Questions where the Bible appears to say two different things, with the passages on each side set together.
Does God lie?Numbers 23:19, 1 Samuel 15:29, Titus 1:2, and Hebrews 6:18 declare flatly that God cannot lie.
Are the laws of the Old Testament still binding?Deuteronomy 7:9, 11:1, 12:1, and Psalm 119:151-160 declare the commandments and statutes binding 'forever,' 'always,' and 'to a thousand generations.' Jesus in…
Proverbs 30:5(v160)“Every word of God is flawless. He is a shield to those who take refuge in him.
Jeremiah 15:16(v162)Your words were found, and I ate them. Your words were to me a joy and the rejoicing of my heart, for I am called by your name, Yahweh, God…
2 Timothy 3:16(v160)Every Scripture is God-breathed and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for instruction in righteousness,
Psalms 119:144(v160)Your testimonies are righteous forever. Give me understanding, that I may live.
Psalms 119:72(v162)The law of your mouth is better to me than thousands of pieces of gold and silver.
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Matthew 5:18(v160)For most certainly, I tell you, until heaven and earth pass away, not even one smallest letter or one tiny pen stroke shall in any way pass…
Psalms 119:111(v162)I have taken your testimonies as a heritage forever, for they are the joy of my heart.
Psalms 119:142(v160)Your righteousness is an everlasting righteousness. Your law is truth.
Psalms 119:152(v160)Of old I have known from your testimonies, that you have founded them forever.
Ecclesiastes 3:14(v160)I know that whatever God does, it shall be forever. Nothing can be added to it, nor anything taken from it; and God has done it, that men…
1 Corinthians 15:58(v157)Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the Lord’s work, because you know that your labor is not in…
Psalms 119:53(v158)Indignation has taken hold on me, because of the wicked who forsake your law.
Psalms 119:75(v160)Yahweh, I know that your judgments are righteous, that in faithfulness you have afflicted me.
Psalms 119:86(v160)All of your commandments are faithful. They persecute me wrongfully. Help me!
Psalms 119:97(v159)How I love your law! It is my meditation all day.
Psalms 139:21(v158)Yahweh, don’t I hate those who hate you? Am I not grieved with those who rise up against you?
1 Samuel 24:9-15(v161)David said to Saul, “Why do you listen to men’s words, saying, ‘Behold, David seeks to harm you?’ Behold, today your eyes have seen how…
1 Samuel 26:18(v161)He said, “Why does my lord pursue his servant? For what have I done? What evil is in my hand?
1 Samuel 30:16(v162)When he had brought him down, behold, they were spread around over all the ground, eating, drinking, and dancing, because of all the great…
Psalms 119:128(v163)Therefore I consider all of your precepts to be right. I hate every false way.
Psalms 119:157(v161)Many are my persecutors and my adversaries. I haven’t swerved from your testimonies.
Isaiah 66:2(v161)For my hand has made all these things, and so all these things came to be,” says Yahweh: “but I will look to this man, even to he who is…
Psalms 4:4(v161)Stand in awe, and don’t sin. Search your own heart on your bed, and be still.
Psalms 119:23(v161)Though princes sit and slander me, your servant will meditate on your statutes.
Psalms 119:51(v157)The arrogant mock me excessively, but I don’t swerve from your law.
Psalms 119:138(v160)You have commanded your statutes in righteousness. They are fully trustworthy.
Psalms 119:153(v159)Consider my affliction, and deliver me, for I don’t forget your law.
Proverbs 6:16-19(v163)There are six things which Yahweh hates; yes, seven which are an abomination to him: arrogant eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed…
John 15:25(v161)But this happened so that the word may be fulfilled which was written in their law, ‘They hated me without a cause.’
Romans 12:9(v163)Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor that which is evil. Cling to that which is good.
Genesis 39:9(v161)No one is greater in this house than I am, and he has not kept back anything from me but you, because you are his wife. How then can I do…
2 Kings 20:3(v159)“Remember now, Yahweh, I beg you, how I have walked before you in truth and with a perfect heart, and have done that which is good in your…
Nehemiah 5:19(v159)Remember me, my God, for good, all that I have done for this people.
Nehemiah 13:22(v159)I commanded the Levites that they should purify themselves, and that they should come and keep the gates, to sanctify the Sabbath day.…
Job 17:9(v157)Yet the righteous will hold to his way. He who has clean hands will grow stronger and stronger.
Job 23:11(v157)My foot has held fast to his steps. I have kept his way, and not turned away.
Job 31:23(v161)For calamity from God is a terror to me. Because of his majesty, I can do nothing.
