(a) Here they are not called blessed who think themselves wise in their own judgment, nor who imagine to themselves a certain holiness, but they whose conversation is without hypocrisy.

2 Blessed are they that keep his testimonies, and that seek him with the whole heart.

3 They also do {b} no iniquity: they walk in his ways.

(b) For they are ruled by God's Spirit and embrace no doctrine but his.

4 Thou hast commanded us to keep thy precepts diligently.

5 {c} O that my ways were directed to keep thy statutes!

(c) David acknowledges his imperfection, desiring God to reform it, that his life may be conformable to God's word.

6 Then shall I not be ashamed, when I have respect unto all thy commandments.

7 I will praise thee with uprightness of {d} heart, when I shall have learned thy righteous {e} judgments.

(d) For true religion stands in serving God without hypocrisy.

(e) That is, your precepts, which contain perfect righteousness.

8 I will keep thy statutes: O forsake me not {f} utterly.

(f) He does not refuse to be tried by temptations, but he fears to faint, if God does not help his infirmity in time.

9 BETH. Wherewithal shall a {a} young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word.

(a) Because youth is most given to licentiousness, he chiefly warns them to frame their lives after God's word.

10 With my whole heart have I sought thee: O let me not wander from thy commandments.

11 Thy word have I {b} hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.

(b) If God's word is carved in our hearts, we will be more able to resist the assaults of Satan: and therefore the prophet desires God to instruct him daily more and more in it.

12 Blessed art thou, O LORD: teach me thy statutes.

13 With my lips have I declared all the judgments of thy mouth.

14 I have {c} rejoiced in the way of thy testimonies, as much as in all riches.

(c) The prophet does not boast of his virtues, but sets forth an example for others to follow God's word, and leave worldly vanities.

15 I will meditate in thy precepts, and have respect unto thy ways.

16 I will delight myself in thy statutes: I will not forget thy word.

17 GIMEL. Deal bountifully with thy servant, that I may {a} live, and keep thy word.

(a) He shows that we should not desire to live but to serve God, and that we can not serve him correctly unless he opens our eyes and minds.

18 Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law.

19 I am a {b} stranger in the earth: hide not thy commandments from me.

(b) Seeing man's life in this world is only a passage, what should become of him, if your word were not his guide?

20 My soul breaketh for the longing that it hath unto thy judgments at all times.

21 Thou {c} hast rebuked the proud that are cursed, which do err from thy commandments.

(c) In all ages you have plagued all such who maliciously and contemptuously depart from your truth.

22 Remove from me reproach and contempt; for I have kept thy testimonies.

23 {d} Princes also did sit and speak against me: but thy servant did meditate in thy statutes.

(d) When the powers of the world gave false sentence against me, your word was a guide and counsellor to teach me what to do, and to comfort me.

24 Thy testimonies also are my delight and my counsellors.

25 DALETH. My soul cleaveth unto the {a} dust: quicken thou me according to thy word.

(a) That is, it is almost brought to the grave and without your word I cannot live.

26 I have {b} declared my ways, and thou heardest me: teach me thy statutes.

(b) I have confessed my offences and now depend wholly on you.

27 Make me to understand the way of thy precepts: so shall I talk of thy wondrous works.

28 My soul melteth for heaviness: strengthen thou me according unto thy {c} word.

(c) If God did not maintain us by his word, our life would drop away like water.

29 Remove from me the {d} way of lying: and grant me thy law graciously.

(d) Instruct me in your word, by which my mind may be purged from vanity and taught to obey your will.

30 I have chosen the way of truth: thy judgments have I laid before me.

31 I have stuck unto thy testimonies: O LORD, put me not to shame.

32 I will run the way of thy commandments, when thou shalt {e} enlarge my heart.

(e) By this he shows that we can neither choose good, cleave to God's word, nor turn forward in his way, unless he make our hearts large to receive grace, and willing to obey.

33 HE. Teach {a} me, O LORD, the way of thy statutes; and I shall keep it unto the end.

(a) He shows that he cannot follow on to the end, unless God teaches him often and leads him forward.

34 Give me understanding, and I shall keep thy law; yea, I shall observe it with my whole {b} heart.

(b) Not only in outward conversation, but also with inward affection.

