I have done what is just and righteous. Don’t leave me to my oppressors.
Ensure your servant’s well-being. Don’t let the proud oppress me.
My eyes fail looking for your salvation, for your righteous word.
Parallel Translations
-
I have done what is just and righteous. Don’t leave me to my oppressors.
Ensure your servant’s well-being. Don’t let the proud oppress me.
My eyes fail looking for your salvation, for your righteous word.
-
I have done judgment and justice: leave me not to mine oppressors.
Be surety for thy servant for good: let not the proud oppress me.
Mine eyes fail for thy salvation, and for the word of thy righteousness.
Show all 3 translations
-
AIN. I have done justice and righteousness; leave me not to mine oppressors.
Be surety for Thy servant for good; let not the proud oppress me.
Mine eyes fail for Thy salvation, and for Thy righteous word.
Cross-references (25)
- Hebrews 7:22 (v122) By so much, Jesus has become the collateral of a better covenant.
- 2 Samuel 8:15 (v121) David reigned over all Israel; and David executed justice and righteousness for all his people.
- Psalms 18:20-24 (v121) Yahweh has rewarded me according to my righteousness. According to the cleanness of my hands, he has recompensed me. For I have kept the…
- Psalms 119:21 (v122) You have rebuked the proud who are cursed, who wander from your commandments.
- Psalms 130:6 (v123) My soul longs for the Lord more than watchmen long for the morning, more than watchmen for the morning.
Show all 25 cross-references
- Job 17:3 (v122) “Now give a pledge. Be collateral for me with yourself. Who is there who will strike hands with me?
- Psalms 37:33 (v121) Yahweh will not leave him in his hand, nor condemn him when he is judged.
- Psalms 69:3 (v123) I am weary with my crying. My throat is dry. My eyes fail looking for my God.
- Psalms 119:81-82 (v123) My soul faints for your salvation. I hope in your word. My eyes fail for your word. I say, “When will you comfort me?”
- Psalms 143:7 (v123) Hurry to answer me, Yahweh. My spirit fails. Don’t hide your face from me, so that I don’t become like those who go down into the pit.
- Proverbs 22:26-27 (v122) Don’t you be one of those who strike hands, of those who are collateral for debts. If you don’t have means to pay, why should he take away…
- Isaiah 38:14 (v122) I chattered like a swallow or a crane. I moaned like a dove. My eyes weaken looking upward. Lord, I am oppressed. Be my security.”
- Lamentations 4:17 (v123) Our eyes still fail, looking in vain for our help. In our watching we have watched for a nation that could not save.
- 2 Corinthians 1:12 (v121) For our boasting is this: the testimony of our conscience, that in holiness and sincerity of God, not in fleshly wisdom but in the grace of…
- Genesis 43:9 (v122) I’ll be collateral for him. From my hand will you require him. If I don’t bring him to you, and set him before you, then let me bear the…
- 1 Samuel 24:11-15 (v121) Moreover, my father, behold, yes, see the skirt of your robe in my hand; for in that I cut off the skirt of your robe, and didn’t kill you,…
- 1 Samuel 25:28 (v121) Please forgive the trespass of your servant. For Yahweh will certainly make my lord a sure house, because my lord fights Yahweh’s battles.…
- Psalms 7:3-5 (v121) Yahweh, my God, if I have done this, if there is iniquity in my hands, if I have rewarded evil to him who was at peace with me (yes, I have…
- Psalms 36:11 (v122) Don’t let the foot of pride come against me. Don’t let the hand of the wicked drive me away.
- Psalms 57:3-4 (v121) He will send from heaven, and save me, he rebukes the one who is pursuing me. God will send out his loving kindness and his truth. My soul…
- Psalms 75:2 (v121) When I choose the appointed time, I will judge blamelessly.
- Acts 21:16 (v121) Some of the disciples from Caesarea also went with us, bringing one Mnason of Cyprus, an early disciple, with whom we would stay.
