Psalms 119 (NET)

Psalm 1191

119

1 א (Alef)

How blessed are those whose actions are blameless,2

who obey3 the law of the Lord.

2 How blessed are those who observe his rules,

and seek him with all their heart,

3 who, moreover, do no wrong,

but follow in his footsteps.4

4 You demand that your precepts

be carefully kept.5

5 If only I were predisposed6

to keep your statutes!

6 Then I would not be ashamed,

if7 I were focused on8 all your commands.

7 I will give you sincere thanks,9

when I learn your just regulations.

8 I will keep your statutes.

Do not completely abandon me!10

9 ב (Bet)

How can a young person11 maintain a pure life?12

By guarding it according to your instructions!13

10 With all my heart I seek you.

Do not allow me to stray from your commands!

11 In my heart I store up14 your words,15

so I might not sin against you.

12 You deserve praise,16 O Lord!

Teach me your statutes!

13 With my lips I proclaim

all the regulations you have revealed.17

14 I rejoice in the lifestyle prescribed by your rules18

as if19 they were riches of all kinds.20

15 I will meditate on21 your precepts

and focus22 on your behavior.23

16 I find delight24 in your statutes;

I do not forget your instructions.25

17 ג (Gimel)

Be kind to your servant!

Then I will live26 and keep27 your instructions.28

18 Open29 my eyes so I can truly see30

the marvelous things in your law!

19 I am like a foreigner in this land.31

Do not hide your commands from me!

20 I desperately long to know32

your regulations at all times.

21 You reprimand arrogant people.

Those who stray from your commands are doomed.33

22 Spare me34 shame and humiliation,

for I observe your rules.

23 Though rulers plot and slander me,35

your servant meditates on your statutes.

24 Yes, I find delight in your rules;

they give me guidance.36

25 ד (Dalet)

I collapse in the dirt.37

Revive me with your word!38

26 I told you about my ways39 and you answered me.

Teach me your statutes!

27 Help me to understand what your precepts mean!40

Then I can meditate41 on your marvelous teachings.42

28 I collapse43 from grief.

Sustain me by your word!44

29 Remove me from the path of deceit!45

Graciously give me46 your law!

30 I choose the path of faithfulness;

I am committed to47 your regulations.

31 I hold fast48 to your rules.

O Lord, do not let me be ashamed!

32 I run along the path of your commands,

for you enable me to do so.49

33 ה (He)

Teach me, O Lord, the lifestyle prescribed by your statutes,50

so that I might observe it continually.51

34 Give me understanding so that I might observe your law,

and keep it with all my heart.52

35 Guide me53 in the path of your commands,

for I delight to walk in it.54

36 Give me a desire for your rules,55

rather than for wealth gained unjustly.56

37 Turn my eyes away from what is worthless!57

Revive me with your word!58

38 Confirm to your servant your promise,59

which you made to the one who honors you.60

39 Take away the insults that I dread!61

Indeed,62 your regulations are good.

40 Look, I long for your precepts.

Revive me with your deliverance!63

41 ו (Vav)

May I experience your loyal love,64 O Lord,

and your deliverance,65 as you promised.66

42 Then I will have a reply for the one who insults me,67

for I trust in your word.

43 Do not completely deprive me of a truthful testimony,68

for I await your justice.

44 Then I will keep69 your law continually

now and for all time.70

45 I will be secure,71

for I seek your precepts.

46 I will speak72 about your regulations before kings

and not be ashamed.

47 I will find delight in your commands,

which I love.

48 I will lift my hands to73 your commands,

which I love,

and I will meditate on your statutes.

49 ז (Zayin)

Remember your word to your servant,

for you have given me hope.

50 This74 is what comforts me in my trouble,

for your promise revives me.75

51 Arrogant people do nothing but scoff at me.76

Yet I do not turn aside from your law.

52 I remember your ancient regulations,77

O Lord, and console myself.78

53 Rage takes hold of me because of the wicked,

those who reject your law.

54 Your statutes have been my songs79

in the house where I live.80

55 I remember your name during the night, O Lord,

and I will keep81 your law.

56 This82 has been my practice,

for I observe your precepts.

57 ח (Khet)

The Lord is my source of security.83

I have determined84 to follow your instructions.85

58 I seek your favor86 with all my heart.

Have mercy on me as you promised!87

59 I consider my actions88

and follow89 your rules.

60 I keep your commands

eagerly and without delay.90

61 The ropes of the wicked tighten around91 me,

but I do not forget your law.