Psalms 119:29(v163)Keep me from the way of deceit. Grant me your law graciously!
Psalms 119:136(v158)Streams of tears run down my eyes, because they don’t observe your law.
Isaiah 42:4(v157)He will not fail nor be discouraged, until he has set justice in the earth, and the islands wait for his law.”
Jeremiah 36:23-25(v161)When Jehudi had read three or four leaves, the king cut it with the penknife, and cast it into the fire that was in the brazier, until all…
Amos 5:15(v163)Hate evil, love good, and establish justice in the courts. It may be that Yahweh, the God of Armies, will be gracious to the remnant of…
Acts 20:23-24(v157)except that the Holy Spirit testifies in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions wait for me. But these things don’t count; nor do I…
Genesis 42:18(v161)Joseph said to them the third day, “Do this, and live, for I fear God.
1 Samuel 21:15(v161)Do I lack madmen, that you have brought this fellow to play the madman in my presence? Should this fellow come into my house?”
2 Kings 22:19(v161)because your heart was tender, and you humbled yourself before Yahweh, when you heard what I spoke against this place, and against its…
Nehemiah 5:15(v161)But the former governors who were before me were supported by the people, and took bread and wine from them, plus forty shekels of silver;…
Psalms 3:1-2(v157)Yahweh, how my adversaries have increased! Many are those who rise up against me. Many there are who say of my soul, “There is no help for…
Psalms 7:1(v157)Yahweh, my God, I take refuge in you. Save me from all those who pursue me, and deliver me,
Psalms 22:12(v157)Many bulls have surrounded me. Strong bulls of Bashan have encircled me.
Psalms 22:16(v157)For dogs have surrounded me. A company of evildoers have enclosed me. They have pierced my hands and feet.
Psalms 25:19(v157)Consider my enemies, for they are many. They hate me with cruel hatred.
Psalms 44:17(v157)All this has come on us, yet we haven’t forgotten you. We haven’t been false to your covenant.
Psalms 56:2(v157)My enemies want to swallow me up all day long, for they are many who fight proudly against me.
Psalms 101:7(v163)He who practices deceit won’t dwell within my house. He who speaks falsehood won’t be established before my eyes.
Psalms 118:10-12(v157)All the nations surrounded me, but in Yahweh’s name, I cut them off. They surrounded me, yes, they surrounded me. In Yahweh’s name I indeed…
Psalms 119:110(v157)The wicked have laid a snare for me, yet I haven’t gone astray from your precepts.
Psalms 119:113(v163)I hate double-minded men, but I love your law.
Proverbs 30:8(v163)Remove far from me falsehood and lies. Give me neither poverty nor riches. Feed me with the food that is needful for me,
Isaiah 9:3(v162)You have multiplied the nation. You have increased their joy. They rejoice before you according to the joy in harvest, as men rejoice when…
Ezekiel 9:4(v158)Yahweh said to him, “Go through the middle of the city, through the middle of Jerusalem, and set a mark on the foreheads of the men that…
Matthew 24:9(v157)Then they will deliver you up to oppression, and will kill you. You will be hated by all of the nations for my name’s sake.
Acts 4:27(v157)“For truly, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles and the people of Israel, were gathered together against your holy servant,…
Ephesians 4:25(v163)Therefore putting away falsehood, speak truth each one with his neighbor. For we are members of one another.
Revelation 22:15(v163)Outside are the dogs, the sorcerers, the sexually immoral, the murderers, the idolaters, and everyone who loves and practices falsehood.
Proverbs 16:19(v162)It is better to be of a lowly spirit with the poor, than to divide the plunder with the proud.
