Chapter Overview
Summary
Psalm 119 (MT) / Psalm 118 (LXX) is the LONGEST CHAPTER IN THE BIBLE — 176 verses structured as an EIGHT-FOLD ACROSTIC: 22 sections of 8 verses each, one Hebrew-letter per section (aleph through taw), with every verse in a section beginning with the same letter. The psalm is an extended Torah-meditation using eight near-synonyms for Scripture (torah/law, eda/testimony, piqqud/precept, choq/statute, mitzvah/commandment, mishpat/rule, davar/word, imrah/saying) — almost every verse contains at least one. TCR preserves the acrostic-structure by noting each section's letter; we annotate theological-highlights rather than verse-by-verse given the psalm's cumulative rather than sequential argument.
Notable Variants
119:11 'your word have I hidden in my heart'; 119:18 'open my eyes to behold wondrous things from your law'; 119:89 'forever, O LORD, your word is firmly fixed in the heavens'; 119:105 'your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path'; 119:130 'the unfolding of your words gives light' — these five verses anchor the Torah-devotion spirituality that has shaped Christian and Jewish lectio-divina traditions.
Structural Notes
MT Ps 119 = LXX Ps 118. 176 verses in 22 eight-verse sections (aleph through taw). LONGEST CHAPTER IN THE BIBLE.
How blessed are those whose way is blameless, who walk in the instruction of the LORD.
ALEPH (vv. 1–8). 'Blessed are those whose way is blameless, who walk in the law of the LORD!' tracks MT. Two-fold-beatitude opening (vv. 1, 2) — the psalm begins where Psalm 1 began: 'blessed is the man.' Torah-walking as Psalter's opening-and-climax theology.
How blessed are those who guard his testimonies, who seek him with their whole heart.
'Blessed are those who keep his testimonies, who seek him with their whole heart' tracks MT. WHOLE-HEART-SEEKING — Jeremiah 29:13's 'you will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart.'
Indeed they do no wrong; they walk in his ways.
'Who also do no wrong, but walk in his ways!' tracks MT.
You yourself have commanded your precepts to be kept with care.
'You have commanded your precepts to be kept diligently' tracks MT.
If only my ways were firmly set to keep your statutes!
'Oh that my ways may be steadfast in keeping your statutes!' tracks MT.
Then I would not be put to shame when I look at all your commandments.
'Then I shall not be put to shame, having my eyes fixed on all your commandments' tracks MT.
I will give you thanks with an upright heart as I learn your righteous judgments.
'I will praise you with an upright heart, when I learn your righteous rules' tracks MT.
I will keep your statutes — do not utterly forsake me.
'I will keep your statutes; do not utterly forsake me!' tracks MT. 'DO NOT FORSAKE' petition — recurring anxiety.
How can a young person keep his path pure? By guarding it according to your word.
BETH (vv. 9–16). 'How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to your word' tracks MT. YOUNG-MAN-PURIFICATION — classic youth-discipleship verse. 2 Timothy 2:22's 'flee youthful passions' extends.
With my whole heart I seek you; do not let me stray from your commandments.
'With my whole heart I seek you; let me not wander from your commandments!' tracks MT.
In my heart I have treasured your promise, so that I will not sin against you.
'I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you' tracks MT. WORD-STORED-IN-HEART — the scripture-memorization-against-sin theology. Colossians 3:16 ('let the word of Christ dwell in you richly') extends.
Blessed are you, O LORD; teach me your statutes.
'Blessed are you, O LORD; teach me your statutes!' tracks MT.
With my lips I recount all the judgments of your mouth.
'With my lips I declare all the rules of your mouth' tracks MT.
In the way of your testimonies I rejoice as over all wealth.
'In the way of your testimonies I delight as much as in all riches' tracks MT. TORAH-WORTH-MORE-THAN-RICHES valuation.
On your precepts I will meditate, and I will fix my gaze on your paths.