- Acts 25:10-11 (v121) But Paul said, “I am standing before Caesar’s judgment seat, where I ought to be tried. I have done no wrong to the Jews, as you also know…
- Philemon 1:18-19 (v122) But if he has wronged you at all or owes you anything, put that to my account. I, Paul, write this with my own hand: I will repay it (not…
- 2 Peter 2:9 (v121) the Lord knows how to deliver the godly out of temptation and to keep the unrighteous under punishment for the day of judgment,
Cross-references from openbible.info (CC BY 4.0)
Explain this passage (19 sources)
Historical commentary, presented as a primary source — not an endorsement.
Private notes
Saved on this device only — never synced or sent anywhere.
John Calvin 1540 · Public Domain On vv121–123 121. I have done judgment and righteousness. The Prophet…
121. I have done judgment and righteousness. The Prophet implores the help of God against the wicked who troubled him, and he does so in such a manner as at the same time to testify that the harassing treatment he received from them was on his part altogether undeserved. If we would have God to come down to succor us, it becomes us to see to it that we meet him with the testimony of a good conscience. As He everywhere promises his aid to the afflicted who are unrighteously oppressed, it is no superfluous protestation which the Prophet makes, that he had not provoked his enemies, but had restrained himself from all injury and wrong-doing, and had not even attempted to requite evil for evil. In asserting that he had at all times done judgment, he means that whatever rite wicked practiced, he steadfastly persevered in following after integrity, and never turned aside from what was just and right in any of his public or private transactions.
John Calvin's Commentaries (1540-1563) — public domain. Text from the Calvin Translation Society English edition (1840s-50s) via the Christian Classics Ethereal Library (ccel.org). Calvin's coverage is partial (roughly two-thirds of the Bible); uncommented books and verses are honest gaps, never fabricated. The 19th-century editor's footnotes and remarks are omitted so the notes are faithfully Calvin's own voice.
Geneva Bible translators 1599 · Public Domain On v122 Put thyself between mine enemies and me, as if…
Put thyself between mine enemies and me, as if thou were my pledge.
Geneva Bible (1599) marginal notes — public domain.
John Trapp 1656 · Public Domain On vv121–123 Psa 119:121 AIN. I have done judgment and justice:…
Psa 119:121 AIN. I have done judgment and justice: leave me not to mine oppressors.
Ver. 121. I have done judgment and justice] I have lived in all good conscience before God until this day, Act 23:1; my cause is right, and my carriage righteous. But innocence is no target against detraction and deadly practice; therefore
Read full note →
Leave me not to mine oppressors] Or traducers for they will soon exceed their commission, Zec 1:15.
John Trapp, A Commentary or Exposition upon All the Books of the Old and New Testament (1647–1656) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
Matthew Poole 1685 · Public Domain On vv121–123 Judgment and justice, i.e. just judgment, as Ecc 5:8,…
AIN
Judgment and justice, i.e. just judgment, as Ecc 5:8, to wit, towards mine oppressors, whom I have no way injured.
Matthew Poole's English Annotations on the Holy Bible (1683–1685) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword/MySword module.
Matthew Henry 1710 · Public Domain On vv121, 123 David here appeals to God, 1. As his witness…
David here appeals to God, 1. As his witness that he had not done wrong; he could truly say, "I have done judgment and justice, that is, I have made conscience of rendering to all their due, and have not by force or fraud hindered any of their right." Take him as a king, he executed judgment and justice to all his people, Sa2 8:15. Take him in a private capacity, he could appeal to Saul himself that there was no evil or transgression in his hand, Sa1 24:11. Note, Honesty is the best policy and will be our rejoicing in the day of evil. 2. As his Judge, that he might not be wronged. Having done justice for others that were oppressed, he begs that God would do him justice and avenge him of his adversaries: "Be surety for thy servant, for good; undertake for me against those that would run me down and ruin me." He is sensible that he cannot make his part good himself, and therefore begs that God would appear for him. Christ is our surety with God; and, if he be so, Providence shall be our surety against all the world. Who or what shall harm us if God's power and goodness be engaged for our protection and rescue? He does not prescribe to God what he should do for him; only let it be for good, in such way and manner as Infinite Wisdom sees best; "only let me not be left to my oppressors." Though David had done judgment and justice, yet he had many enemies; but, having God for his friend, he hoped they should not have their will against him; and in that hope he prayed again, Let not the proud oppress me. David, one of the best of men, was oppressed by the proud, whom God beholds afar off; the condition therefore of the persecuted is better than that of the persecutors, and will appear so at last.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Whole Bible (1708–1710) — public domain (CC PDM 1.0). Text via the HelloAO Bible API.
