Psalm 119:97-112 KJV -- Mem & Nun

What It Says:

Psa 119:97  MEM. O how love I thy law! it is my meditation all the day.
Psa 119:98  Thou through thy commandments hast made me wiser than mine enemies: for they are ever with me.
Psa 119:99  I have more understanding than all my teachers: for thy testimonies are my meditation.
Psa 119:100  I understand more than the ancients, because I keep thy precepts.
Psa 119:101  I have refrained my feet from every evil way, that I might keep thy word.
Psa 119:102  I have not departed from thy judgments: for thou hast taught me.
Psa 119:103  How sweet are thy words unto my taste! yea, sweeter than honey to my mouth!
Psa 119:104  Through thy precepts I get understanding: therefore I hate every false way.
Psa 119:105  NUN. Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.
Psa 119:106  I have sworn, and I will perform it, that I will keep thy righteous judgments.
Psa 119:107  I am afflicted very much: quicken me, O LORD, according unto thy word.
Psa 119:108  Accept, I beseech thee, the freewill offerings of my mouth, O LORD, and teach me thy judgments.
Psa 119:109  My soul is continually in my hand: yet do I not forget thy law.
Psa 119:110  The wicked have laid a snare for me: yet I erred not from thy precepts.
Psa 119:111  Thy testimonies have I taken as an heritage for ever: for they are the rejoicing of my heart.
Psa 119:112  I have inclined mine heart to perform thy statutes alway, even unto the end.

What It Means:

Psa 119:97  MEM. O how love I thy law!

WISDOM THROUGH THY WORD

What does our psalmist love?  God's law!

With an exuberant “O” to start the first sentence and an exclamation point at the end we see that our psalmist is excited and filled by “thy law” – God’s law – The Word of God. The Bible is his passion. He is an example to us. We cannot fake this passion but we can pray for it, if we lack it!

Jas1:5  If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.

“Let him ask of God.” Some of us had a passion for the word when we first came to Christ. God filled us with His Holy Spirit and lead us to the reading and study of his word and the joy we felt was amazing and blissful. Perhaps some time has passed and we no longer feel that overwhelming joy and passion for God’s word that we once had, but we can take this to the Lord, too.

“Let him ask of God.” We must be aware that Satan is trying to snatch the word out of us, along with our joy over it. When we recognize where any current reluctance or procrastination to study His word comes from, let us not allow ourselves to stay there.

Jas1:21  Therefore lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.

Lay aside procrastination and get into the word today! Plan a daily or weekly time, whether morning, noon, or night, to be in God’s word. Not just as a ritual, because “the implanted word” is “able to save your souls” from not only hell, but from our everyday lethargy. For me, it is the actual study of the word, the investigation of what is being said that raises my spirits like nothing else can. Through prayer and the gift of the Holy Spirit as we read, God is maintaining and encouraging our deep inner self and our faith in Him.

Mar 14:38  Watch ye and pray, lest ye enter into temptation. The spirit truly is ready, but the flesh is weak.

We can set aside our internal obstacles and the temptation to let our Bible study slide, and ask God to help us get deeply into his word once more. Just as the mature love in a marriage is different than the first throes of infatuation, our passion for God and His word can change and mature, too. What our psalmist is demonstrating is his mature love for “thy law” which can be more passionate and more sublime than our first puppy love of the Word of God ever even realized.

it is my meditation all the day.

Define: Meditation – the act of thinking about something carefully, calmly, seriously, and for some time, serious study of a topic

When does he meditate on God’s word?  All throughout the day.

All the live long day he is thinking about God’s law. It crosses his mind when he has breakfast. It twinkles through his inner self when he needs guidance during a situation. It shows up in his mind all the day long. It is nearly impossible for us to keep a constant and forced continual focus on God so I doubt that is what he is expressing. It is the Holy Spirit who will bring God’s word into our minds, moment by moment – but only if we have taken God’s word into our being and absorbed it through meditation or study. Daily meditation of God’s word is not something we can manufacture by our own efforts. This is what happens when we have been in prayer and asked God to fill us with his word and with his spirit – and then we have done our part by opening His word and beginning fresh every single time to read it and ponder it. What we are doing in these studies is a kind of meditation on God’s word. We are pondering what His word actually means so we can apply it to our own lives.

Psa 119:98  Thou through thy commandments hast made me wiser than mine enemies: for they are ever with me.

Who is he wiser than?  His enemies.

Who made him wiser?  God.

Through what did God make him wiser?  God's commandments.

What is ever with him?  God's commandments.

God’s commandments are “ever with me.” Yes, his enemies are around, but it is God’s Holy Spirit that has given him wisdom and knowledge through knowing God’s commandments. In the sentence previous he said that he meditated on God’s law all the day long – so it is obvious that it is God’s laws and commandments that keep him company – “they are ever with me.” This is what we should do, too: keep God’s commandments ever with us, simply by thinking about them.

Psa 119:99  I have more understanding than all my teachers: for thy testimonies are my meditation.

Why does he have more understanding than all his teachers? Because he meditates on God's testimonies, himself.

With this statement he shows us that those who are our teachers can give us a certain degree of understanding but it is our own personal meditation on God’s testimonies that give us a more perfect understanding. We need teachers, and should respect and listen to them, but our own personal meditations are more important to our personal understanding of God than anyone or anything that is outside of us. He is talking about the inner man.

Eph 3:16-19  That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man; That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.

Our relationship with God, and His word, is a personal, intimate, inner thing. The Holy Spirit is personal and God has given us the Gift of the Holy Spirit so that he could write his laws in our hearts and in our minds.

Deu30:14  But the word is very nigh unto thee, in thy mouth, and in thy heart, that thou mayest do it.

God says his word is “very nigh unto thee” – very near to thee –  in our hearts and in our minds. For what reason? “That thou mayest do it.” Have you ever done anything that was not in your mind and heart to do? We do those things that we think about and love. We are focused “to do” by our minds and hearts. We will only respond with obedience to that which we consider worthy and which we love. If we love God’s word, it is easy to obey. If we believe God’s commandments, it becomes more likely that we will follow them.

1Sa2:35  And I will raise me up a faithful priest, that shall do according to that which is in mine heart and in my mind: and I will build him a sure house; and he shall walk before mine anointed for ever.

Notice that here, God is talking about the “faithful priest” (Jesus) who will do what is in God’s heart (mine heart and in my mind).

Heb8:10  For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, saith the Lord; I will put my laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts: and I will be to them a God, and they shall be to me a people:

God’s new covenant specifically promises to fill our individual hearts and our minds with his law -- just exactly like Jesus' was. For what purpose? So that He will be our God and we shall be his people. God’s people are given a gift to make them God’s people. The gift of the Holy Spirit through Jesus Christ!

Joh14:26  But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.

Where do we find the “whatsoever” that Jesus has said unto us? In the Bible and in our hearts.

You put the Bible, the word of God, inside yourself, and God will teach you what it means, and bring it up in your memory at the perfect moment when it is needed.

Psa 119:100  I understand more than the ancients, because I keep thy precepts.

Who does he understand more than?  The ancients -- his fore fathers

Why?  Because I keep thy precepts.

“The ancients” are the old Israelites; the ones who fell in the wilderness through unbelief and disobedience. Our psalmist says he “keeps God’s precepts,” which is the exact opposite of what the ancients did. His obedience is the proof that he understands God in a deeper more meaningful way.

Psa 119:101  I have refrained my feet from every evil way, that I might keep thy word.

Define: refrained – abstained, avoided doing, ceased, renounced (Antonym: persisted)

What part of his body has he “refrained?”  His feet.

From what has he refrained his feet? Every evil way.

Why? That I might keep thy word.

His feet never enter into a bar. His feet never take him near any evils ways. He does not go into the home of a harlot. His feet are faithful to walk inside the boundaries of God’s word. Our psalmist has used the metaphor of “my feet”  to talk about his life style.

Eph6:15  And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;

Notice in Eph 6:15, which is talking about the amour of God, our feet are to be prepared.

With what are our feet to be prepared? The gospel of peace.

Where do we get instruction about “the gospel of peace?”  The Bible.

The word of God, teaches us the gospel of peace -- through Jesus Christ and His Holy Spirit -- to walk in godly ways. Ultimately it is our walk, (where our feet take us) or what we do with the gospel that decides our eternal fate. If we are living and walking with and in the Spirit, then we are saved.

Rom8:14  For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.

Rom2:29  But he is a Jew (or Christian), which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God.

Rom8:9  But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.

Gal3:3  Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh?

Gal5:16  This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.

Gal5:25  If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.

Psa 119:102  I have not departed from thy judgments: for thou hast taught me.

From what has he not departed? God's judgments.

Why? Because God has taught him.

