Psalms 119:116

Psalms 119:116 (KJV) is a poignant prayer for divine sustenance and vindication, deeply rooted in the psalmist's unwavering trust in God's revealed truth.

Context

Psalm 119 is the longest chapter in the Bible, an acrostic poem celebrating the multifaceted nature of God's law, statutes, precepts, commandments, judgments, and word. Each section of eight verses begins with a letter of the Hebrew alphabet. This particular verse falls within the section beginning with the letter Samekh (ס). Throughout the psalm, the author expresses a deep devotion to God's word, seeing it as the source of life, wisdom, and guidance in a world often hostile to righteousness. The psalmist frequently cries out for God's help and protection based on His promises, a theme central to the overall message of the psalm.

Key Themes

• Divine Upholding: The request "Uphold me according unto thy word" highlights the psalmist's recognition of his own dependence on God. It’s a plea for divine support and preservation, not based on personal merit, but on God's character and His faithful promises contained in His word. This is a prayer for sustenance in all aspects of life—physical, emotional, and spiritual.
• Life and Vitality: The phrase "that I may live" signifies more than mere existence. It speaks to a desire for a full, purposeful, and spiritually vibrant life that aligns with God's will. It implies protection from threats that would diminish or end such a life.
• Unashamed Hope: The plea "let me not be ashamed of my hope" reveals the psalmist's vulnerability to public scorn or personal disappointment if God does not act. His hope is squarely placed in God and His promises. This request is for vindication, that his trust will not be proven foolish, and that his steadfast expectation in God's goodness will be rewarded. This echoes the sentiment found in Romans 5:5, where hope does not disappoint.

Linguistic Insights

• The Hebrew word for "uphold" is samakh (סמך), meaning to lean upon, support, or sustain. It conveys a strong sense of reliance and being propped up by a reliable force.
• "Word" here is imrah (אמרה), referring to God's spoken word, His promise, or decree. It emphasizes the active, declarative aspect of divine communication.
• "Hope" is yachal (יחל), which implies a patient, enduring expectation. It's not a wish, but a confident anticipation based on a trustworthy source.

Practical Application

Psalms 119:116 offers profound lessons for believers today:

• Reliance on God's Promises: Like the psalmist, we are called to anchor our lives and prayers in God's unchanging word. When facing challenges, our plea for help should be grounded in what God has revealed about Himself and His faithfulness.
• Living a Purposeful Life: The desire "that I may live" encourages us to seek not just survival, but a life of purpose and vitality found in Christ. This spiritual life is sustained by obedience to and meditation on God's truth. For more on this, consider Jesus' promise of abundant life.
• Boldness in Hope: This verse reminds us that our hope in God is not a flimsy wish but a firm assurance. We should pray that our faith and hope will be vindicated, allowing us to stand firm without shame, even when circumstances are challenging or others question our beliefs.

Ultimately, this verse is a prayer for divine intervention, asking God to honor His word by preserving the one who trusts in Him, so that their steadfast hope is never put to shame.