John Gill 1763 · Public Domain On vv121–123 I am thy servant,.... Not only by creation, but…
I am thy servant,.... Not only by creation, but by grace; and as he had a work to do, he desires to know what it was; and as it was proper he should know his Master's will, he applies to him for it; using this as an argument, that he was his servant, devoted to his service, and willing to perform it to the best of his knowledge and ability; and therefore prays,
give me understanding, that I may know thy testimonies; the Scriptures, which testify of the will of God; which are only rightly understood by those who have their understandings opened and enlightened; or have an understanding given them, that they may understand them, so as to receive and embrace the doctrine, and do the precepts of them: and such an understanding is the gift of God, and owing to his powerful and efficacious grace; see Luk 24:45.
John Gill's Exposition of the Whole Bible (1746–1763) — public domain (CC PDM 1.0). Text via the HelloAO Bible API.
John Wesley 1765 · Public Domain On vv121–123 Judgment, &c. - Just judgment.
Judgment, &c. - Just judgment.
John Wesley, Explanatory Notes Upon the Whole Bible (1754–1765) — public domain. Text via the GEBible commentary corpus.
Adam Clarke 1810 · Public Domain On vv121–123 LETTER ע AIN. - Sixteenth Division
LETTER ע AIN. - Sixteenth Division
Verse 121. I have done judgment and justice] I have given the best decision possible on every case that came before me; and I have endeavoured to render to all their due.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible (1810–1826) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword/MySword module.
Joseph Benson 1811 · Public Domain On v121 Psa 119:121-124. I have done judgment and justice —…
AIN.
Psa 119:121-124. I have done judgment and justice — That is, just judgment, Ecc 5:7, namely, toward mine oppressors, whom I have no way injured. Be surety for thy servant for good — For my safety and comfort. Do thou undertake and plead my cause against all my enemies, as a surety rescues the poor persecuted debtor from the hands of a severe creditor. Mine eyes fail, &c., for the word of thy righteousness — For the performance of thy righteous, or faithful, or merciful word, or promise. Deal, &c., according to thy mercy — Not according to strict justice, nor according to my sins.
Joseph Benson's Commentary on the Old and New Testaments (1811–1818) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
Albert Barnes 1834 · Public Domain On vv121–123 I have done judgment and justice - This commences…
I have done judgment and justice - This commences a new division of the psalm, indicated by the Hebrew letter Ayin (ע ‛) - a letter which cannot well be represented in the English alphabet, as there is, in fact, no letter in our language exactly corresponding with it. It would be best represented probably by what are called “breathings” in Greek. The meaning of the first part of this verse is, “I have led a righteous and upright life.” It is equivalent to saying that he had kept the law of God, or had made that the rule of his conduct.
Leave me not to mine oppressors - To the people who would do me wrong; who seek my hurt. He urged this on the ground that he had been obedient to the divine law, and might, therefore, with propriety, make this request, or might claim the divine protection. Man has no merit of his own, and no claim on God; but when he is his true friend, it is not improper to expect that he will interpose in his behalf; nor is it improper to present this in the form of a prayer. Our loving God, and serving him, though it is done imperfectly, is, in fact, a reason why he should and will interpose in our behalf.