62 In the middle of the night I arise92 to thank you

for your just regulations.

63 I am a friend to all your loyal followers,93

and to those who keep your precepts.

64 O Lord, your loyal love fills the earth.

Teach me your statutes!

65 ט (Tet)

You are good94 to your servant,

O Lord, just as you promised.95

66 Teach me proper discernment96 and understanding!

For I consider your commands to be reliable.97

67 Before I was afflicted I used to stray off,98

but now I keep your instructions.99

68 You are good and you do good.

Teach me your statutes!

69 Arrogant people smear my reputation with lies,100

but I observe your precepts with all my heart.

70 Their hearts are calloused,101

but I find delight in your law.

71 It was good for me to suffer,

so that I might learn your statutes.

72 The law you have revealed is more important to me

than thousands of pieces of gold and silver.102

73 י (Yod)

Your hands made me and formed me.103

Give me understanding so that I might learn104 your commands.

74 Your loyal followers will be glad when they see me,105

for I find hope in your word.

75 I know, Lord, that your regulations106 are just.

You disciplined me because of your faithful devotion to me.107

76 May your loyal love console me,

as you promised your servant.108

77 May I experience your compassion,109 so I might live!

For I find delight in your law.

78 May the arrogant be humiliated, for they have slandered me!110

But I meditate on your precepts.

79 May your loyal followers111 turn to me,

those who know your rules.

80 May I be fully committed to your statutes,112

so that I might not be ashamed.

81 כ (Kaf)

I desperately long for113 your deliverance.

I find hope in your word.

82 My eyes grow tired as I wait for your promise to be fulfilled.114

I say,115 “When will you comfort me?”

83 For116 I am like a wineskin117 dried up in smoke.118

I do not forget your statutes.

84 How long must your servant endure this?119

When will you judge those who pursue me?

85 The arrogant dig pits to trap me,120

which violates your law.121

86 All your commands are reliable.

I am pursued without reason.122 Help me!

87 They have almost destroyed me here on the earth,

but I do not reject your precepts.

88 Revive me with123 your loyal love,

that I might keep124 the rules you have revealed.125

89 ל (Lamed)

O Lord, your instructions endure;

they stand secure in heaven.126

90 You demonstrate your faithfulness to all generations.127

You established the earth and it stood firm.

91 Today they stand firm by your decrees,

for all things are your servants.

92 If I had not found encouragement in your law,128

I would have died in my sorrow.129

93 I will never forget your precepts,

for by them you have revived me.

94 I belong to you. Deliver me!

For I seek your precepts.

95 The wicked prepare to kill me,130

yet I concentrate on your rules.

96 I realize that everything has its limits,

but your commands are beyond full comprehension.131

97 מ (Mem)

O how I love your law!

All day long I meditate on it.

98 Your commandments132 make me wiser than my enemies,

for I am always aware of them.

99 I have more insight than all my teachers,

for I meditate on your rules.

100 I am more discerning than those older than I,

for I observe your precepts.

101 I stay away133 from the evil path,

so that I might keep your instructions.134

102 I do not turn aside from your regulations,

for you teach me.

103 Your words are sweeter

in my mouth than honey!135

104 Your precepts give me discernment.

Therefore I hate all deceitful actions.136

105 נ (Nun)

Your word137 is a lamp to walk by,

and a light to illumine my path.138

106 I have vowed and solemnly sworn

to keep your just regulations.

107 I am suffering terribly.

O Lord, revive me with your word!139

108 O Lord, please accept the freewill offerings of my praise!140

Teach me your regulations!

109 My life is in continual danger,141

but I do not forget your law.

110 The wicked lay a trap for me,

but I do not wander from your precepts.

111 I claim your rules as my permanent possession,

for they give me joy.142

112 I am determined to obey143 your statutes

at all times, to the very end.

113 ס (Samek)

I hate people with divided loyalties,144

but I love your law.

114 You are my hiding place and my shield.

I find hope in your word.

115 Turn away from me, you evil men,

so that I can observe145 the commands of my God.146

116 Sustain me as you promised,147 so that I will live.148

Do not disappoint me!149

117 Support me, so that I will be delivered.

Then I will focus150 on your statutes continually.

118 You despise151 all who stray from your statutes,

for they are deceptive and unreliable.152

119 You remove all the wicked of the earth like slag.153

Therefore I love your rules.154

120 My body155 trembles156 because I fear you;157

I am afraid of your judgments.

121 ע (Ayin)

I do what is fair and right.158

Do not abandon me to my oppressors!

