How I love your law! It is my meditation all day.
Your commandments make me wiser than my enemies, for your commandments are always with me.
I have more understanding than all my teachers, for your testimonies are my meditation.
Parallel Translations
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How I love your law! It is my meditation all day.
Your commandments make me wiser than my enemies, for your commandments are always with me.
I have more understanding than all my teachers, for your testimonies are my meditation.
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O how love I thy law! it is my meditation all the day.
Thou through thy commandments hast made me wiser than mine enemies: for they are ever with me.
I have more understanding than all my teachers: for thy testimonies are my meditation.
Show all 3 translations
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MEM. O how love I Thy law! It is my meditation all the day.
Thy commandments make me wiser than mine enemies: for they are ever with me.
I have more understanding than all my teachers; for Thy testimonies are my meditation.
Cross-references (38)
- Psalms 1:2 (v97) but his delight is in Yahweh’s law. On his law he meditates day and night.
- Proverbs 2:6 (v98) For Yahweh gives wisdom. Out of his mouth comes knowledge and understanding.
- Proverbs 2:10 (v97) For wisdom will enter into your heart. Knowledge will be pleasant to your soul.
- Psalms 119:159 (v97) Consider how I love your precepts. Revive me, Yahweh, according to your loving kindness.
- Matthew 11:25 (v99) At that time, Jesus answered, “I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you hid these things from the wise and understanding,…
Show all 38 cross-references
- Matthew 13:11 (v99) He answered them, “To you it is given to know the mysteries of the Kingdom of Heaven, but it is not given to them.
- Psalms 119:24 (v99) Indeed your statutes are my delight, and my counselors.
- 2 Timothy 3:15-17 (v99) From infancy, you have known the holy Scriptures which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith, which is in Christ Jesus.…
- Joshua 1:8 (v97) This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, that you may observe to do according to…
- Psalms 119:48 (v97) I reach out my hands for your commandments, which I love. I will meditate on your statutes.
- Matthew 23:24-36 (v99) You blind guides, who strain out a gnat, and swallow a camel! “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you clean the outside of…
- 2 Chronicles 29:15-36 (v99) They gathered their brothers, sanctified themselves, and went in, according to the commandment of the king by Yahweh’s words, to cleanse…
- Deuteronomy 17:19 (v97) It shall be with him, and he shall read from it all the days of his life, that he may learn to fear Yahweh his God, to keep all the words…
- Psalms 119:167 (v97) My soul has observed your testimonies. I love them exceedingly.
- Deuteronomy 6:6-9 (v97) These words, which I command you today, shall be on your heart; and you shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of…
- 2 Chronicles 30:22 (v99) Hezekiah spoke encouragingly to all the Levites who had good understanding in the service of Yahweh. So they ate throughout the feast for…
- Psalms 119:104-105 (v98) Through your precepts, I get understanding; therefore I hate every false way. Your word is a lamp to my feet, and a light for my path.
- Psalms 119:127 (v97) Therefore I love your commandments more than gold, yes, more than pure gold.
- Psalms 119:165 (v97) Those who love your law have great peace. Nothing causes them to stumble.
- Jeremiah 2:8 (v99) The priests didn’t say, ‘Where is Yahweh?’ and those who handle the law didn’t know me. The rulers also transgressed against me, and the…
- Jeremiah 8:8-9 (v99) “ ‘How do you say, “We are wise, and Yahweh’s law is with us?” But, behold, the false pen of the scribes has made that a lie. The wise men…
- Colossians 3:16 (v98) Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly; in all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs,…
- Hebrews 5:12 (v99) For although by this time you should be teachers, you again need to have someone teach you the rudiments of the first principles of the…
- James 1:25 (v98) But he who looks into the perfect law of freedom and continues, not being a hearer who forgets, but a doer of the work, this man will be…
- Deuteronomy 4:6 (v98) Keep therefore and do them; for this is your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the peoples who shall hear all these statutes…
- 1 Chronicles 15:11-13 (v99) David called for Zadok and Abiathar the priests, and for the Levites, for Uriel, Asaiah, Joel, Shemaiah, Eliel, and Amminadab, and said to…
- Psalms 119:11 (v98) I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.
- Psalms 119:113 (v97) I hate double-minded men, but I love your law.
- Proverbs 18:1 (v97) A man who isolates himself pursues selfishness, and defies all sound judgment.
- Matthew 15:6-9 (v99) he shall not honor his father or mother.’ You have made the commandment of God void because of your tradition. You hypocrites! Well did…
- Deuteronomy 4:6-8 (v99) Keep therefore and do them; for this is your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the peoples who shall hear all these statutes…
- Deuteronomy 4:8 (v98) What great nation is there that has statutes and ordinances so righteous as all this law which I set before you today?
- 2 Samuel 15:24-26 (v99) Behold, Zadok also came, and all the Levites with him, bearing the ark of the covenant of God; and they set down God’s ark; and Abiathar…
- Psalms 119:30 (v98) I have chosen the way of truth. I have set your ordinances before me.
- 1 Samuel 18:5 (v98) David went out wherever Saul sent him, and behaved himself wisely; and Saul set him over the men of war. It was good in the sight of all…
- 1 Samuel 18:14 (v98) David behaved himself wisely in all his ways; and Yahweh was with him.
- 1 Samuel 18:30 (v98) Then the princes of the Philistines went out; and as often as they went out, David behaved himself more wisely than all the servants of…
- Matthew 15:14 (v99) Leave them alone. They are blind guides of the blind. If the blind guide the blind, both will fall into a pit.”
