THU UPDATE (UPDATE 09:40,56--v53, "corrupt ones" etc.; 12:07--v54)

WED 12/15 (UPDATE 01:38pm--v52 comments)

SAT (UPDATE 09:42,48; 10:10) Hello, with the last of stanzas 5-8, as the 8B Commentary of verses 61-64 added!

TUE/TWO (UPDATE 09:33,38,48) Hi! Added stanza 8A Commentary, verses 57-60!

SAT (UPDATE 08:22) Hello! Added Stanza 7B Commentary, verses 53-56

FRI (UPDATE 08:35) Hi! Wishing you well, I've added the Stanza 7A Commentary to this post!

_______(4) PS119 (5#13) COMMENTARY

Find the Podcast on Spotify.com, by searching some portion of the title: "Find Life and See Reviewers Podcast--Commentary 119th Psalm (5#13)" Include "Reviewers" to differentiate from my former podcast, not yet active again. You might search "Reviewers Commentary 119th", and select the podcast choice that shows up, to see the entire show with all available segments.

Next here, Stanza 7, both A&B segments.

Stanza 7, Verses 49-56:

Theme: GOD'S LAW AND WORD OF PROMISE ARE RELIABLE AND TRUSTWORTHY.

Verses 49-50 say: "49 Remember your word to your servant, Through which you give me hope. 50 This is my comfort in my affliction, For your saying has preserved me alive." The word of promise the psalmist received from Jehovah sustained him through difficult times. How may this be true of us? Today, there is much to harm humans physically and spiritually--which includes the quality of our relationships, personal thinking and emotional well-being. How may God's word of promise have comforted the psalmist, and how can God's saying preserve us alive? Also, verse 56 hints that the psalmist was helped to keep God's commandments by observing God's orders. Why is this important, and how do we do so?

Verses 49-52, covering the first half of stanza 7, state this: "Remember your word to your servant, Through which you give me hope. 50 This is my comfort in my affliction, For your saying has preserved me alive. 51 The presumptuous (crossing boundaries) utterly scorn me, But I do not deviate from your law. 52 I remember your judgments from of old, O Jehovah, And I find comfort in them."

Verse 49: Remember your word to your servant, Through which you give me hope.

THE GOD OF HOPE. Psalm 119:49 This future king evidently received a word of promise from Jehovah, which helped to sustain him through difficult times. Of course, God's word the Bible is filled with hope-inspiring promises from God. Hope is vital to all, and God is eager for people to look to Him with hope in His blessing and salvation by seeking faithfulness to Him. In fact, a primary reason God's word the Bible has been provided to humans is that "we might have hope." Romans 15:4 says: "For all the things that were written beforehand were written for our instruction, so that through our endurance and through the comfort from the Scriptures we might have hope." After Adam's sin, it took Jehovah almost no time at all to provide hope to the human family of a restoration of God's purpose, with the prophecy recorded in Genesis 3:15. Thus Jehovah is keenly aware of our need for this. May we likewise be quick to provide comfort to one lacking hope, if only they may turn to the God of hope, Jehovah. Psalm 146:5 says "Happy is the one who has the God of Jacob as his helper, Whose hope is in Jehovah his God."

Verse 50: This is my comfort in my affliction, For your saying has preserved me alive.

GOD'S TRUTH CAN PRESERVE LIFE. Psalm 119:50 Thus, God's reliable word of promise provides us with genuine comfort in difficult times, when we, like the psalmist, may suffer affliction in some form. Whatever "saying" he has reference to, it is nevertheless true that God's word and law protects us in many ways from harm as we heed it's instruction and guidance. Following God's word, for instance, preserved alive Noah and his family, and the human race, when Jehovah brought the promised deluge upon a violent, evil society of humans whom God said had "ruined it way" on planet Earth (Genes 6:11-12). Today, there is much to harm humans physically and spiritually, which may include our mental and emotional well-being. God warns us against much harm with wise counsel and His "saying," or word of truth, which may at times even 'preserve us alive' by our following it.