'I will meditate on your precepts and fix my eyes on your ways' tracks MT. MEDITATION-ON-PRECEPTS — Ps 1:2 echoed.
In your statutes I take delight; I will not forget your word.
'I will delight in your statutes; I will not forget your word' tracks MT.
Deal generously with your servant, that I may live and keep your word.
GIMEL (vv. 17–24). 'Deal bountifully with your servant, that I may live and keep your word' tracks MT.
Uncover my eyes, that I may see wondrous things from your instruction.
'Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of your law' tracks MT. OPEN-MY-EYES prayer — one of the Psalter's most-quoted hermeneutical prayers. Luke 24:45 ('he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures') extends Christologically.
I am a stranger in the land; do not hide your commandments from me.
'I am a sojourner on the earth; hide not your commandments from me!' tracks MT. SOJOURNER-ON-EARTH — Heb 11:13's 'strangers and exiles on the earth,' 1 Pet 2:11's 'sojourners and exiles.'
My soul is crushed with longing for your judgments at all times.
'My soul is consumed with longing for your rules at all times' tracks MT.
You rebuke the arrogant — they are cursed, those who stray from your commandments.
'You rebuke the insolent, accursed ones, who wander from your commandments' tracks MT.
Roll away from me scorn and contempt, for I have guarded your testimonies.
'Take away from me scorn and contempt, for I have kept your testimonies' tracks MT.
Even when rulers sit and conspire against me, your servant meditates on your statutes.
'Even though princes sit plotting against me, your servant will meditate on your statutes' tracks MT.
Yes, your testimonies are my delight, my counselors.
'Your testimonies are my delight; they are my counselors' tracks MT.
My soul clings to the dust; revive me according to your word.
DALETH (vv. 25–32). 'My soul clings to the dust; give me life according to your word!' tracks MT.
I told you my ways and you answered me; teach me your statutes.
'When I told of my ways, you answered me; teach me your statutes!' tracks MT.
Make me understand the way of your precepts, and I will meditate on your wonders.
'Make me understand the way of your precepts, and I will meditate on your wondrous works' tracks MT.
My soul melts with grief; raise me up according to your word.
'My soul melts away for sorrow; strengthen me according to your word!' tracks MT.
Remove from me the way of falsehood, and graciously grant me your instruction.
'Put false ways far from me and graciously teach me your law!' tracks MT.
I have chosen the way of faithfulness; your judgments I have set before me.
'I have chosen the way of faithfulness; I set your rules before me' tracks MT.
I cling to your testimonies, O LORD; do not put me to shame.
'I cling to your testimonies, O LORD; let me not be put to shame!' tracks MT.
I will run the way of your commandments, for you enlarge my heart.
'I will run in the way of your commandments when you enlarge my heart!' tracks MT. 'ENLARGED HEART' — 2 Cor 6:11 ('our heart is WIDE OPEN,' peplatyntai) uses the same root.
Teach me, O LORD, the way of your statutes, and I will keep it to the end.
HE (vv. 33–40). 'Teach me, O LORD, the way of your statutes; and I will keep it to the end' tracks MT.
Give me understanding, and I will guard your instruction and keep it with my whole heart.
'Give me understanding, that I may keep your law and observe it with my whole heart' tracks MT.
Lead me in the path of your commandments, for in it I delight.
'Lead me in the path of your commandments, for I delight in it' tracks MT.
Turn my heart toward your testimonies and not toward selfish gain.
'Incline my heart to your testimonies, and not to selfish gain!' tracks MT.
Turn my eyes away from looking at worthless things; revive me in your way.
'Turn my eyes from looking at worthless things; and give me life in your ways' tracks MT. TURN-MY-EYES — classic visual-ethics prayer, paralleling Ps 101:3.
Confirm your promise to your servant, which leads to fearing you.
'Confirm to your servant your promise, that you may be feared' tracks MT.
