TRV
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Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Psalms 119:165.
Here is an account of the happiness of good men, who are governed by a principle of love to the word of God, who make it their rule and are ruled by it. 2. They are easy, and have a holy serenity; none enjoy themselves more than they do: Great peace have those that love thy law, abundant satisfaction in doing their duty and pleasure in reflecting upon it. The work of righteousness is peace (Isa 32:17), such peace as the world can neither give nor take away. They may be in great troubles without and yet enjoy great peace within, sat lucis intus - abundance of internal light. Those that love the world have great vexation, for it does not answer their expectation; those that love God's word have great peace, for it outdoes their expectation, and in it they have sure footing. 2. They are safe, and have a holy security: Nothing shall offend them; nothing shall be a scandal, snare, or stumbling-block, to them, to entangle them either in guilt or grief. No event of providence shall be either an invincible temptation or an intolerable affliction to them, but their love to the word of God shall enable them both to hold fast their integrity and to preserve their tranquility. They will make the best of that which is, and not quarrel with any thing that God does. Nothing shall offend or hurt them, for every thing shall work for good to them, and therefore shall please them, and they shall reconcile themselves to it. Those in whom this holy love reigns will not be apt to perplex themselves with needless scruples, nor to take offence at their brethren, Co1 13:6, Co1 13:7.
Historical interpretation
Four Centuries of Reception
4 surviving comments on this verse. Each one is dated, so this reads as a timeline rather than a list.
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Frequent prayer also commends us to God. For if the prophet says, “Seven times a day have I praised you,” though he was busy with the affairs of a kingdom, what ought we to do, who read, “Watch and pray that you enter not into temptation”? Certainly our customary prayers ought to be said with giving of thanks, when we rise from sleep, when we go forth, when we prepare to receive food, after receiving it and at the hour of incense, when at last we are going to rest.
"Great is the peace," he says, "that they have who love Your law: and there is no offense to them" [Psalm 119:165]. Does this mean that the law itself is not an offense to them that love it, or that there is no offense from any source unto them that love the law? But both senses are rightly understood. For he who loves the law of God, honours in it even what he does not understand; and what seems to him to sound absurd, he judges rather that he does not understand, and that there is some great meaning hidden: thus the law of God is not an offense to him...
But whom does the church burn as the moon by night? They who have caused schisms. Hear this very same thing stated by the apostle: "Who is weak and I am not weak? Who is scandalized and I am not burned?" How then is there no scandal in him who loves his brother? Because he who loves his brother endures all things for the sake of unity, because in the unity of love is brotherly loving. If some wicked person or other, or someone supposedly or allegedly wicked, offends you, do you desert so many good people? What sort of brotherly loving is it as has appeared in these people? When they accuse the Africans, they have deserted the world. Were there no saints in the world? Or was it possible for them to be condemned by you unheard? But, if you loved your brother, there would be no scandal in you. Hear the psalm, the one that says, "Much peace have they who love your law and there is no scandal to them." It said that they who love the law of God have much peace and for that reason there is no scandal to them. Those therefore who suffer scandal lose peace. And who did it say do not suffer scandal or do not cause it? Those loving the law of God.
Obtain the same thing for yourself and strive to advance toward it; for it is able to raise you from earth to heaven. You will not advance in it without preparation or [solely] by chance. First cleanse your soul of every passion and wipe it as clean of every evil as a newly cleansed mirror. Remove far from you every recollection of wrong and anger, which most of all prevents our daily prayers from reaching God. Also remove from your heart the offenses of everyone who has ever sinned against you. Giving wings to your prayer with mercy and compassion for the poor, approach God with fervent tears. Praying in this way you will be able to say with the blessed David, who, although he was king and burdened with countless cares, cleansed his soul of all passions: “I hated and abhorred iniquity, but I loved your law. Seven times a day I praised you because of the judgments of your righteousness.” My soul kept your testimonies and I loved them very much. Let my prayer draw near to you, Lord; enable me to understand your word.
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Summary
Psalms 119:165 declares a profound spiritual truth: those who genuinely cherish and obey God's divine instruction are blessed with an abundance of profound inner peace and unwavering spiritual stability. This deep devotion to the Lord's commands acts as a protective anchor, ensuring they remain unswayed and unoffended by the common stumbling blocks, temptations, and adversities that often cause others to falter. The verse encapsulates the psalmist's conviction that true flourishing and resilient faith are direct outcomes of a heart wholeheartedly committed to God's life-giving Word.
Context
Literary Context
Psalms 119:165 is positioned within the concluding section of the longest psalm in the biblical canon, an elaborate acrostic poem (specifically, it falls within the "Taw" stanza, verses 161-168). The entire psalm is an extensive and passionate meditation on the supreme value, multifaceted nature, and transformative power of God's Word, which is referred to by numerous synonyms such as law, testimonies, precepts, statutes, commandments, and judgments. Throughout this magnificent composition, the psalmist consistently links a deep affection for God's law with corresponding blessings, guidance, and spiritual states. This verse echoes sentiments found in earlier sections, reinforcing the idea that delight in God's instruction leads to tangible benefits, as seen in the guidance promised in Psalms 119:105 and the joy found in Psalms 119:111. The immediate preceding verse, Psalms 119:164, speaks of constant praise, underscoring the all-consuming devotion that culminates in the profound peace described in verse 165.