Albert Barnes' Notes on the Bible (1834–1885) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword/MySword module.
Daniel D. Whedon 1874 · Public Domain On v121 ע, Ayin.
ע, Ayin.
121-128. Leave me not to mine oppressors—Let “him that thinketh he standeth, take heed lest he fall.” Such is the line of thought in this division. In the pressure of evil the strongest has feelings of weakness. When the rod of the wicked rests heavily on the lot of the righteous, the latter is tempted to put forth his hand to iniquity. Hope and confidence need to be sustained by prayer. When men make void—nullify—the law, it still remains law, and the giver will know how to magnify and make it honourable. Therefore the psalmist loves and abides by it, even when he sees it broken.
Daniel D. Whedon (gen. ed.), Commentary on the Old and New Testaments (1874–1909) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges 1878 · Public Domain On vv121–123 121. Conscious of his own rectitude the Psalmist prays…
121. Conscious of his own rectitude the Psalmist prays that he may not be abandoned to the will of his oppressors. His conduct corresponds to the character of God. Cp. Psa_33:5; Psa_89:14.
121–128. Ayin. It is time for Jehovah to interpose on behalf of His servant, but the faithlessness of men only confirms his love for the law.
The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges (gen. ed. J. J. S. Perowne; Cambridge University Press, 1878–1918) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers 1878 · Public Domain On vv122–123 (122) Be surety.—Just as Judah became surety for the…
AIN.
(122) Be surety.—Just as Judah became surety for the safety of Benjamin (Gen_43:9), so the psalmist asks God to be answerable for the servant who had been faithful to the covenant, and stand between him and the attacks of the proud. So Hezekiah (Isa_38:14) asks God to “undertake” for him against the threat of death. There is also, no doubt, the further thought that the Divine protection would vindicate the profession which the loyal servant makes of his obedience, as in Job_17:3, where God is summoned as the only possible guarantee of the sufferer’s innocence. This and Psa_119:132 are the only verses not actually mentioning, under one of its terms, the Law.
A Bible Commentary for English Readers, edited by Charles John Ellicott (1878–1897) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
The Pulpit Commentary 1880 · Public Domain On vv121–123 I have done judgment and justice (comp. vers. 30,…
eAIN.
I have done judgment and justice (comp. vers. 30, 31, 55, 56, etc). Leave me not to mine oppressors; rather, thou wilt not leave me to mine oppressors. The nexus of the thought seems to be, "As I have not oppressed any, so wilt thou not suffer me to be crushed by oppression.
Read full note →
Vers. 121-136. Looking to God.
A very large part of our Christian life is found in the uplifting of our heart to God in silent or vocal prayer. We look up for
I HIS MERCIFUL REGARD. (Vers. 124, 132, 135) We ask God to regard us as those who have humbled themselves before him, who trust in his mercy, who are his children in Jesus Christ; and we know that we shall not appeal in vain. To all such he has promised his merciful regard, the light of his countenance, his abiding favor, his Divine friendship.
II SPIRITUAL DISCERNMENT. (Vers. 124, latter part, 125-135) It is the continually recurring note, "Teach me thy statutes." In the words of the awakened apostle, "Lord, what wilt thou have me to do?" In our own ignorance, and in the confusion caused by so many contending voices, each purporting to be the truth, we may well cry, Give me understanding," etc. (ver. 125). We want to know with whom, in the Church and in the world, we should be associated; what is the true meaning and what the real message our Master delivered by his own lips or through the writings of his apostles; how we can best serve him in the field of active work, etc. We want to be able to distinguish between the plausible and the true, between the attractive and the wise, in all the counsels that are uttered in his Name. There is nothing we more need than spiritual discernment, when so many lights are shining of which we may be sure that some are not kindled at the altar of heavenly wisdom.