122 Guarantee the welfare of your servant!159

Do not let the arrogant oppress me!

123 My eyes grow tired as I wait for your deliverance,160

for your reliable promise to be fulfilled.161

124 Show your servant your loyal love!162

Teach me your statutes!

125 I am your servant. Give me insight,

so that I can understand163 your rules.

126 It is time for the Lord to act –

they break your law!

127 For this reason164 I love your commands

more than gold, even purest gold.

128 For this reason I carefully follow all your precepts.165

I hate all deceitful actions.166

129 פ (Pe)

Your rules are marvelous.

Therefore I observe them.

130 Your instructions are a doorway through which light shines.167

They give168 insight to the untrained.169

131 I open my mouth and pant,

because I long170 for your commands.

132 Turn toward me and extend mercy to me,

as you typically do to your loyal followers.171

133 Direct my steps by your word!172

Do not let any sin dominate me!

134 Deliver me173 from oppressive men,

so that I can keep174 your precepts.

135 Smile175 on your servant!

Teach me your statutes!

136 Tears stream down from my eyes,176

because people177 do not keep your law.

137 צ (Tsade)

You are just, O Lord,

and your judgments are fair.

138 The rules you impose are just,178

and absolutely reliable.

139 My zeal179 consumes180 me,

for my enemies forget your instructions.181

140 Your word is absolutely pure,

and your servant loves it!

141 I am insignificant and despised,

yet I do not forget your precepts.

142 Your justice endures,182

and your law is reliable.183

143 Distress and hardship confront184 me,

yet I find delight in your commands.

144 Your rules remain just.185

Give me insight so that I can live.186

145 ק (Qof)

I cried out with all my heart, “Answer me, O Lord!

I will observe your statutes.”

146 I cried out to you, “Deliver me,

so that I can keep187 your rules.”

147 I am up before dawn crying for help.

I find hope in your word.

148 My eyes anticipate the nighttime hours,

so that I can meditate on your word.

149 Listen to me188 because of189 your loyal love!

O Lord, revive me, as you typically do!190

150 Those who are eager to do191 wrong draw near;

they are far from your law.

151 You are near, O Lord,

and all your commands are reliable.192

152 I learned long ago that

you ordained your rules to last.193

153 ר (Resh)

See my pain and rescue me!

For I do not forget your law.

154 Fight for me194 and defend me!195

Revive me with your word!

155 The wicked have no chance for deliverance,196

for they do not seek your statutes.

156 Your compassion is great, O Lord.

Revive me, as you typically do!197

157 The enemies who chase me are numerous.198

Yet I do not turn aside from your rules.

158 I take note of the treacherous and despise them,

because they do not keep your instructions.199

159 See how I love your precepts!

O Lord, revive me with your loyal love!

160 Your instructions are totally reliable;

all your just regulations endure.200

161 שׂ/שׁ (Sin/Shin)

Rulers pursue me for no reason,

yet I am more afraid of disobeying your instructions.201

162 I rejoice in your instructions,

like one who finds much plunder.202

163 I hate and despise deceit;

I love your law.

164 Seven203 times a day I praise you

because of your just regulations.

165 Those who love your law are completely secure;204

nothing causes them to stumble.205

166 I hope for your deliverance, O Lord,

and I obey206 your commands.

167 I keep your rules;

I love them greatly.

168 I keep your precepts and rules,

for you are aware of everything I do.207

169 ת (Tav)

Listen to my cry for help,208 O Lord!

Give me insight by your word!

170 Listen to my appeal for mercy!209

Deliver me, as you promised.210

171 May praise flow freely from my lips,

for you teach me your statutes.

172 May my tongue sing about your instructions,211

for all your commands are just.

173 May your hand help me,

for I choose to obey212 your precepts.

174 I long for your deliverance, O Lord;

I find delight in your law.

175 May I213 live and praise you!

May your regulations help me!214

176 I have wandered off like a lost sheep.215

Come looking for your servant,

for I do not forget your commands.