Cross-references from openbible.info (CC BY 4.0)
Explain this passage (18 sources)
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John Calvin 1540 · Public Domain On vv97–98 97. O how have I loved thy law! Not…
97. O how have I loved thy law! Not contented with a simple affirmation, the prophet exclaims, by way of interrogation, that he was inflamed with incredible love to the law of God; and, in proof of this, he adds, that he was continually engaged in meditating upon it. If any person boasts that he loves the Divine Law, and yet neglects the study of it, and applies his mind to other things, he betrays the grossest hypocrisy; for the love of the law, and especially such an ardent love of it as the prophet here expresses, always produces continual meditation upon it. And, assuredly, unless God’s law inflame and ravish our hearts with the love of it, many allurements will quickly steal upon us, and lead us away to vanity. The prophet, then, here commends such a love of the law, as, possessing all our senses, effectually excludes all the deceits and corruption’s to which we are otherwise too much inclined.
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 vv97, 99 He showeth that we cannot love God’s word, except…
He showeth that we cannot love God’s word, except we exercise ourselves therein and practice it.
Geneva Bible (1599) marginal notes — public domain.
John Trapp 1656 · Public Domain On vv97–99 Psa 119:97 MEM. O how love I thy law!…
Psa 119:97 MEM. O how love I thy law! it [is] my meditation all the day.
Ver. 97. O how love I thy law!] Such a pang of love he felt as could not otherwise be vented but by a pathetic exclamation; and this was wrought in him by the thoughts of the largeness and lastingness of God’s law. Plato prized one book (called Sophron) above all the rest, whereof he had many. Richard de Bury, bishop of Durham (Floruit, A. D. 1333), as he had more books than all the bishops of England besides, so in his book called Philobiblos, he saith of himself, ecstatico quodam librorum amore potenter se esse abreptum, that he was carried out of himself by love to good books, but not so much as David was to God’s blessed Book. Queen Elizabeth, at her coronation, received the Bible, presented unto her, with both her hands; and, kissing it, laid it to her breast, saying, that the same had ever been her chiefest delight (Speed.).
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It is my meditation all the day] Sive locutio, commentatio, occupatio, my daily discourse, study, or employment; as love is never idle.
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 vv97–99 O how love I thy law! O Lord, thou…
MEM
O how love I thy law! O Lord, thou knowest it, and to thee I appeal herein against all the censures and calumnies of mine enemies to the contrary.
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 vv97–98 Here is, 1. David's inexpressible love to the word…
Here is, 1. David's inexpressible love to the word of God: O how love I thy law! He protests his affection to the word of God with a holy vehemency; he found that love to it in his heart which, considering the corruption of his nature and the temptations of the world, he could not but wonder at, and at that grace which had wrought it in him. He not only loved the promises, but loved the law, and delighted in it after the inner man. 2. An unexceptionable evidence of this. What we love we love to think of; by this it appeared that David loved the word of God that it was his meditation. He not only read the book of the law, but digested what he read in his thoughts, and was delivered into it as into a mould: it was his meditation not only in the night, when he was silent and solitary, and had nothing else to do, but in the day, when he was full of business and company; nay, and all the day; some good thoughts were interwoven with his common thoughts, so full was he of the word of God.
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 vv97–99 I have refrained my feet from every evil way,....…
I have refrained my feet from every evil way,.... Of error or immorality, forbidden and condemned by the word of God; every way that is evil in itself, or leads to evil, and in which evil men walk; and though there may be many snares and temptations to walk in such a way, yet a good man cannot allow himself to walk therein, as others do; he has not so learned the word of God; he is under the influence of divine grace, and withholds himself from it; he abstains from all appearance of evil, and lays a restraint, as upon his mouth and lips, so upon his feet, or guards his walk and conversation. This shows, that as David had an affection for the word of God, and made great proficiency in knowledge by it; so it had an influence on his life and conversation, and his knowledge appeared to be not merely speculative, but practical: his end, in laying such a restraint upon his feet, was not out of vain glory, and to gain popular applause nor through fear of losing his credit among men, nor of the wrath of God; but out of love to God, and to his word, as follows:
that I might keep thy word; such was his love to it, and his regard to the honour of it; considering whose word it was, and with whose authority it was clothed, and whose glory was concerned therein; that he was careful to walk according to it, and in the way that directed to, and shun every other way.
John Gill's Exposition of the Whole Bible (1746–1763) — public domain (CC PDM 1.0). Text via the HelloAO Bible API.
Adam Clarke 1810 · Public Domain On vv97–99 LETTER מ MEM. - Thirteenth Division
LETTER מ MEM. - Thirteenth Division
Verse 97. O how love I thy law] This is one of the strongest marks of a gracious and pious heart, cast in the mould of obedience. Such love the precepts of Christ: in his commandments they delight; and this delight is shown by their making them frequent subjects of their meditation.
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 v97 Psa 119:97-100. O how I love thy law! —…
MEM.
