153 Look upon my suffering and rescue me, for I have not forgotten your instructions. 154 Argue my case; take my side! Protect my life as you promised.
155 The wicked are far from rescue, for they do not bother with your decrees.
156 Lord, how great is your mercy; let me be revived by following your regulations.
157 Many persecute and trouble me, yet I have not swerved from your laws.
158 Seeing these traitors makes me sick at heart, because they care nothing for your word.
159 See how I love your commandments, Lord . Give back my life because of your unfailing love.
160 The very essence of your words is truth; all your just regulations will stand forever.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Psalm 119:153-160
Commentary on Psalm 119:153-160
(Read Psalm 119:153-160)
The closer we cleave to the word of God, both as our rule and as our stay, the more assurance we have of deliverance. Christ is the Advocate of his people, their Redeemer. Those who were quickened by his Spirit and grace, when they were dead in trespasses and sins, often need to have the work of grace revived in them, according to the word of promise. The wicked not only do not God's statutes, but they do not even seek them. They flatter themselves that they are going to heaven; but the longer they persist in sin, the further it is from them. God's mercies are tender; they are a fountain that can never be exhausted. The psalmist begs for God's reviving, quickening grace. A man, steady in the way of his duty, though he may have many enemies, needs to fear none. Those that hate sin truly, hate it as sin, as a transgression of the law of God, and a breaking of his word. Our obedience is only pleasing to God, and pleasant to ourselves, when it comes from a principle of love. All, in every age, who receive God's word in faith and love, find every saying in it faithful.