Psalms 119:105(v130)Your word is a lamp to my feet, and a light for my path.
Proverbs 6:23(v130)For the commandment is a lamp, and the law is light. Reproofs of instruction are the way of life,
2 Corinthians 4:6(v130)seeing it is God who said, “Light will shine out of darkness,” who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory…
Acts 26:18(v130)to open their eyes, that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive remission of sins…
Psalms 19:7(v130)Yahweh’s law is perfect, restoring the soul. Yahweh’s covenant is sure, making wise the simple.
Show all 52 cross-references
Luke 1:77-79(v130)to give knowledge of salvation to his people by the remission of their sins, because of the tender mercy of our God, by which the dawn from…
2 Peter 1:19(v130)We have the more sure word of prophecy; and you do well that you heed it, as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns, and…
Proverbs 1:22-23(v130)“How long, you simple ones, will you love simplicity? How long will mockers delight themselves in mockery, and fools hate knowledge? Turn…
Ephesians 5:13-14(v130)But all things, when they are reproved, are revealed by the light, for everything that reveals is light. Therefore he says, “Awake, you who…
2 Corinthians 4:4(v130)in whom the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelieving, that the light of the Good News of the glory of Christ, who is the…
Isaiah 8:20(v130)Turn to the law and to the covenant! If they don’t speak according to this word, surely there is no morning for them.
2 Timothy 3:15-17(v130)From infancy, you have known the holy Scriptures which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith, which is in Christ Jesus.…
Psalms 42:1(v131)As the deer pants for the water brooks, so my soul pants after you, God.
Psalms 119:104(v128)Through your precepts, I get understanding; therefore I hate every false way.
Proverbs 1:4(v130)to give prudence to the simple, knowledge and discretion to the young man:
Proverbs 9:4-6(v130)“Whoever is simple, let him turn in here!” As for him who is void of understanding, she says to him, “Come, eat some of my bread, Drink…
Psalms 119:20(v131)My soul is consumed with longing for your ordinances at all times.
Romans 7:22(v128)For I delight in God’s law after the inward man,
Romans 16:18-19(v130)For those who are such don’t serve our Lord, Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by their smooth and flattering speech, they deceive the…
Psalms 19:7-8(v128)Yahweh’s law is perfect, restoring the soul. Yahweh’s covenant is sure, making wise the simple. Yahweh’s precepts are right, rejoicing the…
Psalms 19:10(v127)They are more to be desired than gold, yes, than much fine gold, sweeter also than honey and the extract of the honeycomb.
Psalms 25:10(v129)All the paths of Yahweh are loving kindness and truth to such as keep his covenant and his testimonies.
Psalms 119:6(v128)Then I wouldn’t be disappointed, when I consider all of your commandments.
Psalms 139:6(v129)This knowledge is beyond me. It’s lofty. I can’t attain it.
Proverbs 30:5(v128)“Every word of God is flawless. He is a shield to those who take refuge in him.
Matthew 13:45-46(v127)“Again, the Kingdom of Heaven is like a man who is a merchant seeking fine pearls, who having found one pearl of great price, he went and…
1 Peter 2:2(v131)as newborn babies, long for the pure milk of the Word, that with it you may grow,
Deuteronomy 4:8(v128)What great nation is there that has statutes and ordinances so righteous as all this law which I set before you today?
Psalms 81:10(v131)I am Yahweh, your God, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt. Open your mouth wide, and I will fill it.
Psalms 119:18(v129)Open my eyes, that I may see wondrous things out of your law.
Proverbs 3:13-18(v127)Happy is the man who finds wisdom, the man who gets understanding. For her good profit is better than getting silver, and her return is…
Proverbs 8:11(v127)For wisdom is better than rubies. All the things that may be desired can’t be compared to it.
Proverbs 16:16(v127)How much better it is to get wisdom than gold! Yes, to get understanding is to be chosen rather than silver.
Isaiah 25:1(v129)Yahweh, you are my God. I will exalt you! I will praise your name, for you have done wonderful things, things planned long ago, in complete…
Isaiah 26:8-9(v131)Yes, in the way of your judgments, Yahweh, we have waited for you. Your name and your renown are the desire of our soul. With my soul I…
Hebrews 12:14(v131)Follow after peace with all men, and the sanctification without which no man will see the Lord,
Job 29:23(v131)They waited for me as for the rain. Their mouths drank as with the spring rain.
Job 33:27(v128)He sings before men, and says, ‘I have sinned, and perverted that which was right, and it didn’t profit me.
Psalms 119:2(v129)Blessed are those who keep his statutes, who seek him with their whole heart.
Psalms 119:31(v129)I cling to your statutes, Yahweh. Don’t let me be disappointed.