Psa 119:97-100. O how I love thy law! — O Lord, thou knowest my love to it is inexpressible: to then I appeal herein against all the censures and calumnies of my enemies to the contrary. It is my meditation all the day — Because I desire to know and do thy will, which it declares in all things. Thou, through thy commandments — Which direct me into, and preserve me in, the way of righteousness; hast made me wiser than my enemies — Who pursue a different course, and take their own will or fancy, and not thy word, for the rule of their actions. I have more understanding — More true wisdom; than all my teachers — All those priests and Levites, or doctors of the law, of whom I have formerly learned; for, pursuing other knowledge, and secular objects, they neglect to make themselves acquainted with thy law: but thy testimonies are my meditation — The matter of my constant and most diligent study. I understand more than the ancients — Those elders and grave counsellors, who rely more on their own wisdom and sagacity than on that wisdom which springs from a meditation on thy truth; because I keep thy precepts — By which he intimates, that to practise religion is the best way to understand it, and that the corruption of men’s hearts and lives is the greatest hinderance of all true and solid knowledge of it. Thus our Lord, If any man will do his
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(God’s) will, he shall known of the doctrine whether it be of God.
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 vv97–99 O how love I thy law! - This commences…
O how love I thy law! - This commences a new division of the Psalm, indicated by the Hebrew letter Mem (מ m, “m”). The expression here, “O how love I thy law,” implies intense love - as if a man were astonished at the fervour of his own emotion. His love was so ardent that it was amazing and wonderful to himself - perhaps wonderful that he, a sinner, should love the law of God at all; wonderful that he should ever have been brought so to love a law which condemned himself. Any man who reflects on what his feelings are by nature in regard to religion, will be filled with wonder that he loves it at all; all who are truly religious ought to be so filled with love to it, that it will be difficult for them to find words to express the intensity of their affection.
It is my meditation all the day - See the notes at Psa 1:2.
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 v97 מ, Mem.
מ, Mem.
97-104. Thy law… is my meditation—A view is now given of the practical wisdom given by the word. A childlike mind, illuminated by the pure truth, sees of itself an error. Its feelings and intuitions are better than logical arguments, and this pure, direct perception is more reliable than the experience of the “ancients,” who had not the living word. To a free, clean mind, the divine truth is better than honey to the mouth or music to the ear.
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 vv97–99 97. P.B.V. follows LXX and Vulg. in adding Lord…
97. P.B.V. follows LXX and Vulg. in adding Lord to the first clause, where it seems to be wanted.
97–104. Mçm. The sweetness and profitableness of the study of God’s law. This stanza and that of Shîn (Psa_119:161 ff.) contain no petition.
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 vv98–99 (98) Better, Thy commandments make me wiser than my…
MEM.
(98) Better, Thy commandments make me wiser than my enemies. The same correspondence of wisdom with loyal obedience to the Law is found in the Book of Proverbs.
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 vv97–99 O how love I Thy law! (comp. vers. 47,…
O how love I Thy law! (comp. vers. 47, 48, 113, 119, 127, etc.). As the psalmist goes on with his meditation he becomes more and more rated with a deep love of the Law of God, which is not to him a restraint or a burden, but a solace and a "delight." It is my meditation all the day (see ver. 15, 23, 48, 78, etc.).
Vers. 97-120. Knowledge and action.
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Of God"s Law these verses treat, calling our attention to
I STUDY THAT LEADS TO LOVE. (Vers. 97-103) A cursory view of God"s Word may have no result; but a serious study of it, a continuous and prayerful meditation upon it, will end in a strong attachment to it. It will become the source of perennial enjoyment; it will be prized above all price (see vers. 1-24). Indeed, so close will the heart cling to it that even the greatest danger will only suggest its truths (ver. 109). Sickness will bring it near; death will turn towards it. As the value of other treasures lessens, its worth will be enhanced.
II KNOWLEDGE. (Vers. 98, 99, 105) The study of the Word of God, of the will of Christ, will make the disciple to understand
(1) what his enemies are ignorant of;
(2) what is of greater intrinsic value than any science, or art, or language;
(3) what transcends all traditionary lore, however venerable that may be (vers. 98-100). But of more account than this mental superiority is
III PRACTICAL WISDOM.
1. This begins in hatred of evil (ver. 104), having a sincere aversion to the various forms of iniquity.
2. It proceeds to perception of what is right and good (ver. 105), understanding the true character of human life, and knowing what is the way in which to walk.
3. It continues in deliberate avoidance of evil (ver. 101).
4. Then determined loyalty to the truth and will of God under all provocations to err (vers. 102, 110-112). However strong the pressure or clever the intrigue, the man who loves God"s Law is constant in obedience, and refuses to leave the King"s highway; he goes straight to the goal.
5. This ends in immunity from the sad penalties of sin which the guilty have, sooner or later, to pay (vers. 118-120).
6. And its issue is a blessed fulfillment of the good man"s hope (ver. 116). This practical wisdom rests upon
IV A REVERENT PURPOSE OF HEART. (Vers. 106-115) Enlightened by the Divine teaching, understanding what is the wise and what the foolish course, perceiving who are his friends and who his enemies, the disciple of the great Teacher
(1) solemnly resolves that he will give himself, heart and life, to the pursuit and practice of righteousness;
(2) dismisses, without reserve, any evil companions he may have admitted to his friendship;
(3) makes a formal and solemn vow, before God and man, that he will walk in the way of life. Then come
V PRAYER AND PRAISE.
1. Daily supplication for the upholding hand of God, without which the fairest and strongest resolutions fail (vers. 116, 117).
2. Daily thanksgiving the sacrifice of grateful speech and sacred song (ver. 108).
Vers. 97-104. "O how love I thy Law!
Then follows a series of reasons why.
I IT FURNISHES HIM WITH HAPPY THOUGHT ALL THE DAY LONG. (Ver. 97) It is good to cultivate the habit of turning our thoughts to the things of God as they are told of in his Word. The habit is not natural to us, but God, by his Spirit, will help us to cultivate it. And how full of help and blessedness it is, none but those who have acquired it can declare; but such have declared this, as the psalmist here, again and again.
