Footnotes

1. Psalm 119:1 Introduction to the entire psalm that stresses the theme: instruction in godly wisdom.
2. Psalm 119:1 A beginning analogous to those of Pss 1:1-2; 112:1 (see Ps 101:6; Mt 5:3ff). The word law and its synonyms are to be taken in the widest sense of revealed teaching, as transmitted by the Prophets. Blessed: see note on Ps 1:1.
3. Psalm 119:2 This verse makes explicit what is implicit throughout the psalm: Scripture is revered because it consists in God’s statutes; it is God that his servants seek and not the book for its own sake.
4. Psalm 119:3 Ways: although the Hebrew for this word occurs infrequently in this psalm, it is found often in Deuteronomy and elsewhere. There it refers to the requirements of God’s covenant (see note on Ps 25:4-7).
5. Psalm 119:4 Those who obey God’s law have a right to hope that he will come to their assistance.
6. Psalm 119:9 The love for God’s word is love for God, expressed in one’s attitude of heart, in actions, and in words. With his entire being the godly person seeks God and delights in his will. Such a sublime teaching can lead a young man to keep his way pure.
7. Psalm 119:10 The psalmist seeks the God of the law and the promises; he meditates on the latter only because they constitute God’s word of life for him. Heart: see note on Ps 4:8.
8. Psalm 119:11 Treasure your word in my heart: Proverbs 2:10-12; Col 3:16 show that those whose hearts are steeped in the word of God are educated by God.
9. Psalm 119:17 In difficulty and distress, the Lord and his word are a comfort to the godly. God’s blessing comes to those who submit to his law, but his curse comes to those who stray deliberately from his revealed will.
10. Psalm 119:17 I may live: here the psalmist is speaking of living in its fullest sense of happiness, security, prosperity—a frequent theme in Ezekiel (Ezek 3:21; 18; 33; see Ps 133:3)—and, of course, fellowship with God (see Pss 16:11; 36:10; Deut 8:3).
11. Psalm 119:19 Though the psalmist is a stranger (or wayfarer) on earth, he is the guest of God to whom the whole universe belongs; he will learn from the Lord how to conduct himself (see notes on Ps 39:13, 13-14).
12. Psalm 119:21 The arrogant: enemies of God and his faithful who act as though they are a law unto themselves (see notes on Pss 73:4-12 and 86:14; see also Isa 13:11; Mal 3:19). They are the accursed, i.e., ready for God’s judgment.
13. Psalm 119:25 Whether in distress or in prosperity, the psalmist is determined to remain close to God’s law. In adversities, he becomes more teachable and his spirit is renewed in him, for the word of the Lord has the power to comfort. In prosperity, he enjoys a freedom from anxiety and care that enables him to focus on doing God’s will.
14. Psalm 119:25 Lies prostrate in the dust: see note on Ps 44:26.
15. Psalm 119:30 Godliness is nicely summed up by the three opening verbs: choosing (see Heb 11:25), clinging (see Acts 11:23), and running (see Phil 3:12-14). Heart: see note on Ps 4:8.
16. Psalm 119:33 Since God alone can interpret his revelation (teach [it], v. 33), the psalmist prays that God will instruct him in his law (see Ps 25:4). He asks the Lord to provide spiritual direction and motivation to direct his steps (see Prov 4:11-19) and incline his heart (see Ps 141:4) to do the divine will.
17. Psalm 119:33 And I will follow it to the end: another possible translation is: “I will keep it as a reward” (see Ps 19:12; Prov 22:4). In both translations the godly person finds his joy in doing the will of God.
18. Psalm 119:34 The desire for understanding often voiced in this psalm conforms to the ideal of the sages of Israel. Heart: see note on Ps 4:8.
19. Psalm 119:38 That you may be feared: as a result of the saving acts that the Lord does in accord with his promises, he is acknowledged as the one true God and feared (see Ps 130:5; 2 Sam 7:25f; 1 Ki 8:39f; Jer 33:8f). Another possible translation is: “Fulfill the word you have spoken / to the servant who fears you.”
20. Psalm 119:41 Here the psalmist, as it were, gives Christians what is needed for them to fulfill their desire to “proclaim [the Lord’s] word with all boldness” (Acts 4:29). In order to be spoken, the word must first be appropriated (v. 41), trusted (v. 42f), obeyed (v. 44), sought (v. 45), and loved (v. 47f).
21. Psalm 119:41 Kindness: see note on Ps 6:5.
22. Psalm 119:43 Do not remove from my mouth the word of truth: for it will enable the psalmist to respond to the insults and calumnies to which he is subjected (see vv. 61, 85, 95, etc.).