He has been taught by God so he has not departed from God’s word – thy judgments. He understands how God judges things because he has been taught by God’s word. In the sentence previous he said “I have refrained my feet from every evil way” and now he restates this concept by saying, “I have not departed from thy judgments.” These two sentences mean the same thing. He is not participating in “evil ways” because he has kept God judgments.

It is important to notice the “for thou has taught me.” He did not get his teaching from teachers, he got it from God. We looked previously at the verses about “the Comforter” who both teaches us and brings to remembrance all of Jesus teachings so he is still talking about the inner man who keeps God’s word and his judgments close to his heart – it is his treasure.

Psa 119:103  How sweet are thy words unto my taste! yea, sweeter than honey to my mouth!

What is it that tastes sweet to him? God's words.

He actually uses the words “unto my taste” – which could mean his mouth or he could be illustrating his personal preference as in his personal style and taste. A person takes on a style that attracts him and lets him express himself in a visual or personal way. It makes him feel good. But… since he has also used the word “sweet” and then compared it to “honey” in his mouth, this is the proper interpretation of this passage. God’s word is as sweet to him as honey is to his mouth – even more so. He lets us know that God’s word is desirable to the soul that is feeding on it.

Psa 119:104  Through thy precepts I get understanding: therefore I hate every false way.

Through what does he get understanding?  God's precepts.

What is it that he hates? Every false way.

God’s word is truth. If he is understanding truth and it tastes sweet to him, he will quite naturally hate “every false way” because false ways oppose truth. And that is the point of this small section. That we may be able to distinguish between false ways and God's ways which are truth so we may meditate on them and follow them.

Psa 119:105  NUN. Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.

GOD’S WORD IS A LIGHT AND LAMP FOR ALL OCCASIONS

What does he say God’s word is a lamp unto? His feet.

What does God’s word shed light on? His path.

If we think about feet and a path we see they are related but the focus is slightly different. A lamp will light up what the feet are doing. It will reveal our own actions to us. And a light will reveal the good path to go on. A light will let you know where the sink holes, stone boulders, and downed tree limbs are. It will also reveal where the path is smooth and level.  It makes the path clear so when you take your feet down that path, you will know where you are going – but it does not light up the end of the trail, it only lights the path for a few feet in front of you – just enough for today. God’s word is exactly the thing to use to examine both our feet (our actions) and our path (where we are going and what we are planning). Notice that the feet must be moving in order to walk down a path. If our feet are not moving, we are not walking the path.

Psa 119:106  I have sworn, and I will perform it, that I will keep thy righteous judgments.

He has sworn an oath which he promises to perform.

What does he say he will do? I will keep thy righteous judgments.

He has a plan for his future -- to do what is right in God’s eyes. 

Psa 119:107  I am afflicted very much: quicken me, O LORD, according unto thy word.

He shares that he is still afflicted. How afflicted is he? Very much.

What does he ask of the Lord? Quicken me, O Lord.

He knows that quickening comes from the Lord from having read what?  God's word.

Define: quicken -- to become alive, to make more rapid; accelerate; hasten; to give vigor to; stimulate; to restore life to; revive:

Psa 119:108  Accept, I beseech thee, the freewill offerings of my mouth, O LORD,

Define: beseech – implore, beg, request, ask, entreat, plead, press, demand

“Accept,…, the freewill offering of my mouth, O LORD” – he is genuinely asking the Lord to accept his sincere praise and worship.  He has asked for two things. First he asks that the Lord "quicken" or revive him. He wants to feel the oppression fall away because he once again feels the love of the Lord for him. He wants the Lord to restore to him his joy of the Lord. Then he asks for one more thing: He asks that the Lord accept the freewill offerings of his mouth. He asks that the Lord receive his praise of God as sincere and authentic.

Jer33:11-12  The voice of joy, and the voice of gladness, the voice of the bridegroom, and the voice of the bride, the voice of them that shall say, Praise the LORD of hosts: for the LORD is good; for his mercy endureth for ever: and of them that shall bring the sacrifice of praise into the house of the LORD. For I will cause to return the captivity of the land, as at the first, saith the LORD. Thus saith the LORD of hosts; Again in this place, which is desolate without man and without beast, and in all the cities thereof, shall be an habitation of shepherds causing their flocks to lie down.

Heb13:15  By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.

and teach me thy judgments.

As he feels God's revival, that freshening from the Lord, he praises and worships the Lord. Then he asks God for a third thing?  Teach Him God's judgments.

This is a joyous request that He cannot keep from asking. He says, "Please continue to teach me Thy judgments, dear Father!" He knows that God's word is the source of his joy, so he asks for more! We know he has been in the word, and he knows we are never done learning about God. The Father is infinite meaning there is no end to Him, or to His love, or to His teaching us! When we open ourselves up to His teaching by asking for it, He fills us with His teaching by His Holy Spirit. When we know how God judges things we are better equipped to choose the path of which He approves.

Psa 119:109  My soul is continually in my hand: yet do I not forget thy law.

Whose hand does our psalmist say his soul is in? In his own hand.

When?  Continually.

BI: As a deeply felt need in the immediate prospect of death. “My soul is continually in my hand.” That is, my life is in constant danger: death confronts me.

BBC: When our life is constantly in danger, there is safety and security in remembering the law of the Lord. The tendency to panic, to become hysterical, and to forget God's Word must be avoided at any cost.

What does he not forget? God's law.

Notice the word “yet.” This is similar to the usage of the word “but” which cancels out the first part and replaces with the second part. So he affects the part where he is frightened by not forgetting God’s law.  When danger confronts him, he does not forget God's law.

Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown Commentary: In the midst of deadly perils and exposed to crafty enemies, his safety and guidance is in the truth and promises of God. (the phrase is drawn from the fact that what we carry in our hands may easily slip from them, Jdg12:3; 1Sa28:21; Job13:14; compare 1Sa19:5).

Think of the idea of “putting your life in your own hands.” When we must do something dangerous because of a compelling reason, either to save another’s life or to deliver ourselves from deadly threat, we may need to “put your life in your hands.” If we die doing it, it was our decision. It is in dangerous times that we should remember God’s law and trust in His goodness and power to deliver us.

Psa 119:110  The wicked have laid a snare for me: yet I erred not from thy precepts.

What have the wicked done? Laid a snare for him.

Define: snare – trap, noose, catch, capture, situation that is both alluring and dangerous

The wicked have tried to lure him into their noose-like trap.

Yet what did he do? He did not err from God's precepts.

He did not waver from following God’s precepts. He used God’s word as a guide in this perilous time and God's word enabled him to side-step their trap. God’s word is our unfailing protection and guidance in all circumstances. He did not let temptation rule his life. He let God rule his life.

Psa 119:111  Thy testimonies have I taken as an heritage for ever: for they are the rejoicing of my heart.

What has he taken God’s testimonies to be? His heritage for ever.

Define: heritage – something one is born to, inheritance, legacy, tradition, birthright, custom

We are blessed by God’s gifts to us. His word is a tremendous gift that we cannot measure. Implied in any gift is the free use of it as we need it which will certainly cause the rejoicing of the heart to anyone of faith.

JFB: These he joyfully takes as his perpetual heritage, to perform the duties and receive the comforts they teach, evermore.

Psa 119:112  I have inclined mine heart to perform thy statutes alway, even unto the end.

Define: inclined – tending, disposed, apt, liable, prone, of a mind, leaning, sloping, slanting, tilting, oriented

What has he inclined? His heart.

He leans his heart towards doing what? Performing or obeying God's statutes always.

Even unto what? The end.

The end of what? His own life.

He is stating that he will be hard pressed towards obeying God, even until the day he dies! Paul says a similar thing in the NT. We are to keep our focus on Jesus; to keep pressing towards the high calling that God has given us in Christ Jesus.

Php 3:14-15  I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you.

Psa 119:105  NUN. Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.

God has given us our heritage in Jesus Christ, let us lean into following after Him!! Let us press toward the mark. Missing the mark is sin. Pressing towards the mark is ever trying to be obedient and faithful. We were not called to be successful -- we are called to be faithful. Knowing and trusting God's word keeps us faithful and lively.