II WITH PRACTICAL WISDOM, SO THAT HE CAN ORDER HIS WAY ARIGHT. This is what is meant here by "wisdom" and "understanding." By means of it he can:
1. Outwit his enemies (ver. 98), no matter how crafty their policy.
2. Become wiser than his teachers. They may be full of sound doctrine, but the soul that is partaker of God"s grace is wiser than they.
3. Understands more than the men of olden time. "Understanding gotten by the precepts of the Word is better than that gotten by long experience.
III HOLDS HIM BACK FROM SIN. (Ver. 101) He has come to love righteousness and hate iniquity; but he knows that if he is to keep in this mind he must refrain, etc. He that will go into sin grieves and banishes from his soul the Spirit of God. Many people desire to be holy, but they desire ever so many other things along with it this, for example, that occasionally they may allow themselves in some evil way. And so they never attain to holiness; such double-hearted ones never can. God must teach us this (ver. 102).
IV BECOMES HIS DELIGHT. (Ver. 103) This is the meaning of the metaphor of this verse. The soul has its relish as well as the palate. And it is a blessed thing when the soul has a real relish for the things of God. Christ said, "I delight to do thy will, O my God." So was it foretold of him. (Ps 40) And he himself said, "My meat and my drink is to do the will of him that sent me." The religion of fear, of conscience, of sense, of duty, of hope, of reward, is feeble must be so but the religion that delights in God is strong for all things.
V GIVES HOLY HATRED OF ALL SIN. (Ver. 104) He whom God has taught so to understand will thus hate all sin. Blessed hatred is this. S.C.
The inspiration of obedience.
"Oh how love I thy Law!" There are three possible inspirations of the obedient life; the psalmist presents the true and efficient one.
I WE MAY OBEY BECAUSE WE MUST: THERE IS THE OBEDIENCE OF FEAR. Preachers seek to help men with this inspiration when they declare the "terrors of the Lord," testify of a coming judgment, and cry, "Prepare to meet thy God." And presumably there are persons to whom fear is an effective inspiration. All we need say is that they are not the nobler members of our race. A person amenable to the influence of fear is either uneducated, untrained, or un-self trained. As science destroys superstition, so knowledge and self-knowledge and Divine knowledge destroy fear. Fear God, and you need fear nothing else. It is not yet worthily seen that Christianity has something with which it intends, absolutely and entirely, to replace fear.
II WE MAY OBEY BECAUSE WE OUGHT: THERE IS THE OBEDIENCE OF DUTY. This is an altogether higher kind of inspiration. In it we still recognize a power above us; but it is now a power personally related to us and interested in use power with which we are in sympathy, and whose authority to rule us we recognize. No man is his true self until he says, "I am not independent. I am under authority. There is something that I ought to be. It is the will of a Personal Divine Being, in whose image I have been made." The sense of duty has been the inspiration of the noblest things in every sphere of human life in the family, the business, and the nation. Duty has often inspired heroism. Poets have sung its praise so much that it would hardly be unreasonable to regard it as man"s highest inspiration. And yet we must see that its power is altogether surpassed.
III WE MAY OBEY BECAUSE WE WISH TO: THERE IS THE OBEDIENCE OF LOVE. "Oh how love I thy Law!" It is sometimes said that this is the Law "getting into a man," and becoming himself, so that when he obeys he simply expresses himself. And this is true. Even duty keeps law outside us; it remains something which we must conform ourselves to. Love brings law in, makes it one with us, and so becomes an actual force of obedience in us. The inspiration of love is our best selves carrying our conduct into righteousness. R.T.
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 vv97–99 Ver. 97. O how love I thy law! It…
Ver. 97. O how love I thy law! It is a note of exclamation. He loves so much that he must express his love, and in making the attempt he perceives that it is inexpressible and therefore cries, "O how I love!" We not only reverence but love the law, we obey it out of love, and even when it chides us for disobedience we love it none the less. The law is God's law, and therefore it is our love. We love it for its holiness, and pine to be holy; we love it for its wisdom, and study to be wise; we love it for its perfection, and long to be perfect. Those who know the power of the gospel perceive an infinite loveliness in the law as they see it fulfilled and embodied in Christ Jesus.
It is my meditation all the day. This was both the effect of his love and the cause of it. He meditated in God's word because he loved it, and then loved it the more because he meditated in it. He could not have enough of it, so ardently did he love it: all the day was not too long for his converse with it. His main prayer, his noonday thought, his evensong were all out of Holy Writ; yea, in his worldly business he still kept his mind saturated with the law of the Lord. It is said of some men that the more you know them the less you admire them; but the reverse is true of God's word. Familiarity with the word of God breeds affection, and affection seeks yet greater familiarity. When "thy law, "and "my meditation" are together all the day, the day grows holy, devout, and happy, and the heart lives with God. David turned away from all else; for in the preceding verse he tells us that he had seen an end of all perfection; but he turned in unto the law and tarried there the whole day of his life on earth, growing henceforth wiser and holier even sick of love, as the church saith (So 2:5 5:8), she was sick of love towards Christ: so seemeth the prophet to be sick of love towards the word of God. This word "how, "also imports a comparison, and notes a greater love in David towards the word than towards riches or any other thing; in which respect he saith afterward in this very Psalm (Ps 119:127), that he loveth the Lord's commandments "above gold, yea, above fine gold"; yea, as whosoever so loveth not Christ, that in respect of Christ, and for Christ's sake, he forsaketh father, and mother, and brethren, and sisters, wife and children, and his own life also (much more riches and other things not to be compared to life) is not worthy of him: so he that doth not love the word above all other things; yea, he that hateth not all other things below here, ill respect of the word, is not worthy of the word. Christ himself loved the word of God more than he loved any riches; for did he not for the performance of the word submit himself to such want, that the foxes had holes, and the birds had nests, but he had not whereon to lay his head? and that, although he were the heir of all things, yet he was ministered unto by certain women? He loved the word of God moro than he loved his mother, brethren, and sisters...Yea, Christ loved the word of God more than he loved his own life; for did he not lay down his life to fulfil the word of God?...If Christ Jesus himself loved the word more than all other things, yea, more than his life, which was more than the life of all angels, was there not great reason why David should love it in like manner? Had not David as much need of it as Christ?...
