This psalm containeth various prayers, praises, and professions of obedience.
ALEPH
1BLESSED are 1the undefiled in the way, whoa walk in the law of the LORD.
1 Hebr. the upright of the way, that is, whose way is upright, that is, who lead an upright life.
a Psalm 1:1.
2Blessed are they that keep his 2testimonies, and that seek him with the whole heart.
2 By the testimonies of the Lord are here to be understood His laws which He gave His people unto a testimony of His favor and of His covenant, which He had made with them.
3They also do 3no iniquity: they walk 4in his ways.
3 That is, do or practice no perverse, unrighteous things.
4 That is, in the ways which He commanded and prescribed to them. See the annotation 1 Kings 11 on verse 33.
4Thou hast commanded us 5to keep thy precepts diligently.
5 That everyone should endeavor to order his life according to Thy precepts.
5O that 6my ways were directed to keep thy statutes!
6 That is, my thoughts, inclinations, consultations and outward actions fixed or settled.
6Then shall I 7not be ashamed, when I have respect unto all thy commandments.
7 Namely, to stand or appear in Thy presences, O Lord.
7I will praise thee with uprightness of heart, when I shall have learned 8thy righteous judgments.
8 That is, the judgments, which show us that righteousness which is acceptable unto Thee.
8I will keep thy statutes: O 9forsake me not utterly.
9 That is, do not withdraw Thy hand so far from me that I would come to reject Thy commandments. God suffers His own to stumble sometimes to make them learn and know better their own weakness and frailty.
BETH
910Wherewithal shall 11a young man cleanse his way? 12by taking heed thereto according to thy word.
10 That is, by what means.
11 That is, to order his way as such that it may be right and blameless. He expressly names a young man (though this concerns all people) because young men are most apt and inclined to be led aside from the right way through the evil disposition and motions of the flesh.
12 Or, if he keep himself according to thy word. Hebr. keeping it according to thy word.
10With my whole heart have I sought thee: O let me not wander from thy commandments.
11Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.
1213Blessed art thou, O LORD: teach me thy statutes.
13 That is, praised.
13With my lips have I declared all the judgments 14of thy mouth.
14 That is, which Thou hast uttered or pronounced with Thy own mouth.
14I have rejoiced 15in the way of thy testimonies, 16as much as in all riches.
15 That is, by reason of the way which Thy testimonies or commandments point me out and lead me into.
16 That is, more than if I possessed all the goods, wealth and riches of the world.
15I will meditate in 17thy precepts, and have respect unto 18thy ways.
17 Other, speak of thy precepts.
18 Namely, which Thou hast prescribed unto Thy people in Thy law.
16I will delight myself in thy statutes: I will not forget 19thy word.
19 Or, thy words.
GIMEL
17Dealb bountifully with 20thy servant, that I may live, and keep thy word.
b Psalm 103:2; 116:7.
20 That is, with me, who is Thy servant.
18Open thou 21mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law.
21 Not so much the eyes of the body as those of the understanding, hereby acknowledging his innate blindness and corruption. See 1 Cor. 2:14.
1922I am ac stranger in the earth: hide not thy commandments from me.
22 As if he would say: I am just like a poor pilgrim and wayfaring man, not knowing nor able to discern the way wherein I ought to walk; therefore I beseech Thee, O Lord, to teach and to guide me by Thy laws. See Psalm 39 on verse 12.
c Gen. 47:9; 1 Chron. 29:15; Psalm 39:12; Heb. 11:13.
20My soul breaketh for the longing that it hath unto thy judgments at all times.
21Thou hast rebuked the proud that are cursed, which do 23err from thy commandments.
23 Namely, willfully.
2224Remove from me reproach and contempt; for I have kept thy testimonies.
24 Hebr. Roll off from upon me.
23Princes also did sit and speak 25against me: but 26thy servant did 27meditate in thy statutes.
25 Consulted together how they may ruin me.
26 That is, I, who am Thy servant.
27 That is, deliberated, considered, practiced them. See verse 15; Psalm 1:2. And this must be observed upon this word throughout this entire psalm.
24Thyd testimonies also are my delight and my counsellors.
d Psalm 43:4.
DALETH
2528My soul cleaveth unto the dust: 29quicken thou me according to thy word.