Read our verses once more:

Psa 119:97  MEM. O how love I thy law! it is my meditation all the day.
Psa 119:98  Thou through thy commandments hast made me wiser than mine enemies: for they are ever with me.
Psa 119:99  I have more understanding than all my teachers: for thy testimonies are my meditation.
Psa 119:100  I understand more than the ancients, because I keep thy precepts.
Psa 119:101  I have refrained my feet from every evil way, that I might keep thy word.
Psa 119:102  I have not departed from thy judgments: for thou hast taught me.
Psa 119:103  How sweet are thy words unto my taste! yea, sweeter than honey to my mouth!
Psa 119:104  Through thy precepts I get understanding: therefore I hate every false way.
Psa 119:105  NUN. Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.
Psa 119:106  I have sworn, and I will perform it, that I will keep thy righteous judgments.
Psa 119:107  I am afflicted very much: quicken me, O LORD, according unto thy word.
Psa 119:108  Accept, I beseech thee, the freewill offerings of my mouth, O LORD, and teach me thy judgments.
Psa 119:109  My soul is continually in my hand: yet do I not forget thy law.
Psa 119:110  The wicked have laid a snare for me: yet I erred not from thy precepts.
Psa 119:111  Thy testimonies have I taken as an heritage for ever: for they are the rejoicing of my heart.
Psa 119:112  I have inclined mine heart to perform thy statutes alway, even unto the end.

Psalm 119:81-96 KJV -- Caph & Lamed

What It Says:

Psa 119:81  CAPH. My soul fainteth for thy salvation: but I hope in thy word.
Psa 119:82  Mine eyes fail for thy word, saying, When wilt thou comfort me?
Psa 119:83  For I am become like a bottle in the smoke; yet do I not forget thy statutes.
Psa 119:84  How many are the days of thy servant? when wilt thou execute judgment on them that persecute me?
Psa 119:85  The proud have digged pits for me, which are not after thy law.
Psa 119:86  All thy commandments are faithful: they persecute me wrongfully; help thou me.
Psa 119:87  They had almost consumed me upon earth; but I forsook not thy precepts.
Psa 119:88  Quicken me after thy lovingkindness; so shall I keep the testimony of thy mouth.
Psa 119:89  LAMED. For ever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven.
Psa 119:90  Thy faithfulness is unto all generations: thou hast established the earth, and it abideth.
Psa 119:91  They continue this day according to thine ordinances: for all are thy servants.
Psa 119:92  Unless thy law had been my delights, I should then have perished in mine affliction.
Psa 119:93  I will never forget thy precepts: for with them thou hast quickened me.
Psa 119:94  I am thine, save me; for I have sought thy precepts.
Psa 119:95  The wicked have waited for me to destroy me: but I will consider thy testimonies.
Psa 119:96  I have seen an end of all perfection: but thy commandment is exceeding broad.

What It Means:

Psa 119:81  CAPH. My soul fainteth for thy salvation: but I hope in thy word.

THE AFFLICTED ONE SUSTAINED BY THE WORD

How does he say his soul feels? My soul fainteth for thy salvation

Define: Fainteth  -- H3615, כּלה, kâlâh, kaw-law', A primitive root; to end, … (to cease, be finished, perish) …: -- cease, consume (away), destroy (utterly), be… done, (be an) end (of), expire, (cause to) fail, faint, finish, …

Define: Salvation -- H8668, תּשׁעה    תּשׁוּעה, teshû‛âh  teshû‛âh, tesh-oo-aw', tesh-oo-aw', From H7768 in the sense of H3467; rescue (literally or figuratively, personal, national or spiritual): - deliverance, help, safety, salvation, victory.

In what does he hope? But I hope in thy word.

He says his soul is in distress waiting to be rescued from his current torment – but he has hope in God’s promise of salvation from His word. When you are trapped in a situation with no way out, when you feel your soul is both fainting in a hard spot and clamoring for salvation, the only, and the best, thing a believer can do is remember and hope in God’s word.  

Believer’s Bible Commentary: The believer may be afflicted but not crushed; perplexed but not driven to despair; persecuted but not forsaken; struck down but not destroyed (2Co_4:8-9). Here he languishes (be neglected or deprived, to undergo hardship) for God's saving help but hope is still alive.

Notice that he counters the despair in his circumstance with hope in God. That is truly how a believer counters those feelings of depression or anxiety by focusing on the promise of salvation that we have in Jesus Christ. He makes his own negative feelings less effective, and does spiritual warfare, by remembering and trusting in God’s word.

1Jn_5:4  For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. 

What our psalmist is demonstrating is precisely what James talked about in the following verses:

Jas 1:2-4  My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.

Define: Patience – capacity for waiting, to persevere calmly when faced with difficulties, endurance, staying power, tolerance, lack of complaint, persistence, fortitude, serenity

James says to “count it all joy” because you know that your trial is helping you to cultivate true patience. He says that patience has a work to do in us. Our Psalmist shows us what the work is: to hope in God’s word. Being patient does not mean succumbing or giving in, it means waiting with an eye on the Lord’s promise to never leave us and never forsake us.

What will be the outcome of rejoicing in the Lord and patiently waiting for Him to work? “That ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.” That you may be complete and whole, not lacking in the kind of character and behavior that pleases God. Our hope sustains us and helps us to overcome the world by our faith in Jesus Christ.

2Co 4:5-10  For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake. For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us. We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed; Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body.

Let’s recap what Paul says we are, yet we are not:

1. We are troubled on every side,  (disturbed, in difficulty, bothered)
yet not distressed; (not upset, not concerned, not worried)

2. We are perplexed, (puzzled, at a loss, baffled)
but not in despair; (have not lost hope, are not in anguish or gloom)

3. Persecuted, (wronged, mistreated, ill-treated)
but not forsaken; (not deserted, not disowned, we have not given up)

4 Cast down, (knocked down, thrown out, rejected)
but not destroyed; (not shattered nor cracked, not damaged nor ruined)

Now let’s look at the positive versions of the “nots:”

1. If we are not distressed, then we are: content, happy, satisfied

2. If we are not in despair, then we have: joy, hope, expectation of good things

3. If we are not forsaken, then we are settled, alive, living in peace with God

4. If we are not destroyed, then we are preserved, saved, safeguarded and kept by God

He says: we bear in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, but we know the eternal life of Jesus will be made manifest in our own bodies, too!!

Psa 119:82  Mine eyes fail for thy word, saying, When wilt thou comfort me?

Our psalmist’s eyes are growing weary of looking for his rescue which is promised in God’s word. When will it come? He has not seen it yet and is getting tired from looking. He knows that God can and does comfort us in our troubles and he just wants to know: “When will my relief be here?” Just as a child says “Are we there, yet” because he does not fully comprehend her parent’s plans or how long some things take to accomplish, our psalmist is waiting and waiting and wondering when his rescue will happen. The Lord has made a promise and He will keep it when He knows the time is ripe and right.

BBC: Even though his eyes grow dim with searching for the fulfillment of God's promise of deliverance, he does not pray "Will you comfort me?" but rather "When will you comfort me?"

Notice that he knows his rescue is coming…. He just wants to know when. When will this misery end?

Psa 119:83  For I am become like a bottle in the smoke; yet do I not forget thy statutes.

A bottle in the smoke becomes cloudy and greasy. It is no longer clear and bright.

BBC: Wine bottles of skin used to be hung up in smoke to dry them, before the wine was put in them [Maurer].

Even though his mind is cloudy and his soul feels shriveled what does he not forget?  Thy statutes.

He can no longer see the end for himself and though he feels weary and bone tired, he does not forget God’s eternal statutes.

Psa 119:84  How many are the days of thy servant? when wilt thou execute judgment on them that persecute me?

His first question is “How many days do I have left?” He feels like his misery will bring his death and he wonders how long the misery will last and if he will die before it ends or after. His vision is cloudy and he feels frustrated.

His second question is “when wilt thou execute judgment on them that persecute me?” He knows his misery will end when his persecutors are finally foiled but how long is this gonna’ take?! He is waiting, waiting, waiting -- not only for his own death or victory, but for judgment to befall his wicked persecutors. He knows that God has promised not only salvation for him, as a believer, but judgment for his accusers because of their wickedness and disobedience of God’s laws. Sometimes it seems like it takes eternity for us to see God’s rewards but losing patience does not hurry the outcome, it only works a number on our own selves. Patience is victory.

BBC: Life at best is very brief. The days of affliction seem to occupy a disproportionate share. …

Even when there does not seem to be an end in sight for our misery, being patient while we wait on God, will sustain us personally and spiritually.

Psa_27:14  Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.

Psa_37:34  Wait on the LORD, and keep his way, and he shall exalt thee to inherit the land: when the wicked are cut off, thou shalt see it.

Pro_20:22  Say not thou, I will recompense evil; but wait on the LORD, and he shall save thee.

Hos_12:6  Therefore turn thou to thy God: keep mercy and judgment, and wait on thy God continually.

1Ch_19:13  Be of good courage, and let us behave ourselves valiantly for our people, and for the cities of our God: and let the LORD do that which is good in his sight.

Psa_31:24  Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the LORD.

Psa 119:85  The proud have digged pits for me, which are not after thy law.

What have the proud done to him? They have purposefully dug pits, or made traps, for our psalmist to fall into.