Take away the disgrace I dread, for your judgments are good.
'Turn away the reproach that I dread, for your rules are good' tracks MT.
See how I long for your precepts! Revive me in your righteousness.
'Behold, I long for your precepts; in your righteousness give me life!' tracks MT.
Let your faithful love come to me, O LORD — your salvation, according to your promise.
WAW (vv. 41–48). 'Let your steadfast love come to me, O LORD, your salvation according to your promise' tracks MT.
Then I will have an answer for those who taunt me, for I trust in your word.
'Then shall I have an answer for him who taunts me, for I trust in your word' tracks MT.
Do not snatch the word of truth from my mouth entirely, for I put my hope in your judgments.
'And take not the word of truth utterly out of my mouth, for my hope is in your rules' tracks MT.
I will keep your instruction continually, forever and ever.
'I will keep your law continually, forever and ever' tracks MT.
I will walk in a wide open place, for I have sought your precepts.
'And I shall walk in a wide place, for I have sought your precepts' tracks MT. WIDE-PLACE / LIBERTY theology — John 8:32 ('the truth will set you free') echoes.
I will speak of your testimonies before kings and will not be ashamed.
'I will also speak of your testimonies before kings and shall not be put to shame' tracks MT. SPEAK-BEFORE-KINGS — Matt 10:18 ('you will be dragged before governors and kings for my sake'), Acts 24–26 (Paul before Felix, Festus, Agrippa) fulfill.
I will delight in your commandments, which I love.
'For I find my delight in your commandments, which I love' tracks MT.
I will lift my hands toward your commandments, which I love, and I will meditate on your statutes.
'I will lift up my hands toward your commandments, which I love, and I will meditate on your statutes' tracks MT.
Remember your word to your servant, in which you have given me hope.
ZAYIN (vv. 49–56). 'Remember your word to your servant, in which you have made me hope' tracks MT.
This is my comfort in my suffering: that your promise has revived me.
'This is my comfort in my affliction, that your promise gives me life' tracks MT.
The arrogant mock me bitterly, but I do not turn from your instruction.
'The insolent utterly deride me, but I do not turn away from your law' tracks MT.
I remember your judgments from of old, O LORD, and I find comfort.
'When I think of your rules from of old, I take comfort, O LORD' tracks MT.
Burning indignation seizes me because of the wicked who abandon your instruction.
'Hot indignation seizes me because of the wicked, who forsake your law' tracks MT.
Your statutes have been my songs in the house of my sojourning.
'Your statutes have been my songs in the house of my sojourning' tracks MT. SONGS-IN-HOUSE-OF-SOJOURNING — earthly-life as pilgrimage-song.
I remember your name in the night, O LORD, and I keep your instruction.
'I remember your name in the night, O LORD, and keep your law' tracks MT.
This has been my way of life: that I have guarded your precepts.
'This blessing has fallen to me, that I have kept your precepts' tracks MT.
The LORD is my portion; I have promised to keep your words.
HETH (vv. 57–64). 'The LORD is my portion; I promise to keep your words' tracks MT. LORD-IS-MY-PORTION — the Levitical-inheritance extended to all believers (Num 18:20, Ps 73:26).
I seek your favor with my whole heart; be gracious to me according to your promise.
'I entreat your favor with all my heart; be gracious to me according to your promise' tracks MT.
I considered my ways and turned my feet back to your testimonies.
'When I think on my ways, I turn my feet to your testimonies' tracks MT.
I hurried and did not delay to keep your commandments.
'I hasten and do not delay to keep your commandments' tracks MT.
The ropes of the wicked have ensnared me, but I have not forgotten your instruction.
'Though the cords of the wicked ensnare me, I do not forget your law' tracks MT.
At midnight I rise to give you thanks for your righteous judgments.
'At midnight I rise to praise you, because of your righteous rules' tracks MT. MIDNIGHT-PRAYER — Acts 16:25 (Paul and Silas praying at midnight in prison) echoes.