Psalms 119:72(v127)The law of your mouth is better to me than thousands of pieces of gold and silver.
Psalms 119:146(v129)I have called to you. Save me! I will obey your statutes.
Psalms 119:162(v131)I rejoice at your word, as one who finds great plunder.
Psalms 119:174(v131)I have longed for your salvation, Yahweh. Your law is my delight.
Romans 7:16(v128)But if what I don’t desire, that I do, I consent to the law that it is good.
Ephesians 3:8(v127)To me, the very least of all saints, was this grace given, to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ,
Psalms 119:118(v128)You reject all those who stray from your statutes, for their deceit is in vain.
Isaiah 9:6(v129)For a child is born to us. A son is given to us; and the government will be on his shoulders. His name will be called Wonderful Counselor,…
Romans 7:12(v128)Therefore the law indeed is holy, and the commandment holy, and righteous, and good.
Romans 7:14(v128)For we know that the law is spiritual, but I am fleshly, sold under sin.
Revelation 19:10(v129)I fell down before his feet to worship him. He said to me, “Look! Don’t do it! I am a fellow bondservant with you and with your brothers…
Psalms 119:40(v131)Behold, I long for your precepts! Revive me in your righteousness.
Cross-references from openbible.info (CC BY 4.0)
Explain this passage (19 sources)
Historical commentary, presented as a primary source — not an endorsement.
John Calvin1540 · Public DomainOn vv127–131127. And therefore I have loved thy statutes above…
127. And therefore I have loved thy statutes above gold. This verse, I have no doubt, is connected with the preceding; for otherwise the illative particle therefore would be without meaning. Viewing it in this connection, I understand the Psalmist as intimating, that the reason why he esteemed God’s law as more valuable than gold and precious stones, was because he had fixed in his mind a thorough persuasion of the truth, that although God may connive for a time at wickedness, the making havoc of all uprightness and equity will not always remain unpunished. Yea, the more he saw the wicked outrageously breaking forth into wickedness, the more was he incited by a holy indignation burning in his heart, to love the law. This is a passage deserving of special attention, for the baneful influence of evil example is well known, every man thinking that he may lawfully do whatever is commonly practiced around him. Whence it comes to pass, that evil company carries us away like a tempest. The more diligently then ought we to meditate on this doctrine, That when the wicked claim to themselves an unbridled liberty, it behoves us to contemplate with the eyes of faith the judgments of God, in order to our being thereby quickened to the observance of the divine law. If attention to this doctrine has been needful from the beginning, at the present day it is necessary to exert ourselves, that we may not be involved in violating the law of God with the wicked conspiracy which almost the whole world have formed to violate it. The more outrageously the wicked vaunt themselves, let our veneration for and our love of the divine law proportionally increase.
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 translators1599 · Public DomainOn vv128–131That is, whatsoever dissenteth from the purity of thy…
That is, whatsoever dissenteth from the purity of thy word.
Geneva Bible (1599) marginal notes — public domain.
John Trapp1656 · Public DomainOn vv127–131Psa 119:127 Therefore I love thy commandments above gold;…
Psa 119:127 Therefore I love thy commandments above gold; yea, above fine gold.
Ver. 127. Therefore I love thy commandments] I like them the better because they slight them, and prize that way the more they persecute. I kindle myself from their coldness, and while they greedily grasp after gold, and fine gold, I lay hold upon eternal life, 1Ti 6:10-12.
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 Poole1685 · Public DomainOn vv127–131Partly, because it is one evidence of their excellency,…
Partly, because it is one evidence of their excellency, that they are disliked by the vilest of men; partly, out of a just indignation and opposition against my sworn enemies; and partly, because the great and general apostacy of others makes this duty more necessary to prevent their own and other men’s relapses.
Matthew Poole's English Annotations on the Holy Bible (1683–1685) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword/MySword module.
Matthew Henry1710 · Public DomainOn vv127, 129, 130, 131David here, as often in this psalm, professes the…
David here, as often in this psalm, professes the great love he had to the word and law of God; and, to evidence the sincerity of it, observe, 1. The degree of his love. He loved his Bible better than he loved his money - above gold, yea, above fine gold. Gold, fine gold, is what most men set their hearts upon; nothing charms them and dazzles their eyes so much as gold does. It is fine gold, a fine thing in their eyes; they will venture their souls, their God, their all, to get and keep it. But David saw that the word of God answers all purposes better than money does, for it enriches the soul towards God; and therefore he loved it better than gold, for it had done that for him which gold could not do, and would stand him in stead when the wealth of the world would fail him. 2. The ground of his love. He loved all God's commandments because he esteemed them to be right, all reasonable and just, and suited to the end for which they were made. They are all as they should be, and no fault can be found with them; and we must love them because they bear God's image and are the revelations of his will. If we thus consent to the law that it is good, we shall delight in it after the inner man. 3. The fruit and evidence of this love: He hated every false way. The way of sin being directly contrary to God's precepts, which are right, is a false way, and therefore those that have a love and esteem for God's law hate it and will not be reconciled to it.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Whole Bible (1708–1710) — public domain (CC PDM 1.0). Text via the HelloAO Bible API.
