121 <AIN> I have done what is good and right: you will not give me into the hands of those who are working against me. 122 Take your servant's interests into your keeping; let me not be crushed by the men of pride.
123 My eyes are wasted with desire for your salvation, and for the word of your righteousness.
124 Be good to your servant in your mercy, and give me teaching in your rules. 125 I am your servant; give me wisdom, so that I may have knowledge of your unchanging word.
126 It is time, O Lord, for you to let your work be seen; for they have made your law without effect.
127 For this reason I have greater love far your teachings than for gold, even for shining gold. 128 Because of it I keep straight in all things by your orders; and I am a hater of every false way.
129 <PE> Your unchanging word is full of wonder; for this reason my soul keeps it.
130 The opening of your words gives light; it gives good sense to the simple.
131 My mouth was open wide, waiting with great desire for your teachings.
132 Let your eyes be turned to me, and have mercy on me, as it is right for you to do to those who are lovers of your name.
133 Let my steps be guided by your word; and let not sin have control over me.
134 Make me free from the cruel rule of man; then I will keep your orders.
135 Let your servant see the shining of your face; give me knowledge of your rules.
136 Rivers of water are flowing from my eyes, because men do not keep your law.
137 <TZADE> O Lord, great is your righteousness, and upright are your decisions. 138 You have given your unchanging word in righteousness, and it is for ever.
139 My passion has overcome me; because my haters are turned away from your words.
140 Your word is of tested value; and it is dear to your servant.
141 I am small and of no account; but I keep your orders in mind.
142 Your righteousness is an unchanging righteousness, and your law is certain.
143 Pain and trouble have overcome me: but your teachings are my delight. 144 The righteousness of your unchanging word is eternal; give me wisdom so that I may have life.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Psalm 119:121-144
Commentary on Psalm 119:121-128
(Read Psalm 119:121-128)
Happy is the man, who, acting upon gospel principles, does justice to all around. Christ our Surety, having paid our debt and ransom, secures all the blessings of salvation to every true believer. The psalmist expects the word of God's righteousness, and no other salvation than what is secured by that word, which cannot fall to the ground. We deserve no favour form God; we are most easy when we cast ourselves upon God's mercy, and refer ourselves to it. If any man resolve to do God's will as his servant, he shall be made to know his testimonies. We must do what we can for the support of religion, and, after all, must beg of God to take the work into his own hands. It is hypocrisy to say we love God's commandments more than our worldly interests. The way of sin is a false way, being directly contrary to God's precepts, which are right: those that love and esteem God's law, hate sin, and will not be reconciled to it.
Commentary on Psalm 119:129-136
(Read Psalm 119:129-136)
The wonders of redeeming love will fix the heart in adoration of them. The Scriptures show us what we were, what we are, and what we shall be. They show us the mercy and the justice of the Lord, the joys of heaven, and the pains of hell. Thus they give to the simple, in a few days, understanding of those matters, which philosophers for ages sought in vain. The believer, wearied with the cares of life and his conflicts with sin, pants for the consolations conveyed to him by means of the sacred word. And every one may pray, Look thou upon me, and be merciful unto me as thou usest to do unto those that love thy name. We must beg that the Holy Spirit would order our steps. The dominion of sin is to be dreaded and prayed against by every one. The oppression of men is often more than flesh and blood can bear; and He who knoweth our frame, will not refuse to remove it in answer to the prayers of his people. Whatever obscurity may appear as to the faith of the Old Testament believers, their confidence at the throne of grace can only be explained by their having obtained more distinct views of gospel privileges, through the sacrifices and services of their law, than is generally imagined. Go to the same place, plead the name and merits of Jesus, and you will not, you cannot plead in vain. Commonly, where there is a gracious heart, there is a weeping eye. Accept, O Lord, the tears our blessed Redeemer shed in the days of his flesh, for us who should weep for our brethren or ourselves.
Commentary on Psalm 119:137-144
(Read Psalm 119:137-144)
God never did, and never can do wrong to any. The promises are faithfully performed by Him that made them. Zeal against sin should constrain us to do what we can against it, at least to do more in religion ourselves. Our love to the word of God is evidence of our love to God, because it is designed to make us partake his holiness. Men's real excellency always makes them low in their own eyes. When we are small and despised, we have the more need to remember God's precepts, that we may have them to support us. The law of God is the truth, the standard of holiness, the rule of happiness; but the obedience of Christ alone justifies the believer. Sorrows are often the lot of saints in this vale of tears; they are in heaviness through manifold temptations. There are delights in the word of God, which the saints often most sweetly enjoy when in trouble and anguish. This is life eternal, to know God and Jesus Christ whom he has sent, John 17:3. May we live the life of faith and grace here, and be removed to the life of glory hereafter.