28 That is, I am almost dead and buried in the dust of the earth, whereby the prophet shows the greatness and heaviness of his sufferings. See Psalm 44:25.
29 Or, revive me or keep me alive, that is, according to Thy promise.
2630I have declared my ways, and thou heardest me: teache me thy statutes.
30 I have, O Lord, acquainted Thee with my actions and opportunities, and wholly committed my affairs unto Thee, beseeching Thee to direct and steer them according to Thy good and holy will, and unto my salvation.
e Psalm 25:4; 27:11; 86:11.
27Make me to understand the way of thy precepts: so shall I talk of thy wondrous works.
28My soul melteth for heaviness: 31strengthen thou me according unto thy word.
31 Or, establish me, as verses 38, 106.
29Remove from me 32the way of lying: and 33grant me thy law graciously.
32 By the way of lying may be understood false doctrines and institutions which are repugnant to the law and ordinances of God, as later in verse 30, by the way of truth are to be understood the true doctrine and commandments, which do faithfully lead us the way of salvation.
33 That is, give me grace to keep myself ever to Thy law.
30I have chosen 34the way of truth: thy judgments have I laid before me.
34 This way is the obedience of God’s commandments. See the annotation 1 Kings 8:36.
31I have stuck unto thy testimonies: O LORD, put me not to shame.
32I will run the way of thy com-mandments, 35when thou shalt enlarge my heart.
35 That is, when Thou shalt have enriched me with wisdom and abundance of other gifts of the Spirit, as 1 Kings 4:29. Or, shalt have strengthened me with comfort, as Isa. 60:5. Or, with love, as 2 Cor. 6:11.
HE
33Teach me, O LORD, the way of thy statutes; and I shall keep it 36unto the end.
36 The Hebrew word properly signifies the heel or the sole of the foot, improperly the end; and sometimes reward or recompense. See Psalm 19 on verse 11.
34Give me understanding, and I shall keep thy law; yea, I shall observe it with my whole heart.
35Make me to go in the path of thy commandments; for therein do I delight.
36Incline my heart unto thy testimonies, and not to 37covetousness.
37 Under the name of covetousness is understood all manner of viciousness, because covetousness is the root of all evil.
3738Turn away mine eyes from beholding 39vanity; and 40quicken thou me 41in thy way.
38 Hebr. make to pass by or through, as verse 39.
39 Such as are: pleasures, beauty, riches or honor in this world. See Job 15:31.
40 Other, make me to live in thy ways.
41 That is, by the doctrine of Thy Word.
38Stablish thy word unto thy servant, 42who is devoted to thy fear.
42 Hebr. who is towards or in thy fear.
3943Turn away my reproach which I fear: for thy judgments are 44good.
43 Or, Make my reproach to pass by, or pass away.
44 That is, righteous and equitable; therefore will he say: Thou shalt not let those to be shamed who serve Thee, as I do.
40Behold, 45I have longed after thy precepts: quicken me in thy righteousness.
45 That is, I am desirous, and do my utmost endeavor to yield obedience to all Thy commandments in all my conduct of life.
VAU
41Let thy mercies come also unto me, O LORD, even 46thy salvation, according to thy word.
46 Namely, whereby Thou preservest and redeemest me that I perish not.
4247So shall I have 48wherewith to answer him that reproacheth me: for I trust in thy word.
47 That is, that I may let mine adversaries see that my hope and confidence in Thee was not empty and in vain, as they upbraided me.
48 Or, a word to answer.
43And take not 49the word of truth utterly out of my mouth; for I have hoped in thy judgments.
49 That is, that word which teaches the truth, namely, the true doctrine of God and His worship.
44So shall I keep thy law continually for ever and ever.
45And I will walk 50at liberty: for I seek thy precepts.
50 That is, free, without any force or terror, as Psalm 4:1; 18:19; 118:5.
46I will speak of thy testimonies also 51before kings, and will not be ashamed.
51 That is, in the presence of kings.
47And I will delight myself in thy commandments, which I have loved.
48My hands also will I 52lift up unto thy commandments, which 53I have loved; and I will meditate in thy statutes.
52 Namely, reaching forth to lay hold upon Thy commandments, out of the great desire which I have towards them. Or, I shall set my hands to work, to perform in fact thy commands, and to obey them.