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It is my meditation. The noun "meditation" seemeth to be more than if he had said only that he meditated. For he seemeth to mean that though he did often think upon other matters, yet he made nothing his "meditation" but that which he here speaketh of, and that this was his only, or his chief and principal meditation and set study.
The object of David's meditation is not only to be understood of the bare letter of the word, as if he did always meditate of some text or other of the word before written; but also of the matters contained in the word; as of the justice, power, wisdom, mercy and goodness of God; of the frailty, corruption, and wickedness that is in man naturally, of the sins that God forbiddeth, and of the virtues that God commandeth in the word, and other the like. For he that meditates of these things, though he meditate not of any one text of the word, yet he may be truly said to meditate of the word.
All the day. We are not to imagine that the prophet did nothing else but meditate on the word; but this, first of all; that no day passed over his head wherein he did not meditate on the word; yea, that he took every occasion of meditating on the word. He was never weary of meditating. Though he had many other things wherein to employ himself, yet he forgot not the meditation of the word. His mind was not by any other employment alienated from the meditation of the word, but the more thereby provoked thereunto. As a man that hath laboured never so much one day in his calling, is not to be wearied thereby, but that he laboureth afresh the next day, and so day after day: so was it with the prophet touching this act of meditation. Secondly, when he saith he meditated on the word continually, or all the day, he meaneth that he did nothing at any time of the day without meditation on the word for doing thereof. Therefore we may safely say that continual meditation of the word is more necessary than continual praying, as being necessary before the doing of everything, and in the very doing of everything; yea, even before the said duty of prayer, and in the very act thereof, this work of meditation of the word is always necessary; as without which, we know not either for what to pray, or in what sort and manner to pray: it is God's word only that can and must teach us both what to pray for and also how to pray. Thomas Stoughton, in "Two Profitable Treatises, "1616.
Ver. 97. O how love I thy law! Who without love attempts anything in the law of God, does it coldly, and quickly gives it up. For the mind cannot give itself earnestly and perseveringly to things which are not loved. Only he who loves the law makes it his meditation all the day. Wolfgang Musculus.
Ver. 97. O how love I thy law! Were I to enjoy Hezekiah's grant, and to have fifteen years added to my life, I would be much more frequent in my applications to the throne of grace. Were I to renew my studies, I would take my leave of those accomplished trifles the historians, the orators, the poets of antiquity and devote my attention to the Scriptures of truth. I would sit with much greater assiduity at my Divine Master's feet, and desire to know nothing but "Jesus Christ, and him crucified." This wisdom, whose fruits are peace in life, consolation in death, and everlasting salvation after death this I would trace this I would seek this I would explore through the spacious and delightful fields of the Old and New Testament. James Hervey, 1714-1758.
Ver. 97. This most precious jewel is to be preferred above all treasure. If thou be hungry, it is meat to satisfy thee; if thou be thirsty, it is drink to refresh thee; if thou be sick, it is a present remedy; if thou be weak, it is a staff to lean unto; if thine enemy assault thee, it is a sword to fight withal; if thou be in darkness, it is a lantern to guide thy feet; if thou be doubtful of the way, it is a bright shining star to direct thee; if thou be in displeasure with God, it is the message of reconciliation; if thou study to save thy soul, receive the word engrafted, for that is able to do it: it is the word of life. Whose loveth salvation will love this word, love to read it, love to hear it; and such as will neither read nor hear it, Christ saith plainly, they are not of God. For the spouse gladly heareth the voice of the bridegroom; and "my sheep hear my voice, " saith the Prince of pastors (Joh 5:27). Edwin Sundys, 1519-1587.
Ver. 97. O how love I thy law! As faith worketh by love unto God, so it worketh by love unto his word. Love me, love my word: love a king, love his laws. So it did on David; so it should do on us: "O how love I thy law!" saith David. "O how love I thy law!" should every one of us say; not only because it is a good law, but chiefly because it is God's law. Richard Capel, 1586-1656.
Ver. 97. O how love I thy law! He calls God himself to be judge of his love to the word; witnessing thereby that it was no counterfeit love, but complete and sincere love which he bore unto it. The like protestation was used by S. Peter: "Thou knowest, O Lord, that I rove thee!" William Cowper.
Ver. 97. Thy law. In every one of these eight verses the Bible is spoken of as the Lord's, as, indeed, all through the Psalm. Who is the author of Scripture? God. What is the matter of Scripture? God; it was not fit that any should write of God, but God himself. What is the end of Scripture? God. Why was the Scripture written, but that we might everlastingly enjoy the blessed God As Caesar wrote his own commentaries; so God, when there was none above him of whom he could write, he wrote of himself; by histories, laws, prophecies, and promises, and many other doctrines, hath he set himself forth to be the Creator, Preserver, Deliverer, and Glorifier of mankind; and all this is done in a perfect manner. Thomas Manton.
