled.

dawning. A Homonym. Hebrew. nephesh. See note on 1 Samuel 30:17. Authorized Version and Revised Version correctly render it here, and in Job 7:4; though not in 1 Samuel 30:17. Job 24:15.

word. Same as in Psalms 119:11; but some codices, with Septuagint and Vulgate, read “words” (plural)

Psalms 119:148

prevent = anticipate, or forestall.

watches. See App-51.

Psalms 119:149

Hear. Emphatic = O do hear.

Psalms 119:150

after mischief. Some codices, with Septuagint, Syriac, and Vulgate, read “after me maliciously”.

Psalms 119:153

deliver. Twenty-five Hebrew words so rendered. Here, halaz = rescue (with a gentle hand); not the same word as in verses: Psalms 119:134, Psalms 119:154, Psalms 119:170.

Psalms 119:154

deliver. Hebrew. ga’al = redeem. See notes on Exodus 6:6 with Exodus 13:13, Not the same word as in verses: Psalms 119:134, Psalms 119:153, Psalms 119:170.

Psalms 119:156

tender mercies = compassions.

Psalms 119:157

enemies = adversaries: i.e. those who hem me in.

Psalms 119:158

transgressors. Hebrew. bagad = traitors, or treacherous men.

was grieved = loathed myself: i.e. seeing the same tendencies in myself. Compare Job 42:6.

Psalms 119:160

beginning. Hebrew. r’osh = head. Put by Figure of speech Synecdoche (of Part), App-6, for the whole (including the beginning, and “every one”, as in next line) = sum and substance, word and words (Jeremiah 15:16. John 17:8, John 17:14); rendered “sum” in Psalms 139:17.

Psalms 119:161

Princes = Rulers.

word. Same word as in Psalms 119:9. Some codices, with Septuagint and Vulgate, read “words” (plural)

Psalms 119:162

word. Same word as in Psalms 119:11. Some codices with Septuagint and Vulgate, read “words” (plural)

Psalms 119:163

lying = falsehood = what is false; especially false religion and idolatry.

Psalms 119:164

Seven times. Not a “round” number, but the number of spiritual perfection. See App-10.

Psalms 119:165

peace. Put by Figure of speech Synecdoche (of Part), App-6, for every blessing connected with peace.

offend them = make them stumble.

Psalms 119:170

Deliver = Rescue. Hebrew. nazal, to pluck out of the hands of an enemy; recover. Not the same word as in verses: Psalms 119:134, Psalms 119:153, Psalms 119:154.

Psalms 119:171

utter = pour forth or bubble over with. Compare Proverbs 15:2; Proverbs 18:4.

Psalms 119:172

speak of. Hebrew respond with. Put by Figure of speech Synecdoche (of Species), App-6, for all kinds of speaking or singing; hence = praise.

Psalms 119:173

hand. Figure of speech Anthropopatheia (App-6); “hand” put by Figure of speech Metonymy (of Cause), App-6, for power exercised by it.

Psalms 119:175

it shall praise Thee. Refers to Isaiah 38:20.

help me. Refers to Isaiah 37:33-36.

Psalms 119:176

lost = perishing. Compare Matthew 18:11; Luke 19:10.