(The Lord speaking is red text)
Therefore I esteem all [thy] precepts [concerning] all [things to be] right; [and] I hate every false way.
Thus I direct my steps by [your] precepts; every false way I hate.
Therefore I admire all Your precepts and hate every false way.
Therefore I esteem allthyprecepts concerning allthingsto be right; AndI hate every false way. פ PE.
Therefore I esteem all thy precepts{H6490} concerning all things to be right{H3474}; and I hate{H8130} every false{H8267} way{H734}.
Psalm 119:128 is part of the longest chapter in the Bible, Psalm 119, which is an acrostic poem extolling the virtues of God's law, statutes, and precepts. Each of its 22 stanzas begins with a successive letter of the Hebrew alphabet, and the theme throughout is the beauty, reliability, and wisdom of God's word. The historical context of the Psalms spans many centuries, with Psalm 119 traditionally attributed to David, although the exact authorship is not certain. It reflects the broader ancient Israelite tradition of wisdom literature, which emphasizes the pursuit of wisdom, understanding, and righteous living through adherence to divine teachings.
In Psalm 119:128, the psalmist expresses a deep reverence for God's commandments, affirming that they are altogether righteous and just. The verse reflects a profound respect for the divine wisdom encapsulated in the Law, which was believed to be the ultimate guide for right living. By stating, "I esteem all [thy] precepts [concerning] all [things to be] right," the psalmist indicates that in every aspect of life, God's instructions are to be trusted as the perfect standard for behavior and belief.
Furthermore, the declaration, "I hate every false way," underscores the psalmist's commitment to truth and righteousness by contrasting the reliability of God's precepts with the deceptive nature of alternative paths that lead away from God. This reflects a common theme in the Hebrew Bible, where the "way" often symbolizes a lifestyle or moral direction, and the "false way" represents choices and behaviors that contradict God's will. The verse thus encapsulates the psalmist's dual commitment to embracing God's truth and rejecting all forms of falsehood and error.
In summary, Psalm 119:128 encapsulates the themes of reverence for God's law and the rejection of falsehood, emphasizing the psalmist's wholehearted devotion to the divine precepts as the ultimate moral and spiritual guide. This verse, like the rest of Psalm 119, serves as a meditation on the value of God's word in the life of the faithful, encouraging a life lived in accordance with divine wisdom.
*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model
Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)