53 Or, I shall speak of thy statutes.
ZAIN
49Remember 54the word unto thy servant, upon which thou hast caused me to hope.
54 That is, the promise Thou madest unto Thy servant.
50This is my comfort in my affliction: for thy word hath quickened me.
51The proud have had me greatly in derision: yet have I not declined from thy law.
52I remembered 55thy judgments 56of old, O LORD; and have comforted myself.
55 Whereby Thou hast punished the wicked, and hast delivered and protected Thy children.
56 Hebr. of eternity, that is, exercised from the beginning of the world.
5357Horror hath taken hold upon me 58because of the wicked that forsake thy law.
57 Or, A burning storm, or A tempest, that is, a very great trouble of heart.
58 Namely, when I call to mind how grievously they sin, and what grievous punishments they are to expect.
54Thy statutes have been my 59songs 60in the house of my pilgrimage.
59 That is, the matter of my psalms and songs.
60 Hebr. in or at the house, namely, there where I was to wander and to sojourn now here and there as a stranger and exile.
55I have remembered thy name, O LORD,f in the night, and have kept thy law.
f Psalm 16:7; 42:8.
5661This I had, because I kept thy precepts.
61 That is, that I break my night’s rest to think on Thee, verse 55, the same proceeded from the zeal I have of keeping Thy commandments. See Psalm 1 on verse 2.
CHETH
57Thou art 62my portion, O LORD: I have said that I would keep thy words.
62 That is, it shall be as acceptable unto me, as an inheritance uses to be to a man. Other, Lord, I have said: My portion shall be to keep thy words.
58I intreated thy favour 63with my whole heart: be merciful unto me according to thy 64word.
63 See the annotation at Job 11 o verse 19.
64 That is, promise.
59I thought on 65my ways, and turned my feet unto thy testimonies.
65 That is, I have considered all my purposes and practices, all my doings and leavings, all my thoughts, words and deeds, whether I might have offended in any, and if so, how I might readily return upon Thy infallible ways.
60I made haste, and delayed not to keep thy commandments.
61The 66bands of the wicked have robbed me: but I have not forgotten thy law.
66 See the annotation on 1 Sam. 10:5 and 10.
6267At midnight I will rise to give thanks unto thee because of thy righteous judgments.
67 He wants to say, that the time otherwise appointed for bodily rest and which others spend in sleeping, he employed waking to the honor of God, as Psalm 16:7.
63I am a companion of all them that fear thee, and of them that keep thy precepts.
64The earth, O LORD, is full of thy mercy: teach me thy statutes.
TETH
65Thou hast dealt well with thy servant, O LORD, 68according unto thy word.
68 That is, according to Thy promise, as verse 25.
66Teach me 69good judgment and knowledge: for I have believed thy 70commandments.
69 Or, good understanding. Hebr. goodness of understanding or mind, or sense.
70 That is, promises.
67Before I was 71afflicted I 72went astray: but now have I kept 73thy word.
71 Or, humbled.
72 Following the evil desires of my flesh.
73 That is, Thy commandments.
68Thou art good, and doest good; teach me thy statutes.
69The proud have forged a lie against me: but I will keep thy precepts with my whole heart.
70Their heart 74is as fat as grease; but I delight in thy law.
74 Namely, by faring so well according to the flesh and prospering so mightily in the things of this world, notwithstanding their abuse of it, growing thereby altogether insensible and unintelligent, and having not the least mind or delight to consider God’s law, Job 15:27; Psalm 17:10; 73:7. See Deut. 32:15.
71It is good for me that I have been 75afflicted; that I might learn thy statutes.
75 Namely, by crosses and adversities, as likewise verse 67.
72The law of thy mouth is better unto me than 76thousandsg of gold and silver.
76 That is, many thousand pieces of gold and silver, Psalm 68:30 speaks of pieces of silver.
g Psalm 19:10.
JOD
73Thyh77hands have made me and fashioned me: give me understanding, that I may learn thy commandments.
h Job 10:9; Psalm 139:13.
77 Spoken of God according to the manner of men. See Job 14:15.
74They that fear thee will be glad when they 78see me; 79because I have hoped in thy word.
78 Namely, as a pattern or example of the gracious help and deliverance which Thou performest to those who put their hope in Thee, and love Thy commandments.