Matthew 26:47(v157)While he was still speaking, behold, Judas, one of the twelve, came, and with him a great multitude with swords and clubs, from the chief…
Mark 3:5(v158)When he had looked around at them with anger, being grieved at the hardening of their hearts, he said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.”…
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 vv157–163157. My persecutors and oppressors are many. The Psalmist…
157. My persecutors and oppressors are many. The Psalmist here as in other places testifies, that although he had been provoked by many injuries, yet he had not departed from the right way; which, as I have elsewhere observed, was an evidence of great and singular constancy. It is an easy matter to act well when we are among the good; but if wicked men afflict us, if one man openly assault us by force, if another rob us of our property, if a third circumvent us by wiles, and a fourth attack us by calumnies, it is difficult for us to persevere in our integrity, and we rather begin to howl among the wolves. Besides, the license which is allowed them of doing what they please without the fear of being punished, is a powerful engine for shaking our faith, because, when God thus winks at the wicked, he seems to abandon us for a prey. The Prophet therefore, by God’s testimonies, means not only the rule of holy and righteous living, but also the promises. Lord, as if he had said, I have not turned away from the path of integrity, although the conduct of the wicked has presented me with a temptation to do so; nor have I shaken off nay confidence in thy grace, but have waited patiently for thy succor. Both these are necessary. For although he who has suffered wrongs may contend against the malice of his enemies by his well — doing, and may refrain from every act of retaliation, yet, provided he does not depend wholly upon God, this uprightness will not be sufficient to save him. Not that any man behaves himself in a manner so moderate, except he who leans upon God and waits upon him as his deliverer; but granting that such could be the ease, there would not be sufficient power in this half virtue to save him. The salvation of God is reserved for the faithful who ask it in the exercise of lively faith. And whoever, persuaded that God will be his deliverer, pillars and supports his mind on the divine promises, will endeavor also to overcome evil with good.
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 vv158–161My zeal consumed me when I saw their malice…
My zeal consumed me when I saw their malice and contempt of thy glory.
Geneva Bible (1599) marginal notes — public domain.
John Trapp1656 · Public DomainOn vv157–163Psa 119:157 Many [are] my persecutors and mine enemies;…
Psa 119:157 Many [are] my persecutors and mine enemies; [yet] do I not decline from thy testimonies.
Ver. 157. Many are my persecutors] Truth never wanted an adversary; and goes seldom without a scratched face.
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Yet do I not decline] But still adhere to thy word; when others fall off as fast as leaves fall from trees in autumn.
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 vv157, 158, 159, 160, 161, 163Though they tempt me to do so, and persecute…
Though they tempt me to do so, and persecute me because I will not do it.
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 vv157–163Here is, 1. David surrounded with difficulties and dangers:…
Here is, 1. David surrounded with difficulties and dangers: Many are my persecutors and my enemies. When Saul the king was his persecutor and enemy no marvel that many more were so: multitudes will follow the pernicious ways of abused authority. David, being a public person, had many enemies, but withal he had many friends, who loved him and wished him well; let him set the one over-against the other. In this David was a type both of Christ and his church. The enemies, the persecutors, of both, are many, very many. 2. David established in the way of his duty, notwithstanding: "Yet do I not decline from thy testimonies, as knowing that while I adhere to them God is for me; and then no matter who is against me." A man who is steady in the way of his duty, though he may have many enemies, needs fear none.
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 vv157–163SCHIN.--The Twenty-first Part.
SCHIN.--The Twenty-first Part.
SCHIN. Princes have persecuted me without a cause,.... These were either the princes of the Philistines at the court of Achish; or the princes of Israel, who joined in the conspiracy with Absalom; or the princes in Saul's court, as Kimchi observes; who insinuated that David had evil designs against the king, drove him from abiding in the Lord's inheritance, and pursued him from place to place, as a partridge on the mountains, Sa1 29:4; and all which was without any cause or reason on his part; and which, as it was an aggravation of the sin of his persecutors, so it was an alleviation of his affliction: in this he was, a type of Christ, against whom the kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers took counsel together; Herod, Pontius Pilate, and others, the princes of this world, who crucified the Lord of glory, and hated him without a cause; who was holy and harmless, and never did any injury to any man's person or property, Psa 2:2;
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but my heart standeth in awe of thy word: not in awe of the princes, but of the word of God; he had a greater regard to that than to them: when they in effect said, "go, serve other gods", Sa1 26:19; he remembered what the word of God says, "thou shall have no other gods before me", Exo 20:3; and this was a means of preserving him from sinning. Kimchi thinks some respect is had to the word of God by Nathan the prophet, "I will raise up evil against thee out of thine house", &c. Sa2 12:11; and he was afraid, on account of this word, lest he should fall into the hands of the princes: but it seems not to be an excruciating tormenting fear that is here meant; but a high regard for, and a holy reverence of the word of God, or a reverential affection for it; such as is consistent with the highest joy on account of it, as follows.
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 vv160–161The beginning - From the beginning of the world.
The beginning - From the beginning of the world.
John Wesley, Explanatory Notes Upon the Whole Bible (1754–1765) — public domain. Text via the GEBible commentary corpus.
Adam Clarke1810 · Public DomainOn vv158, 160, 161, 162, 163Verse 158. I beheld the transgressors, and was grieved]…
Verse 158. I beheld the transgressors, and was grieved] Literally, I was affected with anguish.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible (1810–1826) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword/MySword module.