III HIS PROTECTION. (Vers. 121, 134) Oppression is not so rampant now as it has been, but it still exists in many places and in many forms. So that there is still need for the psalmist"s prayer; and it may be that many a heart, in loneliness and suffering, finds relief in this appeal to God, "Leave me not to my oppressors." The psalmist goes further; he asks for
a. THE ASSURANCE OF HIS PROTECTION. (Ver. 122) Such as God gave to Moses when he sent him to Pharaoh, and to David and Solomon when he gave them their thrones; such as Christ gave to Paul when he was in Corinth and was shrinking in spirit before his stupendous task. (Act_18:9, Act_18:10) Our Lord gives us the assurance that no harm shall happen to us which he does not permit, which he will not control and overrule for good. (Mat_5:11, 12 10:29-31)
b. THE PRESERVATION OF OUR SPIRITUAL INTEGRITY. (Ver. 133) Our first and chief obligation is to continue in that path of holy service in which the grace of God has placed us, and to maintain our freedom from everything that degrades and enslaves us. But this is a great thing to do; many have set forth on their Christian course confident of success, and they have been defeated. They have wandered from the way of wisdom; they have become the victim of some degrading habit. They did not look up to God daily and earnestly, or they would have been upheld. If there be any signs, however slight, of moral entanglement, let "our eyes be ever unto the Lord, and he will pluck our feet out of the net". (Psa_25:15)
VI HIS INTERVENTION. (Vers. 126, 136) Grieved at heart, perplexed in spirit, overwhelmed by the forces of evil and the temporary triumph of iniquity, what can we do? We may not cease to bear our testimony to the truth, but we may bring our burden to the Lord; we may plead that the cause of righteousness is not ours, but his, and pray, hopefully and even confidently, for the manifestation of his power. "It is time for thee, Lord, to work.
Vers. 121-128. An appeal of the righteous to the righteous God against the unrighteous.
The psalmist
I PLEADS HIS INNOCENCE AND INTEGRITY. (Ver. 121) "If I will not oppress others, I may hopefully pray that others may not oppress me". (1Jn_3:20) It was a great thing in those days of old, when might stood for right in well-nigh all men"s estimation, when"They should take who have the power, And they should keep who can was considered "the good old rule, the simple plan." At such time for a man to be able to say, "I have done justice and judgment," was indeed a rare and remarkable thing. But if, by the grace of God, this has been true of us, and we know it, there is no wrong in the affirmation of it when pleading before God.
II IMPLIES GOD"S PROTECTION. (Ver. 122) "Be Surety;" that is, "be my Champion, my Defender." He knows the righteous Lord loveth righteousness, and therefore he confidently appeals to him. Nothing so secures the putting forth of the Divine power as the consciousness and confession of the littleness of our own.
III DEPRECATES ITS LONG DELAY. (Ver. 123) "He wept, waited, and watched" for its coming, until from very weariness his eyesight began to give way. It is good to tell the Lord our trouble, to pour it out before him as the psalmist does here. Trouble is like water; it gets less by being poured from one vessel into another.
IV CONFESSES HIS NEED OF MERCY. (Ver. 124) Before men he could hold up his head, and declare that he was guilty of no wrong, as in ver. 121; but before God it is mercy that he implores, for he, as all who know themselves, knew full well his need thereof.
V FOR THE THIRD TIME AVOWS THAT HE IS GOD"S "SERVANT." (Vers. 122, 124, 125) Why this repeated avowal? Surely it is:
1. A confession of Gods absolute right to deal with him as he pleases. He is the absolute property of God by creation, redemption, preservation, and personal choice. But:
2. A profession of confident trust that the Lord wilt be mindful of his own, will not give him over unto the will of his enemies.
3. It is a renewal of his self-devotion. He does not want to renounce his service, to take anything back, but rather, under the oppression of his enemies, he would all the more consecrate himself to God. Where God gives a spirit like this, it is the sure harbinger and herald of the speedy coming of the needed help. It lays hold upon God.