I am a companion of all who fear you, of those who keep your precepts.
'I am a companion of all who fear you, of those who keep your precepts' tracks MT.
The earth is full of your faithful love, O LORD; teach me your statutes.
'The earth, O LORD, is full of your steadfast love; teach me your statutes!' tracks MT.
You have dealt well with your servant, O LORD, according to your word.
TETH (vv. 65–72). 'You have dealt well with your servant, O LORD, according to your word' tracks MT.
Teach me good judgment and knowledge, for I trust in your commandments.
'Teach me good judgment and knowledge, for I believe in your commandments' tracks MT.
Before I was humbled I went astray, but now I keep your promise.
'Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I keep your word' tracks MT. AFFLICTION-AS-TEACHER theology.
You are good and you do good; teach me your statutes.
'You are good and do good; teach me your statutes' tracks MT.
The arrogant smear me with lies, but I guard your precepts with my whole heart.
'The insolent smear me with lies, but with my whole heart I keep your precepts' tracks MT.
Their heart is thick like fat, but I delight in your instruction.
'Their heart is unfeeling like fat, but I delight in your law' tracks MT.
It was good for me that I was humbled, so that I might learn your statutes.
'It is good for me that I was afflicted, that I might learn your statutes' tracks MT. IT-IS-GOOD-THAT-I-WAS-AFFLICTED — the discipline-produces-learning theology. Romans 5:3–5 ('suffering produces endurance') extends.
The instruction from your mouth is better to me than thousands of gold and silver pieces.
'The law of your mouth is better to me than thousands of gold and silver pieces' tracks MT. TORAH-BETTER-THAN-GOLD. Proverbs 3:14, Matthew 13:44 (treasure-in-the-field) share the valuation.
Your hands made me and formed me; give me understanding, that I may learn your commandments.
YODH (vv. 73–80). 'Your hands have made and fashioned me; give me understanding that I may learn your commandments' tracks MT.
Those who fear you see me and rejoice, for I have put my hope in your word.
'Those who fear you shall see me and rejoice, because I have hoped in your word' tracks MT.
I know, O LORD, that your judgments are righteous and that in faithfulness you humbled me.
'I know, O LORD, that your rules are righteous, and that in faithfulness you have afflicted me' tracks MT.
Let your faithful love be my comfort, according to your promise to your servant.
'Let your steadfast love comfort me according to your promise to your servant' tracks MT.
Let your compassion come to me, that I may live, for your instruction is my delight.
'Let your mercy come to me, that I may live; for your law is my delight' tracks MT.
Let the arrogant be put to shame, for they wrong me with lies; but I — I will meditate on your precepts.
'Let the insolent be put to shame, because they have wronged me with falsehood; as for me, I will meditate on your precepts' tracks MT.
Let those who fear you turn to me, those who know your testimonies.
'Let those who fear you turn to me, that they may know your testimonies' tracks MT.
Let my heart be blameless in your statutes, so that I will not be put to shame.
'May my heart be blameless in your statutes, that I may not be put to shame!' tracks MT.
My soul wastes away for your salvation; I put my hope in your word.
KAPH (vv. 81–88). 'My soul longs for your salvation; I hope in your word' tracks MT.
My eyes fail with watching for your promise, saying, 'When will you comfort me?'
'My eyes long for your promise; I ask: When will you comfort me?' tracks MT.
Though I have become like a wineskin in smoke, I do not forget your statutes.
'For I have become like a wineskin in the smoke, yet I have not forgotten your statutes' tracks MT. WINESKIN-IN-SMOKE — aged-and-worn simile.
How many days must your servant endure? When will you execute judgment on my pursuers?
'How long must your servant endure? When will you judge those who persecute me?' tracks MT.
The arrogant have dug pits for me — they who do not follow your instruction.
'The insolent have dug pitfalls for me; they do not live according to your law' tracks MT.