Verse 51: The presumptuous (crossing boundaries) utterly scorn me, But I do not deviate from your law.

"WALK IN MODESTY." Psalm 119:51 Despite receiving reproach from those immodestly deviating from God's law, the psalmist refused to do so. Proverbs 11:2 says "When presumptuousness comes, dishonor will follow, But wisdom is with the modest ones." Summed up, modesty is humble and obedient, recognizing due limits and one's own limitations. It gives priority to spiritual matters, is able to be content with necessities, and is reluctant to boast. Modest ones humbly refuse to violate God's law or standard, or to seek authority that they have no right to. Micah 6:8, a favorite verse of many, outlines simply a course of life pleasing God, in saying this: " He has told you, O man, what is good. And what is Jehovah requiring of you? Only to exercise justice, to cherish loyalty, And to walk in modesty with your God!" We can remain modest despite reproach from presumptuous ones, praying for strength or fortitude from God, and by our steadfast example, hoping at least some may turn from a disobedient course to find God's favor and blessing of eternal life.

Verse 52: I remember your judgments from of old, O Jehovah, And I find comfort in them.

LOOK TO THE GOD OF JUSTICE. Psalm 119:52 The judgments of Jehovah, as recorded in His word, are written as a warning against serious wrongdoing. As 1Corinthians 10:1-11 mentions a few instances, which included such sins as idolatry, fornication, putting God to the test, and murmuring against Him, it states: "Now these things became examples for us, in order for us not to desire injurious things, as they desired them...Now these things happened to them as examples, and they were written for a warning to us upon whom the ends of the systems of things have come." Of course, Jehovah also judged His faithful servants favorably, and protected many in various ways, saving them, such as Noah, Jonah, Jesus, and others. May we find comfort in the God of justice, looking to Him for protection more than to money or any other person or thing. Those with money should likewise still be dependent on God. Proverbs 18:10 says "The name of Jehovah is a strong tower. Into it the upright one runs and receives protection." Conversely, verse 11 states: "The wealth of the rich is his fortified city; It is like a protective wall in his imagination." This may refer to either material or spiritual wealth--we should not trust solely in our own knowledge--may we continually look to God and not depend on ourselves or any possession for our lasting happiness.

Recall our theme for stanza 7: GOD'S LAW AND WORD OF PROMISE ARE RELIABLE AND TRUSTWORTHY. Verses 49-52 spoke of God's word as giving the psalmist hope, and even preserving him alive. In the next 4 verses, the psalmist is angered by lawless men, and remembers God by observing His orders.

Verses 53-56 read: "I am seized with burning rage because of the corrupt ones, Who forsake your law. 54 Your instructions are songs to me Wherever I dwell. 55 During the night I remember your name, O Jehovah, So that I may keep your law. 56 This has been my practice Because I have observed your orders."

Verse 53 I am seized with burning rage because of the corrupt ones, Who forsake your law.

ROBBING OF TRUE HAPPINESS. Psalm 119:53 Understandably, those forsaking God's law are not only hurting God and themselves, but are hurting others either directly or indirectly. Ignoring or violating God's laws is selfish and inconsiderate of what is right, fair, and just for all people. Such selfishness and greed not only may rob others of their rightful due, but may cause some to believe they must follow the same path to get what they want in life, thus leading many on a path of destruction that robs them of hope of eternal blessings from God in a peaceful world where true happiness can flourish. This can disgust those loving God and fellow humans, seeking their eternal happiness. Jesus expressed the same when the religious leaders at God's temple were robbing the people who just wanted to offer acceptable sacrifices to God. We read, at Matthew 21:12-13: "Jesus entered the temple and threw out all those selling and buying in the temple, and he overturned the tables of the money changers and the benches of those selling doves. 13 And he said to them: “It is written, ‘My house will be called a house of prayer,’ but you are making it a cave of robbers.” God can provide for our needs if we truly rely upon Him, and maintain our hold on His word and law, keeping integrity to Him. David wrote, at Psalm 37:25: "I was once young and now I am old, But I have not seen anyone upright abandoned, Nor his children looking for bread."