VI CALLS ATTENTION TO THE PREVAILING CORRUPTION. (Ver. 126) How often God"s servants have said, "It is time for thee, Lord, to work"! and when they have been made deeply sensible of the sins and sorrows of men, so that their hearts grieve over them (see ver. 136), then it is a token that the time for the Lord"s interposition is at hand. "Where the carcass is, there will the vultures be gathered together.
VII PROTESTS THAT, HOWEVER IT BE WITH MEN GENERALLY, HE LOGES AND ESTEEMS THE LORD"S COMMANDMENTS AS ALTOGETHER RIGHT AND PRECIOUS. (Cf. Joh_21:15-17) Such are the appeals and the appellants that have favor with God and prevail righteous, lowly, earnest, devoted, grieved at sin, true, believing. S.C.
The Pulpit Commentary (1880–1919), ed. H.D.M. Spence-Jones & Joseph S. Exell — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
Charles H. Spurgeon 1885 · Public Domain On vv121–123 Ver. 121. I have done judgment and justice. This…
Ver. 121. I have done judgment and justice. This was a great thing for an Eastern ruler to say at any time, for these despots mostly cared more far gain than justice. Some of them altogether neglected their duty, and would not even do judgment at all, preferring their pleasures to their duties; and many more of them sold their judgments to the highest bidders by taking bribes, or regarding the persons of men. Some rulers gave neither judgment nor justice, others gave judgment without justice, but David gave judgment and justice, and saw that his sentences were carried out. He could claim before the Lord that he had dealt out even handed justice, and was doing so still. On this fact he founded a plea with which he backed the prayer "Leave me not to mine oppressors." He who, as far as his power goes, has been doing right, may hope to be delivered from his superiors when attempts are made by them to do him wrong. If I will not oppress others, I may hopefully pray that others may not oppress me. A course of upright conduct is one which gives us boldness in appealing to the Great Judge for deliverance from the injustice of others. Nor is this kind of pleading to be censured as self righteous: when we are dealing with God as to our shortcomings, we use a very different tone from that with which we face the censures of our fellow men; when they are in the question, and we are guiltless towards them, we are justified in pleading our innocence.
Ver. 121. This commences a new division of the Psalm indicated by the Hebrew letter Ain a letter which cannot well be represented in the English alphabet, as there is, in fact, no letter in our language exactly corresponding with it. It would be best represented probably by what are called "breathings" in Greek. Albert Barnes.
Read full note →
Ver. 121. I have done judgment against the wicked, "and justice" towards the good. Simon de Muis, 1587-1644.
Ver. 121. I have done judgment and justice. Here the view of David in his judicial capacity might present itself to us; and if so, we have David in the midst of large experience; for the words would take in a large portion of his life. How blessed were their reflections, if, after a long reign, all sovereign rulers could thus appeal unto God. It should be so; for to him all shall be accountable at last. Even although we only conceive of David as speaking in the character of a private man, the sentiment is worthy of all consideration... For parents to say this of their dealings with their children, masters of servants, a man of his neighbours, is very excellent. John Stephen.
Ver. 121. Judgment and "justice, "are often put in Scripture for the same, and when put together, the latter is as an epithet to the former. "I have done judgment and justice, "that is, I have done judgment justly, exactly, to a hair. Joseph Caryl.
Ver. 121.
Do right and be a king,
Be this thy brazen bulwark of defence,
Still to preserve thy conscious innocence,
Nor ever turn pale with guilt. Francis's Horace.
Ver. 121. If our heart condemn us not, then have we confidence before God: 1Jo 3:21. This "testimony of conscience" has often been "the rejoicing" of the Lord's people, when suffering under unmerited reproach or "proud oppression." They have been enabled to plead it without offence in the presence of their holy, heart searching God; nay, even when, in the near prospect of the great and final account, they might well have been supposed to shrink from the strict and unerring scrutiny of their Omniscient Judge. Perhaps, however, we are not sufficiently aware of the importance of moral integrity in connexion with our spiritual comfort. Mark the boldness which it gave David in prayer: "I have done judgment and justice: leave me not to mine oppressors." Charles Bridges.