Joseph Benson1811 · Public DomainOn vv157, 161Psa 119:157-160. Many are my persecutors — David, being…
Psa 119:157-160. Many are my persecutors — David, being a public person, had many enemies. In this he was a type both of Christ and of his church. The enemies, the persecutors of both, are many, implacable and unwearied in their endeavours against them. Yet do I not decline from thy testimonies — Though they tempt me so to do, and persecute me because I will not do it: for I know while I adhere to them God is for me, and then I need not regard who is against me. A man that is steady in the way of his duty, though he may have many enemies, he needs to fear none. I beheld transgressors — I observed and considered their ungodly courses; and was grieved — Commiserating their sin and folly, and distressed to think of the misery they were bringing on themselves; because they kept not thy word — And thereby exposed themselves to thy wrath and indignation. Consider how I love thy precepts — My love to which is the cause of my grief for the violation of them. Thy word is true from the beginning — From the beginning of the world. “God’s word, and every article of his law, was, and ever will be, truth, first and last; what he spoke first was truth, and so will be every determination of his to the end of the world.” — Waterland.
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 vv157–163Many are my persecutors and mine enemies - The…
Many are my persecutors and mine enemies - The thought here turns on the number of his enemies, and on the effect which numbers might have in turning one from the way of truth. We might meet one such enemy, and overcome him; we might resist the influence of one in endeavoring to turn us away from the truth, but the danger of falling is much increased when numbers are combined in persecuting us, or in seeking to turn us away from our religion - when it becomes unpopular to be a professed friend of God.
Yet do I not decline from thy testimonies - I still adhere to thee; I still maintain my integrity, notwithstanding all this. See the notes at Psa 119:51.
Albert Barnes' Notes on the Bible (1834–1885) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword/MySword module.
Daniel D. Whedon1874 · Public DomainOn v161שׁ, Shin.
שׁ, Shin.
161-168. Princes have persecuted me—Persecutions still return, yet “the joy of the Lord” is his strength. Princes who sat and spake against him now persecute him without cause, yet the fear of God kills out the fear of man. The result of the struggle is like the spoil after a victory. Seven times is the same as many times, the use of “seven” for an indefinite number being very ancient. The division ends with an humble, but confident, appeal to the Searcher of hearts that he has steadily kept his testimonies, an appeal which only the purest conscience can venture to make.
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 vv158–163158. I have seen the treacherous dealers and felt…
158. I have seen the treacherous dealers and felt loathing,
Because they have not observed thy word.
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Apostate Israelites are meant, faithless to the covenant. Far from being attracted by them, he felt disgust and loathing (Psa_139:21) as he watched them and their ways.
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 vv158, 160, 161, 162(158) Transgressors.—Better, the faithless (or, traitors).
RESH.
(158) Transgressors.—Better, the faithless (or, traitors).
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Was grieved.—The Hebrew is a far stronger word, and the sense is intensified by the rare conjugation: was filled with loathing at; sickened with disgust.
“The recreants I survey,
And loathing turn away.”—KEBLE.
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 vv157–163Many are my persecutors and mine enemies. Hitherto this…
Many are my persecutors and mine enemies. Hitherto this had been implied (vers. 22, 23, 51, 61, etc.) rather than expressed. Now the thought of Psa_25:18 comes over the writer, "Consider mine enemies, for they are many." Yet do I not decline from thy testimonies. Repeated from ver. 51.
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 vv157–163Ver. 157. Many are my persecutors and mine enemies.…
Ver. 157. Many are my persecutors and mine enemies. Those who actually assail me, or who secretly abhor me, are many. He sets this over against the many tender mercies of God. It seems a strange thing that a truly godly man, as David was, should have many enemies; but it is inevitable. The disciple cannot be loved where his Master is hated. The seed of the serpent must oppose the seed of the woman: it is their nature.
Yet do I not decline from thy testimonies. He did not deviate from the truth of God, but proceeded in the straight way, however many adversaries might endeavour to block up his path. Some men have been led astray by one enemy, but here is a saint who held on his way in the teeth of many persecutors. There is enough in the testimonies of God to recompense us for pushing forward against all the hosts that may combine against us. So long as they cannot drive or draw us into a spiritual decline our foes have done us no great harm, and they have accomplished nothing by their malice. If we do not decline they are defeated. If they cannot make us sin they have missed their mark. Faithfulness to the truth is victory over our enemies.