All your commandments are faithful; they persecute me with lies — help me!
'All your commandments are sure; they persecute me with falsehood; help me!' tracks MT.
They nearly destroyed me on earth, but I did not abandon your precepts.
'They have almost made an end of me on earth, but I have not forsaken your precepts' tracks MT.
According to your faithful love, revive me, and I will keep the testimony of your mouth.
'In your steadfast love give me life, that I may keep the testimonies of your mouth' tracks MT.
Forever, O LORD, your word stands firm in heaven.
LAMEDH (vv. 89–96). 'Forever, O LORD, your word is firmly fixed in the heavens' tracks MT. WORD-FIXED-IN-HEAVENS theology. Matthew 24:35 ('heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away') extends Christologically. 1 Peter 1:25's 'the word of the Lord abides forever.'
Your faithfulness endures through all generations; you established the earth, and it stands.
'Your faithfulness endures to all generations; you have established the earth, and it stands fast' tracks MT.
By your judgments they stand today, for all things are your servants.
'By your appointment they stand this day, for all things are your servants' tracks MT. ALL-THINGS-YOUR-SERVANTS cosmic-theology.
If your instruction had not been my delight, I would have perished in my suffering.
'If your law had not been my delight, I would have perished in my affliction' tracks MT. TORAH-AS-LIFE-PRESERVATION.
I will never forget your precepts, for by them you have given me life.
'I will never forget your precepts, for by them you have given me life' tracks MT.
I am yours — save me, for I have sought your precepts.
'I am yours; save me, for I have sought your precepts' tracks MT.
The wicked lie in wait to destroy me, but I consider your testimonies.
'The wicked lie in wait to destroy me, but I consider your testimonies' tracks MT.
I have seen a limit to all perfection, but your commandment is boundlessly wide.
'I have seen a limit to all perfection, but your commandment is exceedingly broad' tracks MT. COMMANDMENT-EXCEEDINGLY-BROAD — divine-word transcends all finite-limits.
How I love your instruction! It is my meditation all day long.
MEM (vv. 97–104). 'Oh how I love your law! It is my meditation all the day' tracks MT. LOVE-YOUR-LAW — classical Torah-devotion expression.
Your commandments make me wiser than my enemies, for they are always with me.
'Your commandment makes me wiser than my enemies, for it is ever with me' tracks MT.
I have more insight than all my teachers, for your testimonies are my meditation.
'I have more understanding than all my teachers, for your testimonies are my meditation' tracks MT.
I understand more than the elders, for I guard your precepts.
'I understand more than the aged, for I keep your precepts' tracks MT.
I hold back my feet from every evil path, in order to keep your word.
'I hold back my feet from every evil way, in order to keep your word' tracks MT.
I have not turned from your judgments, for you yourself have taught me.
'I do not turn aside from your rules, for you have taught me' tracks MT.
How sweet is your promise to my taste — sweeter than honey to my mouth!
'How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth!' tracks MT. WORDS-SWEETER-THAN-HONEY. Ezekiel 3:3's 'it was in my mouth AS SWEET AS HONEY' and Revelation 10:9 share the eating-the-scroll imagery.
From your precepts I gain understanding; therefore I hate every false path.
'Through your precepts I get understanding; therefore I hate every false way' tracks MT.
Your word is a lamp for my feet and a light for my path.
NUN (vv. 105–112). 'Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path' tracks MT. LAMP-TO-FEET / LIGHT-TO-PATH — the Bible's most-quoted guidance verse. 2 Peter 1:19 ('a lamp shining in a dark place') extends.
I have sworn an oath and confirmed it: to keep your righteous judgments.
'I have sworn an oath and confirmed it, to keep your righteous rules' tracks MT.
I am deeply afflicted; O LORD, revive me according to your word.
'I am severely afflicted; give me life, O LORD, according to your word!' tracks MT.