What does he say these kinds of actions are? The proud have gone against God’s law and tried to make things bad and worse for him. That opposes the law of God which says we are to love one another. They have made plans and formed conspiracies in order to make him stumble and fall.

Rom_14:21  It is good neither to eat flesh, nor to drink wine, nor any thing whereby thy brother stumbleth, or is offended, or is made weak.

Rom 14:19  Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another.

Psa 119:86  All thy commandments are faithful: they persecute me wrongfully; help thou me.

What are all God’s commandments?  Faithful.

How have the proud persecuted him?  Wrongfully.

What does he pray?  Help thou me.

BBC: The villains of this verse are godless and lawless; these two characteristics go together. They plot the downfall of the righteous and innocent—(this is) evidence that they refuse to conform to God's law… There is nothing as dependable as God's Word. He has promised to rescue His persecuted people. So when we are attacked by lying accusers, we can confidently use the "golden prayer," "Help me!"

A prayer of few words but answered by God just as well as a long winded plea. When we leave the details to God, he works things out perfectly. He knows our needs. When we pray from our deepest hearts “help me” he hears and he knows and he helps!!

Psa_121:2 My help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth.

Psa 119:87  They had almost consumed me upon earth; but I forsook not thy precepts.

He very nearly lost his life and well being to his persecutors. They were hard and harsh and hateful to deal with.

But what? Even in his darkest hour, when things looked their worst, he did not abandon God’s precepts and promises!

BBC: Spurgeon said, "If we stick to the precepts we will be rescued by the promises." Even if we reach the place where we despair of life, we should never falter in our obedience. Help will come. Only believe!

Psa 119:88  Quicken me after thy lovingkindness; so shall I keep the testimony of thy mouth.

What does he desire to be quickened or revived by?  Thy loving kindness.

It has been a long time since he has experienced any kind of kindness; but remembering God’s loving kindness will revive us and that revival will help us to press on or “keep the testimony of thy mouth” as he puts it. As he is in the face of his persecutors he remembers that God is not like them. God loves him and is kind to him.

With his new life he shall keep what?  The testimony of thy mouth. He shall keep the testimony of God’s word with him always, because God will give him life and love him! By God’s grace we are saved and given the opportunity to share the message of God’s grace with others.

Psa 119:89  LAMED. For ever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven.

GOD’S WORD IS ETERNAL

God’s word is settled where?  In heaven.

For how long?  For ever.

With these words he no longer focuses on his misery but begins to praise our eternal God! Hallelujah! This too, we should do when we are in similar circumstances. Begin to praise God and it will lift your heart up to Him.

Psa 22:3  But thou art holy, O thou that inhabitest the praises of Israel.

Exo_15:11  Who is like unto thee, O LORD, among the gods? who is like thee, glorious in holiness, fearful in praises, doing wonders? 

Psa 119:90  Thy faithfulness is unto all generations: thou hast established the earth, and it abideth.

To whom is God faithful?  All generations.

What has God established?  The earth.

“And it abideth” – it is still here!! Hallelujah!

Psa 119:91  They continue this day according to thine ordinances: for all are thy servants.

The generations of God’s people and His creation continue even unto this day according to what?  According to thine ordinances.

The laws of the universe which God created continue even unto this day and all according to His ordinances – His word!

What are we all? Thy servants.

Albert Barnes, Notes on the Bible: All worlds obey thy commands; all are under thy control. They show that they are thy servants by the conformity of their movements to the laws which thou hast impressed on them.

Psa 119:92  Unless thy law had been my delights, I should then have perished in mine affliction.

Unless God’s law had been his what?  Delights!!

Notice that “delights” is plural, meaning God’s law delighted him over and over, in many places, and for many reasons.

What would have happened if God’s law had not been his delights? He would have died because of his affliction. He would have just given up when things got so very hard, but he did not, because he remembered the delights he had experienced from God’s law. Recalling God’s goodness, really lifted his soul, when he needed it most: during his affliction when he was between a rock and hard place.

Barnes: … Unless I had had pleasure in thy law, thy word, thy truth; unless I had derived support and consolation in that… I should have sunk under my burden. I should not have been able to hold up under the weight of sorrow and trial. How often the people of God can say this! How often may each one in the course of his life say this! “I should have sunk a thousand times,” said a most excellent, but much afflicted, man to me, “if it had not been for one declaration in the word of God - ‘The Eternal God is thy refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms.’“

Deu_33:27  The eternal God is thy refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms: and he shall thrust out the enemy from before thee; and shall say, Destroy them.

Psa 119:93  I will never forget thy precepts: for with them thou hast quickened me.

I will never forget what?  Thy precepts.

Why?  for with thy precepts, thou hast quickened me -- made me alive and joyous

Barnes: Thy laws; thy truth. I will bear them in mind forever. To all eternity they shall be the object of my meditation…By them thou hast given me life, spiritual life. This is stated as a reason why he would never suffer the truth of God to pass out of his mind. By that truth he had been made really to live. He had been brought from spiritual death to spiritual life. He saw before him now, as the result of that, an endless career of blessedness. How could he ever forget what had worked such a change in his character and condition; which had inspired such hopes; which had opened before him such an immortal career of glory!

Psa 119:94  I am thine, save me; for I have sought thy precepts.

Such a powerful prayer: “I am thine, save me.” This is the prayer that Martin Luther was taught to pray when he was suffering in his spirit. Rather than trusting in the words of persecutors, trust in God and His word. This is a declaration of complete faith, and a request to be rescued from his current hell. This is the essence of spiritual warfare: to take a stand – “I am thine” – and to trust in God – “save me!” (This is a perfect demonstration of how we can hold up our shield of faith.)

What does he base his faith and request on?  For I have sought thy precepts.

The Bible Illustrator: The plea, which the psalmist founds upon his relation to God. “Save me” is a brief petition, but it comprehends every blessing. It is the craving after spiritual freedom; the longing to be delivered from the bondage of corruption and the body of death, the panting to be transformed, renewed and sanctified. (C. F. Childe, M. A.)

Eph_6:14  Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;

Eph 6:17  And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:

Eph 6:18  Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;

Take your stand, based on God’s word -- trust in Him and pray! This is the most powerful thing we can do when faced with spiritual warfare. Take your stand for the Lord. The battle belongs to the Lord, but you are a soldier! Taking your own stand actually frees you from the misery.

1Sa_17:47 And all this assembly shall know that the LORD saveth not with sword and spear: for the battle is the LORD'S, and he will give you into our hands.

2Ch 20:14-15  Then upon Jahaziel …, came the Spirit of the LORD in the midst of the congregation; And he said, Hearken ye, all Judah, and ye inhabitants of Jerusalem, and thou king Jehoshaphat, Thus saith the LORD unto you, Be not afraid nor dismayed by reason of this great multitude; for the battle is not yours, but God's.

Eph 6:12  For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

Eph 6:13  Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God (take your stand), that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

Our stand and our prayer should be like our psalmist’s: “I am thine, save me; for I have sought thy precepts.” If you have ever done this, you will recall the power you were given by God in that instant. If you have not, yet, then remember what you should say: “I am thine, save me; for I have sought thy precepts” --  take your stand, trust in God’s word, and pray for help. Remember his promises:

Isa 54:17  No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is of me, saith the LORD.

Deu_31:6  Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the LORD thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.

Mat_28:20  Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I (Jesus) have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

 Rom_8:31 What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?

Douglas McArthur: “In war, there is no substitute for victory”

Psa 119:95  The wicked have waited for me to destroy me: but I will consider thy testimonies.

What have the wicked waited for?  For me to destroy myself. The wicked had set up stumbling blocks and pit falls for him. They had played mind games and tortured him in his spirit by their false accusations. Then they stepped back and waited for him to be destroyed!! But he foiled them by his faith in God!

What did he do instead of listening to their evil words?  But I will consider thy testimonies. He kept his mind on God’s testimonies!! He considered God’s word, not theirs. He focused on God, and did not reply to them.

Isa_26:3 Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.

Col 3:1-4  If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.

Psa 119:96  I have seen an end of all perfection: but thy commandment is exceeding broad.

 (GW)  I have seen a limit to everything else, but your commandments have no limit.

This earth, which we see, is limited, but God is infinite and commands His whole creation!! He’s got the whole world in His hands!!

 Isa 26:8-9  Yea, in the way of thy judgments, O LORD, have we waited for thee; the desire of our soul is to thy name, and to the remembrance of thee. With my soul have I desired thee in the night; yea, with my spirit within me will I seek thee early: for when thy judgments are in the earth, the inhabitants of the world will learn righteousness.