John Gill1763 · Public DomainOn vv127–131I opened my mouth, and panted,.... As a person…
I opened my mouth, and panted,.... As a person out of breath does, through walking or running; he stops and pants, and opens his mouth, to draw in air to his relief: or as hungry and thirsty persons pant for food and drink, and open their mouths to receive it, before it can well be brought to them. So the psalmist panted after God, and communion with him; desired the sincere milk of the word; longed for the breasts of ordinances, and even fainted for the courts of the Lord, Psa 42:1;
for I longed for thy commandments; for an opportunity of waiting upon God in the way of his duty; to hear his word, and attend his worship.
John Gill's Exposition of the Whole Bible (1746–1763) — public domain (CC PDM 1.0). Text via the HelloAO Bible API.
John Wesley1765 · Public DomainOn vv127, 129, 131Therefore - Because the general apostacy of others makes…
Therefore - Because the general apostacy of others makes this duty more necessary.
John Wesley, Explanatory Notes Upon the Whole Bible (1754–1765) — public domain. Text via the GEBible commentary corpus.
Adam Clarke1810 · Public DomainOn vv127–131Verse 127. Therefore I love thy commandments] I see…
Verse 127. Therefore I love thy commandments] I see thou wilt do all things well. I will trust in thee.
Above gold] מזהב mizzahab, more than resplendent gold; gold without any stain or rust.
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Yea, above fine gold.] ומפז umippaz, above solid gold; gold separated from the dross, perfectly refined.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible (1810–1826) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword/MySword module.
Joseph Benson1811 · Public DomainOn vv129–131Psa 119:129. Thy testimonies are wonderful — In regard…
PE.
Psa 119:129. Thy testimonies are wonderful — In regard of the deep mysteries, the most excellent counsels and directions, and the exceeding great and precious promises contained in them; the manner in which they are written, and the effects which they produce. “They contain the sublimest spiritual truths, veiled under external ceremonies and sacraments, figurative descriptions, typical histories, parables, similitudes, &c. When properly opened and enforced, they terrify and humble, they convert and transform, they console and strengthen.” Therefore doth my soul keep them — Hebrew, נצרתם, netzaratam, guard, preserve, and watch over them as a precious treasure, therefore I attend to them and make them the rule of my faith and practice, of my principles and actions, of my tempers, words, and works, and of my whole conduct toward God and man. And “who but must delight to study and observe these testimonies of the will and wisdom, the love and power of God most high! While we have these holy writings, let us not waste our time, misemploy our thoughts, and prostitute our admiration, by doting on human follies, and wondering at human trifles.” — Horne.
Joseph Benson's Commentary on the Old and New Testaments (1811–1818) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
Albert Barnes1834 · Public DomainOn vv127–131Therefore I love thy commandments ... - The more…
Therefore I love thy commandments ... - The more people break them Psa 119:126, the more I see their value; the more precious they are to me. The fact that they make thy law void, and that evil consequences result from their conduct, only impresses my mind the more with a sense of the value of the law, and makes my heart cling to it the more. There is almost nothing that will so impress upon our minds the importance of law as the sight of the effects which follow when it is disregarded.
Above gold ... - See the notes at Psa 119:72. Compare Psa 19:10.
Albert Barnes' Notes on the Bible (1834–1885) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword/MySword module.
Daniel D. Whedon1874 · Public DomainOn v129פ, Pe.
פ, Pe.
129-136. Let not any iniquity have dominion over me—A sense of his own peril leads the writer to a still deeper, intenser longing for perfected holiness within himself. As he feels the growing strength of his own heart, so he the more grieves over those who, departing from the law, depart from the joys of grace. The experience here given of the law is, in our day, found in Christ, who gives to his servants “grace for grace;” that is, grace enjoyed in proportion to grace employed.
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 Colleges1878 · Public DomainOn vv127–131127. Therefore] The more men break God’s commandments, the…
127. Therefore] The more men break God’s commandments, the more the Psalmist will love them. Cp. Psa_19:10. P.B.V. precious stone comes through the Vulg. from the LXX.