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Ver. 157. Persecutors. A participle from the verb rendered pursue, chase. "Enemies, "as in verse 139, the authors of my distress. Until men are hunted and hounded by many enemies, who for the time have power, and are withal fierce and to some extent unscrupulous, they can have but a faint conception of the anguish of the prophet when he experienced the evils noted in this verse. Yet they did not move him from his constancy and integrity. William S. Plurner.
Ver. 157.
1. A word of multitude: "many."
2. A tendency of dread, viz., a tendency to decline.
3. A note of consolation: "yet do I not decline, "
Psalms 119:158*
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 vv157, 158, 160, 161, 162Many are my persecutors and mine enemies.
Psa_119:157-160
Many are my persecutors and mine enemies.
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--
The trials and traits of piety
I. The trials of piety. They are twofold--objective and subjective.
1. Objective. Many are my persecutors and enemies. In the world ye shall have tribulation, etc. The seed of the serpent is always darting its venomous sting into the sensibilities of the seed of the woman.
2. The subjective. I beheld, etc. Transgressors here points especially to apostates from Divine truth. In sooth all sin is moral apostasy, and all sin strikes sorrow into the heart of the pious.
II. The traits of piety.
1. Steadfast adherence to truth. Yet I declined not from Thy testimonies. Whatever happens, hold fast to truth.
2. Loving devotion to rectitude. Consider how I love Thy precepts. It is characteristic of a godly man that he delights in the law of God.
3. Devout craving for a higher life. Quicken me, etc. I count not myself to have attained, etc. Excelsior! is the watchword of the Christly soul.
4. A settled consciousness of the truth of God. Thy Word is true, or, Thy Word is truth, and every one of Thy righteous judgments endureth for ever. That is the sum total, and each unit of the sum of Gods commandments is truth and perfection (Joh_3:33). (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 v161Schin (and Sin) The Believer’s Fellowship with God in…
Schin (and Sin) The Believer’s Fellowship with God in Prayer. —
v. 161. Princes, the mighty and influential ones of the earth, have persecuted me without a cause, although he had done nothing which might justly have provoked their hatred; but my heart standeth in awe of Thy Word, in reverential fear of its marvelous strength and beauty:
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v. 162. I rejoice at Thy Word, instead of currying the favor of the wicked princes, he finds his greatest joy in the Word of his Lord, as one that findeth great spoil, being enriched by its possession beyond the dreams of avarice.
v. 163. I hate and abhor lying, unfaithfulness to the covenant of God in any form; but Thy Law do I love.
v. 164. Seven times a day do I praise Thee, in a continued course of devotional exercises, because of Thy righteous judgments. The hearts of the believers are temples of the Holy Spirit, in them the incense of their praise rises in continual adoration.
v. 165. Great peace have they which love Thy Law, for in the midst of all the battles of life they have the assurance of the grace of God promised in the Word; and nothing shall offend them, causing the believers to stumble and fall, since they are upheld by the strength of God.
v. 166. Lord, I have hoped for Thy salvation, longing for it as Jacob did of old, Gen 49:18, and done Thy commandments, obedient to the holy will of God, as laid down in His Word.
v. 167. My soul hath kept Thy testimonies, observing them carefully, and I love them exceedingly.
v. 168. I have kept Thy precepts and Thy testimonies, in an earnest effort to follow the way of sanctification; for all my ways are before Thee. All believers should strive to reach this level of calm assurance in urging the sincerity of their lives before the face of God.
Paul E. Kretzmann, Popular Commentary of the Bible (1921–1924) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
This is an idiom. "I have not stopped obeying" or "I have not stopped believing" (See: Idiom)
covenant decrees
Other possible meanings are "testimonies" or "laws." See how this is translated in Psalms 78:5.
the treacherous
The adjective "treacherous" can be translated as a noun phrase. AT: "treacherous people" or "those who betray me" or "my enemies" (See: Nominal Adjectives)
Tyndale Open Study Notes2022 · CC BY-SA 4.0On v161119:161-168 Shin (ש): The psalmist looks beyond his adversaries…
119:161-168 Shin (ש): The psalmist looks beyond his adversaries to the peace of God. This perspective allows him to praise God throughout the day.
119:161-164 my heart trembles . . . I rejoice: Fear, trembling, and joy mark the psalmist’s devotion to God. • God’s word is a treasure. • In the Old Testament, seven signifies wholeness.