1sn Psalm 119. The psalmist celebrates God’s law and the guidance it provides his people. He expresses his desire to know God’s law thoroughly so that he might experience the blessings that come to those who obey it. This lengthy psalm exhibits an elaborate acrostic pattern. The psalm is divided into twenty-two sections (corresponding to the letters of the Hebrew alphabet), each of which is comprised of eight verses. Each of the verses in the first section (vv. 1-8) begins with the letter alef (א), the first letter of the Hebrew alphabet. This pattern continues throughout the psalm as each new section highlights a successive letter of the alphabet. Each verse in section two (vv. 9-16) begins with the second letter of the alphabet, each verse in section three (vv. 17-24) with the third letter, etc. This rigid pattern creates a sense of order and completeness and may have facilitated memorization. 2tn Heb “[Oh] the happiness of those who are blameless of way.” 3tn Heb “walk in.” 4tn Heb “walk in his ways.” 5tn Heb “you, you commanded your precepts, to keep, very much.” 6tn Heb “if only my ways were established.” 7tn Or “when.” 8tn Heb “I gaze at.” 9tn Heb “I will give you thanks with an upright heart.” 10tn Heb “do not abandon me to excess.” For other uses of the phrase עַד מְאֹד (’ad mÿ’od, “to excess”), see Ps 38:6, 8. 11tn Heb “young man.” Hebrew wisdom literature often assumes and reflects the male-oriented perspective of ancient Israelite society. The principle of the psalm is certainly applicable to all people, regardless of their gender or age. To facilitate modern application, the gender specific “young man” has been translated with the more neutral “young person.” 12tn Heb “purify his path.” 13tn Heb “by keeping according to your word.” Many medieval Hebrew mss as well as the LXX read the plural, “your words.” 14tn Or “hide.” 15tn Heb “your word.” Some medieval Hebrew mss as well as the LXX read the plural, “your words.” 16tn Heb “[are] blessed.” 17tn Heb “of your mouth.” 18tn Heb “in the way of your rules.” 19tn Heb “as upon,” meaning “as if” (see 2 Chr 32:19). 20tn Heb “all wealth.” The phrase refers to all kinds of wealth and riches. See Prov 1:13; 6:31; 24:4; Ezek 27:12, 18. 21tn The cohortative verbal forms in this verse express the psalmist’s resolve. 22tn Heb “gaze [at].” 23tn Heb “ways” (referring figuratively to God’s behavior here). 24tn The imperfects in this verse emphasize the attitude the psalmist maintains toward God’s law. Another option is to translate with the future tense, “I will find delight…I will not forget.” 25tn Heb “your word.” Many medieval Hebrew mss as well as the LXX read the plural here. 26tn The prefixed verbal form is probably a cohortative indicating purpose/result after the preceding imperative. 27tn The cohortative with vav (ו) conjunctive indicates purpose/result after the imperative that begins the verse. 28tn Heb “your word.” Many medieval Hebrew mss as well as several ancient versions read the plural here. 29tn Heb “uncover.” The verb form גַּל (gal) is an apocopated Piel imperative from גָּלָה (galah, see GKC 214 §75.cc). 30tn The cohortative with vav (ו) conjunctive indicates purpose/result after the preceding imperative. 31tn Heb “I am a resident alien in the land.” Resident aliens were especially vulnerable and in need of help. They needed to know the social and legal customs of the land to avoid getting into trouble. The translation (note the addition of “like”) assumes the psalmist is speaking metaphorically, not literally. 32tn Heb “my soul languishes for longing for.” 33tn Heb “accursed.” The traditional punctuation of the Hebrew text takes “accursed” with the previous line (“arrogant, accursed ones”), but it is preferable to take it with the second line as the predicate of the statement. 34tn Heb “roll away from upon me.” Some derive the imperatival form גַּל (gal) from גָּלָה (galah, “uncover,” as in v. 18), but here the form is from גָּלַל (galal, “roll”; see Josh 5:9, where חֶרְפָּה [kherpah, “shame; reproach”] also appears as object of the verb). Some, following the lead of a Dead Sea scroll (11QPs^a), emend the form to גֹּל (gol). 35tn Heb “though rulers sit, about me they talk together.” (For another example of the Niphal of דָּבַר (davar) used with a suffixed form of the preposition ב, see Ezek 33:30.) 36tn Heb “men of my counsel.” That is, God’s rules are like advisers to the psalmist, for they teach him how to live in a godly manner that refutes the accusations of his enemies. 