Ver. 97. It is my meditation. Holy Scripture is not a book for the slothful: it is not a book which can be interpreted without, and apart from, and by the deniers of, that Holy Spirit by whom it came. Rather is it a field, upon the surface of which, if sometimes we gather manna easily and without labour, and given, as it were, freely to our hands, yet of which also, many portions are to be cultivated with pains and toil ere they will yield food for the use of man. This bread of life also is to be eaten in the wholesome sweat of our brow. Richard Chenevix Trench, 1807-.
Outlines Upon Keywords of the Psalm, By Pastor C. A. Davis.
Ver. 97-104. The profitableness of holy meditation. Its theme "thy law, "(Ps 119:97), its effect "wisdom" (Ps 119:98-100), practically shown in daily life (Ps 119:101-102), its sweetness (Ps 119:103), and hallowing influence (Ps 119:104).
Ver. 97.
1. Unusual Exclamation.
2. Unusual Application. W.D.
Ver. 97. Indescribable love and insatiable thought. The action and reaction of affection and meditation.
Ver. 97.
1. The object of love: "thy law."
2. The degree of that love: "oh, how love I, "etc.
3. The evidence of that love: "it is my meditation, "etc. G.R.
Ver. 97. Love to the law.
1. An ardent confession of love.
2. An unanswerable evidence of love. C.A.D.
Ver. 97 (first clause). Vehemency of love for God's word.
1. Its recognisable marks.
(a) Profound reverence for the authority of the word.
(b) Admiration for its holiness.
(c) Jealousy. For its honour; God's servant feels acute
pain when men show it any slight.
(d) Respect for its wholeness; he would not divorce
precepts from promises, nor ignore a single statement in
it.
(e) Indefatigability in its study.
(f) Eager desire to obey it.
(g) Forwardness in praising it.
(h) Activity in spreading it abroad.
2. Its reasonableness.
(a) The word well deserves it.
(b) It is a proof of true intelligence.
(c) It is not less than a regard for our own interest
demands.
3. Its requisiteness to the true worship of God. Men sneeringly call such an affection bibliolatry, as though it were the worship of a book. In truth, it is an essential element in the due worship of God. For
(a) Without it there cannot be the faith which honours God.
(b) It is involved in that love to God which constitutes
the very essence of worship.
(c) It is itself an act of homage, that a worshipper dare
not withhold. J.F.
Ver. 97-100. Spiritual wisdom.
1. God's word the source of surpassing wisdom excelling that of "mine enemies, ""my teachers, ""the ancients."
2. The three methods of acquiring this wisdom love, meditation, practice.
3. The one Giver of this wisdom: "Thou:" Ps 119:98. C.A.D.
Psalms 119:98*
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 vv97, 99 O how love I Thy law! it is my…
Psa_119:97
O how love I Thy law! it is my meditation all the day.
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Love to the Scriptures
I. They are indubitably authenticated and divinely inspired. 1 The concurrent testimony of Jew and Gentile, of friend and foe, borne through successive ages to the present time, ascertains their authenticity and truth.
2. Existing rites and festivals attest the truth of sacred history.
3. The veracity and accuracy of the inspired books received additional confirmation from the undesigned coincidences of expression in the writings of the sacred penmen, with the relations of facts and occurrences by others, or those narrated by themselves on other occasions.
4. But it is not mere accuracy for which we contend, but also for the Divine inspiration of the Scriptures. They were written under the direction and influence of the Holy Ghost.
II. They are the only infallible depositories of all true theology and morals.
III. They have been transmitted to us without any material alterations or corruptions.
IV. They have survived the most rigorous attempts of Paganism and superstition to suppress or destroy them.
V. The scriptures are every way deserving of incessant and delightful study.
1. They develop the origin and destination of man.
2. They unveil the dispensations of Divine Providence.
3. They unfold the astonishing mysteries of redemption.
4. They contain the most sublime morality.
5. They reveal the solemnities of eternity. (J. Townley, D. D.)
Reasons for Loving the Bible
I. Its authorship. It is the Word of God: its contents were dictated by eternal wisdom; its laws are the laws of heaven; its teachings are the teachings of Jehovah. It is an embodiment of the eternal mind God has adopted every method for instructing man. When teaching us about Himself, His milder character is painted in a thousand hues, delightfully blended. Instead of employing a pen, He ordered the sun to photograph His lovelier attributes upon the landscape; while His majesty stands out in bold relief in mountains whose snow-capped heads, towering in haughty grandeur, appear to prop up with their broad based pillar-like support, the spacious firmament. But His mind, in reference to man, is conveyed in the language of men, by inbreathing His thoughts and intentions into the minds of the sacred penmen, and then, by His Spirits infallible unerringness, guiding the hand to write them. When James
I. wrote a book for the edification of his son Charles, it was pompously called by that high-sounding title, Basilikon Doron--a royal gift. How much more may the Bible be called A royal gift, since its Author is the King of kings--compared with whose kingliness the greatest and brightest of earthly crowns no more resembles royalty than a crown of thorns does one sparkling with diamonds! Not only is this Book a royal, but a parental, gift-the gift of our heavenly Father: a Book dedicated to, and designed for, the eternal benefit of His children. Yes, it is our Fathers legacy to us.