35 Make me to go in the path of thy commandments; for therein do I delight.

36 Incline my heart unto thy testimonies, and not to {c} covetousness.

(c) By this, meaning all other vices, because covetousness is the root of all evil.

37 Turn away mine {d} eyes from beholding vanity; and quicken thou me in thy way.

(d) Meaning, all his senses.

38 Stablish thy word unto thy servant, who is devoted to thy fear.

39 Turn away {e} my reproach which I fear: for thy judgments are good.

(e) Let me not fall to your dishonour but let my heart still delight in your gracious word.

40 Behold, I have longed after thy precepts: {f} quicken me in thy righteousness.

(f) Give me strength to continue in your word even to the end.

41 VAU. Let thy {a} mercies come also unto me, O LORD, even thy salvation, according to thy word.

(a) He shows that God's mercy and love is the first reason for our salvation.

42 So shall I {b} have wherewith to answer him that reproacheth me: for I trust in thy word.

(b) By trusting in God's word he assures himself to be able to confute the slanders of his adversaries.

43 And take not the word of truth utterly out of my mouth; for I have hoped in thy judgments.

44 So shall I keep thy law continually for ever and ever.

45 And I will {c} walk at liberty: for I seek thy precepts.

(c) They who simply walk after God's word have no nets to entangle them, while they who do contrary are ever in nets and snares.

46 I will speak of thy testimonies also before {d} kings, and will not be ashamed.

(d) He shows that the children of God should not permit their fathers glory to be obscured by the vain pomp of princes.

47 And I will delight myself in thy commandments, which I have loved.

48 My hands also will I lift up unto thy commandments, which I have loved; and I will meditate in thy statutes.

49 ZAIN. Remember {a} the word unto thy servant, upon which thou hast caused me to hope.

(a) Though he feels God's hand still lies on him, yet he rests on his promise, and comforts himself in it.

50 This is my comfort in my affliction: for thy word hath quickened me.

51 The {b} proud have had me greatly in derision: yet have I not declined from thy law.

(b) Meaning the wicked who contemn God's word, and tread his religion under foot.

52 I remembered thy {c} judgments of old, O LORD; and have comforted myself.

(c) That is, the examples, by which you declare yourself to be judge of the world.

53 {d} Horror hath taken hold upon me because of the wicked that forsake thy law.

(d) That is, a vehement zeal to your glory and indignation against the wicked.

54 Thy statutes have been my songs in the house of my {e} pilgrimage.

(e) In the course of this life and sorrowful exit.

55 I have remembered thy name, O LORD, in the {f} night, and have kept thy law.

(f) Even when others sleep.

56 {g} This I had, because I kept thy precepts.

(g) That is, all these benefits.

57 CHETH. Thou art my {a} portion, O LORD: I have said that I would keep thy words.

(a) I am persuaded that to keep your law is a heritage and great gain for me.

58 I intreated thy favour with my whole heart: be merciful unto me according to thy word.

59 I thought on my {b} ways, and turned my feet unto thy testimonies.

(b) He shows that no one can embrace the word of God, unless he considers his own imperfections and ways.

60 I made haste, and delayed not to keep thy commandments.

61 The bands of the wicked have {c} robbed me: but I have not forgotten thy law.

(c) They have gone about to draw me into their company.

62 At midnight I will rise to give thanks unto thee because of thy righteous judgments.

63 I am a {d} companion of all them that fear thee, and of them that keep thy precepts.

(d) Not only in mutual consent, but also with aid and help.

64 The earth, O LORD, is full of thy mercy: {e} teach me thy statutes.

(e) For the knowledge of God's word is a singular token of his favour.

65 TETH. Thou hast dealt {a} well with thy servant, O LORD, according unto thy word.

(a) Having proved by experience that God was true in his promise, he desires that he would increase in him knowledge and judgment.

66 Teach me good judgment and knowledge: for I have believed thy commandments.

67 Before I was {b} afflicted I went astray: but now have I kept thy word.

(b) So Jeremiah says, that before the Lord touched him, he was like a calf untamed so that the use of God's rod is to call us home to God.

68 Thou art good, and doest good; teach me thy statutes.

69 The proud have forged a lie against me: but I will keep thy precepts with my whole heart.

70 {c} Their heart is as fat as grease; but I delight in thy law.