37tn Heb “my soul clings to the dirt.” The Hebrew term נֶפֶשׁ (nefesh, “being; soul”) with a pronominal suffix is often equivalent to a pronoun, especially in poetry (see BDB 660 s.v. נֶפֶשׁ 4.a). 38tn Heb “according to your word.” Many medieval Hebrew mss read the plural “your words.” 39tn Heb “my ways I proclaimed.” 40tn Heb “the way of your precepts make me understand.” 41tn The cohortative with vav (ו) conjunctive indicates purpose/result after the preceding imperative. 42tn Heb “your amazing things,” which refers here to the teachings of the law (see v. 18). 43tn Some translate “my soul weeps,” taking the verb דָלַף (dalaf) from a root meaning “to drip; to drop” (BDB 196 s.v. דֶּלַף). On the basis of cognate evidence from Arabic and Akkadian, HALOT 223 s.v. II דלף proposes a homonymic root here, meaning “be sleepless.” Following L. C. Allen (Psalms 101-150 [WBC], 127, 135) the translation assumes that the verb is cognate with Ugaritic dlp, “to collapse; to crumple” in CTA 2 iv. 17, 26. See G. R. Driver, Canaanite Myths and Legends, 44, 144. 44tn Heb “according to your word.” Many medieval Hebrew mss read the plural “your words.” 45tn The “path of deceit” refers to a lifestyle characterized by deceit and disloyalty to God. It stands in contrast to the “way of faithfulness” in v. 30. 46tn Heb “be gracious to me.” The verb is used metonymically here for “graciously giving” the law. (See Gen 33:5, where Jacob uses this verb in describing how God had graciously given him children.) 47tn BDB 1000-1001 s.v. I שָׁוָה derives the verb from the first homonym listed, meaning “to agree with; to be like; to resemble.” It here means (in the Piel stem) “to be accounted suitable,” which in turn would mean by metonymy “to accept; to be committed to.” Some prefer to derive the verb from a homonym meaning “to place; to set,” but in this case an elliptical prepositional phrase must be understood, “I place your regulations [before me]” (see Ps 16:8). 48tn Or “cling to.” 49tn Heb “for you make wide my heart.” The “heart” is viewed here as the seat of the psalmist’s volition and understanding. The Lord gives the psalmist the desire and moral understanding that are foundational to the willing obedience depicted metaphorically in the preceding line. In Isa 60:5 the expression “your heart will be wide” means “your heart will swell with pride,” but here the nuance appears to be different. 50tn Heb “the way of your statutes.” 51tn Heb “and I will keep it to the end.” The prefixed verbal form with vav (ו) conjunctive indicates purpose/result after the preceding imperative. The Hebrew term עֵקֶב (’eqev) is understood to mean “end” here. Another option is to take עֵקֶב (’eqev) as meaning “reward” here (see Ps 19:11) and to translate, “so that I might observe it and be rewarded.” 52tn The two prefixed verbal forms with vav (ו) conjunctive indicate purpose/result after the introductory imperative. 53tn Or “make me walk.” 54tn Heb “for in it I delight.” 55tn Heb “turn my heart to your rules.” 56tn Heb “and not unjust gain.” 57tn Heb “Make my eyes pass by from looking at what is worthless.” 58tn Heb “by your word.” 59tn Heb “word.” 60tn Heb “which [is] for your fear,” that is, the promise made to those who exhibit fear of God. 61tn Heb “my reproach that I fear.” 62tn Or “for.” 63tn Or “righteousness.” 64tn Heb “and may your loyal love come to me.” 65tn Or “salvation” (so many English versions). 66tn Heb “according to your word.” 67tn Heb “and I will answer [the] one who insults me a word.” The prefixed verbal form with vav (ו) conjunctive indicates purpose/result after the jussive (see v. 41). 68tn Heb “do not snatch from my mouth a word of truth to excess.” The psalmist wants to be able to give a reliable testimony about the Lord’s loyal love (vv. 41-42), but if God does not intervene, the psalmist will be deprived of doing so, for the evidence of such love (i.e., deliverance) will be lacking. 69tn The cohortative verbal form with vav (ו) conjunctive indicates purpose/result after the negated jussive (see v. 43). 70tn Or “forever and ever.” 71tn Heb “and I will walk about in a wide place.” The cohortative with prefixed vav (ו) conjunctive gives a further consequence of the anticipated positive divine response (see vv. 43-44). Another option is to take the cohortative as expressing the psalmist’s request. In this case one could translate, “and please give me security.” 72tn The series of four cohortatives with prefixed vav (ו) conjunctive in vv. 46-48 list further consequences of the anticipated positive divine response to the request made in v. 43. 