Verse 54 Your instructions are songs to me Wherever I dwell.

BEAUTIFUL AS SONGS. Psalm 119:54 Regulations are generally detailed instructions or procedures, those necessary to carry out God's will toward humans in accord with true justice. Lovers of God who have gained the wisdom vital to comprehend these should also develop similar appreciation for them. They were like beautiful songs to the psalmist David who literally composed songs like the one outlining the course of integrity to God, at Psalm 15. Some of God's word is detailed, but with the gaining of true understanding, which can see the big picture and how all the parts interrelate to make the whole, one can learn to grasp such details and come to love them. May we grow in such qualities, by considering such instruction as Proverbs 1-10, Proverbs being written to "impart shrewdness (or "prudence") to the [naive]; to give a young [person] knowledge and thinking ability."

Verse 55 During the night I remember your name, O Jehovah, So that I may keep your law.

REMEMBER GOD'S NAME. Psalm 119:55 Other psalmists mentioned thinking upon God at night, even singing to Him. Psalm 92, for instance, says: "It is good to give thanks to Jehovah And to sing praises to your name, O Most High, 2 To declare your loyal love in the morning And your faithfulness during the nights, 3 Accompanied by a ten-stringed instrument and a lute, By the melodious sound of a harp. 4 For you have made me rejoice, O Jehovah, because of your deeds; Because of the works of your hands I shout joyfully." Special mention is made of remembering God's "faithfulness during the nights," just as the moon is called a "faithful witness in the skies." (Psalm 89:37). Of course, remembering God's name is more than knowing how to spell it or even what it means--literally, "He Causes to Become," Jehovah causing His purposes to become reality, for one thing. We also significantly recall His reputation and our privilege to uphold it by keeping His standards in life, showing others the way to eternal blessings.

Verse 56 This has been my practice Because I have observed your orders.

KEEPING GOD FIRST. Psalm 119:56 Observing God's orders cause "the heart to rejoice," as God gives us rewarding activities to focus our attention on to help accomplish His will. (Psalm 19:8). It is as David sang at Psalm 23:5-6 "...My cup is well-filled. 6 Surely goodness and loyal love will pursue me all the days of my life, And I will dwell in the house of Jehovah for all my days." The psalmist made it a practice to do the things necessary to maintain his hold on God's law, because he followed God's orders, and these helped him to maintain soundness of mind, keeping his priorities straight in life. When we put God first in life, doing as He instructs, other things seem to fall into place--we're able to get more accomplished than we may realize. Philippians 4:13 says "For all things I have the strength through the one who gives me power." And in reference to the order for Christians to share divine light, God's word mentions, at 2Corinthians 4:7 "However, we have this treasure ["the glorious knowledge of God"] in earthen vessels (clay pots), so that the power beyond what is normal may be God’s and not from us." May we thus diligently seek God's commands through Christ, relying upon God for the power to keep them, assisting us in drawing close to God and proving a blessing to fellow humans.

Our theme for all of stanza 8 is: CLOSENESS TO GOD AND DIVINE FAVOR WORTH EVERY EFFORT TO MAINTAIN!

Stanza 8, Verses 57-64:

The preview for all of stanza 8 is this:

Verses 58,63-64 say this: "58 I appeal to you with all my heart; Show me favor according to your promise...63 I am a friend of all who revere you and of those who keep your orders. 64 Your loyal love, O Jehovah, fills the earth; Teach me your instructions." The psalmist appeals to God 'with all his heart'--making every effort to please God, to receive His favor and approval. What command of the Law highlighted by Jesus might this bring to mind? Also, putting God first brings many blessings, such as joyful association with those with similar appreciation for God! Let's consider how this is so, and how we may further receive God's instructions for our eternal happiness!