II. Its contents. The very first sentence of Scripture dispels a dark cloud of ignorance, which for ages enveloped the most learned and far-seeing sages of the Grecian schools. Even to that great emporium of learning, Athens, the worlds origin was enchambered, locked up in some dark, mysterious recess, to which she herself could find no key. But in the very first sentence of the Bible we see the Omnipotent Jehovah emerging from the still quiet of eternal solitude, speaking His creative fiat, and a world is born. Not only do we learn our origin, but our destiny. This was one of the most perplexing enigmas which the ancients tried--but tried in vain--to solve. A dense mist hung heavily over the boundaries of the spirit world, which no optic glass of mans device could penetrate. The wisest and best of heathen philosophers could not follow man beyond the horizon of death.
III. Its style. Here one finds the most majestic imagery, the sublimest figures, and the noblest strains of eloquence. Here is found poetry unparalleled for grandeur, pathos, and fire. No songs, says Milton, are like the songs of Zion. Here, in touching, melting passionateness, we are told the most affecting narratives; and here are pictures true to the very life, pencilled from the old world scenery. And though the book is comparatively small, what biographical encyclopaedia ever contained so much useful history?
IV. Its power.
V. Its suitability for our needs in all circumstances. It is the guide of youth and the staff of old age. No other lamp sheds such a bright, cheering radiance, as this does, to relieve the gloom in the chamber of sickness. It is a garden of healing balm for the wounded spirit; and to those who are tempest-tossed it affords many a peaceful haven to take refuge in. And then, this is the only book which contains light enough to guide us through the valley of the shadow of death. Shining brightest in the dark, it is then more than ever a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path. (G. Terry.)
The love of the law
Many have expressed their indebtedness to this long psalm for encouragement, inspiration, direction. It has been a rod and a staff to comfort them. It might seem at first that such expressions as abound in this psalm cannot be applied to the law as we understand the term. This is an ill-advised opinion, and marks some mental confusion, for in truth law is exceedingly interesting. I do not know of any men who are more enamoured of their profession than lawyers. But I mark that two things are connected with the pleasure which these men have in their calling. There are two terms which are constantly used. I ask what a young man is doing, and I am told that he is studying law. I ask the same question a few years later, and I am told he is practising law. These two things belong in the delight of the man of the law, and are essential to its permanence. It is not enough that one should have a collection of law-books, should occasionally read in them, should admire very many things which they contain; but he must make a patient study of the law, and faithfully apply its principles to the interests of men. Grant me these two things, and I will promise a true delight in the law of the Lord. The law of the Lord includes all the announcements of His will. It embraces the Ten Commandments and all the legislation of Moses. The teachings of the prophets belong in it, and the words of Christ Himself and of His apostles. The term is now to be used in a wider sense than when this unknown psalmist pronounced his eulogium upon the statutes and testimonies of the law. It is the entire will of God, as this is given for the government of our life.
I. Why should we love the law of the Lord?
1. Because it is the Lords law. It is His nature expressing itself. God is love, and law is love, guiding the men it loves. It is the revelation of His heart. Kings make laws: God reveals them. It is quietly given to us, not amid the thunders and lightnings of Sinai, but by voices long silent, in the pages of the Bible, in our conscience and reason. It is given in principles, not in regulations. It is given in outline, which we are to complete by such precepts as our life demands.
2. The law of the Lord is right. It is perfect, as our Father in heaven is perfect. It fosters the right; it secures honesty in business, integrity in government, charity in society. It enlarges our joy. The fullest declaration we have of it begins with the note of pleasure. I am the Lord thy God, which brought thee out of the land of Egypt. So the Sermon on the Mount, more strict in its requirements than the Decalogue, opens with the Beatitudes. Blessed and blessed, and from this beginning, the Teacher gives His precepts that the kindness of His heart may be fully enjoyed by those who hear Him. The law gives security also. It is the rule of the best. It is the guidance of the wisest. You wish to sail in the ship which has the best captain, and the one who is furnished with the best charts and compasses. In all our way through this world, with its confusion and its peril, we should love the law of the Lord which will guide us safely and in honour.
3. Again, the law of the Lord is the law of heaven. Its principles belong in all the worlds. The loftiest angel and the humblest man of all the redeemed observe this taw with delight. The best proof that men are going to heaven is that they love the law of God before they reach its gate; that they delight to meditate in the law, to follow its commands, to live in its control. Unless this is true of us here, it can be little pleasure to anticipate the life in a world where the law of the Lord wilt surround us like the atmosphere, to be breathed in to-day and for ever.
4. Finally, we should love the law of the Lord because it is the law of Christ. It pervaded His life. I came not to do Mine own will, but the will of Him that sent me. I do always those things which please Him.
II. If we approve this which has been said, and agree that we should truly love the law of the Lord, the question may still come to our minds, By what means shall I love it? I cannot compel my affection, though I could readily bring myself to obey the statutes. Yet delight in the law would not be more difficult than obedience if we would take the steps which lead to it.
1. If we are to love the law of the Lord, it is essential that we should know it. It has those attractive qualities which will commend themselves to any honest mind. It comes to us as the heart of God, and our heart will respond to it if we are true. It is not by admiring it afar off, by passing it upon the street and becoming familiar with its appearance, by being courteous and showing it favours, but by knowing it as one knows his friend. You think you knew the law of the Lord; but have you lived with it, taken it into your counsel, walked with it?