73tn Lifting the hands is often associated with prayer (Pss 28:2; 63:4; Lam 2:19). (1) Because praying to God’s law borders on the extreme, some prefer to emend the text to “I lift up my hands to you,” eliminating “your commands, which I love” as dittographic. In this view these words were accidentally repeated from the previous verse. (2) However, it is possible that the psalmist closely associates the law with God himself because he views the law as the expression of the divine will. (3) Another option is that “lifting the hands” does not refer to prayer here, but to the psalmist’s desire to receive and appropriate the law. (4) Still others understand this to be an action praising God’s commands (so NCV; cf. TEV, CEV, NLT). 74tn The demonstrative “this” refers back to the hope just mentioned or forward to the statement in the second line concerning the promise’s power to revive. See the note on the word “me” at the end of the verse for further discussion. 75tn The hope generated by the promise (see v. 49b) brings comfort because (note “for” at the beginning of the line) the promise revives the psalmist’s spirits. Another option is to take כִּי (ki) at the beginning of the second line in the sense of “that,” in which case “this” refers to the promise’s power to revive. 76tn Heb “scoff at me to excess.” 77tn Heb “I remember your regulations from of old.” The prepositional phrase “from of old” apparently modifies “your regulations,” alluding to the fact that God revealed them to Israel in the distant past. Another option is to understand the prepositional phrase as modifying the verb, in which case one might translate, “I have long remembered your regulations.” 78tn Or “find comfort.” 79tn Heb “songs were your statutes to me.” 80tn Heb “in the house of my dwelling place.” Some take the Hebrew noun מָגוֹר (magor) in the sense of “temporary abode,” and see this as a reference to the psalmist’s status as a resident alien (see v. 19). But the noun can refer to a dwelling place in general (see Ps 55:15). 81tn The cohortative verbal form expresses the psalmist’s resolve to obey the law. 82tn Heb “this has been to me.” The demonstrative “this” (1) refers back to the practices mentioned in vv. 54-55, or (2) looks forward to the statement in the second line, in which case the כִּי (ki) at the beginning of the second line should be translated “that.” 83tn Heb “my portion [is] the Lord.” The psalmist compares the Lord to landed property, which was foundational to economic stability in ancient Israel (see Ps 16:5). 84tn Heb “I said.” 85tn Heb “to keep your words” (see v. 9). 86tn Heb “I appease your face.” 87tn Heb “according to your word.” 88tn Heb “my ways.” 89tn Heb “and I turn my feet toward.” 90tn Heb “I hurry and I do not delay to keep your commands.” 91tn Heb “surround.” 92tn The psalmist uses an imperfect verbal form to emphasize that this is his continuing practice. 93tn Heb “to all who fear you.” 94tn Heb “do good.” 95tn Heb “according to your word.” 96tn Heb “goodness of taste.” Here “taste” refers to moral and ethical discernment. 97tn Heb “for I believe in your commands.” 98tn Heb “before I suffered, I was straying off.” 99tn Heb “your word.” 100tn Heb “smear over me a lie.” 101tn Heb “their heart is insensitive like fat.” 102tn Heb “better to me [is] the law of your mouth than thousands of gold and silver.” 103tn Heb “made me and established me.” The two verbs also appear together in Deut 32:6, where God, compared to a father, is said to have “made and established” Israel. 104tn The cohortative verbal form with vav (ו) conjunctive indicates purpose/result after the preceding imperative. 105tn Heb “those who fear you will see me and rejoice.” 106tn In this context (note the second line) the Hebrew term מִשְׁפָּטִים (mishpatim), which so often refers to the regulations of God’s law elsewhere in this psalm, may refer instead to his decisions or disciplinary judgment. 107tn Heb “and [in] faithfulness you afflicted me.” 108tn Heb “according to your word to your servant.” 109tn Heb “and may your compassion come to me.” 110tn Heb “for [with] falsehood they have denied me justice.” 111tn Heb “those who fear you.” 112tn Heb “may my heart be complete in your statutes.” 113tn Heb “my soul pines for.” See Ps 84:2. 114tn Heb “my eyes fail for your word.” The psalmist has intently kept his eyes open, looking for God to intervene, but now his eyes are watery and bloodshot, impairing his vision. See Ps 69:3. 115tn Heb “saying.” 116tn Or “even though.” 117tn The Hebrew word נֹאד (no’d, “leather container”) refers to a container made from animal skin which is used to hold wine or milk (see Josh 9:4, 13; Judg 4:19; 1 Sam 16:20). 118tn Heb “in the smoke.” 