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 Readers1878 · Public DomainOn vv128, 130, 131(128) Therefore I esteem.—As the text stands, this verse…
(128) Therefore I esteem.—As the text stands, this verse literally runs, Therefore all precepts of all I make straight. Every path of falsehood I hate. The LXX. and Vulg. have, “Therefore to all Thy commandments I was being directed. Every unjust path I hated,” which only necessitates a slight change in the reading of one word. It is true that the expression, all precepts of all, may be explained as a strengthened form of all precepts—as we say, “all and every”—though the passages (Eze_44:30; Num_8:16) generally adduced are not strictly analogous. But the Lexicons supply no authority for taking the verb yâshar in the sense of “esteem right,” and the figure of the path in the next clause seems here plainly to fix its meaning. Translate, therefore, Therefore after all Thy precepts I direct (my way). Every false way I detest.
A Bible Commentary for English Readers, edited by Charles John Ellicott (1878–1897) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
The Pulpit Commentary1880 · Public DomainOn vv127–131Therefore I love thy commandments. Because the wicked "make…
Therefore I love thy commandments. Because the wicked "make void" thy commandments and cast them aside, "therefore" I all the more "love" them. Above gold; yea, above fine gold (comp. ver. 72).
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. Spurgeon1885 · Public DomainOn vv127–131Ver. 127. Therefore I love thy commandments above gold;…
Ver. 127. Therefore I love thy commandments above gold; yea, above fine gold. As it was God's time to work so it was David's time to love. So far from being swayed by the example of evil men, so as to join them in slighting the Scriptures, he was the rather led into a more vehement love of them. As he saw the commandments slighted by the ungodly, his heart was in sympathy with God, and he felt a burning affection for his holy precepts. It is the mark of a true believer that he does not depend upon others for his religion, but drinks water out of his own well, which springs up even when the cisterns of earth are all dried. Our holy poet amid a general depreciation of the law felt his own esteem of it rising so high that gold and silver sank in comparison. Wealth brings with it so many conveniences that men naturally esteem it, and gold as the symbol of it is much set by; and yet, in the judgment of the wise, God's laws are more enriching, and bring with them more comfort than all the choicest treasures. The Psalmist could not boast that he always kept the commands; but he could declare that he loved them; he was perfect in heart, and would fain have been perfect in life. He judged God's holy commands to be better than the best earthly thing, yea, better than the best sort of the best earthly thing; and this esteem was confirmed and forced into expression by those very oppositions of the world which drive hypocrites to forsake the Lord and his ways.
"The dearer, for their rage,
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Thy words I love and own,
A wealthier heritage
Than gold and precious stone."
Ver. 127. Therefore I love thy commandments above gold, etc. Partly, because it is one evidence of their excellency, that they are disliked by the vilest of men. Partly, out of a just indignation and opposition against my sworn enemies; and partly, because the great and general apostasy of others makes this duty more necessary to prevent their own and other men's relapses. Matthew Pool.
Ver. 127. I love thy commandments above gold; yea, above fine gold. The image employed brings before us the picture of the miser; his heart and his treasure are in his gold. With what delight he counts it! with what watchfulness he keeps it! hiding it in safe custody, lest he should be despoiled of that which is dearer to him than life. Such should Christians be, spiritual misers, counting their treasure which is "above fine gold"; and "hiding it in their hearts, " in safe keeping, where the great despoiler shall not be able to reach it. Oh, Christians! how much more is your portion to you than the miser's treasure! Hide it; watch it; retain it. You need not be afraid of covetousness in spiritual things: rather "covet earnestly" to increase your store; and by living upon it and living in it, it will grow richer in extent, and more precious in value. Charles Bridges.
Ver. 127. I love thy commandments. He professes not that he fulfilled them, but that he loved them; and truly it is a great progress in godliness, if we be come thus far, as from our heart,to love them. The natural man hates the commandments of God; they are so contrary to his corruption; but the regenerate man, as he hates his own corruption, so he loves the word, because according to it he desires to be reformed. And here is our comfort, that, albeit we cannot do what is commanded, yet if we love to do it, it is an argument of grace received. "Above gold" etc. It is lawful to love those creatures which God hath appointed for our use; with these conditions: the one is, that the first seat in our affection of love be reserved to God; and any other thing we love, that we love it in him and for him, and give it only the second room. Thus David, being a natural man, loved his natural food; but he protests he loved the law of the Lord more than his appointed food; and here he loves the commandments of God above all gold. William Cowper.
Ver. 127. The world's assault upon the truth a reason for our loving it.
Ver. 127.
1. The object of love: "Thy commandments."
2. The degree of love: "above gold, "etc.
3. The reason of this love: "therefore, "etc., because its object must ultimately prevail. G.R.
Ver. 127. God's will versus the golden idol.
1. God's commandments are better than gold.
2. The love of them is proportionably nobler.
3. The unmeasurable superiority of character they produce. W.B.H.
Psalms 119:128*
Charles H. Spurgeon's The Treasury of David (1869–1885) — public domain. Psalms only. Text from a community e-Sword/MySword module.