John Calvin 1540 · Public Domain On vv157–163 157. My persecutors and oppressors are many. The Psalmist…
157. My persecutors and oppressors are many. The Psalmist here as in other places testifies, that although he had been provoked by many injuries, yet he had not departed from the right way; which, as I have elsewhere observed, was an evidence of great and singular constancy. It is an easy matter to act well when we are among the good; but if wicked men afflict us, if one man openly assault us by force, if another rob us of our property, if a third circumvent us by wiles, and a fourth attack us by calumnies, it is difficult for us to persevere in our integrity, and we rather begin to howl among the wolves. Besides, the license which is allowed them of doing what they please without the fear of being punished, is a powerful engine for shaking our faith, because, when God thus winks at the wicked, he seems to abandon us for a prey. The Prophet therefore, by God’s testimonies, means not only the rule of holy and righteous living, but also the promises. Lord, as if he had said, I have not turned away from the path of integrity, although the conduct of the wicked has presented me with a temptation to do so; nor have I shaken off nay confidence in thy grace, but have waited patiently for thy succor. Both these are necessary. For although he who has suffered wrongs may contend against the malice of his enemies by his well — doing, and may refrain from every act of retaliation, yet, provided he does not depend wholly upon God, this uprightness will not be sufficient to save him. Not that any man behaves himself in a manner so moderate, except he who leans upon God and waits upon him as his deliverer; but granting that such could be the ease, there would not be sufficient power in this half virtue to save him. The salvation of God is reserved for the faithful who ask it in the exercise of lively faith. And whoever, persuaded that God will be his deliverer, pillars and supports his mind on the divine promises, will endeavor also to overcome evil with good.
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 vv158–161 My zeal consumed me when I saw their malice…
My zeal consumed me when I saw their malice and contempt of thy glory.
Geneva Bible (1599) marginal notes — public domain.
John Trapp 1656 · Public Domain On vv157–163 Psa 119:157 Many [are] my persecutors and mine enemies;…
Psa 119:157 Many [are] my persecutors and mine enemies; [yet] do I not decline from thy testimonies.
Ver. 157. Many are my persecutors] Truth never wanted an adversary; and goes seldom without a scratched face.
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Yet do I not decline] But still adhere to thy word; when others fall off as fast as leaves fall from trees in autumn.
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 vv157, 158, 159, 160, 161, 163 Though they tempt me to do so, and persecute…
Though they tempt me to do so, and persecute me because I will not do it.
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 vv157–163 Here is, 1. David surrounded with difficulties and dangers:…
Here is, 1. David surrounded with difficulties and dangers: Many are my persecutors and my enemies. When Saul the king was his persecutor and enemy no marvel that many more were so: multitudes will follow the pernicious ways of abused authority. David, being a public person, had many enemies, but withal he had many friends, who loved him and wished him well; let him set the one over-against the other. In this David was a type both of Christ and his church. The enemies, the persecutors, of both, are many, very many. 2. David established in the way of his duty, notwithstanding: "Yet do I not decline from thy testimonies, as knowing that while I adhere to them God is for me; and then no matter who is against me." A man who is steady in the way of his duty, though he may have many enemies, needs fear none.
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 vv157–163 SCHIN.--The Twenty-first Part.
SCHIN.--The Twenty-first Part.
SCHIN. Princes have persecuted me without a cause,.... These were either the princes of the Philistines at the court of Achish; or the princes of Israel, who joined in the conspiracy with Absalom; or the princes in Saul's court, as Kimchi observes; who insinuated that David had evil designs against the king, drove him from abiding in the Lord's inheritance, and pursued him from place to place, as a partridge on the mountains, Sa1 29:4; and all which was without any cause or reason on his part; and which, as it was an aggravation of the sin of his persecutors, so it was an alleviation of his affliction: in this he was, a type of Christ, against whom the kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers took counsel together; Herod, Pontius Pilate, and others, the princes of this world, who crucified the Lord of glory, and hated him without a cause; who was holy and harmless, and never did any injury to any man's person or property, Psa 2:2;
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but my heart standeth in awe of thy word: not in awe of the princes, but of the word of God; he had a greater regard to that than to them: when they in effect said, "go, serve other gods", Sa1 26:19; he remembered what the word of God says, "thou shall have no other gods before me", Exo 20:3; and this was a means of preserving him from sinning. Kimchi thinks some respect is had to the word of God by Nathan the prophet, "I will raise up evil against thee out of thine house", &c. Sa2 12:11; and he was afraid, on account of this word, lest he should fall into the hands of the princes: but it seems not to be an excruciating tormenting fear that is here meant; but a high regard for, and a holy reverence of the word of God, or a reverential affection for it; such as is consistent with the highest joy on account of it, as follows.
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 vv160–161 The beginning - From the beginning of the world.
The beginning - From the beginning of the world.