119tn Heb “How long are the days of your servant?” 120tn Heb “for me.” 121tn Heb “which [is] not according to your law.” 122sn God’s commands are a reliable guide to right and wrong. By keeping them the psalmist is doing what is right, yet he is still persecuted. 123tn Heb “according to.” 124tn The cohortative verbal form with vav (ו) conjunctive indicates purpose/result after the preceding imperative. 125tn Heb “of your mouth.” 126tn Heb “Forever, O Lord, your word stands firm in heaven,” or “Forever, O Lord, [is] your word; it stands firm in heaven.” The translation assumes that “your word” refers here to the body of divine instructions contained in the law (note the frequent references to the law in vv. 92-96). See vv. 9, 16-17, 57, 101, 105, 130, 139 and 160-61. The reference in v. 86 to God’s law being faithful favors this interpretation. Another option is that “your word” refers to God’s assuring word of promise, mentioned in vv. 25, 28, 42, 65, 74, 81, 107, 114, 147 and 169. In this case one might translate, “O Lord, your promise is reliable, it stands firm in heaven.” 127tn Heb “to a generation and a generation [is] your faithfulness.” 128tn Heb “if your law had not been my delight.” 129tn Or “my suffering.” 130tn Heb “the wicked wait for me to kill me.” 131tn Heb “to every perfection I have seen an end, your command is very wide.” God’s law is beyond full comprehension, which is why the psalmist continually studies it (vv. 95, 97). 132tn The plural form needs to be revocalized as a singular in order to agree with the preceding singular verb and the singular pronoun in the next line. The Lord’s “command” refers here to the law (see Ps 19:8). 133tn Heb “I hold back my feet.” 134tn Heb “your word.” Many medieval Hebrew mss read the plural. 135tn Heb “How smooth they are to my palate, your word, more than honey to my mouth.” A few medieval Hebrew mss, as well as several other ancient witnesses, read the plural “your words,” which can then be understood as the subject of the plural verb “they are smooth.” 136tn Heb “every false path.” 137tn Many medieval Hebrew mss read the plural (“words”). 138tn Heb “[is] a lamp for my foot and a light for my path.” 139tn Heb “according to your word.” 140tn Heb “of my mouth.” 141tn Heb “my life [is] in my hands continually.” 142tn Heb “for the joy of my heart [are] they.” 143tn Heb “I turn my heart to do.” 144tn Heb “divided ones.” The word occurs only here; it appears to be derived from a verbal root, attested in Arabic, meaning “to split” (see HALOT 762 s.v. *סֵעֵף). Since the psalmist is emphasizing his unswerving allegiance to God and his law, the term probably refers to those who lack such loyalty. The translation is similar to that suggested by L. C. Allen, Psalms 101-150 (WBC), 131. 145tn The cohortative verbal form with vav (ו) conjunctive indicates purpose/result after the preceding imperative. 146tn The psalmist has already declared that he observes God’s commands despite persecution, so here the idea must be “so that I might observe the commands of my God unhindered by threats.” 147tn Heb “according to your word.” 148tn The prefixed verbal form with vav (ו) conjunctive indicates purpose/result after the preceding imperative. 149tn Heb “do not make me ashamed of my hope.” After the Hebrew verb בּוֹשׁ (bosh, “to be ashamed”) the preposition מִן (min, “from”) often introduces the reason for shame. 150tn Or “and that I might focus.” The two cohortatives with vav (ו) conjunctive indicate purpose/result after the imperative at the beginning of the verse. 151tn The Hebrew verb סָלָה (salah, “to disdain”) occurs only here and in Lam 1:15. Cognate usage in Aramaic and Akkadian, as well as Lam 1:15, suggest it may have a concrete nuance of “to throw away.” 152tn Heb “for their deceit [is] falsehood.” 153sn Traditionally “dross” (so KJV, ASV, NIV). The metaphor comes from metallurgy; “slag” is the substance left over after the metallic ore has been refined. 154sn As he explains in the next verse, the psalmist’s fear of judgment motivates him to obey God’s rules. 155tn Heb “my flesh.” 156tn The Hebrew verb סָמַר (samar, “to tremble”) occurs only here and in Job 4:15. 157tn Heb “from fear of you.” The pronominal suffix on the noun is an objective genitive. 158tn Heb “do justice and righteousness.” 159tn Heb “be surety for your servant for good.” 160tn Heb “my eyes fail for your deliverance.” The psalmist has intently kept his eyes open, looking for God to intervene, but now his eyes are watery and bloodshot, impairing his vision. See the similar phrase in v. 82. 161tn Heb “and for the word of your faithfulness.” 