In the first half of stanza 8, we see that the psalmist yearns to stay close to God, keeping His commandments. Verses 57-60 read this way: "Jehovah is my portion; I have promised to keep your words. 58 I appeal to you with all my heart; Show me favor according to your promise. 59 I have examined my ways, In order to turn my feet back to your reminders. 60 I hurry and do not delay To keep your commandments."

Verse 57: Jehovah is my portion; I have promised to keep your words.

REWARDS OF OBEDIENCE. Psalm 119:57 The psalmist evidently wanted the close relationship with God that the Levitical priests seemed to have. They received no land allotment as with the other tribes--Jehovah was their "portion" or "inheritance." At Deuteronomy 10:8-9, we read about the Levites: "At that time Jehovah set apart the tribe of Leʹvi to carry the ark of Jehovah’s covenant, to stand before Jehovah in order to minister to him, and to bless in his name, as they do to this day.9 That is why Leʹvi has no share or inheritance with his brothers. Jehovah is his inheritance, just as Jehovah your God had said to him." Though likely not a Levite, the psalmist claims Jehovah as his portion due to his loyalty and determination, even "promise," to "keep [His] words." He no doubt had experienced the joy that comes with obedience to God, confident of the rewards of faithfulness, and devoted His life to Jehovah, just as many do who have dedicated their life to God and have symbolized it by water baptism.

Verse 58: I appeal to you with all my heart; Show me favor according to your promise.

HELP OTHERS BE FAITHFUL TO GOD. Psalm 119:58 The psalmist makes every effort to please His God, to receive His favor and approval, appealing to Him "with all [his] heart." This may remind you of Jesus' designation of the greatest commandments of the Law, as revealed at Matthew 22:37-40: "He said to him: “‘You must love Jehovah your God with your whole heart and with your whole soul and with your whole mind.’38 This is the greatest and first commandment. 39 The second, like it, is this: ‘You must love your neighbor as yourself.’ 40 On these two commandments the whole Law hangs, and the Prophets.” As important as it is to love people, here we see loving God takes priority. Jehovah God has the greatest capacity for love, it being His greatest quality. (1John 4:8). It is Jehovah's part in a marriage that can make it a steadfast bond, not easily broken, as Ecclesiastes 4:12 states: "And someone may overpower one alone, but two together can take a stand against him. And a threefold cord cannot quickly be torn apart." Thus the greatest love one can show to his or her spouse is by helping one another be loyal and faithful to God. Then, by God's command, they should love one another, becoming "one flesh." (Genes 2:24).

Verse 59: I have examined my ways, In order to turn my feet back to your reminders.

MAKE ADJUSTMENTS AS NEEDED. Psalm 119:59 God's reminders help us reflect upon our ways and practices, to ensure they are in harmony with God's will. At times, upon such reflection, we will see the need to make adjustments in our priorities, or to our routine habits. May we always show willingness to "be readjusted" by God's loving reminders. 2Corinthians 13:11 thus exhorts: "Finally, brothers, continue to rejoice, to be readjusted, to be comforted, to think in agreement, to live peaceably; and the God of love and of peace will be with you."

Verse 60: "I hurry and do not delay To keep your commandments."

DO NOT HESITATE TO OBEY GOD! Psalm 119:60 The psalmist showed a keen sense of priorities, and soundness of mind, by appreciating the urgency and importance of keeping God's commandments. Mundane things should not prevent us from doing so. When we put God first in life, other things seem to fall into place. We may receive "power beyond what is normal" to accomplish God's will, sometimes with spirit enough left over for other necessary things. (2Cori 4:7). May we, likewise, not hesitate to do as God has commanded us, and learning to prioritize our activities in life, making sure God is kept first in our lives. Thus we may maintain His favor and blessing, being rewarded for our loyalty and faithfulness!

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Recall the theme for all of stanza 8: CLOSENESS TO GOD AND DIVINE FAVOR WORTH EVERY EFFORT TO MAINTAIN!