John Wesley, Explanatory Notes Upon the Whole Bible (1754–1765) — public domain. Text via the GEBible commentary corpus.
Adam Clarke 1810 · Public Domain On vv158, 160, 161, 162, 163 Verse 158. I beheld the transgressors, and was grieved]…
Verse 158. I beheld the transgressors, and was grieved] Literally, I was affected with anguish.
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 vv157, 161 Psa 119:157-160. Many are my persecutors — David, being…
Psa 119:157-160. Many are my persecutors — David, being a public person, had many enemies. In this he was a type both of Christ and of his church. The enemies, the persecutors of both, are many, implacable and unwearied in their endeavours against them. Yet do I not decline from thy testimonies — Though they tempt me so to do, and persecute me because I will not do it: for I know while I adhere to them God is for me, and then I need not regard who is against me. A man that is steady in the way of his duty, though he may have many enemies, he needs to fear none. I beheld transgressors — I observed and considered their ungodly courses; and was grieved — Commiserating their sin and folly, and distressed to think of the misery they were bringing on themselves; because they kept not thy word — And thereby exposed themselves to thy wrath and indignation. Consider how I love thy precepts — My love to which is the cause of my grief for the violation of them. Thy word is true from the beginning — From the beginning of the world. “God’s word, and every article of his law, was, and ever will be, truth, first and last; what he spoke first was truth, and so will be every determination of his to the end of the world.” — Waterland.
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 vv157–163 Many are my persecutors and mine enemies - The…
Many are my persecutors and mine enemies - The thought here turns on the number of his enemies, and on the effect which numbers might have in turning one from the way of truth. We might meet one such enemy, and overcome him; we might resist the influence of one in endeavoring to turn us away from the truth, but the danger of falling is much increased when numbers are combined in persecuting us, or in seeking to turn us away from our religion - when it becomes unpopular to be a professed friend of God.
Yet do I not decline from thy testimonies - I still adhere to thee; I still maintain my integrity, notwithstanding all this. See the notes at Psa 119:51.
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 v161 שׁ, Shin.
שׁ, Shin.
161-168. Princes have persecuted me—Persecutions still return, yet “the joy of the Lord” is his strength. Princes who sat and spake against him now persecute him without cause, yet the fear of God kills out the fear of man. The result of the struggle is like the spoil after a victory. Seven times is the same as many times, the use of “seven” for an indefinite number being very ancient. The division ends with an humble, but confident, appeal to the Searcher of hearts that he has steadily kept his testimonies, an appeal which only the purest conscience can venture to make.
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 vv158–163 158. I have seen the treacherous dealers and felt…
158. I have seen the treacherous dealers and felt loathing,
Because they have not observed thy word.
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Apostate Israelites are meant, faithless to the covenant. Far from being attracted by them, he felt disgust and loathing (Psa_139:21) as he watched them and their ways.
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 vv158, 160, 161, 162 (158) Transgressors.—Better, the faithless (or, traitors).
RESH.
(158) Transgressors.—Better, the faithless (or, traitors).
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Was grieved.—The Hebrew is a far stronger word, and the sense is intensified by the rare conjugation: was filled with loathing at; sickened with disgust.
“The recreants I survey,
And loathing turn away.”—KEBLE.
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 vv157–163 Many are my persecutors and mine enemies. Hitherto this…
Many are my persecutors and mine enemies. Hitherto this had been implied (vers. 22, 23, 51, 61, etc.) rather than expressed. Now the thought of Psa_25:18 comes over the writer, "Consider mine enemies, for they are many." Yet do I not decline from thy testimonies. Repeated from ver. 51.
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 vv157–163 Ver. 157. Many are my persecutors and mine enemies.…
Ver. 157. Many are my persecutors and mine enemies. Those who actually assail me, or who secretly abhor me, are many. He sets this over against the many tender mercies of God. It seems a strange thing that a truly godly man, as David was, should have many enemies; but it is inevitable. The disciple cannot be loved where his Master is hated. The seed of the serpent must oppose the seed of the woman: it is their nature.
Yet do I not decline from thy testimonies. He did not deviate from the truth of God, but proceeded in the straight way, however many adversaries might endeavour to block up his path. Some men have been led astray by one enemy, but here is a saint who held on his way in the teeth of many persecutors. There is enough in the testimonies of God to recompense us for pushing forward against all the hosts that may combine against us. So long as they cannot drive or draw us into a spiritual decline our foes have done us no great harm, and they have accomplished nothing by their malice. If we do not decline they are defeated. If they cannot make us sin they have missed their mark. Faithfulness to the truth is victory over our enemies.