The Biblical Illustrator1887 · Public DomainOn vv127, 129, 130, 131Therefore I love Thy commandments above gold.
Psa_119:127-131
Therefore I love Thy commandments above gold.
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Gods Word
Gods Word is here revealed in several aspects--
I. As a prize. It is above gold.
1. It is intrinsically more valuable than gold. It contains the mind of God.
2. It is relatively more valuable than gold. It procures greater blessings.
II. As a law, All Thy precepts. As a law--
1. It is to be righteous--Concerning all things, to be righteous.
2. It is to be practical, I hate every false way.
III. As a revelation. As a revelation it is--
1. Wonderful, Thy testimonies are wonderful.
2. Spiritually enlightening. The entrance of Thy Word giveth light. It lights up the soul.
IV. As a necessity (verse 131). It is the air without which you cannot breathe, food without which you cannot live. (Homilist.)
The Biblical Illustrator, edited by Joseph S. Exell (c. 1880s–1900s) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
Paul E. Kretzmann1924 · Public DomainOn v129Pe. The Need Of Spiritual Light in the Midst…
Pe. The Need Of Spiritual Light in the Midst of Godlessness. —
v. 129. Thy testimonies are wonderful, elevated above everyday life and the common understanding, becoming more marvelous the longer one contemplates them; therefore doth my soul keep them, anxious to have the light of the Word fall into his dark heart and illumine it with rays of divine mercy and beauty.
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v. 130. The entrance of Thy words giveth light, that is, the opening, the unfolding, of His Word, as His Holy Spirit explains it to the heart of man, makes the words of divine wisdom clear; it giveth understanding unto the simple, to those without any pretense or show of learning in this world’s wisdom, for that is not essential for the understanding of the fundamental divine truths.
v. 131. I opened my mouth and panted, with great eagerness, as a traveler in a hot desert pants for a cooling breeze and for a refreshing draft of water; for I longed for Thy commandments, his desire was for the refreshment of God’s Word.
v. 132. Look Thou upon me, instead of averting His face in anger, and be merciful unto me, as Thou usest to do unto those that love Thy name, or, "according to the right of those that love Thy name. " It is true that God’s gift of grace is a gift of His free love, but it is true also that the believers may expect it of Him on the basis of His merciful promise.
v. 133. Order my steps in Thy Word, making them firm in accordance with His promise, and let not any iniquity have dominion over me, which would cause him to stray from the path of rectitude and obedience to God.
v. 134. Deliver me from the oppression of man, since it was bound to hinder him in his duties of obedience toward God; so will I keep Thy precepts, observing them with eager cheerfulness.
v. 135. Make Thy face to shine upon Thy servant, with the assurance of His grace, Num 6:25, and teach me Thy statutes, His Word assuring the believer that he was truly a child of God.
v. 136. Rivers of waters run down mine eyes, in deep grief and sorrow over the manner in which men reject the Lord and bring destruction upon themselves, because they keep not Thy Law. It is not overweening pride which causes the believers to speak to the godless in such an emphatic manner, but a sincere love for their soul’s salvation.
Paul E. Kretzmann, Popular Commentary of the Bible (1921–1924) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
unfoldingWord translationNotes2017 · CC BY-SA 4.0On vv127, 129, 131I carefully follow all your instructions
I carefully follow all your instructions
A person carefully obeying all of God's instructions is spoken of as if as if the instructions were leading a person and that person follows behind. AT: I carefully obey all of your instructions" (See: Metaphor)
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every path of falsehood
People doing what is evil is spoken of as if they are walking on the wrong path. AT: "all the bad ways some people live" (See: Metaphor)
GEBible — Godless Engineer's Bible App
John Calvin 1540 · Public Domain On vv127–131 127. And therefore I have loved thy statutes above…
127. And therefore I have loved thy statutes above gold. This verse, I have no doubt, is connected with the preceding; for otherwise the illative particle therefore would be without meaning. Viewing it in this connection, I understand the Psalmist as intimating, that the reason why he esteemed God’s law as more valuable than gold and precious stones, was because he had fixed in his mind a thorough persuasion of the truth, that although God may connive for a time at wickedness, the making havoc of all uprightness and equity will not always remain unpunished. Yea, the more he saw the wicked outrageously breaking forth into wickedness, the more was he incited by a holy indignation burning in his heart, to love the law. This is a passage deserving of special attention, for the baneful influence of evil example is well known, every man thinking that he may lawfully do whatever is commonly practiced around him. Whence it comes to pass, that evil company carries us away like a tempest. The more diligently then ought we to meditate on this doctrine, That when the wicked claim to themselves an unbridled liberty, it behoves us to contemplate with the eyes of faith the judgments of God, in order to our being thereby quickened to the observance of the divine law. If attention to this doctrine has been needful from the beginning, at the present day it is necessary to exert ourselves, that we may not be involved in violating the law of God with the wicked conspiracy which almost the whole world have formed to violate it. The more outrageously the wicked vaunt themselves, let our veneration for and our love of the divine law proportionally increase.
