Day 17 of the 119th Psalm, verses 129-136.
“Pe
“129 Your testimonies are wonderful; therefore my soul keeps them.
“130 The unfolding of Your Words gives light; it imparts understanding to the simple.
“131 I open my mouth and pant, because I long for Your commandments.
“132 Turn to me and be gracious to me, as is Your way with those who love Your Name.
“133 Keep steady my steps according to Your promise, and let no iniquity get dominion over me.
“134 Redeem me from man’s oppression, that I may keep Your precepts.
“135 Make Your face shine upon Your servant, and teach me Your statutes.
“136 My eyes shed streams of tears, because people do not keep Your Law.”
– Psalm 119:129-136
THE BREAKDOWN
Verse 129: Some translations use the word commandments instead of testimonies, but the Hebrew word means testimony or witness. So, how do you keep someone’s testimony? The Hebrew word translated as keep means to guard or protect. Think of it as committing the testimonies of God to memory because they are so wonderful; they are so wonderful you don’t want to forget them.
Verse 130: God’s Words give light and understanding. An example would be Romans 7:7 where Paul said the Law showed him that coveting was a sin.
Verse 131: This is a description of being thirsty for God’s commandments and a desire to learn them.
Verse 132: God shows mercy and grace to those who love Him. This is not a New Testament concept only.
Verse 133: A prayer for God to keep us in line with His ways and not to become slaves to sin. Paul said we would either be slaves to sin or slaves to righteousness. (Romans 6:16).
Verse 134: A prayer for the rescue from persecution and a desire to keep the commandments.
Verse 135: The phrase “may the Lord’s face shine upon you” describes favor or pleasure from God. The writer is asking for God’s favor and wanting to be taught the Law.
Verse 136: It should break our hearts when we see people living in sin. This is the heart of the Father.
Lord, help me to commit Your testimonies to memory. Teach me Your Ways. I want to be thirsty for You. I want to be a slave to righteousness. And teach me to weep for those who don’t obey You. Give me a heart for the lost. Amen.
Shalom.