79 That is, because I waited so long, yet not in vain, upon the word of Thy promise.
75I know, O LORD, that thy judgments are 80right, and that thou in faithfulness hast afflicted me.
80 The meaning is: Lord, although Thou hast chastised me with heavy crosses, yet hast Thou not dealt thereby against Thy righteousness and truth, but rather showed therein Thy favor towards me: for these chastisements served me to the mending of my life, and therefore they proved good and advantageous for me. 1 Cor. 10:13.
76Let, I pray thee, thy merciful kindness be for my comfort, according to thy word unto thy servant.
77Let thy tender mercies come unto me, that I may live: for thy law is 81my delight.
81 Hebr. my delights.
78Let the proud be ashamed; for they dealt perversely with me without a cause: but I will meditate in thy precepts.
7982Let those that fear thee turn unto me, and those that have 83known 84thy testimonies.
82 That is, let them join themselves unto me, and take part with me, forsaking the company and society of the wicked.
83 That is, regard, love and value.
84 That is, Thy laws and words, whereby Thou dost testify and manifest Thy will and pleasure.
80Let my heart be sound in thy statutes; that I be not ashamed.
CAPH
8185My soul fainteth for thy salvation: but I hope 86in thy word.
85 See the annotation at 2 Sam. 13 on verse 39; Job 19 on verse 27; Psalm 84:2.
86 That is, for the accomplishment of the word of Thy promise, as verse 25.
82Mine eyes fail for thy word, saying, When wilt thou comfort 87me?
87 Namely, giving me that which I do pray and wait for at Thy hands.
83For 88I am become like a bottle in the smoke; yet do I not forget thy statutes.
88 The meaning is: I am altogether dried up and my skin is shrunk and wrinkled and grown black, as an empty leather bag that hung long in a smoky chimney, by reason of my long-continued trouble and adversity, Prov. 17:22.
84How many are 89the days of thy servant? when wilt thou 90execute judgment on them that persecute me?
89 Namely, the days of my adversity.
90 That is, judge and punish mine enemies and persecutors.
85The proud 91have digged pits for me, 92which are not after thy law.
91 Namely, that I would fall into them and perish. As if he would say: They seek my life craftily. See Psalm 35:7.
92 Other, who do not according to thy law.
86All thy commandments are 93faithful: they persecute me wrongfully; help thou me.
93 The sense is: They are truth or faithfulness itself. They do most faithfully show us what is true, good, right and holy.
87They had almost consumed me 94upon earth; but I forsook not thy precepts.
94 But not in heaven. See Mat. 10:28; Luke 10:20.
88Quicken me after thy lovingkindness; so shall I keep 95the testimony of thy mouth.
95 That is, the commandments which Thou hast uttered and commanded us by Thy own mouth.
LAMED
89For ever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven.
90Thyi faithfulness is unto all generations: thou hast established the earth, and it abideth.
i Eccl. 1:4.
9196They continue this day 97according to thine ordinances: for all are 98thy servants.
96 Namely, heaven and earth.
97 That is, according as Thou hast been pleased at one time to ordain and to pronounce them, as Psalm 33:9.
98 That is, heaven and earth and all that in them is must attend and perform Thy service.
92Unless thy law had been my delights, I should 99then have perished in mine affliction.
99 Or, long ago.
93I will never forget thy precepts: for with them thou hast quickened me.
94I am thine, save me; for I have sought thy precepts.
95The wicked have waited for me to destroy me: but I will consider thy testimonies.
96I have seen an end of 100all perfection: but thy 101commandment is exceeding broad.
100 That is, all created things, however they may be so perfect, have their ends or bounds and limits.
101 That is, as for that wisdom which Thou revealest unto us in Thy Word and commandments, the same have no end nor bounds at all.
MEM
97O how love I thy law! it is 102my meditation all the day.
102 That is, the subject-matter of my meditation or consideration and discoursing.
98103Thou through thy commandments hast made me wiser than mine enemies: for 104they are ever with me.
103 Or, By thy commandments thou, etc., Namely, Thy law. Other, thou, namely, O God.
104 Hebr. it is ever with me.
99I have 105more understanding than all my teachers: for thy testimonies are my 106meditation.