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 vv128–131 That is, whatsoever dissenteth from the purity of thy…
That is, whatsoever dissenteth from the purity of thy word.
Geneva Bible (1599) marginal notes — public domain.
John Trapp 1656 · Public Domain On vv127–131 Psa 119:127 Therefore I love thy commandments above gold;…
Psa 119:127 Therefore I love thy commandments above gold; yea, above fine gold.
Ver. 127. Therefore I love thy commandments] I like them the better because they slight them, and prize that way the more they persecute. I kindle myself from their coldness, and while they greedily grasp after gold, and fine gold, I lay hold upon eternal life, 1Ti 6:10-12.
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 vv127–131 Partly, because it is one evidence of their excellency,…
Partly, because it is one evidence of their excellency, that they are disliked by the vilest of men; partly, out of a just indignation and opposition against my sworn enemies; and partly, because the great and general apostacy of others makes this duty more necessary to prevent their own and other men’s relapses.
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 vv127, 129, 130, 131 David here, as often in this psalm, professes the…
David here, as often in this psalm, professes the great love he had to the word and law of God; and, to evidence the sincerity of it, observe, 1. The degree of his love. He loved his Bible better than he loved his money - above gold, yea, above fine gold. Gold, fine gold, is what most men set their hearts upon; nothing charms them and dazzles their eyes so much as gold does. It is fine gold, a fine thing in their eyes; they will venture their souls, their God, their all, to get and keep it. But David saw that the word of God answers all purposes better than money does, for it enriches the soul towards God; and therefore he loved it better than gold, for it had done that for him which gold could not do, and would stand him in stead when the wealth of the world would fail him. 2. The ground of his love. He loved all God's commandments because he esteemed them to be right, all reasonable and just, and suited to the end for which they were made. They are all as they should be, and no fault can be found with them; and we must love them because they bear God's image and are the revelations of his will. If we thus consent to the law that it is good, we shall delight in it after the inner man. 3. The fruit and evidence of this love: He hated every false way. The way of sin being directly contrary to God's precepts, which are right, is a false way, and therefore those that have a love and esteem for God's law hate it and will not be reconciled to it.
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 vv127–131 I opened my mouth, and panted,.... As a person…
I opened my mouth, and panted,.... As a person out of breath does, through walking or running; he stops and pants, and opens his mouth, to draw in air to his relief: or as hungry and thirsty persons pant for food and drink, and open their mouths to receive it, before it can well be brought to them. So the psalmist panted after God, and communion with him; desired the sincere milk of the word; longed for the breasts of ordinances, and even fainted for the courts of the Lord, Psa 42:1;
for I longed for thy commandments; for an opportunity of waiting upon God in the way of his duty; to hear his word, and attend his worship.
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 vv127, 129, 131 Therefore - Because the general apostacy of others makes…
Therefore - Because the general apostacy of others makes this duty more necessary.
John Wesley, Explanatory Notes Upon the Whole Bible (1754–1765) — public domain. Text via the GEBible commentary corpus.
Adam Clarke 1810 · Public Domain On vv127–131 Verse 127. Therefore I love thy commandments] I see…
Verse 127. Therefore I love thy commandments] I see thou wilt do all things well. I will trust in thee.
Above gold] מזהב mizzahab, more than resplendent gold; gold without any stain or rust.
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Yea, above fine gold.] ומפז umippaz, above solid gold; gold separated from the dross, perfectly refined.
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 vv129–131 Psa 119:129. Thy testimonies are wonderful — In regard…
PE.
Psa 119:129. Thy testimonies are wonderful — In regard of the deep mysteries, the most excellent counsels and directions, and the exceeding great and precious promises contained in them; the manner in which they are written, and the effects which they produce. “They contain the sublimest spiritual truths, veiled under external ceremonies and sacraments, figurative descriptions, typical histories, parables, similitudes, &c. When properly opened and enforced, they terrify and humble, they convert and transform, they console and strengthen.” Therefore doth my soul keep them — Hebrew, נצרתם, netzaratam, guard, preserve, and watch over them as a precious treasure, therefore I attend to them and make them the rule of my faith and practice, of my principles and actions, of my tempers, words, and works, and of my whole conduct toward God and man. And “who but must delight to study and observe these testimonies of the will and wisdom, the love and power of God most high! While we have these holy writings, let us not waste our time, misemploy our thoughts, and prostitute our admiration, by doting on human follies, and wondering at human trifles.” — Horne.