Accept the freewill offerings of my mouth, O LORD, and teach me your judgments.
'Accept my freewill offerings of praise, O LORD, and teach me your rules' tracks MT.
My life is constantly in my hands, yet I do not forget your instruction.
'I hold my life in my hand continually, but I do not forget your law' tracks MT.
The wicked set a trap for me, but I do not stray from your precepts.
'The wicked have laid a snare for me, but I do not stray from your precepts' tracks MT.
Your testimonies are my inheritance forever, for they are the joy of my heart.
'Your testimonies are my heritage forever, for they are the joy of my heart' tracks MT.
I incline my heart to perform your statutes forever, to the very end.
'I incline my heart to perform your statutes forever, to the end' tracks MT.
I hate the double-minded, but your instruction I love.
SAMEKH (vv. 113–120). 'I hate the double-minded, but I love your law' tracks MT. DOUBLE-MINDED. James 1:8 ('a double-minded man is unstable in all his ways,' dipsychos) uses the same category.
You are my shelter and my shield; I put my hope in your word.
'You are my hiding place and my shield; I hope in your word' tracks MT.
Depart from me, you evildoers, for I will guard the commandments of my God.
'Depart from me, you evildoers, that I may keep the commandments of my God' tracks MT. Matthew 7:23 ('depart from me, you workers of lawlessness') Christologically inverts: the psalmist speaks to evildoers; Christ as judge speaks to unfruitful-servants.
Sustain me according to your promise, that I may live, and do not let me be ashamed of my hope.
'Uphold me according to your promise, that I may live, and let me not be put to shame in my hope!' tracks MT.
Support me, and I will be saved; I will gaze on your statutes continually.
'Hold me up, that I may be safe and have regard for your statutes continually!' tracks MT.
You reject all who stray from your statutes, for their cunning is a lie.
'You spurn all who go astray from your statutes, for their cunning is in vain' tracks MT.
You remove all the wicked of the earth like dross; therefore I love your testimonies.
'All the wicked of the earth you discard like dross, therefore I love your testimonies' tracks MT.
My flesh shudders in awe of you, and I stand in fear of your judgments.
'My flesh trembles for fear of you, and I am afraid of your judgments' tracks MT.
I have done what is just and right; do not abandon me to my oppressors.
AYIN (vv. 121–128). 'I have done what is just and right; do not leave me to my oppressors' tracks MT.
Be your servant's guarantor for good; do not let the arrogant oppress me.
'Give your servant a pledge of good; let not the insolent oppress me' tracks MT.
My eyes fail with watching for your salvation and for your righteous promise.
'My eyes long for your salvation and for the fulfillment of your righteous promise' tracks MT.
Deal with your servant according to your faithful love, and teach me your statutes.
'Deal with your servant according to your steadfast love, and teach me your statutes' tracks MT.
I am your servant; give me understanding, that I may know your testimonies.
'I am your servant; give me understanding, that I may know your testimonies!' tracks MT.
It is time for the LORD to act, for they have broken your instruction.
'It is time for the LORD to act, for your law has been broken' tracks MT.
Therefore I love your commandments more than gold, more than fine gold.
'Therefore I love your commandments above gold, above fine gold' tracks MT. TORAH-ABOVE-GOLD. Ps 19:10 parallels.
Therefore I consider all your precepts — every one of them — right, and I hate every false path.
'Therefore I consider all your precepts to be right; I hate every false way' tracks MT.
Your testimonies are wonderful; therefore my soul guards them.
PE (vv. 129–136). 'Your testimonies are wonderful; therefore my soul keeps them' tracks MT.
The unfolding of your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple.
'The unfolding of your words gives light; it imparts understanding to the simple' tracks MT. UNFOLDING-GIVES-LIGHT — scriptural-illumination theology. 2 Corinthians 4:6 ('the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ') extends.
I open my mouth and pant, for I long for your commandments.