105 Or, more prudent, provident, rational, etc.
106 As verse 97.
100I understand more than the ancients, because I keep thy precepts.
101I have 107refrained my feet from every evil 108way, that I might keep thy word.
107 Or, kept, withheld.
108 Hebr. path.
102I have not departed from thy judgments: for thou hast taught me.
103How sweetj are thy 109words unto my taste! yea, sweeter than honey to my mouth!
j Psalm 19:10; Prov. 8:11.
109 Hebr. saying, that is, every one of Thy sayings.
104Through thy precepts I get understanding: therefore I hate 110every false way.
110 Hebr. all or every path of lying or falsehood.
NUN
105Thy word is a 111lamp unto my 112feet, and a light unto my path.
111 Or, lantern, candle, Prov. 6:23.
112 Or, foot.
106 Ik have sworn, and I will perform it, that I will keep thy righteous 113judgments.
k Neh. 10:29.
113 Or, the rights of thy righteousness.
107I am afflicted very much: quicken me, O LORD, according unto thy word.
108Accept, I beseech thee, the 114freewill offerings of my mouth, O LORD, and teach me thy judgments.
114 That is, my prayer and thanksgiving, as Lev. 22:18; Num. 29:39; 2 Chron. 31:14; Psalm 54:6; Amos 4:5.
109115My soul is continually in my hand: yet do I not forget thy law.
115 See the annotations in Judges 12:3; 1 Sam. 19:5; 28:21; Job 13:14.
110The wicked have 116laid a snare for me: yet I erred not from thy precepts.
116 Hebr. given.
111Thy testimonies have I taken 117as an heritage for ever: for they are the rejoicing of my heart.
117 That is, for my best and most abiding good.
112I have inclined mine heart 118to perform thy statutes alway, 119even unto the end.
118 That is, to do what Thy institutions charge and require.
119 See the annotation on verse 33.
SAMECH
113I hate 120vain thoughts: but thy law do I love.
120 Or, the double hearted imaginations, or, the vain thoughts, or, the intermeddling or counter-coursing thoughts, that is, that kind of practice of some men, who sail with every wind, and who seek to have still two strings to their bow. The Hebrew word properly signifies boughs or branches which shoot up perplexedly or confusedly in a tree. See the annotation in 1 Kings 18:21.
114121Thou art my hiding place and 122my shield: I hope in thy word.
121 That is, Thou, O Lord, art He, under Whose wings I take my refuge in time of danger and persecution.
122 That is, Who defends and protects me.
115Depart from me, ye evildoers: for I will keep the commandments of my God.
116Uphold me 123according unto thy word, that I may live: and let me not be ashamed of my hope.
123 Or, through. In the Hebrew there is caph or beth; the former signifies according, the other through.
117Hold thou me up, and I shall be safe: and I will have 124respect unto thy statutes continually.
124 Or, then shall I continually regard or look upon thine institutions.
118Thou hast trodden down all them that err from thy statutes: for their deceit is 125falsehood.
125 That is, deceitful; because they do not obtain by their deceit what they had hoped.
119126Thou puttest away all the wicked of the earth like 127dross: therefore I love thy testimonies.
126 Hebr. thou makest to cease or rest.
127 Namely, which is cast away as good for nothing. It is a similitude taken from refiners. See Prov. 25:4, 5; Isa. 1:25; Ezek. 22:18-22; Mal. 3:3. Other, dregs, namely, all the wicked of the earth Thou hast brought to nothing.
120128My flesh trembleth 129for fear of thee; and I am afraid of thy judgments.
128 Other, My flesh shaketh or wavereth.
129 Hebr. from thy terrour, namely, when I call to mind the great severity which Thou dost exercise upon the wicked.
AIN
121I have done judgment and justice: leave me not to mine oppressors.
122130Be surety for thy servant for good: let not the proud oppress me.
130 Namely, that no evil may happen to him, and be pleased to maintain and protect him against all his enemies. Or, Be sweet or pleasant, lovely to thy servant.
123Mine eyes fail for thy salvation, and 131for the word of thy righteousness.
131 Or, according to thy righteous promise, namely, which Thou art sure to keep justly and faithfully.
124Deal with thy servant according unto thy mercy, and teach me thy statutes.
125I am thy servant; give me understanding, that I may know thy testimonies.
