Psalms 119:120

Psalm 119:120 captures a profound expression of the psalmist's reverence and awe before God. In the midst of celebrating God's perfect law and decrees, this verse reveals a deep, almost physical, response to the holiness and justice inherent in the Divine character and His righteous judgments.

Context

Psalm 119 is the longest chapter in the Bible, an acrostic poem dedicated entirely to extolling the virtues and benefits of God's Word, referred to by various synonyms like law, statutes, precepts, commandments, and judgments. Throughout the psalm, the writer (traditionally believed to be David) expresses fervent love, devotion, and obedience to God's commands. Verse 120 appears after sections where the psalmist has reflected on the persecution he faces from the wicked (e.g., Psalm 119:110) and has prayed for God's intervention and justice. This verse, therefore, represents a personal and visceral recognition of God's ultimate authority and the seriousness of His decrees, particularly as they pertain to judgment upon both the righteous and the wicked.

Key Themes

• Reverential Awe (The "Fear of the Lord"): The phrase "My flesh trembleth for fear of thee" signifies more than mere terror. It points to a deep, biblical concept of the fear of the Lord, which is a profound reverence, respect, and awe for God's holiness, power, and majesty. This fear is not debilitating but rather a motivating force for obedience and humility. The physical trembling underscores the intense spiritual and emotional impact of this realization.
• God's Judgments: The psalmist is "afraid of thy judgments." These "judgments" (Hebrew: mishpatim) refer to God's righteous decrees, ordinances, and acts of justice. It's an acknowledgment that God is not only loving but also perfectly just, and He will indeed execute judgment upon sin and unrighteousness. This awareness leads the psalmist to a posture of humility and a desire to align fully with God's will, understanding the serious consequences of disobedience.
• The Holiness of God: This verse implicitly highlights God's absolute holiness. The psalmist's fear is a natural response to the purity and perfection of God, before whom no unrighteousness can stand. It's a recognition that God's character demands a profound response of awe and respect from all creation.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "trembleth" is charad (חָרַד), which literally means to tremble, shudder, or be anxious. It conveys a strong physical reaction to fear or awe. The term "fear" (pachad - פַּחַד) can denote dread or terror, but in the context of the Psalms, especially concerning God, it often carries the weight of reverential awe that acknowledges divine power and justice. "Judgments" (mishpatim - מִשְׁפָּטִים) consistently refers to God's just laws, decisions, and ordinances, which are perfect and true.

Practical Application

For believers today, Psalm 119:120 serves as a vital reminder that our relationship with God should be marked by more than just familiarity or casual affection. It calls us to cultivate a healthy, reverential fear of God. This means:

• Taking God Seriously: Acknowledging God's absolute authority and His unwavering commitment to justice should lead us to greater integrity and righteousness in our own lives.
• Motivation for Obedience: Understanding that God's judgments are true and just can motivate us to diligently follow His commands, not out of compulsion, but out of a deep respect for His character and His perfect will.
• Humility and Awe: This verse encourages us to approach God with humility and a profound sense of awe, recognizing that He is the sovereign Lord of all creation and the ultimate judge. As the author of Hebrews reminds us, "It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God."