23. Psalm 119:45 Sought your commands: the psalmist strives to understand the meaning of the Scriptures and make them his rule of life (see vv. 94, 155; see also Ps 111:2; Ezr 7:10; Sir 51:23; Isa 34:16). Such a study is at the origin of the Midrashic literature.
24. Psalm 119:48 I lift up my hands: as a sign of veneration and praise (see Pss 44:20; 63:4; 134:2; Neh 8:6).
25. Psalm 119:49 The word of God provides hope and consolation even in suffering. The psalmist observes the commandments of the Lord because in them he finds life, restoration, and consolation.
26. Psalm 119:51 The arrogant: see note on v. 21.
27. Psalm 119:55 Name: see note on Ps 5:12.
28. Psalm 119:57 The Lord is the portion of the psalmist, and it is God’s law that fills the earth with joy and security. Hence, far from regarding obedience as a crushing, disagreeable burden, the psalmist considers it a happy lot, a privileged destiny, and a signal favor.
29. Psalm 119:57 My portion . . . your words: another possible translation is: “You are my portion, O Lord; / I promise to keep your words.” A familiar formula of trust (see Pss 16:5; 73:26 and note; 142:5).
30. Psalm 119:58 Heart: see note on Ps 4:8.
31. Psalm 119:64 The earth overflows with your kindness: an exclamation of God’s cosmic love; the world of creation witnesses to his love (see Pss 104:10-30; 136:1-9). For other glimpses of the world as God’s handiwork and kingdom, see Pss 24:1; 33:5; Isa 6:3; Hab 2:14; 3:3.
32. Psalm 119:65 The psalmist ascribes goodness to God in his past and present dealings, to the positive values of the trials God sent him, and to the ultimate value of God’s law and divine teaching.
33. Psalm 119:67 Afflicted: through God’s doing (see note on vv. 25-32).
34. Psalm 119:69 The arrogant: see note on v. 21. Heart: see note on Ps 4:8.
35. Psalm 119:70 Gross and insensitive: literally, “fat as grease,” i.e., incapable of understanding divine things (see Pss 17:10; 73:7; Isa 6:10; Jer 5:28).
36. Psalm 119:73 The psalmist declares his experiential knowledge of God, of his kindness and compassion. He asks God to give the arrogant their just deserts and so enable the godly to be encouraged and rejoice at God’s vindication.
37. Psalm 119:73 Your hands have created and formed me: see Deut 32:6; Job 10:8; Zec 12:1. Grant me understanding: so that the psalmist can carry out what God willed in forming him.
38. Psalm 119:76 Kindness: see note on Ps 6:5.
39. Psalm 119:78 The arrogant: see note on v. 21.
40. Psalm 119:80 Heart: see note on Ps 4:8.
41. Psalm 119:81 This last strophe of the first part of the psalm brings to a climax the psalmist’s need for God. In extreme distress, he looks to the Lord for his salvation as promised in his word, urgently calling upon him to come to his aid and effect justice upon the arrogant who wrong him.
42. Psalm 119:81 Soul: see note on Ps 6:4.
43. Psalm 119:82 My eyes fail: see note on Ps 6:8.
44. Psalm 119:83 Like a smoke-filled wineskin: the psalmist feels as brittle and useless as tanned hides holding wine that are placed near the fireplace.
45. Psalm 119:84 How long . . . wait?: literally, “How many are the days of your servant?” i.e., the psalmist does not have too much time for God to delay in punishing his persecutors. Pass judgment on my persecutors: see note on Ps 5:11.
46. Psalm 119:85 The arrogant: see note on v. 21.
47. Psalm 119:88 Kindness: see note on Ps 6:5.
48. Psalm 119:89 Like the first three verses of the first half of the psalm, these first three verses of the second half teach a general truth: there is constancy and order in all of creation, reflecting the faithfulness of the Lord (see Pss 89:3; 104; 147:7-9). Nature serves and abides by the word and the laws of the Lord (see note on Ps 93:5).
49. Psalm 119:89 This verse is an echo of Prov 8:22ff where divine wisdom is presented as a living being existing from all eternity (see Wis 7:22—8:1; Isa 40:8).
50. Psalm 119:92 The psalmist confesses that if through God’s law he had not found meaning in the experience of his affliction, he would have perished. Therefore, no matter what his persecutors do, he will not forget God’s precepts because they give order and preservation of life. For he knows that just as there are laws for the order in nature, so also are there laws for human conduct.