126It is time 132for thee, LORD, to work: for 133they have made 134void thy law.
132 Or, that the Lord work, that is, that He show forth and manifest His power, or, that He make good and perform that which He has promised me.
133 Namely, those proud adversaries of mine, of whom mention was made in verses 121 and 122.
134 That is, they reject it, and make no account of it at all.
127Therefore 135I love thy commandments above gold; yea, above fine gold.
135 As if he said: I do not therefore cease to love Thy commandments, even though they are set at nought by evil men; rather, I love and esteem them more.
128Therefore I esteem 136all thy precepts concerning all things to be right; and I hate 137every false way.
136 Namely, which Thou hast made, whatever matters they may be, without distinction or subtraction. Other, Therefore have I bettered the precepts of all or in all. Other, I have bettered (or amended) the precepts of all (namely, of all people), namely, according to the directive of Thy law.
137 Or, all or every way of lying.
PE
129Thy testimonies 138are wonderful: therefore doth my soul keep them.
138 Hebr. are wonders.
130Thel139entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple.
l Psalm 19:8.
139 Or, opening, that is, when one has but begun to taste Thy law, but by reading of, or inquiring into it, it affords a man forthwith a great deal of knowledge and understanding, through the efficacy and operation of the Holy Spirit.
131140I opened my mouth, and panted: for I 141longed for thy commandments.
140 The meaning is: I have accepted Thy teaching with such an eagerness of desire, as one would do the best drink that may be given to satisfy my great thirst. Or, it may be a similitude taken from one, who makes exceeding great haste in running to come to something he greatly longs for, opening his mouth largely in the running, the better to draw his breath.
141 Or, hankered. Or, I have panted for, etc. See Psalm 56:1.
132Look thou upon me, and be merciful unto me, 142as thou usest to do unto those that love thy name.
142 Or, according to the custom, etc., that is, as Thou art wont to do. Or, as it is right and befitting. See the annotation Gen. 40:13.
133143Order my steps in thy word: and let not any iniquity have dominion over me.
143 That is, grant that I may walk in Thy ways without stumbling, and do according to Thy Word.
134Deliver me from the 144oppression of man: so will I keep thy precepts.
144 Or, violence.
135145Makem thy face to shine upon thy servant; and teach me thy statutes.
145 That is, regard me with a clear, serene or cheerful countenance; show me a token of Thy favor. See the annotation Num. 6:25.
m Psalm 4:6.
136146Rivers of waters run down mine eyes, because 147they keep not thy law.
146 That is, abundance of tears.
147 Namely, the wicked, as verse 158.
TZADDI
137Righteous art thou, O LORD, and upright are thy judgments.
138148Thy testimonies that thou hast commanded are righteous and 149very faithful.
148 Other, Thy righteous testimonies.
149 Or, highly.
139My zeal 150hath consumed me, because mine enemies have forgotten thy words.
150 Or, hath oppressed me. See Psalm 69:9.
140Thyn word is 151very pure: therefore thy servant loveth it.
n 2 Sam. 22:31; Psalm 12:6; 18:30; Prov. 30:5.
151 Namely, as the gold and silver is refined and purified by the fire.
141I am small and despised: yet do not I forget thy precepts.
142Thy righteousness is an everlasting righteousness, and 152thy law is the truth.
152 That is, Thy law is nothing but the truth, as true as truth itself. See a similar passage, John 17:17.
143Trouble and anguish 153have taken hold on me: yet thy commandments are my delights.
153 Hebr. have found me, as Psalm 116:3.
144The righteousness of thy testimonies is everlasting: give me understanding, and I shall live.
KOPH
145I cried with my whole heart; hear me, O LORD: I will keep thy statutes.
146I cried unto thee; save me, and I shall keep thy testimonies.
147 Io prevented 154the dawning of the morning, and cried: I hoped in thy word.
o Psalm 5:3; 88:13; 130:6.
154 Hebr. the twilight, namely, of the morning, that is, the dawning light. See the annotation 2 Kings 7:5.
148Minep155eyes prevent the night watches, that I might meditate in thy word.
p Psalm 63:1, 6; 90:4.
155 That is, I am awake before several night-watches, or the watches come on in the morning. Compare Psalm 63:6.
149Hear my voice according unto thy lovingkindness: O LORD, quicken me according to thy 156judgment.