(c) Their heart is indurate and hardened, puffed up with prosperity and vain estimation of themselves.

71 It is {d} good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn thy statutes.

(d) He confesses that before he was chastened he was rebellious as man by nature is.

72 The law of thy mouth is better unto me than thousands of gold and silver.

73 JOD. Thy hands have {a} made me and fashioned me: give me understanding, that I may learn thy commandments.

(a) Because God does not leave his work that he has begun, he desires a new grace: that is, that he would continue his mercies.

74 They that {b} fear thee will be glad when they see me; because I have hoped in thy word.

(b) When God shows his grace toward any, he testifies to others that he does not fail them who trust in him.

75 I know, O LORD, that thy judgments are right, and that thou in faithfulness hast afflicted me.

76 Let, I pray thee, thy merciful kindness be for my comfort, according to thy word unto thy servant.

77 Let thy tender mercies come unto me, that I may {c} live: for thy law is my delight.

(c) He declares that when he did not feel God's mercies, he was as dead.

78 Let the proud be ashamed; for they dealt perversely with me without a cause: but I will meditate in thy precepts.

79 Let those that fear thee {d} turn unto me, and those that have {e} known thy testimonies.

(d) That is, be comforted by my example.

(e) He shows that there can be no true fear of God without the knowledge of his word.

80 Let my heart be sound in thy statutes; that I be not ashamed.

81 CAPH. My soul {a} fainteth for thy salvation: but I hope in thy word.

(a) Though my strength fails me, yet my soul groans and sighs, resting still in your word.

82 Mine eyes fail for thy word, saying, When wilt thou comfort me?

83 For I am become like a {b} bottle in the smoke; yet do I not forget thy statutes.

(b) Like a skin bottle or bladder that is parched in the smoke.

84 How many are the {c} days of thy servant? when wilt thou execute judgment on them that persecute me?

(c) How long will you afflict your servant.

85 The proud have {d} digged pits for me, which are not after thy law.

(d) They have not only oppressed me violently but also craftily conspired against me.

86 All thy commandments are faithful: they persecute me wrongfully; {e} help thou me.

(e) He assures himself that God will deliver his and destroy such as unjustly persecute them.

87 They had almost consumed {f} me upon earth; but I forsook not thy precepts.

(f) Finding no help on earth, he lifts up his eyes to heaven.

88 Quicken me after thy lovingkindness; so shall I keep the testimony of thy mouth.

89 LAMED. For ever, O LORD, thy word is settled in {a} heaven.

(a) Because no one should esteem God's word according to the changes of things in this world, he shows that it abides in heaven, and therefore is immutable.

90 Thy faithfulness is unto all generations: thou hast established the earth, and it abideth.

91 They {b} continue this day according to thine ordinances: for all are thy servants.

(b) Seeing the earth and all creatures remain in that estate in which you have created them, much more your truth remains constant and unchangeable.

92 Unless thy law had been my delights, I should then have perished in mine affliction.

93 I will never forget thy precepts: for with them thou hast quickened me.

94 I am {c} thine, save me; for I have sought thy precepts.

(c) He proves by effect that he is God's child, because he seeks to understand his word.

95 The wicked have waited for me to destroy me: but I will consider thy testimonies.

96 I {d} have seen an end of all perfection: but thy commandment is exceeding broad.

(d) There is nothing so perfect in earth, but it has an end, only God's word lasts forever.

97 MEM. O how love I thy law! it is my meditation {a} all the day.

(a) He shows that we cannot love God's word unless we exercise ourselves in it and practise it.

98 Thou through thy commandments hast made me wiser than mine enemies: for they are ever with me.

99 I have more {b} understanding than all my teachers: for thy testimonies are my meditation.

(b) Whoever submits himself only to God's word will not only be safe against the practises of his enemies, but also learn more wisdom than they who profess it, and are men of experience.

100 I understand more than the ancients, because I keep thy precepts.

101 I have refrained my feet from every evil way, that I might keep thy word.

102 I have not departed from thy judgments: for {c} thou hast taught me.

(c) So then of ourselves we can do nothing, but when God inwardly instructs us with his spirit, we feel his graces sweeter than honey.

103 How sweet are thy words unto my taste! yea, sweeter than honey to my mouth!

104 Through thy precepts I get understanding: therefore I hate every false way.

105 NUN. Thy word is a {a} lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.

(a) Of ourselves we are but darkness and cannot see unless we are lightened with God's Word.