Ver. 121. Leave me not to mine oppressors. That is, maintain me against those who would wrong me, because I do right; interpose thyself between me and my enemies, as if thou wert my pledge. Impartial justice upon oppressors sometimes lays judges open to oppression; but yet they who run greatest hazards in zeal for God shall find God ready to be their surety, when they pray, "be surety for thy servant, "as in the next verse. Abraham Wright.
Ver. 121-122. I have done judgment and justice; but, that I may always do it, and never fail in doing it, "uphold thy servant unto good, "by directing him, so that he may always relish what is good, and then the consequence will be that "the proud will not calumniate me; "for he that is well established "unto good, "and so made up that nothing but what is good and righteous will be agreeable to him, he will so persevere that he will have no reason for fearing "the proud that calumniate him." Robert Bellarmine.
Verses 121-128. The just man's prayer against injustice. Out of the prison of oppression he appeals to God to be his surely (Ps 119:121-122); utters his weary longing for deliverance (Ps 119:123-125); points to the "time" (Ps 119:126); and professes his supreme love for God's law in contrast to the oppressors' contempt of it (Ps 119:127-128).
Outlines Upon Keywords of the Psalm, by Pastor C. A. Davis.
Ver. 121-122. The double appeal.
1. Of conscious integrity: "I have done judgment, "etc.
2. Of conscious deficiency: "Be surety for thy servant for good." C.A.D.
Psalms 119:122*
Ver. 122. Be surety for thy servant for good. Answer for me. Do not leave thy poor servant to die by the hand of his enemy and thine. Take up my interests and weave them with thine own, and stand for me. As my Master, undertake thy servants' cause, and represent me before the faces of haughty men till they see what an august ally I have in the Lord my God.
Let not the proud oppress me. Thine interposition will answer the purpose of my rescue: when the proud see that thou art my advocate they will hide their heads. We should have been crushed beneath our proud adversary the devil if our Lord Jesus had not stood between us and the accuser, and become a surety for us. It is by his suretyship that we escape like a bird from the snare of the fowler. What a blessing to be able to leave our matters in our Surety's hands, knowing that all will be well, since he has an answer for every accuser, a rebuke for every reviler.
Good men dread oppression, for it makes even a wise man mad, and they send up their cries to heaven for deliverance; nor shall they cry in vain, for the Lord will undertake the cause of his servants, and fight their battles against the proud. The word "servant" is wisely used,as a plea for favour for himself, and the word "proud" as an argument against his enemies. It seems to be inevitable that proud men should become oppressors, and that they should take most delight in oppressing really gracious men.
Charles H. Spurgeon's The Treasury of David (1869–1885) — public domain. Psalms only. Text from a community e-Sword/MySword module.
The Biblical Illustrator 1887 · Public Domain On v121 I have done judgment and justice.
Psa_119:121-123
I have done judgment and justice.
Read full note →
What every man should do, and what every man requires
I. What every man should do. I have done judgment and justice. The whole moral code of the universe may be reduced to two words--Be just.
1. Be just to self. Properly train your own faculties, discipline your own affections, regulate your own activities.
2. Be just to other creatures. Whether they be small or large, irrational or intelligent. The meanest insect as well as the greatest soul hem claims on you.
3. Be just to the Creator. The kindest Being thank the most, the greatest Being reverence the most, the best Being adore the most.
II. What every man requires. Be surety for Thy servant for good; or, as some read, Interpose for Thy servant for good. There is a thing here which every man requires, viz. the merciful interposition of God. Be surety--interpose--for Thy servant. Unless He, in mercy, intervenes on our behalf, we are ruined for ever. Every awakened soul hungers for this, it is the great hunger of the soul. Mine eyes fail for Thy salvation. (Homilist.)