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Ver. 157. Persecutors. A participle from the verb rendered pursue, chase. "Enemies, "as in verse 139, the authors of my distress. Until men are hunted and hounded by many enemies, who for the time have power, and are withal fierce and to some extent unscrupulous, they can have but a faint conception of the anguish of the prophet when he experienced the evils noted in this verse. Yet they did not move him from his constancy and integrity. William S. Plurner.
Ver. 157.
1. A word of multitude: "many."
2. A tendency of dread, viz., a tendency to decline.
3. A note of consolation: "yet do I not decline, "
Psalms 119:158*
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 vv157, 158, 160, 161, 162 Many are my persecutors and mine enemies.
Psa_119:157-160
Many are my persecutors and mine enemies.
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--
The trials and traits of piety
I. The trials of piety. They are twofold--objective and subjective.
1. Objective. Many are my persecutors and enemies. In the world ye shall have tribulation, etc. The seed of the serpent is always darting its venomous sting into the sensibilities of the seed of the woman.
2. The subjective. I beheld, etc. Transgressors here points especially to apostates from Divine truth. In sooth all sin is moral apostasy, and all sin strikes sorrow into the heart of the pious.
II. The traits of piety.
1. Steadfast adherence to truth. Yet I declined not from Thy testimonies. Whatever happens, hold fast to truth.
2. Loving devotion to rectitude. Consider how I love Thy precepts. It is characteristic of a godly man that he delights in the law of God.
3. Devout craving for a higher life. Quicken me, etc. I count not myself to have attained, etc. Excelsior! is the watchword of the Christly soul.
4. A settled consciousness of the truth of God. Thy Word is true, or, Thy Word is truth, and every one of Thy righteous judgments endureth for ever. That is the sum total, and each unit of the sum of Gods commandments is truth and perfection (Joh_3:33). (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 v161 Schin (and Sin) The Believer’s Fellowship with God in…
Schin (and Sin) The Believer’s Fellowship with God in Prayer. —
v. 161. Princes, the mighty and influential ones of the earth, have persecuted me without a cause, although he had done nothing which might justly have provoked their hatred; but my heart standeth in awe of Thy Word, in reverential fear of its marvelous strength and beauty:
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v. 162. I rejoice at Thy Word, instead of currying the favor of the wicked princes, he finds his greatest joy in the Word of his Lord, as one that findeth great spoil, being enriched by its possession beyond the dreams of avarice.
v. 163. I hate and abhor lying, unfaithfulness to the covenant of God in any form; but Thy Law do I love.
v. 164. Seven times a day do I praise Thee, in a continued course of devotional exercises, because of Thy righteous judgments. The hearts of the believers are temples of the Holy Spirit, in them the incense of their praise rises in continual adoration.
v. 165. Great peace have they which love Thy Law, for in the midst of all the battles of life they have the assurance of the grace of God promised in the Word; and nothing shall offend them, causing the believers to stumble and fall, since they are upheld by the strength of God.
v. 166. Lord, I have hoped for Thy salvation, longing for it as Jacob did of old, Gen 49:18, and done Thy commandments, obedient to the holy will of God, as laid down in His Word.
v. 167. My soul hath kept Thy testimonies, observing them carefully, and I love them exceedingly.
v. 168. I have kept Thy precepts and Thy testimonies, in an earnest effort to follow the way of sanctification; for all my ways are before Thee. All believers should strive to reach this level of calm assurance in urging the sincerity of their lives before the face of God.
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 vv157, 159, 161, 163 My persecutors
My persecutors
"Those who persecute me"
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I have not turned from
This is an idiom. "I have not stopped obeying" or "I have not stopped believing" (See: Idiom)
covenant decrees
Other possible meanings are "testimonies" or "laws." See how this is translated in Psalms 78:5.
the treacherous
The adjective "treacherous" can be translated as a noun phrase. AT: "treacherous people" or "those who betray me" or "my enemies" (See: Nominal Adjectives)
do not keep
"do not obey"
translationWords
persecute
turn
covenant
decree
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 v161 119:161-168 Shin (ש): The psalmist looks beyond his adversaries…
119:161-168 Shin (ש): The psalmist looks beyond his adversaries to the peace of God. This perspective allows him to praise God throughout the day.
119:161-164 my heart trembles . . . I rejoice: Fear, trembling, and joy mark the psalmist’s devotion to God. • God’s word is a treasure. • In the Old Testament, seven signifies wholeness.
Tyndale Open Study Notes — © Tyndale Open Resources, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Text via the HelloAO Bible API.