106 I have {b} sworn, and I will perform it, that I will keep thy righteous judgments.

(b) So all the faithful ought to bind themselves to God by a solemn oath and promises to stir up their zeal to embrace God's word.

107 I am afflicted very much: quicken me, O LORD, according unto thy word.

108 Accept, I beseech thee, the {c} freewill offerings of my mouth, O LORD, and teach me thy judgments.

(c) That is, my prayer and thanksgiving which Hosea calls the calves of the lips, Ho 14:2.

109 My {d} soul is continually in my hand: yet do I not forget thy law.

(d) That is, I am in continual danger of my life.

110 The wicked have laid a snare for me: yet I erred not from thy precepts.

111 Thy testimonies have I taken as an {e} heritage for ever: for they are the rejoicing of my heart.

(e) I esteemed no worldly things, but made your word my inheritance.

112 I have inclined mine heart to perform thy statutes alway, even unto the end.

113 SAMECH. I hate {a} vain thoughts: but thy law do I love.

(a) Whoever will embrace God's word correctly must abhor all fantasies and imaginations both of himself and others.

114 Thou art my hiding place and my shield: I hope in thy word.

115 {b} Depart from me, ye evildoers: for I will keep the commandments of my God.

(b) And hinder me not to keep the law of the Lord.

116 Uphold me according unto thy word, that I may live: and let me not be ashamed of my hope.

117 {c} Hold thou me up, and I shall be safe: and I will have respect unto thy statutes continually.

(c) He desires God's continual assistance, lest he should faint in this race, which he had begun.

118 Thou hast trodden down all them that err from thy statutes: for their {d} deceit is falsehood.

(d) The crafty practises of them who contemn your law will be brought to nothing.

119 Thou puttest away all the wicked of the earth like {e} dross: therefore I love thy testimonies.

(e) Which infected your people, as dross does metal.

120 My flesh {f} trembleth for fear of thee; and I am afraid of thy judgments.

(f) Your judgments not only teach me obedience, but cause me to fear, considering my own weakness which fear causes repentance.

121 I have done judgment and justice: leave me not to mine oppressors.

122 {a} Be surety for thy servant for good: let not the proud oppress me.

(a) Put yourself between me and my enemies, as if you were my pledge.

123 Mine eyes fail for thy salvation, and for the word of thy righteousness.

124 Deal with thy {b} servant according unto thy mercy, and teach me thy statutes.

(b) He does not boast that he is God's servant, but by this reminds God that as he made him his by his grace, so he would continue his favour toward him.

125 I am thy servant; give me understanding, that I may know thy testimonies.

126 It is {c} time for thee, LORD, to work: for they have made void thy law.

(c) The prophet shows that when the wicked have brought all things to confusion, and God's word to utter contempt, then it is God's time to help and send remedy.

127 Therefore I love thy commandments above gold; yea, above fine gold.

128 Therefore I esteem all thy precepts concerning all things to be right; and I hate every false {d} way.

(d) That is, whatever dissents from the purity of your word.

129 PE. Thy testimonies are {a} wonderful: therefore doth my soul keep them.

(a) Containing high and secret mysteries, so that I am moved with admiration and reverence.

130 The entrance of thy {b} words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple.

(b) The simple idiots that submit themselves to God have their eyes opened and their minds illuminated, as soon as they begin to read God's word.

131 I opened my mouth, and {c} panted: for I longed for thy commandments.

(c) My zeal toward your word was so great.

132 Look thou upon me, and be merciful unto me, as thou usest to do unto those that love thy name.

133 Order my steps in thy word: and let not any iniquity have dominion over me.

134 Deliver me from the oppression of man: so will I keep thy precepts.

135 Make thy face to shine upon thy servant; and teach me thy statutes.

136 Rivers of waters {d} run down mine eyes, because they keep not thy law.

(d) He shows what should be the zeal of God's children when they see his word contemned.

137 Righteous art thou, O LORD, and upright are thy judgments.

138 Thy testimonies that thou hast commanded are {a} righteous and very faithful.

(a) We cannot confess God to be righteous, unless we live uprightly and truly as he has commanded.