Read our verses once more:

Psa 119:81  CAPH. My soul fainteth for thy salvation: but I hope in thy word.
Psa 119:82  Mine eyes fail for thy word, saying, When wilt thou comfort me?
Psa 119:83  For I am become like a bottle in the smoke; yet do I not forget thy statutes.
Psa 119:84  How many are the days of thy servant? when wilt thou execute judgment on them that persecute me?
Psa 119:85  The proud have digged pits for me, which are not after thy law.
Psa 119:86  All thy commandments are faithful: they persecute me wrongfully; help thou me.
Psa 119:87  They had almost consumed me upon earth; but I forsook not thy precepts.
Psa 119:88  Quicken me after thy lovingkindness; so shall I keep the testimony of thy mouth.
Psa 119:89  LAMED. For ever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven.
Psa 119:90  Thy faithfulness is unto all generations: thou hast established the earth, and it abideth.
Psa 119:91  They continue this day according to thine ordinances: for all are thy servants.
Psa 119:92  Unless thy law had been my delights, I should then have perished in mine affliction.
Psa 119:93  I will never forget thy precepts: for with them thou hast quickened me.
Psa 119:94  I am thine, save me; for I have sought thy precepts.
Psa 119:95  The wicked have waited for me to destroy me: but I will consider thy testimonies.
Psa 119:96  I have seen an end of all perfection: but thy commandment is exceeding broad.

Psalm 119:65-80 KJV -- Teth & Jod

What It Says:

Psa 119:65  TETH. Thou hast dealt well with thy servant, O LORD, according unto thy word.
Psa 119:66  Teach me good judgment and knowledge: for I have believed thy commandments.
Psa 119:67  Before I was afflicted I went astray: but now have I kept thy word.
Psa 119:68  Thou art good, and doest good; teach me thy statutes.
Psa 119:69  The proud have forged a lie against me: but I will keep thy precepts with my whole heart.
Psa 119:70  Their heart is as fat as grease; but I delight in thy law.
Psa 119:71  It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn thy statutes.
Psa 119:72  The law of thy mouth is better unto me than thousands of gold and silver.
Psa 119:73  JOD. Thy hands have made me and fashioned me: give me understanding, that I may learn thy commandments.
Psa 119:74  They that fear thee will be glad when they see me; because I have hoped in thy word.
Psa 119:75  I know, O LORD, that thy judgments are right, and that thou in faithfulness hast afflicted me.
Psa 119:76  Let, I pray thee, thy merciful kindness be for my comfort, according to thy word unto thy servant.
Psa 119:77  Let thy tender mercies come unto me, that I may live: for thy law is my delight.
Psa 119:78  Let the proud be ashamed; for they dealt perversely with me without a cause: but I will meditate in thy precepts.
Psa 119:79  Let those that fear thee turn unto me, and those that have known thy testimonies.
Psa 119:80  Let my heart be sound in thy statutes; that I be not ashamed.

What It Means:

GOD’S WORD IS PRICELESS / COUNTING MY BLESSINGS
 
Psa 119:65  TETH. Thou hast dealt well with thy servant, O LORD, according unto thy word.

Define: Dealt --  have the charge of, executed, exercised, furnished, gathered, governed, granted, hindered, held, kept, maintained, offered, prepared, provided, served, spent, bestowed, brought forth,

Our psalmist says that God has dealt well – or blessed – him. He is happy to know God. He has placed himself under the mighty hand of God, and God has cared for him, provided for him, kept him from some things, and blessed him with others. He is not specific, except to say that God promised to bless him (according unto thy word), and then accomplished it. He praised God and speaks directly to him: O LORD.

Believer’s Bible Commentary (BBC): How long is it since I have thanked the LORD for the wonderful way He has treated me according to the promise of His word? "Count your blessings: name them one by one; and it will surprise you what the Lord has done!"

Psa 119:66  Teach me good judgment and knowledge: for I have believed thy commandments.

What two things does he ask God to teach him? Good judgment and knowledge.

Why? for I have believed thy commandments

Pro 9:9-11  Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be yet wiser: teach a just man, and he will increase in learning.  The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding. For by me thy days shall be multiplied, and the years of thy life shall be increased

To have good judgment is to be given the ability, by the gift of God, to be able to assess a situation and prayerfully choose the best course -- which is the course that God would prefer that he take. Knowledge of God is what good judgment is based on. Knowledge of God’s word, His precepts, His laws, His instruction and testimonies, but, most of all, having knowledge of Who God Is.

What does he say he has believed? Thy commandments

He reminds God (who needs no reminders) in his prayer that he has “believed thy commandments.” He has believed that God gave the commandments, believed that God’s commandments are trustworthy, and believed enough to obey and follow them. We know this is a new venture for our psalmist because of the following verse:

Psa 119:67  Before I was afflicted I went astray: but now have I kept thy word.

What had he done before he was afflicted? He went astray

But what is he doing now?  Now have I kept thy word

He has repented from going astray or away from God’s word. Going astray brings affliction with it. But now he has changed his ways and has begun to keep God’s word.

Mar 1:14-15  Now after that John was put in prison, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.

In Mar 1:14-15 above, Jesus is preaching in Galiliee to believers – the Israelites – and telling them that the kingdom of God is near and at hand and their response should be to repent and believe the gospel He is preaching. Which is what our psalmist has done. This is a new walk for our psalmist. He is currently still afflicted, but he has been reminded of God’s commandments and is trying to correct the situation and repair the damage that he did to his life. He has turned his life once again over to God.

Psa 119:68  Thou art good, and doest good; teach me thy statutes.

What does he say about God? You are good, and You do good

Our going astray always leads to a dead end, but God, being good, can and does affect all things for good.

Rom_8:28  And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

Jas_1:17  Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.

What does he ask to be taught? Thy statutes.

We begin to draw closer to God by the study of His word. He asks God to teach him His statutes. We know that we learn about God through the gift of His Holy Spirit, and we also gain understanding through the same gift. We can only be taught God’s statutes by Him, and then we can only live for God, in Christ, through faith and by His Spirit but we must take His book, open it, pray, and read.

Psa 119:69  The proud have forged a lie against me: but I will keep thy precepts with my whole heart.

What have the proud done? They have forged a lie against me.

Define: Forged – form, build, create, fashion, falsify, counterfeit, fake, copy

What shall our psalmist do in return?  But I will keep thy precepts with my whole heart

Remember the word “but” cancels out the first part and replaces it with the second. He disregards the lie forged against him in favor of regarding and keeping the precepts of the Lord with “my whole heart.” He does not let his focus on God be distracted by their outrageously bad behavior. He does not return evil for evil. He leaves everything in God’s hands.

Psa 119:70  Their heart is as fat as grease; but I delight in thy law.

The heart of the proud is like what?  Fat as grease.

The hearts of the proud refuse to believe God. They “wax gross” or “grow fat” by consuming falsehoods. Our psalmist actually says “their heart is as fat as grease.” Grease is oily, which implies they have oily, or slippery hearts. When confronted with the truth, they deflect, and side step, to slip out of the grasp of truth.

But what does our psalmist do in response to the greasy hearted?  But I delight in thy law.

He does not do anything in response to the greasy hearted. He turns completely away from them and looks to God’s law with delight.

Psa 119:71  It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn thy statutes.

What does he say is good for him? That I have been afflicted.

He concludes that his affliction has been good for him probably because his pain has opened his eyes to the real direction of his own life and motivated him to return to the Lord.

What reason does he give? That I might learn thy statutes.

He is saying that if he had not been afflicted he might not have learned God’s statutes and he is grateful for the training from God. So, out of his affliction, he learned a good thing and asks God for the opportunity to learn His statutes!!

Psa 119:72  The law of thy mouth is better unto me than thousands of gold and silver.

He is talking about value!! What does he value most?  The law of thy mouth.

What does he say God’s law is better than?  Thousands of gold and silver.

“The law of thy mouth” affects his life in far better and richer ways than mere money could ever do. God’s law gives us the proper boundaries and explains life and living in this world. Knowing God is the greatest treasure.

Mat 6:21  For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

It is the state of the heart that gives us quality of life. Think about “The law of thy mouth.” God is always good and good to us. The words He speaks have power to accomplish His desires and are the law of the universe and mankind.

The Biblical Illustrator:

I. God’s Word secures a higher culture. It gives a freedom and a force to the intellect, a depth and a purity to the sympathies, a sensibility to the conscience, an invincibility to the purpose, a refinement to the tastes, a penetration to the eye, and a pinion (restraint) to the imagination, that no other appliances on this earth can furnish.

II. God’s Word invests with a higher power. Wealth cannot impart magnanimity, fortitude, courage; but the Word of God does to the highest degree. It enables the soul to glory in tribulation, and to welcome death with rapture.