156 Which requires that Thou wouldest stand for the innocent against his mischievous oppressors. Other, according to thy manner; also verse 156.
150They 157draw nigh that follow after 158mischief: they are far from thy law.
157 That is, they are at my heels, as we are used to say, namely, to do me harm and mischief.
158 That is, who studiously seek and hunt after reproaches.
151Thou art 159near, O LORD; and all thy commandments are truth.
159 Namely, with Thy help to all who trust in Thee.
152Concerning thy testimonies, I have known of old that 160thou hast founded them for ever.
160 That is, that they are so firm and steadfast that none shall overthrow or frustrate them. Christ says: Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away, Mat. 24:35.
RESH
153Consider mine affliction, and deliver me: for I do not forget thy law.
154161Plead my cause, and deliver me: quicken me according to thy word.
161 See the annotation at Psalm 35 on verse 1.
155Salvation 162is far from the wicked: for they seek not thy statutes.
162 Or, be.
156163Great are thy tender mercies, O LORD: quicken me 164according to thy judgments.
163 Or, Many.
164 Compare verse 149.
157Many are my persecutors and mine enemies; yet do I not declineq from thy testimonies.
q turn aside*
158I beheld the 165transgressors, and was grieved; because they kept not thy word.
165 That is, those who are fallen away from Thee, and with whom there is neither faith nor truth to be found.
159Consider how I love thy precepts: quicken me, O LORD, according to thy lovingkindness.
160Thy word is true from 166the beginning: and every one of thy righteous judgments endureth for ever.
166 That is, it has proceeded out of truth, and shall evermore remain truth in eternity. Hebr. The head, or, The head-peace of thy word.
SCHIN
161Princes have persecuted me without a cause: but 167my heart standeth in awe of thy word.
167 The meaning is: I have not been afraid of men, but have only feared to do anything against Thy Word. See Mat. 10:28.
162I rejoice at thy word, as one that findeth great spoil.
163I hate and abhor lying: but thy law do I love.
164168Seven times a day do I praise thee because of thy righteous judgments.
168 That is, very frequently, as Lev. 26:18; 1 Sam. 2:5; Prov. 24:16; 26:25.
165Great peace have they which love thy law: and 169nothing shall offend them.
169 See 1 John 2:10.
166LORD, I have hoped for thy salvation, and done thy commandments.
167My soul hath kept thy testimonies; and I love them exceedingly.
168I have kept thy precepts and thy testimonies: for 170all my ways are before thee.
170 That is, all my thoughts, words and deeds are known to Thee; therefore do I walk uprightly before Thee, Whose eyes see all things.
TAU
169Let my cry come near before thee, O LORD: give me understanding according to thy word.
170Let my supplication come before thee: 171deliver me according to thy word.
171 Namely, out of my suffering and misery.
171My lips shall 172utter praise, when thou hast taught me thy statutes.
172 Or, bubble forth, that is, abundantly utter it, as a fountain yields forth water. See Psalm 19 on verse 2.
172My tongue shall speak 173of thy word: for all thy commandments are righteousness.
173 That is, of Thy commandments, as follows later.
173Let thine hand 174help me; for I have chosen thy precepts.
174 Or, succour me.
174I have longed 175for thy salvation, O LORD; and 176thy law is my delight.
175 That is, for Thy deliverance.
176 As verse 77.
175Let 177my soul live, and it shall praise thee; and 178let thy judgments help me.
177 That is, me, myself. Compare Judges 16:30.
178 As if he said: Let it turn to my advantage that I have kept Thy commandments, according to Thy promise.
176 Ir179have gone astray 180like a lost sheep; 181seek 182thy servant; for I do not forget thy commandments.
r Isa. 53:6; Luke 15:4, etc.
179 As if meant to say: I have not known for a long time whither to turn or betake myself, namely, when mine enemies, especially Saul and his own, did persecute me so grievously.
180 Or, like a sheep that is losing itself. Hebr. a sheep of perishing. See Deut. 26 on verse 5.
181 Namely, like a shepherd who seeks the straying sheep; bring me to the right fold again and give me rest, that I may serve Thee in peace and quietness.
182 That is, me, who is Thy servant.