139 My zeal hath consumed me, because mine enemies have forgotten thy words.

140 Thy word is very pure: therefore thy servant loveth it.

141 I am {c} small and despised: yet do not I forget thy precepts.

(c) This is the true trial to praise God in adversity.

142 Thy righteousness is an everlasting righteousness, and thy law is the truth.

143 Trouble and anguish have taken hold on me: yet thy commandments are my delights.

144 The righteousness of thy testimonies is everlasting: give me understanding, and I shall {d} live.

(d) So that the life of man without the knowledge of God is death.

145 KOPH. I {a} cried with my whole heart; hear me, O LORD: I will keep thy statutes.

(a) He shows that all his affection and whole heart were bent toward God to have help in his dangers.

146 I cried unto thee; save me, and I shall keep thy testimonies.

147 I prevented the dawning of the morning, and cried: I hoped in thy word.

148 Mine eyes {b} prevent the night watches, that I might meditate in thy word.

(b) He was more earnest in the study of God's word, than they who kept the watch were in their charge.

149 Hear my voice according unto thy lovingkindness: O LORD, quicken me according to thy judgment.

150 They draw nigh that follow after {c} mischief: they are far from thy law.

(c) He shows the nature of the wicked to be to persecute against their conscience.

151 Thou art near, O LORD; and all thy commandments are truth.

152 {d} Concerning thy testimonies, I have known of old that thou hast founded them for ever.

(d) His faith is grounded on God's word, that he would always be at hand when his children are oppressed.

153 Consider mine affliction, and deliver me: for I do not forget thy law.

154 Plead my cause, and deliver me: quicken me according to thy {a} word.

(a) For without God's promise there is no hope of deliverance.

155 Salvation is far from the wicked: for they seek not thy statutes.

156 Great are thy tender mercies, O LORD: quicken me according to thy {b} judgments.

(b) According to your promise made in the law, which because the wicked lack they have no hope of salvation.

157 Many are my persecutors and mine enemies; yet do I not decline from thy testimonies.

158 I beheld the transgressors, and was {c} grieved; because they kept not thy word.

(c) My zeal consumed me when I saw their malice and contempt for your glory.

159 Consider how I {d} love thy precepts: quicken me, O LORD, according to thy lovingkindness.

(d) It is a sure sign of our adoption, when we love the Law of God.

160 Thy word is true from the {e} beginning: and every one of thy righteous judgments endureth for ever.

(e) Since you first promised it, even to the end all your sayings are true.

161 SCHIN. Princes have {a} persecuted me without a cause: but my heart standeth in awe of thy word.

(a) The threatenings and persecutions of princes could not cause me to cease to confess you whom I fear more than men.

162 I rejoice at thy word, as one that findeth great spoil.

163 I hate and abhor lying: but thy law do I love.

164 {b} Seven times a day do I praise thee because of thy righteous judgments.

(b) That is, often and various times.

165 Great peace have they which {c} love thy law: and nothing shall offend them.

(c) For their conscience assures them that they please you, whereas they who do not love you have the contrary.

166 LORD, I have {d} hoped for thy salvation, and done thy commandments.

(d) He shows that we must first have faith before we can work and please God.

167 My soul hath kept thy testimonies; and I love them exceedingly.

168 I have kept thy precepts and thy testimonies: {e} for all my ways are before thee.

(e) I had no respect for men, but set you always before my eyes as the judge of my doings.

169 TAU. Let my cry come near before thee, O LORD: give me understanding {a} according to thy word.

(a) As you have promised to be the schoolmaster to all who depend on you.

170 Let my supplication come before thee: deliver me according to thy word.

171 My lips shall {b} utter praise, when thou hast {c} taught me thy statutes.

(b) The word means to pour forth continually.

(c) All his prayer and desire is to profit in the word of God.

172 My tongue shall speak of thy word: for all thy commandments are righteousness.

173 Let thine hand help me; for I have chosen thy precepts.

174 I have longed for thy salvation, O LORD; and thy law is my delight.

175 Let my soul live, and it shall praise thee; and let thy {d} judgments help me.

(d) That is, your provident care over me, and with which you will judge my enemies.

176 I have {e} gone astray like a lost sheep; seek thy servant; for I do not forget thy commandments.

(e) Being chased to and fro by my enemies, and having no place to rest in.