51. Psalm 119:96 Everything on earth is limited; perfection belongs only to God and his commands.
52. Psalm 119:97 God’s law is heavenly wisdom, which is far greater than earthly wisdom. Meditation on it is a form of devotion to the Lord himself, and hence the psalmist regularly cultivates its practice. God’s words, likened to honey, are sweet only when God’s instruction is received and leads to understanding as well as an obedient life-style.
53. Psalm 119:98 These verses are illuminated by the New Testament, which shows that heavenly wisdom is a gift to “little children,” hidden from the worldly wise (see Lk 10:21; 1 Cor 1:18ff; 2:6-10).
54. Psalm 119:100 The psalmist speaks in the same vein as Elihu (see Job 32:6ff; Wis 4:9). Elders: the aged, taught by experience.
55. Psalm 119:103 Your words are . . . sweeter to my tongue than honey: see Ps 19:11; Job 23:12; Jer 15:16; Jn 4:32, 34.
56. Psalm 119:105 The word of the Lord enlightens the psalmist’s path of life; therefore, he has accepted the covenant and obeys the Lord. Even in affliction, the psalmist has learned to give God willing praise, for his joy and determination to please the Lord are far greater than the affliction that is constantly with him.
57. Psalm 119:105 Your word is a lamp for my feet: the word of the Lord is a guide and life-sustaining source (see Pss 18:29; 97:11; 112:4; Prov 6:23; Jn 8:12).
58. Psalm 119:106 With a solemn vow I have sworn: the psalmist has made a pact to follow God’s laws (see Neh 10:29).
59. Psalm 119:109 I continually take my life in my hands: i.e., my life is constantly exposed to danger, for I am ready to risk it for God (see Jdg 12:3; 1 Sam 19:5; Est C:15 = 4:16; Job 13:14).
60. Psalm 119:111 Heart: see note on Ps 4:8.
61. Psalm 119:113 The ways of the righteous and the wicked are completely divergent. The psalmist dissociates himself from the wicked; he hates the double-minded but loves the law of the Lord. He draws near to God, his refuge and his shield. For, unlike the wicked whom the Lord will discard, the godly have hope in and veneration for the Lord.
62. Psalm 119:113 Hypocritical: those who hesitate between fidelity and infidelity to God (see 1 Ki 18:21); they are “inconsistent in everything [they do]” (Jas 1:8).
63. Psalm 119:119 You discard . . . like dross: the Lord discards evildoers like dross, i.e., the scum that forms in refining precious metals and is discarded (see Jer 6:28-30).
64. Psalm 119:120 My flesh trembles: a reminiscence of Job 4:15; 23:15 (see Ps 88:16). It denotes the dread of the sacred, the fear of the awesome God.
65. Psalm 119:121 The psalmist has entrusted himself to God’s care and done what is just and upright; now he expects the Lord to keep his promise according to which the godly will be relieved of all adversities. He prays to receive understanding and, while affirming his devotion to the Lord and his commands, calls for God to deal justly with the ungodly, who have broken his law.
66. Psalm 119:122 This is the only verse in the psalm that lacks either a direct or an indirect reference to the law of God; some have suggested replacing servant by “word” as a remedy. The arrogant: see note on v. 21.
67. Psalm 119:123 My eyes fail: see note on Ps 6:8.
68. Psalm 119:124 Kindness: see note on Ps 6:5.
69. Psalm 119:127 The psalmist compares the Lord’s commands favorably with pure gold (see Job 22:25; 28:15f; Prov 3:14; 8:10, 19; 16:16).
70. Psalm 119:129 God’s word illumines so that even those not experienced in the realities of life (the simple; see Ps 116; Prov 1:4) may gain wisdom (see Ps 19:8). The psalmist longs to receive, understand, and put it into practice. So great is his zeal for God’s law that he weeps over the continuance of rebellion and transgression on the part of evildoers.
71. Psalm 119:130 The law is a luminous sanctuary that fills souls with its clarity (see Ps 73:16f) when it is explained to them. Explanation: literally, “opening.”
72. Psalm 119:131 Open wide my mouth and sigh: same image as in Job 29:23.
73. Psalm 119:132 The psalmist asks for the Lord’s blessing (see Num 6:24-26), which brings down God’s grace to enable him to direct his steps in accord with the divine law and away from sin and adversity (Ps 119:133-134). He also asks for the Lord’s face to shine on him (v. 135), i.e., to bring him nothing but good in all circumstances of his life; for when God’s face shines on people it brings deliverance and blessings.