The Biblical Illustrator, edited by Joseph S. Exell (c. 1880s–1900s) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
Paul E. Kretzmann 1924 · Public Domain On v121 Ain. The Proper Estimation of God’s Word in the…
Ain. The Proper Estimation of God’s Word in the Midst of Oppression. —
v. 121. I have done judgment and justice, performing and observing the rules of conduct which have been labeled with God’s approval in His Word; leave me not to mine oppressors. Just as the consciousness of guilt aggravates any suffering, so the feeling of having performed one’s duty yields at least a measure of comfort.
Read full note →
v. 122. Be surety for Thy servant for good, becoming his advocate and so answerable for him against the slurs and accusations of the enemies; let not the proud the arrogant mockers, oppress me, by making use of cruelty whenever opportunity offers and they feel that they have the power to use it.
v. 123. Mine eyes fail, with anxious gazing, for Thy salvation, for the final deliverance promised to all believers, and for the Word of Thy righteousness, in which the righteousness of the Lord is promised to all those who accept it in faith. This is, of course, not a matter of merit on his part, as the psalmist says:
v. 124. Deal with Thy servant according unto Thy mercy, according to His free grace and favor, the outflow of His love, and teach me Thy statutes; for every believer, having accepted the mercy of the heavenly Father, is anxious to show his appreciation of it by following the precepts of His holy will as closely as possible.
v. 125. I am Thy servant, desiring nothing more than to occupy a position of the lowest service before Jehovah; give me understanding, a proper appreciation and insight, that I may know Thy testimonies, the Word in which God testifies of Himself, for the truth, against sin.
v. 126. It is time for Thee, Lord, to work, all the signs and conditions of the times point to the urgent need of the Lord’s interference; for they have made void Thy Law, set aside His Word as no longer possessing validity, just as the godless scoffers are trying to do in our days. A thorough and firm knowledge of the Word being all the more necessary when the enmity against it is so great, the psalmist adds:
v. 127. Therefore I love Thy commandments above gold, yea, above fine gold, which might be his as the reward of denial of the truth.
v. 128. Therefore I esteem all Thy precepts concerning all things to be right, he is bound to acknowledge all the directions of the Lord as good and praiseworthy, not only in matters of doctrine, but also in instructions pertaining to the everyday conduct of life; and I hate every false way, utterly rejecting every tendency which does not conform to the rule of the divine Word. It is true to this day that the Bible instructs the conscientious Christian in every question pertaining to his entire conduct, and therefore it should not only be consulted, but also followed with constant faithfulness.
Paul E. Kretzmann, Popular Commentary of the Bible (1921–1924) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
unfoldingWord translationNotes 2017 · CC BY-SA 4.0 On vv121, 123 This is the name of the sixteenth letter of…
AYIN
This is the name of the sixteenth letter of the Hebrew alphabet. In the Hebrew language, each line of verses 121-128 begins with this letter.
Read full note →
do not abandon me to my oppressors
"do not allow people to oppress me"
Guarantee the welfare of your servant
The writer speaks about himself as "your servant." AT: "Guarantee my welfare" or "Help and protect me, your servant" (See: First, Second, or Third Person)
the proud
This nominal adjective can be stated as an adjective. AT: "those who are proud" or "proud people" (See: Nominal Adjectives)
translationWords
just
oppress
servant
proud
unfoldingWord translationNotes — © Distant Shores Media and the Door43 World Missions Community, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Source: git.door43.org/Door43/en_tn.
Tyndale Open Study Notes 2022 · CC BY-SA 4.0 On v121 119:121-128 Ayin (ע): The servant of the Lord strains…
119:121-128 Ayin (ע): The servant of the Lord strains to endure the evil around him. He boldly petitions the Lord to rescue him immediately!
Tyndale Open Study Notes — © Tyndale Open Resources, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Text via the HelloAO Bible API.