162tn Heb “do with your servant according to your loyal love.” 163tn or “know.” The cohortative verbal form with vav (ו) conjunctive indicates purpose/result after the preceding imperative. 164tn “For this reason” connects logically with the statement made in v. 126. Because the judgment the psalmist fears (see vv. 119-120) is imminent, he remains loyal to God’s law. 165tn Heb “for this reason all the precepts of everything I regard as right.” The phrase “precepts of everything” is odd. It is preferable to take the kaf (כ) on כֹּל (kol, “everything) with the preceding form as a pronominal suffix, “your precepts,” and the lamed (ל) with the following verb as an emphatic particle. See L. C. Allen, Psalms 101-150 (WBC), 138. 166tn Heb “every false path.” 167tn Heb “the doorway of your words gives light.” God’s “words” refer here to the instructions in his law (see vv. 9, 57). 168tn Heb “it [i.e., the doorway] gives.” 169tn Or “the [morally] naive,” that is, the one who is young and still in the process of learning right from wrong and distinguishing wisdom from folly. See Pss 19:7; 116:6. 170tn The verb occurs only here in the OT. 171tn Heb “according to custom toward the lovers of your name.” The “lovers of” God’s “name” are the Lord’s loyal followers. See Pss 5:11; 69:36; Isa 56:6. 172tn God’s “word” refers here to his law (see v. 11). 173tn Or “redeem me.” 174tn The cohortative verbal form with vav (ו) conjunctive indicates purpose/result after the preceding imperative. 175tn Heb “cause your face to shine.” 176tn Heb “[with] flowing streams my eyes go down.” 177tn Heb “they”; even though somewhat generic, the referent (people) has been specified in the translation for clarity. 178tn Heb “you commanded [in] justice your rules.” 179tn or “zeal.” 180tn Heb “destroys,” in a hyperbolic sense. 181tn Heb “your words.” 182tn Heb “your justice [is] justice forever.” 183tn Or “truth.” 184tn Heb “find.” 185tn Heb “just are your rules forever.” 186tn The cohortative verbal form with vav (ו) conjunctive indicates purpose/result after the preceding imperative. 187tn The cohortative verbal form with vav (ו) conjunctive indicates purpose/result after the preceding imperative. 188tn Heb “my voice.” 189tn Heb “according to.” 190tn Heb “according to your custom.” 191tn Heb “those who pursue.” 192tn Or “truth.” 193tn Heb “long ago I knew concerning your rules, that forever you established them.” See v. 89 for the same idea. The translation assumes that the preposition מִן (min) prefixed to “your rules” introduces the object of the verb יָדַע (yada’), as in 1 Sam 23:23. Another option is that the preposition indicates source, in which case one might translate, “Long ago I realized from your rules that forever you established them” (cf. NIV, NRSV). 194tn Or “argue my case.” 195tn Heb “and redeem me.” The verb “redeem” casts the Lord in the role of a leader who protects members of his extended family in times of need and crisis (see Ps 19:14). 196tn Heb “far from the wicked [is] deliverance.” 197tn Heb “according to your customs.” 198tn Heb “many [are] those who chase me and my enemies.” 199tn Heb “your word.” 200tn Heb “the head of your word is truth, and forever [is] all your just regulation.” The term “head” is used here of the “sum total” of God’s instructions. 201tn Heb “and because of your instructions my heart trembles.” The psalmist’s healthy “fear” of the consequences of violating God’s instructions motivates him to obey them. See v. 120. 202tn Heb “like one who finds great plunder.” See Judg 5:30. The image is that of a victorious warrior who finds a large amount of plunder on the field of battle. 203tn The number “seven” is use rhetorically to suggest thoroughness. 204tn Heb “great peace [is] to the lovers of your law.” 205tn Heb “and there is no stumbling to them.” 206tn Heb “do.” 207tn Heb “for all my ways [are] before you.” 208tn Heb “may my cry approach before you.” 209tn Heb “may my appeal for mercy come before you.” 210tn Heb “according to your speech.” 211tn Heb “your word.” 212tn The words “to obey” are not in the Hebrew text, but have been supplied in the translation for stylistic reasons and for clarity. 213tn Heb “my life.” 214tn God’s regulations will “help” the psalmist by giving him moral and ethical guidance. 215tn Heb “I stray like a lost sheep.” It is possible that the point of the metaphor is vulnerability: The psalmist, who is threatened by his enemies, feels as vulnerable as a straying, lost sheep. This would not suggest, however, that he has wandered from God’s path (see the second half of the verse, as well as v. 110).