Next Part 8.
Psalm 119
161. "Princes have persecuted me without a cause; but my heart stands in awe of Your word."
Exaltation to earth's greatness cannot raise the soul to sanctity. The kings of the earth have often been among the foremost to take counsel against the Lord, and against His Anointed. Such conduct is extreme infatuation. But the godly fear not. Those who stand in awe of God can lightly regard man.
162. "I rejoice at Your word, as one who finds great treasure."
The Word of God is the treasure of treasures. It makes wise unto salvation. It enriches with imperishable wealth. Shall the man rejoice who discovers earthly treasures, and shall he not rejoice who finds the pearl of great price?
163. "I hate and abhor lying; but I love Your law."
Truth is a pure and lovely grace. Let us regard with detestation every deviation from the paths of truth. Let us give our hearts to the law, which is God's truth in the highest.
164. "Seven times a day do I praise You because of Your righteous judgments."
No praise can suffice to give due adoration to the Lord. Let His praises ever be on our lips. In His righteous judgments we shall find unending theme.
165. "Great peace have those who love Your law; and nothing shall offend them."
What can disturb the calm tranquillity of those whose affections revel in the Word of God? They proceed on earth's journey safely; nothing can cause them to fall fatally.
166. "Lord, I have hoped for Your salvation, and done Your commandments."
Here we have the sweet profession of established faith. It rejoices in the full assurance of hope, that God's salvation is its possession. In this glad persuasion the life is conformed to strictest obedience.
167. "My soul has kept Your testimonies; and I love them exceedingly."
The path of godliness is exceeding joy. The more we walk in it the more will delight abound.
168. "I have kept Your precepts and Your testimonies for all my ways are before You."
The believer ever realizes that God sees him. He does not want any word or work hidden from his Heavenly Father. May we ever walk in the bright sunshine of His light! Let us call Him to be our constant witness.
169. "Let my cry come near before You, O Lord; give me understanding according to Your word."
The believer's life is prayer. His faith assures him that every supplication will be heard. He feels especially his ignorance. Hence he seeks wisdom from God, who gives liberally and upbraids not.
170. "Let my supplication come before You; deliver me according to Your word."
The prayer is often repeated that in gracious answer deliverance may come. He trusts in the Covenant of grace.
171. "My lips shall utter praise, when You have taught me Your statutes."
Strong is the desire that due praises may be rendered. Hence the constant prayer that heavenly understanding may be given.
172. "My tongue shall speak of Your word; for all Your commandments are righteousness."
Sweet is the conversation when God's Word is the theme. How worthless in comparison are the chatterings of earthly folly!
173. "Let Your hand help me; for I have chosen Your precepts."
Strong is the plea; Lord, You know that deliberately I choose Your way. We may then boldly ask for help, and help will quickly fly to our side.
174. "I have longed for Your salvation, O Lord; and Your law is my delight."
Happy is Jacob's testimony, "I have waited for Your salvation." David similarly professed, "I have longed for Your salvation." Such saints have great delights. Their joy flows from the Word of God.
175. "Let my soul live, and it shall praise You; and let Your judgments help me."
Liveliness of soul is the Spirit's gift, and it will show itself in abounding praises.
176. "I have gone astray like a lost sheep; seek Your servant; for I do not forget Your commandments."
The experienced saint is always conscious of his frequent errings. Unless the Good Shepherd seeks the straying sheep, it will wander farther from the fold. Therefore prayer is made to God to restore the soul from devious paths. This prayer is enforced by the profession that God's commandments abide in the heart.
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