74. Psalm 119:132 See Pss 5:12; 25:16; 91:15. Name: see note on Ps 5:12.
75. Psalm 119:135 Allow your face to shine: the psalmist asks God to smile on him with favor (see note on Ps 13:2; see also Pss 67:2; 80:4; Num 6:25).
76. Psalm 119:136 The godly are saddened in the face of evil (see Ezr 9:3ff; Job 16:20; Ezek 9:4).
77. Psalm 119:137 The troubles and disgraces of his holy ones reflect upon the Lord and his word. Hence, the psalmist points out his sad state and prays that the Lord will establish righteousness in his world. Though he is still immersed in troubles, he knows the Lord is faithful and so he wholeheartedly puts his trust in him.
78. Psalm 119:140 Tested through and through: literally, “refined.” God’s word is fire-tried; it is genuine and reliable.
79. Psalm 119:145 The psalmist urgently presents his lament before the Lord to be delivered from adversity. So intense is his longing for this salvation that he prays through the night watches. Even though his foes hunt him down, the Lord is near and will rescue him, for the psalmist keeps the law.
80. Psalm 119:148 Each watch of the night: see note on Ps 63:7.
81. Psalm 119:149 Kindness: see note on Ps 6:5.
82. Psalm 119:150 Although the wicked are closing in on the psalmist, he remains serene, for the Lord is also near to protect him (see Pss 69:19; 73:28). The wicked will get nowhere, for they break the statutes of the Lord (v. 150: are far from your law), which were meant to last forever.
83. Psalm 119:153 The lament becomes more intense as the psalmist prays for deliverance, mercy, and life. By protesting his innocence, bringing up his affliction, and mentioning the perfidy of the wicked, he seeks to move God to act, for he alone can preserve the psalmist’s full enjoyment of covenant life. The fidelity and righteousness of God’s word sustain the psalmist in his belief of total vindication.
84. Psalm 119:154 Redeem me: or “Be my redeemer” (see Pss 19:15; 69:19; 72:13f).
85. Psalm 119:155 The godless haunt the psalmist, for they flaunt the commandments of the Lord. The wicked: see note on v. 21 (“the arrogant”).
86. Psalm 119:158 I regard the faithless with indignation: i.e., they are people who have broken the covenant relationship and whose words and acts are unreliable (see Ps 25:3; Isa 48:8; Jer 5:11; Mal 2:10f).
87. Psalm 119:159 Kindness: see note on Ps 6:5.
88. Psalm 119:160 The word (word . . . righteous judgments) of the Lord is a source of life that never languishes because it is fed by infinite truth that continues forever. Therefore, it can never be exhausted no matter how many drink from this life-giving fountain.
89. Psalm 119:161 Despite the continuation of his adversity, the psalmist rejoices in the promise of the Lord, praising him many times a day for his righteous laws. The godly have peace, for they know that the Lord in his righteousness will vindicate them. While waiting for the great day of salvation, the psalmist keeps his hope alive and follows God’s commands.
90. Psalm 119:161 Heart: see note on Ps 4:8.
91. Psalm 119:164 Seven times: a Hebrew idiom for “many times” (see Ps 12:7; Gen 4:24; Prov 24:16; Mt 18:21f; Lk 17:4).
92. Psalm 119:165 The godly have peace, for, even surrounded by adversity, they are confident of God’s loving care and his promise that they will not stumble (see Prov 4:12; 1 Jn 2:10). Great peace: i.e., complete security and well-being (see Ps 37:11; Isa 26:3, 12; 32:17; 54:13; 57:19).
93. Psalm 119:168 All my ways are known to you: for a similar thought, see Prov 5:21.
94. Psalm 119:169 In this last strophe, the psalmist offers a prayer for the Lord’s salvation. Although his problems have not yet been resolved, he raises the spirit of expectation in those who love God’s word. He prays for complete deliverance so that he may praise his faithful God.
95. Psalm 119:169 The psalmist comes before the Lord with a broken spirit, asking for understanding and deliverance. Looking forward to the moment of redemption, he dwells on the joyful expressions of his thanksgiving.
96. Psalm 119:173 Your hand: a metaphor for God’s powerful deliverance (see Deut 32:39).
97. Psalm 119:174 These final three verses form the conclusion to the whole. They succinctly restate and summarize the main themes.
98. Psalm 119:176 Lost sheep: the Prophets’ theme of lost sheep is here applied to an individual (see Isa 53:6; Jer 50:6; Ezek 34:16; Zec 11:16; Mt 10:6; Lk 15:4; 1 Pet 2:25). For I have not forgotten your precepts: this final line sums up the inner state of the psalmist, who is zealous for the knowledge and practice of the divine law.