'I open my mouth and pant, because I long for your commandments' tracks MT.
Turn to me and be gracious to me, as is your way with those who love your name.
'Turn to me and be gracious to me, as is your way with those who love your name' tracks MT.
Steady my steps by your promise, and let no iniquity rule over me.
'Keep steady my steps according to your promise, and let no iniquity get dominion over me' tracks MT. NO-INIQUITY-DOMINION. Romans 6:14 ('sin will have no dominion over you') directly echoes.
Ransom me from human oppression, and I will keep your precepts.
'Redeem me from man's oppression, that I may keep your precepts' tracks MT.
Make your face shine upon your servant, and teach me your statutes.
'Make your face shine upon your servant, and teach me your statutes' tracks MT. FACE-SHINE Aaronic-blessing echo.
Streams of water flow from my eyes because they do not keep your instruction.
'My eyes shed streams of tears, because people do not keep your law' tracks MT. TEARS-OVER-LAW-BREAKING — Jeremiah-like pathos. Luke 19:41 (Jesus weeping over Jerusalem) extends.
You are righteous, O LORD, and your judgments are upright.
TSADHE (vv. 137–144). 'Righteous are you, O LORD, and right are your rules' tracks MT.
You have commanded your testimonies in righteousness and in great faithfulness.
'You have appointed your testimonies in righteousness and in all faithfulness' tracks MT.
My zeal consumes me, because my enemies have forgotten your words.
'My zeal consumes me, because my foes forget your words' tracks MT. ZEAL-CONSUMES — Ps 69:9's 'zeal for your house' → John 2:17.
Your promise is thoroughly refined, and your servant loves it.
'Your promise is well tried, and your servant loves it' tracks MT.
I am small and despised, but I do not forget your precepts.
'I am small and despised, yet I do not forget your precepts' tracks MT.
Your righteousness is righteousness forever, and your instruction is truth.
'Your righteousness is righteous forever, and your law is true' tracks MT.
Trouble and distress have found me, but your commandments are my delight.
'Trouble and anguish have found me out, but your commandments are my delight' tracks MT.
Your testimonies are righteous forever; give me understanding, and I will live.
'Your testimonies are righteous forever; give me understanding that I may live' tracks MT.
I cry out with my whole heart — answer me, O LORD! I will guard your statutes.
QOPH (vv. 145–152). 'With my whole heart I cry; answer me, O LORD! I will keep your statutes' tracks MT.
I call to you — save me, and I will keep your testimonies.
'I call to you; save me, that I may observe your testimonies' tracks MT.
I rise before dawn and cry for help; I put my hope in your word.
'I rise before dawn and cry for help; I hope in your words' tracks MT. PRE-DAWN PRAYER. Mark 1:35 (Jesus rising 'very early in the morning, while it was still dark' to pray) echoes.
My eyes are open before the night watches, that I may meditate on your promise.
'My eyes are awake before the watches of the night, that I may meditate on your promise' tracks MT. NIGHT-WATCH meditation.
Hear my voice according to your faithful love; O LORD, revive me according to your judgment.
'Hear my voice according to your steadfast love; O LORD, according to your justice give me life' tracks MT.
Those who pursue evil schemes draw near; they are far from your instruction.
'They draw near who persecute me with evil purpose; they are far from your law' tracks MT.
You are near, O LORD, and all your commandments are truth.
'But you are near, O LORD, and all your commandments are true' tracks MT.
Long ago I learned from your testimonies that you established them forever.
'Long have I known from your testimonies that you have founded them forever' tracks MT.
See my suffering and rescue me, for I have not forgotten your instruction.
RESH (vv. 153–160). 'Look on my affliction and deliver me, for I do not forget your law' tracks MT.
Plead my case and redeem me; revive me according to your promise.
'Plead my cause and redeem me; give me life according to your promise!' tracks MT.
Salvation is far from the wicked, for they do not seek your statutes.