III. God’s Word opens up higher enjoyments. Wealth cannot give the enjoyment of an approving conscience, a loving spirit, an ever-brightening future, and the friendship of the everlasting Father.

IV. God’s Word connects with a higher world. The gold and silver of all the earth can form no connection between us and the celestial state, can procure us no admission into the heavenly world. “Naked came we into the world,” etc. But the Word of God abides in us, goes with us as our light and our sanctuary. (Homilist.)

The Biblical Illustrator: Application –

1.    Bless God for His precious Word. Next to Jesus and the Holy Spirit His greatest gift to man.

2.    Prize and revere it. Set your hearts upon it.

3.    Seek to be greatly enriched with it. Covet much of it... Lay it up. Dig for it.

4.    Use it. Apply it to your diversity of condition. It is profitable for all seasons and circumstances.

5.    What shall be the end of those who neglect the Gospel of Christ? (J. Burns, D. D.)

Luk_8:15  But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience.

Col_3:16  Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.

1Ti_6:17  Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy;

INSIGHTS THROUGH THE WORD

Psa 119:73  JOD. Thy hands have made me and fashioned me: give me understanding, that I may learn thy commandments.

What does he want God to give him?  Understanding.

Why? That I may learn thy commandments

Define: Understand – comprehend, be familiar with, grasp, take in, get the picture, see, absorb, appreciate, know, recognize, comprehend, realize, be aware of, value, identify with

Jas 1:5  If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.

We may pray for understanding of God’s word and God may reach down inside us by His Holy Spirit to give us understanding. Once we are given understanding then we can learn His commandments, and not only learn them, but by His Spirit we are enabled to obey God’s word, too. If we understand God’s word then we appreciate, and grasp it. After we absorb God’s word, we desire to live by it.

 “Thy hands have made me and fashioned me.”  With these words he acknowledges God as his creator, and humbles himself under the mighty hand of God. God created us all, but fashioned each one for his own purpose. We are not all carbon copies of each other.

Define: Fashioned – shaped, bent, twisted, formed, created, produced

Rom_9:21  Hath not the potter power over the clay, of the same lump to make one vessel unto honour, and another unto dishonour?

Psa 119:74  They that fear thee will be glad when they see me; because I have hoped in thy word.

Who will be glad when they see him?  They that fear thee.

Why? Because I have hoped in thy word.

Psa 130:7  Let Israel hope in the LORD: for with the LORD there is mercy, and with him is plenteous redemption.

He is picturing a glad reunion with his fellow believers and looks forward to giving a good report of his hope in God’s word. He has hoped in God’s word and He has walked the path of “not knowing” but now with his new resolve he has fresh hope in God who does not disappoint.

BBC: There is keen spiritual refreshment in meeting a Christian who is on fire for the Lord Jesus. Those who hope in God's Word become radioactive with the Holy Spirit.

Psa 119:75  I know, O LORD, that thy judgments are right, and that thou in faithfulness hast afflicted me.

What is the first thing he knows about the Lord? Thy judgments are right.

God never makes a wrong judgment. He sees things clearly throughout all eternity. God always says the right thing at the right time.

In what had God afflicted him? In faithfulness.

God is not only always right, he is always faithful.

Deu_7:9  Know therefore that the LORD thy God, he is God, the faithful God, which keepeth covenant and mercy with them that love him and keep his commandments to a thousand generations;

Albert Barnes’, Notes on the Bible: In faithfulness to my soul; in faithfulness to my own best interest. It was not arbitrary; it was not from malice; it was not that the affliction had come by chance; it was because God loved his soul, and sought his welfare. It was because God saw that there was some good reason why it should be done; that there was some evil to be checked; some improper conduct to be corrected; some lesson which he would be the better for learning; some happy influence on his life here, and on his happiness in heaven, which would be more than a compensation for all that he would suffer.

He trusts in God’s judgment and decisions and knows that God is eternally good and trustworthy, even when he is going through a trial. God never changes!

Keil and Delitzsch, Commentary on the Old Testament: He knows that God's acts of judgment are pure righteousness, i.e., regulated by God's holiness, out of which they spring, and by the salvation of men, at which they aim; and he knows that God has humbled him ... being faithful in His intentions towards him; for it is just, in the school of affliction, that one first learns rightly to estimate the worth of His word, and comes to feel its power.

Psa 119:76  Let, I pray thee, thy merciful kindness be for my comfort, according to thy word unto thy servant.

K&D: But trouble, though sweetened by an insight into God's salutary design, is nevertheless always bitter; hence the well-justified prayer… that God's mercy may notwithstanding (apart from his affliction) be bestowed upon him for his consolation, in accordance with the promise which (has) become his

What does he pray for? That thy merciful kindness may be for my comfort. Oh, let me take comfort in thy merciful kindness.

According to what? According to thy word unto thy servant.

Who was this word given unto? Thy servant. Himself. The writer of the Psalm.

BBC: … in ourselves we are weak as dust, and we need His compassionate love to sustain us. "Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need" (Heb_4:16).

Adam Clark’s, Commentary on the Bible: Thy merciful kindness - Let me derive my comfort and happiness from a diffusion of thy love and mercy, ... thy exuberant goodness, through my soul.

Psa_23:4  Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

Psa_71:21  Thou shalt increase my greatness, and comfort me on every side.

Our comfort comes from God’s merciful kindness that we find in His word, and that He fills us with by His Holy Spirit.

Psa 119:77  Let thy tender mercies come unto me, that I may live: for thy law is my delight.

What does our psalmist want to come unto him? Thy tender mercies.

Why? That I may live!!

The law is his what? Delight!

In verse 76 we see “Merciful kindness” – In verse 77 we see “Tender mercies” – synonyms for “Grace!”  We see his expectation of life everlasting because of his faith in the Lord’s mercy and grace and kindness to us!

Psa_73:26  My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever.

Eph 2:4-9  But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.

Psa 119:78  Let the proud be ashamed; for they dealt perversely with me without a cause: but I will meditate in thy precepts.

Let the proud be what? Ashamed.

They (the proud princes) have dealt perversely with him and for no good honest reason (which they are incapable of because they are far from God).

Define: Perversely – defiantly, insolently, rebelliously, boldly, obstinately, stubbornly, determinedly, uncooperatively, awkwardly; (Antonym: compliantly, amenably)

The proud have sinned against him and he asks God to let them be ashamed for their perverse actions. Let them be ashamed for their non-belief in You, the Great God of Heaven!

What does our psalmist promise to do?  But I will meditate in thy precepts.

Here, again, we see an example of how to deal with perverse people in our lives. Step one: Pray for them to have their eyes opened (be ashamed) and pray for their salvation. If you don’t, who will?! Step two: meditate on God’s precepts. Recall a scripture that revives your spirit. Think about it, picture it strongly in your mind, and then praise God.

Notice that in verse 65 he talks about how God has dealt well with him and kept his promises.

Psa 119:65  TETH. Thou hast dealt well with thy servant, O LORD, according unto thy word.

And in verse 78 he talks about how the proud have dealt perversely with him

Psa 119:78  Let the proud be ashamed; for they dealt perversely with me without a cause: but I will meditate in thy precepts.

In either case He simply sticks with God and His word. This is how he returns good for evil unto the perverse, and praises God for His eternal goodness.

Psa 119:79  Let those that fear thee turn unto me, and those that have known thy testimonies.

Whom does he ask to be “turned unto me?”  1. Those that fear God and 2. Those that have known God's testimonies

He seems to be asking that his fellow believers not turn their backs on him. He needs them to trust that he is still one of them even when he is going through a trial.  He is also talking about opposites: 1. the proud, and 2. those that fear God and know his testimonies. These two are in two different camps. As believers we must gather around each other and support each other, especially in times of trouble.

K&D: God humbles, but He also exalts again according to His word; for this the poet prays in order that he may be a consolatory example to the God-fearing, to the confusion of his enemies.

Psa 119:80  Let my heart be sound in thy statutes; that I be not ashamed.

He asks God to let his heart be what? Sound in thy statutes

Define: Sound – good and whole, firm, unassailable, positive, reliable, sensible, watertight, whole, healthy, unblemished, perfect, normal, fit, sturdy

If he is sound in God’s word, then he will not be what? Ashamed.

Jamieson, Faussett & Brown Commentary: Let my (heart) be sound — that is, perfect, sincere (in thy statutes). – (that I be not) ashamed — disappointed in my hope of salvation.

Tit_2:7-8  In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity, Sound speech, that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you.

2Ti_1:7  For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

Matthew Henry’s, Commentary on the Whole Bible: Here is,

1.    David's prayer for sincerity, that his heart might be brought to God's statutes, and that it might be sound in them, not rotten and deceitful, that he might not rest in the form of godliness, but be acquainted with the subject (thy statues) to the power of it - that he might be hearty and constant in religion, and that his soul might be in health.