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 vv127–131 Therefore I love thy commandments ... - The more…
Therefore I love thy commandments ... - The more people break them Psa 119:126, the more I see their value; the more precious they are to me. The fact that they make thy law void, and that evil consequences result from their conduct, only impresses my mind the more with a sense of the value of the law, and makes my heart cling to it the more. There is almost nothing that will so impress upon our minds the importance of law as the sight of the effects which follow when it is disregarded.
Above gold ... - See the notes at Psa 119:72. Compare Psa 19:10.
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 v129 פ, Pe.
פ, Pe.
129-136. Let not any iniquity have dominion over me—A sense of his own peril leads the writer to a still deeper, intenser longing for perfected holiness within himself. As he feels the growing strength of his own heart, so he the more grieves over those who, departing from the law, depart from the joys of grace. The experience here given of the law is, in our day, found in Christ, who gives to his servants “grace for grace;” that is, grace enjoyed in proportion to grace employed.
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 vv127–131 127. Therefore] The more men break God’s commandments, the…
127. Therefore] The more men break God’s commandments, the more the Psalmist will love them. Cp. Psa_19:10. P.B.V. precious stone comes through the Vulg. from the LXX.
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 vv128, 130, 131 (128) Therefore I esteem.—As the text stands, this verse…
(128) Therefore I esteem.—As the text stands, this verse literally runs, Therefore all precepts of all I make straight. Every path of falsehood I hate. The LXX. and Vulg. have, “Therefore to all Thy commandments I was being directed. Every unjust path I hated,” which only necessitates a slight change in the reading of one word. It is true that the expression, all precepts of all, may be explained as a strengthened form of all precepts—as we say, “all and every”—though the passages (Eze_44:30; Num_8:16) generally adduced are not strictly analogous. But the Lexicons supply no authority for taking the verb yâshar in the sense of “esteem right,” and the figure of the path in the next clause seems here plainly to fix its meaning. Translate, therefore, Therefore after all Thy precepts I direct (my way). Every false way I detest.
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 vv127–131 Therefore I love thy commandments. Because the wicked "make…
Therefore I love thy commandments. Because the wicked "make void" thy commandments and cast them aside, "therefore" I all the more "love" them. Above gold; yea, above fine gold (comp. ver. 72).
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 vv127–131 Ver. 127. Therefore I love thy commandments above gold;…
Ver. 127. Therefore I love thy commandments above gold; yea, above fine gold. As it was God's time to work so it was David's time to love. So far from being swayed by the example of evil men, so as to join them in slighting the Scriptures, he was the rather led into a more vehement love of them. As he saw the commandments slighted by the ungodly, his heart was in sympathy with God, and he felt a burning affection for his holy precepts. It is the mark of a true believer that he does not depend upon others for his religion, but drinks water out of his own well, which springs up even when the cisterns of earth are all dried. Our holy poet amid a general depreciation of the law felt his own esteem of it rising so high that gold and silver sank in comparison. Wealth brings with it so many conveniences that men naturally esteem it, and gold as the symbol of it is much set by; and yet, in the judgment of the wise, God's laws are more enriching, and bring with them more comfort than all the choicest treasures. The Psalmist could not boast that he always kept the commands; but he could declare that he loved them; he was perfect in heart, and would fain have been perfect in life. He judged God's holy commands to be better than the best earthly thing, yea, better than the best sort of the best earthly thing; and this esteem was confirmed and forced into expression by those very oppositions of the world which drive hypocrites to forsake the Lord and his ways.
"The dearer, for their rage,
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Thy words I love and own,
A wealthier heritage
Than gold and precious stone."
Ver. 127. Therefore I love thy commandments above gold, etc. Partly, because it is one evidence of their excellency, that they are disliked by the vilest of men. Partly, out of a just indignation and opposition against my sworn enemies; and partly, because the great and general apostasy of others makes this duty more necessary to prevent their own and other men's relapses. Matthew Pool.
Ver. 127. I love thy commandments above gold; yea, above fine gold. The image employed brings before us the picture of the miser; his heart and his treasure are in his gold. With what delight he counts it! with what watchfulness he keeps it! hiding it in safe custody, lest he should be despoiled of that which is dearer to him than life. Such should Christians be, spiritual misers, counting their treasure which is "above fine gold"; and "hiding it in their hearts, " in safe keeping, where the great despoiler shall not be able to reach it. Oh, Christians! how much more is your portion to you than the miser's treasure! Hide it; watch it; retain it. You need not be afraid of covetousness in spiritual things: rather "covet earnestly" to increase your store; and by living upon it and living in it, it will grow richer in extent, and more precious in value. Charles Bridges.