'Salvation is far from the wicked, for they do not seek your statutes' tracks MT.
Your mercies are great, O LORD; revive me according to your judgments.
'Great is your mercy, O LORD; give me life according to your rules' tracks MT.
My persecutors and enemies are many, but I do not turn from your testimonies.
'Many are my persecutors and my adversaries, but I do not swerve from your testimonies' tracks MT.
I look at the faithless and feel disgust, because they do not keep your promise.
'I look at the faithless with disgust, because they do not keep your commands' tracks MT.
See how I love your precepts! O LORD, revive me according to your faithful love.
'Consider how I love your precepts! Give me life according to your steadfast love' tracks MT.
The sum of your word is truth, and every one of your righteous judgments endures forever.
'The sum of your word is truth, and every one of your righteous rules endures forever' tracks MT. SUM-OF-YOUR-WORD-IS-TRUTH. John 17:17 ('your word is truth,' ho logos ho sos alētheia estin) directly echoes.
Rulers persecute me without cause, but my heart stands in awe of your word.
SHIN/SIN (vv. 161–168). 'Princes persecute me without cause, but my heart stands in awe of your words' tracks MT.
I rejoice over your promise like one who finds great treasure.
'I rejoice at your word like one who finds great spoil' tracks MT.
I hate and despise falsehood, but your instruction I love.
'I hate and abhor falsehood, but I love your law' tracks MT.
Seven times a day I praise you for your righteous judgments.
'Seven times a day I praise you for your righteous rules' tracks MT. SEVEN-TIMES-A-DAY — this verse supplied the foundation for the seven-hour-divine-office schedule (Matins, Lauds, Prime, Terce, Sext, None, Vespers, Compline — plus midnight Vigils, adjusted). The Rule of St. Benedict (RB 16.1) explicitly cites this verse as the warrant for the liturgical-hours.
Great peace belongs to those who love your instruction, and nothing causes them to stumble.
'Great peace have those who love your law; nothing can make them stumble' tracks MT. GREAT-PEACE — Phil 4:7's 'peace of God which passes all understanding.'
I hope for your salvation, O LORD, and I do your commandments.
'I hope for your salvation, O LORD, and I do your commandments' tracks MT.
My soul keeps your testimonies, and I love them deeply.
'My soul keeps your testimonies; I love them exceedingly' tracks MT.
I keep your precepts and your testimonies, for all my ways are before you.
'I keep your precepts and testimonies, for all my ways are before you' tracks MT.
Let my cry come before you, O LORD; give me understanding according to your word.
TAW (vv. 169–176). 'Let my cry come before you, O LORD; give me understanding according to your word!' tracks MT.
Let my plea come before you; deliver me according to your promise.
'Let my plea come before you; deliver me according to your word' tracks MT.
My lips will pour out praise, for you teach me your statutes.
'My lips will pour forth praise, for you teach me your statutes' tracks MT.
My tongue will sing of your promise, for all your commandments are righteous.
'My tongue will sing of your word, for all your commandments are right' tracks MT.
Let your hand be ready to help me, for I have chosen your precepts.
'Let your hand be ready to help me, for I have chosen your precepts' tracks MT.
I long for your salvation, O LORD, and your instruction is my delight.
'I long for your salvation, O LORD, and your law is my delight' tracks MT.
Let my soul live, and it will praise you, and let your judgments help me.
'Let my soul live and praise you, and let your rules help me' tracks MT.
I have wandered like a lost sheep; seek your servant, for I have not forgotten your commandments.
'I have gone astray like a lost sheep; seek your servant, for I do not forget your commandments' tracks MT. LOST-SHEEP closure. Matthew 18:12–14 (parable of the lost sheep), Luke 15:4–7, John 10:11 (Good Shepherd) all extend — the 'SEEK YOUR SERVANT' petition is answered Christologically in the Good Shepherd's seeking-the-one-lost-sheep.