2.    His dread of the consequences of hypocrisy: That I be not ashamed. Shame is the portion of hypocrites, either here, if it be repented of, or hereafter, if it be not: “Let my heart be sound, that I fall not into scandalous sin, that I fall not quite off from the ways of God, and so shame myself. Let my heart be sound, that I may come boldly to the throne of grace, and may lift up my face without spot at the great day.”

2Ti 1:12-14  For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day. Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus. That good thing which was committed unto thee keep by the Holy Ghost which dwelleth in us.

Read our verses once more:

Psa 119:65  TETH. Thou hast dealt well with thy servant, O LORD, according unto thy word.
Psa 119:66  Teach me good judgment and knowledge: for I have believed thy commandments.
Psa 119:67  Before I was afflicted I went astray: but now have I kept thy word.
Psa 119:68  Thou art good, and doest good; teach me thy statutes.
Psa 119:69  The proud have forged a lie against me: but I will keep thy precepts with my whole heart.
Psa 119:70  Their heart is as fat as grease; but I delight in thy law.
Psa 119:71  It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn thy statutes.
Psa 119:72  The law of thy mouth is better unto me than thousands of gold and silver.
Psa 119:73  JOD. Thy hands have made me and fashioned me: give me understanding, that I may learn thy commandments.
Psa 119:74  They that fear thee will be glad when they see me; because I have hoped in thy word.
Psa 119:75  I know, O LORD, that thy judgments are right, and that thou in faithfulness hast afflicted me.
Psa 119:76  Let, I pray thee, thy merciful kindness be for my comfort, according to thy word unto thy servant.
Psa 119:77  Let thy tender mercies come unto me, that I may live: for thy law is my delight.
Psa 119:78  Let the proud be ashamed; for they dealt perversely with me without a cause: but I will meditate in thy precepts.
Psa 119:79  Let those that fear thee turn unto me, and those that have known thy testimonies.
Psa 119:80  Let my heart be sound in thy statutes; that I be not ashamed.

Restlessness and Its Remedy

I am still reading through "The Westminster Pulpit" which is a record of all the sermons of G. Campbell Morgan. I have found this man to be one of the most inspired of the men of God that I have come across. I am often touched and returned to the reality of my relationship with Jesus and the Father through the words that only God could have given him. I share this one with you because it addresses the question of the human heart. I hope you are touched as well, by the power of the Holy Spirit speaking to you.

(Chapter IV, "The Westminster Pulpit", Book 4)

Restlessness and Its Remedy

Who will shew us any good?     Psa 4:6

 By G. Campbell Morgan 

That is not the inquiry of the psalmist. It is a question which he quotes, in order that he may reply to it. Let us, therefore, read not only the inquiry but also the answer:—

There be many that say, Who will shew us any good?
Lord, lift Thou up the light of Thy countenance upon us.
Thou hast put gladness in my heart,
More than in the time when their corn and their wine are increased.
In peace will I both lay me down and sleep;
For Thou, Lord, only makest me dwell in safety.

"Who will shew us any good?" So far as we are able to judge from the pages of history, humanity is one in all ages. There are changes upon the great stream of human life, but they are surface changes; changes in manners and in methods, and even in the maxims of men; but underneath is the same human nature, asking the old questions, making the old complaints, and wondering with the old amazement. Humanity today is confronting the problems of long ago. In the process of the ages they come to the surface, and men attempting to answer them, find themselves again and again unable so to do, and decide presently that they will abandon the effort, and the problem sinks back in the tide and is forgotten. It reappears, and when it reappears we call it new, but "there is nothing new under the sun."

In the days of the Psalmist he said there were people who asked, "Who will shew us any good?" It is the language of a man who, looking back, is dissatisfied, looking around him is full of cynicism, and looking on is pessimistic. It is the language of restlessness and dissatisfaction. The question is being asked today by men in utterly different circumstances. Satiated men, overfull, full to repletion, come at last to the moment when they say, "Who will shew us any good?" Hungry men, conscious of the pinch of poverty and the pang of want, gaunt, desperate men say, "Who will shew us any good?"

Successful men, (using the word as the world uses it), men who seem never to have failed in any enterprise their hands have touched. We watch them as they climb from point to point, until at last we think of them as having achieved the most remarkable success, and then they come and sit by us and say, "Who will shew us any good?" "Vanity of vanity, all is vanity."

Men who have failed, for some reason we are never able to discover, there are men who always seem to fail; trial after trial, attempt after attempt, effort after effort, but always beaten, always a little lower, until at last with heartbreak they say, "Who will shew us any good?"

Is it not worth our attention that men in such opposite circumstances make the same inquiry? Does not that fact suggest that the inquiry is a revelation of some underlying malady which is independent of circumstances; the full man, the hungry man, the man successful, and the man of failure are alike disappointed. Let us hear their challenge. It is sounding in our ears on every side. This age is peculiarly restless. There is a hot feverishness manifest on every hand expressing itself in a thousand ways and with ever varying emphasis. I venture to say that you can express the whole of it in this old, simple, blunt language of my text, "Who will shew us any good?" Is life worth living?

Have we any answer to that inquiry? In reply to that inquiry concerning the inquiry, I would say at once, yes, we have an answer. The answer is as old as the inquiry. The answer lies here upon the page of this ancient psalm. While men may quarrel about the authorship and about the date, I am infinitely more interested to discover its consciousness of human unrest and its answer. Here is the answer:

Lord, lift Thou up the light of Thy countenance upon us.
Thou hast put gladness in my heart,
More than in the time when their corn and their wine are increased.
In peace will I both lay me down and sleep;
For Thou, Lord, only makest me dwell in safety.

Am I not right in saying that is an all-sufficient answer? Has not the consciousness of this congregation agreed as to the accuracy of that answer? "Who will shew us any good?" said the restless, feverish men of the psalmist's day, and he replied, the source of good I will declare, "Lord, lift Thou up the light of Thy countenance upon us"; the experience of good I will recount in your hearing,

Thou hast put gladness in my heart,
More than in the time when their corn and their wine are increased;

and finally, I will give you the result of this goodness, "In peace will I both lay me down and sleep." "Who will shew us any good?"

Is that the inquiry that was hot in your heart as you found your way to the sanctuary tonight, my brother? Is that the question you are asking, sister mine, after all the attempts to satisfy the craving of your fine nature with the things of dust and the excitements of the world? Tired, broken, disappointed, angry, cynical, do you say, Is life worth living?

I pray you listen in the sanctuary to this great answer, "Lord, lift Thou up the light of Thy countenance upon us," which being interpreted, may thus be explained. This man, and those of us who take our stand by his side in testimony, declare that we find good where God found it and finds it. If that declaration seems for the moment to wander a little away from the meaning of the Psalmist when he said, "Lift Thou up the light of Thy countenance," I beseech you keep that word in mind while I depart to a distance only that I may come back to it to discover its richest meaning and profoundest intention. We find good where God found it. Where did He find it? We read those old and familiar words in the first chapter of Genesis. I want you to be quite simple and like little children, and see what the first chapter of Genesis says. Light, the earth and the sea with all its myriad forms, the sun in the heavens in the daytime, and the silver queen of night, all the flowers, the birds of the air, and the fish in the sea, and the great creatures on the earth, and man; and God said these things are good. "Who will shew us any good?" Wherever you are you are near to some of these things. God says these things are good. Turn a deaf ear to the man who tells you they are evil. They are not evil. Do not believe the man who affirms that this is a wicked world. It is an absolutely untrue statement if by the world you mean the earth God created. These things are good. Light is good. The earth with its store of wonders is good. The deep and fathomless ocean of which the finest thing in literature is in the Bible, "Thy way was in the sea, And Thy paths in the great waters." The ocean is good. All the flowers and fruits of the earth, the fauna and flora of nature are good. The brightness of the sun, and the sunlight in either winter or summer; the radiance of the moon and the pictures she flings upon the sky as she plays with the clouds; these things are good. The fish in the sea, the fowls of the air, in every sense are good. You are living in the midst of these things and are saying, "Who will shew us any good?"