Historical & Cultural Context
In ancient Israel, the "law" (Hebrew: Torah) was far more than a mere collection of legal codes; it represented God's entire revelation of His will, His instruction, and the terms of His covenant relationship with His people. It served as the foundational bedrock of their national identity, their worship, and the fabric of their daily existence. Unlike the often arbitrary legal systems of surrounding pagan nations, the Torah was perceived as a divine gift, a pathway to life, blessing, and flourishing, as emphatically stated in Deuteronomy 30:19-20. To "love" the law implied more than intellectual agreement; it denoted a heartfelt embrace, diligent study, joyful meditation, and willing obedience to its principles. It was viewed as the ultimate source of wisdom and guidance for navigating a complex and often perilous world. The cultural understanding was that faithful adherence to God's commands would lead to both national and individual prosperity and shalom, while deviation would inevitably result in chaos and suffering.
Key Themes
Psalms 119:165 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes present within the psalm and the broader biblical narrative. The most prominent theme is the profound peace (shalom) that is a direct and abundant outcome of loving God's instruction. This peace is not merely the absence of conflict but a holistic state of well-being, completeness, and flourishing in every dimension of life—spiritual, emotional, physical, and relational. It signifies a right relationship with God, self, others, and creation. Another crucial theme is the active and genuine love for God's Law as the indispensable prerequisite for experiencing this comprehensive peace. This love signifies a deep affection, commitment, and delight in God's Word, transforming obedience from a burdensome duty into a joyful privilege. Finally, the potent phrase "nothing shall offend them" introduces the theme of spiritual stability and unwavering resilience. It speaks to an inner fortitude and divine protection that prevents believers from being tripped up, led astray, or utterly devastated by the world's temptations, adversities, or the spiritual stumbling blocks that cause others to fall or become deeply distressed. This resilience underscores the protective, guiding, and anchoring nature of God's Word in the life of the devoted.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
This primitive root signifies a deep, heartfelt affection, whether sexual or otherwise. In the context of "loving thy law," it denotes more than mere intellectual assent or grudging obedience. It implies a profound, active devotion, a cherishing of God's precepts, and a delight in His revealed will. This love is the wellspring of willing adherence and joyful submission to divine instruction, transforming duty into desire.
This is a richly comprehensive Hebrew term, extending far beyond the English concept of merely the absence of conflict. Shalom encompasses wholeness, completeness, soundness, prosperity, well-being, health, security, and tranquility in every dimension of life—spiritual, emotional, physical, and relational. It signifies a state of flourishing, harmony, and right relationship with God. In this verse, "great peace" (H7227 rab meaning abundant, great) implies an abundant, deep, pervasive, and holistic sense of well-being that flows directly from alignment with God's will.
This masculine noun literally means "a stumbling-block," "an impediment," or "an occasion of falling or ruin." It refers to anything that causes one to stumble, fall, or be ruined, particularly in a moral or spiritual sense. The phrase "nothing shall offend them" therefore means that those who truly love God's law will not encounter anything that causes them to stumble spiritually, to fall away from their faith, to be ruined by temptation, or to be deeply distressed to the point of losing their spiritual footing and integrity. It speaks to a divine protection against spiritual pitfalls, moral compromise, and ultimate collapse.
Verse Breakdown
"Great peace have they which love thy law:"
This opening clause establishes both the condition and the primary blessing. The "great peace" is the abundant outcome, and "they which love thy law" describes the recipients. The love for God's law is not a superficial sentiment but a deep, abiding affection for His revealed will, expressed through diligent study, heartfelt meditation, and joyful obedience. This profound love is the fertile ground from which true shalom springs, indicating that internal tranquility and comprehensive well-being are not found in external circumstances but in a heart aligned with divine truth and actively engaged with God's instruction.
"and nothing shall offend them."
This second clause describes the profound spiritual stability and unwavering resilience that accompanies the "great peace." The "nothing" is a strong assertion, implying that no external trial, internal temptation, or adversarial force will ultimately cause the one who loves God's law to stumble spiritually, fall into ruin, or be permanently derailed. This does not suggest an absence of difficulties or temptations, but rather that these challenges will not cause them to permanently deviate from their path of righteousness or lose their faith. Their deep love for the law acts as an unshakeable anchor and a protective shield, providing a firm foundation against spiritual pitfalls and moral collapse.