2. We find the love of the law by taking it from Christ. It is expressed in His life, it is spoken by His lips. The melody of a song depends greatly upon the voice of the singer. The law of the Lord has too often been spoken by human lips which had little grace upon them. Hear Christ teach the law. Mark the tone of His voice, the accent, the emphasis. See the radiance of His face. Mark the grace and truth which are upon Him, and the love of the law will spring readily in your heart. I wish that I could persuade you to try this. To do the will of God is a pleasant thing. Let us believe it, and live in the delight of it.
3. But if love delays to come, let us obey with all the heart we have, and all which rises at our summons; let us do the things which God would have us do. This will be right, and the beginning of right living, and the love will grow with the doing of His will till meditation will be delightful and obedience will be the freedom of a great joy. It is a good sign when a man loves the law of the Lord. One may be judged by what he loves. There is something magnificent in having a country to love. There is something magnificent in having a God to love, and in having the heart to love Him. Happy man, that he can find solace in the statutes of God! Happy is he in his companions that they can enjoy the singing of his testimonies! Thus they charm away the weariness of the march, still their minds for the night, gather hope for the morning. (A. MeKenzie, D. D.)
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 v97 Mem. God’s Word the Essence of True Wisdom. —
Mem. God’s Word the Essence of True Wisdom. —
v. 97. Oh, how love I Thy Law! the entire instruction in God’s holy Word, as the revelation of His holy will. It is my meditation all the day; the longer he ponders upon it, the dearer it becomes to him.
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v. 98. Thou through Thy commandments, by which He directed the entire conduct of His servant, hast made me wiser than mine enemies, who believed themselves to be people of superior intelligence in possessing a large measure of this world’s wisdom; for they are ever with me, the directions of God’s words, which the psalmist made his companions, enabled him to vanquish the enemies in the field of knowledge, where they thought themselves supreme.
v. 99. I have more understanding than all my teachers, those who taught a mere worldly wisdom; for Thy testimonies are my meditation, and with the knowledge which he had gained from studying the Word of God he was able to show the insufficiency of mere worldly knowledge.
v. 100. I understand more than the ancients, those advanced in years, for age is no help against stupidity, if old people refuse to bow to the wisdom of God’s Word, because I keep Thy precepts, the Bible being the basis and key of all true knowledge.
v. 101. I have refrained my feet from every evil way, having gained the ability to mark and to shun wickedness in every form, that I might keep Thy Word, through which both knowledge and strength are given.
v. 102. I have not departed from Thy judgments, making it a point to watch God’s decisions of approval and condemnation; for Thou hast taught me. The Word of God is very clear on that point; one must but do what it teaches.
v. 103. How sweet are Thy words unto my taste! pleasant for spiritual edification; yea, sweeter than honey to my mouth, for such is the effect of the Gospel promises upon every believer.
v. 104. Through Thy precepts, as related to his entire conduct, I get understanding, practical knowledge in all matters pertaining to this world and to the world to come; therefore I hate every false way, he is able immediately to recognize any false tendency of the times and Will promptly withdraw from anything which might implicate him, even as all Christians love the good and hate the evil.
Psa 119:105-112
Nun. Trusting in the Leadership of God’s Word. —
v. 105. Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet, guiding his footsteps past the abysses of so many and severe dangers, and a light unto my path, not with a dim and uncertain illumination, but with a direct and clear ray, which makes every foot of the way unmistakable. Cf 2Pe 1:19.
v. 106. I have sworn, with a solemn oath, and I will perform it, that I will keep Thy righteous judgments, observing with great care all those things which, according to God’s righteousness, meet with His approval.
v. 107. I am afflicted very much, bent down to the earth under the heavy burden of misery laid upon him; quicken me, O Lord, filling him with new spiritual life and strength, according unto Thy Word.
v. 108. Accept, I beseech Thee, the free-will offerings of my mouth, O Lord, for such is the nature of all his prayers, vows, and confessions, freely flowing out from faith, and teach me Thy judgments, so that his knowledge of the Word may increase in proportion to his needs.
v. 109. My soul is continually in my hand, he realizes that death may seize him at any time, and therefore is always prepared for it; yet do I not forget Thy Law, his constant remembrance of the Word of God, in fact, giving him the strength to meet death without flinching, if die he must.
v. 110. The wicked have laid a snare for me, to destroy him unawares; yet I erred not from Thy precepts, not daring to wander away from his one certain source of comfort and strength, the Word of God.
v. 111. Thy testimonies have I taken as an heritage forever, making them his most cherished possession. which he would not relinquish; for they are the rejoicing of my heart, they only work true happiness.
v. 112. I have inclined mine heart to perform Thy statutes alway, even unto the end, for only he that endureth unto the end shall be saved, as our Lord Himself says, Mat 24:13.
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 vv97, 99 This is the name of the thirteenth letter of…
MEM
This is the name of the thirteenth letter of the Hebrew alphabet. In the Hebrew language, each line of verses 97-104 begins with this letter.
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your commandments are always with me
Constantly thinking about God's commandments is spoken of as if the commandments were an object that the writer keeps with him always. (See: Metaphor)
translationWords
love
law
meditate
command
wise
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 v97 119:97-104 Mem (מ): The instruction and wisdom of God…
119:97-104 Mem (מ): The instruction and wisdom of God through his word are far superior to the best that human teachers can offer.
119:97-102 make me wiser: God’s word provides wisdom and perspective. God is the true source of wisdom.
Tyndale Open Study Notes — © Tyndale Open Resources, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Text via the HelloAO Bible API.