There is something wrong somewhere. Step a little higher and look once again at the Genesis picture. This time not at isolated items which in every case God pronounced good, which in every case rested the heart of God, and at last so rested Him that He hallowed the day of rest as a memorial of His own satisfaction with the things in the midst of which you live your life and I live mine. Climb a little higher and what are the conditions which are presented to your vision in this early chapter. The first is that of the supremacy and sovereignty of God. The second is that of the viceregal dignity of man. He is made a little lower than God, and is given dominion over all the creation beneath his feet. The third is that the creation potentially is waiting for the touch of men in fellowship with God to answer him in laughter and flowers, the abundance of harvest, yielding up to him the deep and profound secrets that lie within her bosom. If you will take one step higher and look no longer at isolated items, no longer at the condition, but look at the spiritual suggestiveness of this first chapter of Genesis with its picture of original conditions, what do you find? A picture of fellowship. A picture of cooperation. A picture of happiness. A picture of fellowship between man and God, and between man and everything beneath him; and therefore, between everything beneath man and God, through the instrumentality and mediation of man.

Man in rebellious selfishness shuts God out of his life. There is the tragedy of it all. As God is my witness, the last thing I desire to do is to speak in metaphor, or to look at dim and distant pictures. If you came here tonight saying, "Who will shew us any good?," the root trouble with you is that you do not know God. I will make that affirmation on the positive side. No truly Christian man or woman ever asks that question. The man or the woman who by grace has come into fellowship with God says, "Thou hast put gladness in my heart. More than they have when their corn and their wine are increased."

"In peace will I both lay me down and sleep:
For Thou, Lord, only makest me dwell in safety."

If you are hot and restless, unable to sleep, unable to find anchorage, crying out in the agony of your soul, "Who will shew us any good?" Is life worth living? The reason is that you have lost touch with Eden. You have lost consciousness of God.

Now some of my young friends are saying, We understand the reason for that very peculiar reading in Genesis, but why did you turn to Matthew? I read that old story of the baptism of Jesus, and of the word that came out of heaven, because there, in the Man of Nazareth coming to fulness of human life and just entering upon the ministry to which He was ordained, I find God's new resting place. If that sentence sounds a strange one let me tell you just what I mean. In Genesis, God saw that His creation was very good, and He rested; and then came the tragedy of rebellion, the tragedy of sin, and man lost his rest. When man lost his rest through sin, God lost His rest, and never found it again until He rested in His Beloved. "In Whom I am well pleased." Pleased with earth and air and sun and flowers and fish and fowl, the whole creation; pleased with man, but wounded in man's apostasy, God never found rest again, until He found satisfaction in the perfection of the humanity of Jesus. If you should be inclined to charge me with imaginative interpretation, I pray you hear me while I quote the words of Jesus upon a memorable occasion. Passing through the Bethesday porches, He saw a man who had been for thirty-eight years in the grip of infirmity. He healed him, and when men criticized Him for working a miracle on the Sabbath day, He answered, "My Father worketh even until now, and I work." You must interpret His word by His miracle. He claimed in that moment to be identified with God in activity, and what was the activity? It was activity in the presence of human limitation resulting from sin, the activity which wrought against the thing that spoiled until it was spoiled, and man remade.

But the earth when it was created did not yield up its secrets, did not sing its songs, did not come to the full manifestation of its potentialities. Man was there to discover its secrets under the guidance of God, to make it sing its songs, to bring its potentialities out into flower and glory. There are most curious notions abroad in the world about the garden of Eden. I have seen pictures of it. They are almost invariably pictures of impossible Italian gardens, through the wonderful pathways and amidst the curious flowers of which man is seen walking. I do not so read my Bible. I read, "The Lord God planted a garden eastward, in Eden," that is, fixed its habitation, marked its limitations, arranged its boundaries, and put man "into the garden of Eden to dress it and to keep it"; made him responsible for it, put him there that he might delve, in order that presently to his unutterable amazement and growing wonder, flowers might grow, and fruits might ripen; put him there that through the process of the cultivation of that planted garden, under the government of God, he should bring to light its hidden secrets. Every rose that blooms lies potentially in mother earth, but it never blossoms to perfection until man's hand has worked in cooperation with Divine power. That is the picture that I find in Genesis. It is a picture of fellowship and cooperation, and therefore of happiness. No one in Eden's garden said "Who will shew us any good?" God said it was very good; and man, yielding obedience to the throne of the Eternal, and exercising authority over everything beneath him, said, it is very good. There was no restlessness, no feverishness, no disappointment, until—ah me, that is the root of the malady—I leave the "until" incomplete.

You say, "Who will shew us any good?" God help you to see the tragedy of all this. It is not true of all of you. Some of you find perfect rest in one little plot of your garden because you find God in every blade of grass. "Who will shew us any good?" say they, and they cross the great Atlantic back and forth and play bridge and never see the beauties of the sea or listen to the anthem of the hurricane! They play cards ceaselessly, and then say, This voyage is very tiresome! "Who will shew us any good?"

Man out of harmony with God has lost the key to nature, and has lost the capacity for rest, and is hot and feverish and restless. The Man of Nazareth realized the first intention of God. In Genesis I read that man was given dominion over the fish of the sea and the fowl of the air and the secrets of the earth. In this Book of Psalms I find the question asked, "What is man that Thou art mindful of him?" Singing up out of the Psalmist's essential humanity came the answer,

Thou hast made him but little lower than God,
And crownest him with glory and honour.
Thou madest him to have dominion over the works of Thy hands,
Thou hast put all things under his feet.

But I cannot find that man, until I come to the gospel stories, and then the writer of the letter to the Hebrews quotes the ancient psalm and says, "We see not yet all things subjected to him. But we behold Him Who hath been made a little lower than the angels, even Jesus." If you watch Jesus at His work you will see the perfect Man mastering the secrets of nature. His miracles are attestations of His perfect humanity rather than demonstrations of His Deity.

Why do I linger here so long? Because to eyes that have ever looked upon the Son of God, the picture is full of glory and beauty. Yet I have another purpose. If in the things I have now endeavoured to say, you have caught a new consciousness of the perfection of the Man in Whom God found His rest, follow Him to the end, I pray you. What is the end of His life? The cross. What is the cross, "Who will shew us any good?" There He is, spoiled, mauled, murdered by men who ask that question. God came incarnate into the lives of the multitudes who had lost their vision of God, and "There is no beauty that we should desire Him." Therefore He was bruised and broken. "We did esteem Him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted." We were wrong. "He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon Him; and with His stripes we are healed." Incarnate God is upon the cross.

Is that the end? Is that the last word? By no means. Another man is hanging on a cross by His side, a thief, a robber, a malefactor. Out of the strange mystery of crucified iniquity there comes this weird and awful cry addressed to the central figure, "Jesus, remember me when Thou comest in Thy Kingdom." From the lips paling in death comes the regal answer, "Today shalt Thou be with Me in Paradise."

I see the first gleam, it is not the full light, but the first gleam, the accursed tree is the healing tree. The cross erected by man's sin is enwrapped in the Divine determination to save. By that sign of the cross, I know that all the tragedy is being dealt with, and that man can be remade. Behold Eden, and out of its ground came thorns, a curse upon man's sin. Behold the cross, and see the thorns are plaited into a crown bathed in blood on His brow. Coincidence do you say? There are no coincidences as accidents in the economy of God. Just as Mrs. Browning sang truly when she sang that the chaffinch implies the seraphim, so that crown of thorns reveals the way by which God deals with the malady, in order to bring man back into the consciousness of rest and of goodness. By that cross men may be repossessed of Eden.

Yes, you say, you mean that if a man shall trust in that cross he will find his way to heaven. I certainly do mean that, blessed be God, but I mean something else. I mean that by the way of the cross, by man's restoration through that cross into the place of fellowship with God upon the ground of sin forgiven, man can find his way into Eden here and now in this world. Do not let us be afraid of the simple illustrations with which we began, the light, the earth, the sea, the sun, the moon, the stars, the flowers, the birds; all the things of the earth; man can go back and find delight and rest in all these. You have often heard the saints singing it, and they mean it if they know the cross,

Heaven above is softer blue,
Earth beneath is softer green;
Something lives in every hue,
Christless eves have never seen.
Birds with gladder songs o'erflow,
Flowers with deeper beauties shine,
Since I know as now I know
I am His and He is mine.

"Who will shew us any good?" The Psalmist's answer is the only one—

"Lord lift Thou up the light of Thy countenance upon us." You have lost this world, because you have lost God. You find no rest in your own garden because you are out of fellowship with the God of the garden. You are tired of everything in this life because God made you for Himself, and you cannot satisfy the clamant cry of your deep, profound life apart from Him. It is quite impossible.

Shall we not get back to Him? You say, The journey is so long. No, there is but a step betwixt thee and God. At this moment, while the preacher is uttering his last words, and while the men and women who are sitting next you know nothing and can know nothing of the transaction, you can return to Him, and the light of His countenance will be lifted upon you, and the gladness that is greater than the gladness of plenty of corn and wine will fill your heart, and the peace of God which passeth all understanding will garrison your heart, because you are right with God. May He bring us to the trysting place in His grace, and constrain us to that return which means perfect rest.