Literary Devices
The psalmist employs several potent literary devices to convey the profound truth of this verse. Hyperbole is evident in the phrase "nothing shall offend them." While believers are not entirely immune to all forms of distress or temptation, this strong assertion emphasizes the remarkable spiritual resilience and divine protection afforded to those who deeply love God's law. It highlights the degree of stability, implying that whatever challenges arise, they will not ultimately cause a spiritual collapse or permanent deviation from their faith. There is also a clear Parallelism between "great peace" and "nothing shall offend them," where the latter clause elaborates on the practical manifestation and protective nature of the former. The peace is not merely an internal feeling but a robust spiritual state that actively prevents stumbling. Furthermore, the concept of "loving thy law" can be understood as a form of Personification, as the law itself is treated as an entity capable of being loved, cherished, and delighted in, underscoring its living, active, and relational quality in the life of the believer.
Theological and Thematic Connections
This verse underscores a fundamental theological truth: genuine peace and unwavering stability are not products of human effort, external circumstances, or the absence of trials, but are divine gifts graciously bestowed upon those who wholeheartedly align themselves with God's revealed will. It highlights the intimate, causal connection between devoted obedience to God's Word and a flourishing inner life, demonstrating that God's law is not burdensome or restrictive but profoundly liberating, leading to a comprehensive sense of security and well-being. The "great peace" described is a foretaste of the holistic shalom that God desires for His people, a peace that transcends worldly understanding and provides an unshakeable anchor in times of turmoil. It speaks powerfully to God's faithfulness in protecting, guiding, and sustaining those who genuinely delight in His ways, ensuring that their spiritual journey is marked by resilience and steadfastness rather than constant stumbling or ultimate ruin.
Reflection and Application
In a world increasingly characterized by anxiety, uncertainty, and countless opportunities for spiritual and moral stumbling, Psalms 119:165 offers a timeless and profoundly relevant pathway to true tranquility and unwavering stability. The call to "love thy law" is not an invitation to rigid legalism, but rather a heartfelt summons to cultivate a deep, abiding affection for God's wisdom, His unchanging character, and His life-giving principles as revealed in sacred Scripture. This genuine love translates into diligent study, earnest meditation, and joyful obedience, allowing God's Word to profoundly shape our thoughts, desires, and actions. When our hearts are anchored firmly in His truth, we gain a divine perspective that reorients our responses to life's inevitable challenges. We become remarkably less susceptible to the fleeting opinions of the world, the deceptive allure of sin, or the crushing weight of adversity, finding a peace that truly surpasses all understanding and a resilience that keeps us from being permanently derailed. Cultivating this kind of love is a daily discipline, a conscious, intentional choice to prioritize God's voice and His written Word above all others, trusting implicitly that His instructions are always for our ultimate good, flourishing, and eternal well-being.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Does "nothing shall offend them" mean believers will never face difficulties, temptations, or emotional distress?
No, "nothing shall offend them" does not imply that those who love God's law will live a life entirely free from external difficulties, trials, temptations, or even moments of emotional distress. The biblical narrative is replete with examples of faithful individuals who suffered greatly, such as Job, or the Apostle Paul, who endured immense hardship for the gospel (see 2 Corinthians 11:23-28). Rather, the phrase "nothing shall offend them" (from the Hebrew mikshôwl, meaning "stumbling block" or "ruin") refers specifically to spiritual stumbling blocks or moral pitfalls. It means that external challenges or internal temptations will not cause them to fall away from their faith, to be ruined spiritually, or to lose their spiritual footing in a way that permanently derails their walk with God. Their profound love for God's law provides a firm foundation and a divine anchor, enabling them to navigate adversity with spiritual resilience and maintain their peace, even amidst turmoil. It speaks to an inner fortitude and divine protection against spiritual collapse, not an absence of hardship.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Psalms 119:165 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While the psalmist expresses a deep and abiding love for the Torah, Jesus is not merely a lover of the Law but its living embodiment and perfect fulfillment. He explicitly declared that He did not come to abolish the Law or the Prophets but to fulfill them completely, perfectly living out every righteous demand in a way no human could. Therefore, the "great peace" promised to those who love God's law is fully and perfectly realized in those who love and follow Christ, for He Himself is our peace, having broken down the dividing wall of hostility. He offers a peace that the world cannot give, a peace that He bequeathed to His disciples before His departure, a peace rooted in His finished work on the cross. Furthermore, Jesus Himself is the one who ensures that His followers will not "offend" or stumble fatally. He is the Good Shepherd who lays down His life for His sheep and promises that none will snatch them out of His hand. Through His atoning sacrifice and the indwelling Holy Spirit, believers are empowered to walk in righteousness, no longer enslaved to sin's power, and are given the spiritual stability and resilience to overcome the world's temptations and trials. Thus, the abundant peace and unwavering steadfastness described in Psalms 119:165 are ultimately found in a saving relationship with Jesus, who perfectly loved and fulfilled God's law on our behalf, and now graciously grants us His Spirit to enable us to walk in His ways and experience His boundless shalom.