Ver. 127. I love thy commandments. He professes not that he fulfilled them, but that he loved them; and truly it is a great progress in godliness, if we be come thus far, as from our heart,to love them. The natural man hates the commandments of God; they are so contrary to his corruption; but the regenerate man, as he hates his own corruption, so he loves the word, because according to it he desires to be reformed. And here is our comfort, that, albeit we cannot do what is commanded, yet if we love to do it, it is an argument of grace received. "Above gold" etc. It is lawful to love those creatures which God hath appointed for our use; with these conditions: the one is, that the first seat in our affection of love be reserved to God; and any other thing we love, that we love it in him and for him, and give it only the second room. Thus David, being a natural man, loved his natural food; but he protests he loved the law of the Lord more than his appointed food; and here he loves the commandments of God above all gold. William Cowper.
Ver. 127. The world's assault upon the truth a reason for our loving it.
Ver. 127.
1. The object of love: "Thy commandments."
2. The degree of love: "above gold, "etc.
3. The reason of this love: "therefore, "etc., because its object must ultimately prevail. G.R.
Ver. 127. God's will versus the golden idol.
1. God's commandments are better than gold.
2. The love of them is proportionably nobler.
3. The unmeasurable superiority of character they produce. W.B.H.
Psalms 119:128*
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 vv127, 129, 130, 131 Therefore I love Thy commandments above gold.
Psa_119:127-131
Therefore I love Thy commandments above gold.
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Gods Word
Gods Word is here revealed in several aspects--
I. As a prize. It is above gold.
1. It is intrinsically more valuable than gold. It contains the mind of God.
2. It is relatively more valuable than gold. It procures greater blessings.
II. As a law, All Thy precepts. As a law--
1. It is to be righteous--Concerning all things, to be righteous.
2. It is to be practical, I hate every false way.
III. As a revelation. As a revelation it is--
1. Wonderful, Thy testimonies are wonderful.
2. Spiritually enlightening. The entrance of Thy Word giveth light. It lights up the soul.
IV. As a necessity (verse 131). It is the air without which you cannot breathe, food without which you cannot live. (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 v129 Pe. The Need Of Spiritual Light in the Midst…
Pe. The Need Of Spiritual Light in the Midst of Godlessness. —
v. 129. Thy testimonies are wonderful, elevated above everyday life and the common understanding, becoming more marvelous the longer one contemplates them; therefore doth my soul keep them, anxious to have the light of the Word fall into his dark heart and illumine it with rays of divine mercy and beauty.
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v. 130. The entrance of Thy words giveth light, that is, the opening, the unfolding, of His Word, as His Holy Spirit explains it to the heart of man, makes the words of divine wisdom clear; it giveth understanding unto the simple, to those without any pretense or show of learning in this world’s wisdom, for that is not essential for the understanding of the fundamental divine truths.
v. 131. I opened my mouth and panted, with great eagerness, as a traveler in a hot desert pants for a cooling breeze and for a refreshing draft of water; for I longed for Thy commandments, his desire was for the refreshment of God’s Word.
v. 132. Look Thou upon me, instead of averting His face in anger, and be merciful unto me, as Thou usest to do unto those that love Thy name, or, "according to the right of those that love Thy name. " It is true that God’s gift of grace is a gift of His free love, but it is true also that the believers may expect it of Him on the basis of His merciful promise.
v. 133. Order my steps in Thy Word, making them firm in accordance with His promise, and let not any iniquity have dominion over me, which would cause him to stray from the path of rectitude and obedience to God.
v. 134. Deliver me from the oppression of man, since it was bound to hinder him in his duties of obedience toward God; so will I keep Thy precepts, observing them with eager cheerfulness.
v. 135. Make Thy face to shine upon Thy servant, with the assurance of His grace, Num 6:25, and teach me Thy statutes, His Word assuring the believer that he was truly a child of God.
v. 136. Rivers of waters run down mine eyes, in deep grief and sorrow over the manner in which men reject the Lord and bring destruction upon themselves, because they keep not Thy Law. It is not overweening pride which causes the believers to speak to the godless in such an emphatic manner, but a sincere love for their soul’s salvation.
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 vv127, 129, 131 I carefully follow all your instructions
I carefully follow all your instructions
A person carefully obeying all of God's instructions is spoken of as if as if the instructions were leading a person and that person follows behind. AT: I carefully obey all of your instructions" (See: Metaphor)
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every path of falsehood
People doing what is evil is spoken of as if they are walking on the wrong path. AT: "all the bad ways some people live" (See: Metaphor)
translationWords
love
command
gold
instruct
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 v129 119:129-136 Pe (פ): The psalmist prays earnestly for God…
119:129-136 Pe (פ): The psalmist prays earnestly for God to speak to him as he suffers from his adversities.
Tyndale Open Study Notes — © Tyndale Open Resources, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Text via the HelloAO Bible API.