Verse 58 for instance pleads "I appeal to you with all my heart; Show me favor according to your promise." Verses 61-64 read: "The ropes of the corrupt surround me, But your law I do not forget. 62 At midnight I get up to give you thanks For your upright judgments. 63 I am a friend of all who revere you And of those who keep your orders. 64 Your loyal love, O Jehovah, fills the earth; Teach me your instructions."

Verse 61 The ropes of the corrupt (or, ungodly) surround me, But your law I do not forget.

REMEMBER GOD'S LAW. Psalm 119:61 Even if lawless ones seem to have us "cornered," may we remember God's law, like the psalmist. Keep in mind, our love is both ways, for God and humans. It is not only God's love for us, but our love for Him, which we show by keeping His commandments. As 1John 5:3 says "This is what the love of God means, that we observe His commandments, and yet His commandments are not burdensome." Likewise, it is not only the love of other humans for us--we should be unselfishly loving others, acting as an extension of God's hand in kind acts and loyal patience in dealing with our neighbors. Such love, however, may take time to cultivate, with appreciation for God's love, as well as faith, or thankful trust, in Him and His son, as a foundation for Christian discipleship, imitating the way Jesus honored God and loved others, while seeking purity of heart and maintaining a humble view of ourselves. (COlos 3:12). If "cornered," there may be only one right way of "escape"--maintaining firm obedience to God--prayerfully look for the "way out" God makes available for you to endure your trial faithfully, with integrity (1COri 10:13).

Verse 62 At midnight I get up to give you thanks For your upright judgments.

ALWAYS PLEASING HIM. Psalm 119:62 Recall God's word emphasizes His "faithfulness during the nights." God's "upright judgments" demonstrate His faithfulness toward humans, as He is loyal to His own right standards. When He judges, or evaluates a situation, He decides according to what is right, just, fair and true. How thankful we should be for God's adherence to uprightness--His own integrity! And may we imitate such integrity in our own life, seeking always to please Him by doing right ourselves. At John 8:29, we read of Jesus: "And the One who sent me is with me; he did not abandon me to myself, because I always do the things pleasing to him.”

Verse 63 I am a friend of all who revere you And of those who keep your orders.

UNITED BY GOD OF PEACE. Psalm 119:63 Here is another joy of loving God first and serving Him faithfully--we may find delightful association with others who are equally devoted to Jehovah, holding to His standards. The genuine fear of God is not a morbid one--while respecting His greatness and power, we fear displeasing or hurting Him, wanting nothing to hinder His love. Thus, godly fear (or, awe) and love are spoken of together in the Scriptures. (DEute 10:12; PSalm 103:11). It is ONLY by the united loyalty to Jehovah God that genuine peace and love can flourish, having His support and blessing! Proverbs 10:22 reminds us: "It is the blessing of Jehovah that makes one rich, And He adds no pain with it." Psalm 133:1 expresses the result, in saying: "Look! How good and how pleasant it is For brothers to dwell together in unity!" Together, we treasure loyalty and faithfulness to God, shown by our obedience.

Verse 64 Your loyal love, O Jehovah, fills the earth; Teach me your instructions.

JEHOVAH, EVER SHOWING LOYAL LOVE. Psalm 119:64 Jehovah has shown much love to all mankind, as evidenced by His grand and loving creative hand in the way He made us and this planet. Also, He is ever showing love to all, and especially to His faithful people, daily, throughout the earth. This is doubtless part of the 'work' Christ Jesus had reference to, when he said, as recorded at John 5:17, "My Father has kept working until now, and I keep working.” Along with His son, He will continue to help as many as possible choose the path of eternal life with His blessing. Thus Jehovah's loyal love "fills the earth!" Thus may we be moved, like the psalmist, to learn and follow even the detailed instructions from God, that God's will and work may be carried out to His honor and glory, and our eternal happiness.