Psalms 119:132

Translation
King James Version
¶ Look thou upon me, and be merciful unto me, as thou usest to do unto those that love thy name.
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KJV (with Strong's)
Look H6437 thou upon me, and be merciful H2603 unto me, as thou usest H4941 to do unto those that love H157 thy name H8034.
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Complete Jewish Bible
Turn to me, and show me your favor; in keeping with [your] judgment for those who love your name.
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Berean Standard Bible
Turn to me and show me mercy, as You do to those who love Your name.
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American Standard Version
Turn thee unto me, and have mercy upon me, As thou usest to do unto those that love thy name.
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World English Bible Messianic
Turn to me, and have mercy on me, as you always do to those who love your name.
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Geneva Bible (1599)
Looke vpon mee and bee mercifull vnto me, as thou vsest to doe vnto those that loue thy Name.
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Young's Literal Translation
Look unto me, and favour me, As customary to those loving Thy name.
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See also
Psalms 119:124Psalms 106:4Psalms 25:16Psalms 25:181 Samuel 1:112 Samuel 16:122 Thessalonians 1:6
In the KJVVerse 16,031 of 31,102

Study This Verse

SUMMARY

Psalms 119:132 presents a deeply personal and urgent prayer from the psalmist, appealing to God for a compassionate and favorable gaze and for the bestowal of mercy. The plea is grounded not in the psalmist's merit, but in God's consistent and historical pattern of extending grace to those who genuinely love and revere His divine character and revealed will. This verse thus encapsulates a profound trust in God's unchanging nature and His benevolent disposition towards His faithful covenant people, serving as an enduring model for all who seek divine grace based on God's established faithfulness.

CONTEXT

  • Literary Context: Psalms 119 is the longest chapter in the Bible, an intricately structured acrostic poem where each of its 22 sections corresponds to a letter of the Hebrew alphabet and contains eight verses. It is an expansive meditation on the beauty, wisdom, and life-giving power of God's law (Torah), employing various synonyms such as statutes, precepts, commandments, and testimonies. Verse 132 is located within the 'Pe' section (verses 129-136), a segment characterized by the psalmist's fervent love for God's testimonies, his distress over the actions of the wicked, and his earnest pleas for divine intervention and preservation. Throughout this section, the psalmist expresses a deep yearning for God's presence and protection, often feeling overwhelmed by adversaries yet continually turning to God's word as his source of comfort and hope, as seen in his longing for God's salvation in Psalms 119:123.
  • Historical & Cultural Context: The psalmist, likely an individual deeply committed to the Mosaic Law, lived within a covenant community where God's revealed word was central to national and individual identity. The plea to "look upon me" resonates with ancient Near Eastern cultural contexts where a king's favorable gaze signified approval, protection, and provision. Conversely, turning one's face away indicated displeasure or abandonment. The concept of "loving God's name" was not merely an emotional sentiment but a profound commitment to His revealed character, attributes, and covenant promises, foundational to Israel's relationship with Yahweh. This understanding of God's "name" as His very essence is crucial, reflecting the covenant established at Sinai and reiterated throughout Israel's history, where God's name was invoked in blessings and oaths, as exemplified in the priestly blessing of Numbers 6:24-26.
  • Key Themes: This verse powerfully articulates several core themes prevalent throughout Psalms 119 and indeed, the entire Psalter. It underscores the theme of Divine Mercy and Grace, presenting God as the ultimate source of unmerited favor, a compassionate sovereign who responds to the cries of His people. The psalmist's appeal is rooted in the Faithfulness of God's Character, emphasizing that God acts consistently according to His nature and His established patterns of interaction with those who honor Him. This consistency forms the basis of the psalmist's confidence in prayer. Furthermore, the verse highlights the theme of True Devotion and Obedience, defining the recipients of God's special mercy as "those that love thy name." This phrase signifies a holistic commitment—not just intellectual assent but a life lived in reverence, obedience, and alignment with God's revealed will, echoing the principles found in Deuteronomy 6:5. The psalmist's distress and reliance on God's word for deliverance are recurring motifs, reinforcing the idea that God's compassion is extended to those who faithfully seek Him amidst adversity.

EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

Key Word Analysis

  • Look (Hebrew, pânâh', H6437): This word means "to turn," implying "to face" or "to appear." In this context, it is a plea for God to turn His face towards the psalmist with active, favorable regard, attention, and concern. It suggests a divine acknowledgment that leads to intervention and blessing, similar to the concept of God "seeing" the affliction of His people in Exodus 3:7. It signifies a turning of divine attention that results in positive action.
  • Merciful (Hebrew, chânan', H2603): This word means "to bend or stoop in kindness to an inferior," "to favor," or "to bestow." It refers to a spontaneous, unearned kindness or compassion that flows from a superior to an inferior. It emphasizes God's benevolence and generosity, highlighting that the mercy sought is not based on the psalmist's merit but on God's inherent nature to bestow grace and respond to petition.
  • Love thy name (Hebrew, ʼâhab_ _shêm', H157): (ʼâhab) and H8034 (shêm), this phrase is profoundly significant. To "love" (ʼâhab) is to have deep affection for, while "name" (shêm) represents the essence, character, reputation, and authority of a person. Therefore, to "love God's name" is to love who God is in His totality—His attributes, His holiness, His covenant faithfulness, and His revealed will. It signifies a deep reverence and devotion to God's very being, expressed through obedience and a desire to uphold His honor and character.

Verse Breakdown

  • "Look thou upon me": This is a direct, urgent, and intimate plea for God's divine attention. The psalmist desires not just to be seen, but to be acknowledged with a favorable and compassionate gaze. It implies a longing for God's personal, active involvement in his situation, a turning of God's face towards him in approval and care, akin to the blessing in Numbers 6:25. The use of the imperative "Look" underscores the psalmist's earnestness and dependence.
  • "and be merciful unto me": Following the request for divine attention, this clause is a direct petition for God's grace and compassion. It is a humble acknowledgment of human need and an appeal to God's inherent nature as a gracious and benevolent God. The psalmist seeks unearned favor, recognizing that any help received would be a demonstration of God's spontaneous kindness and unmerited favor, flowing from His very character.
  • "as thou usest to do unto those that love thy name": This crucial clause provides the theological and historical basis for the psalmist's bold request. It is an appeal to God's consistent character and His established pattern of interaction with His faithful followers. The psalmist is not asking for something new or exceptional, but for God to act according to His unchanging nature and His historical demonstration of kindness, care, and covenant faithfulness towards those who genuinely revere, obey, and are devoted to Him. This phrase anchors the plea in God's reliability and His covenant promises, not the psalmist's personal worthiness.

Literary Devices

Psalms 119:132 employs several literary devices to enhance its emotional and theological impact. The most prominent is Apostrophe, a direct address to an absent or personified entity, as the psalmist speaks directly to God ("Look thou upon me, and be merciful unto me"). This creates an intimate and personal tone, emphasizing the direct relationship between the supplicant and the divine. A Simile is evident in the phrase "as thou usest to do unto those that love thy name," which compares the desired mercy to God's consistent, historical actions towards His devoted people. This comparison grounds the plea in God's reliable character and past faithfulness. Furthermore, the phrase "Look thou upon me" can be seen as an Anthropomorphism, attributing human characteristics (eyes, the act of looking) to God, making the divine more relatable and comprehensible to the human experience. Finally, "thy name" functions as a Metonymy, where "name" stands in for God's entire being, character, reputation, and authority, signifying the psalmist's deep reverence for who God is in His essence.

THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS

This verse beautifully articulates the profound theological truth that God's mercy is not arbitrary but flows from His unchanging character and His covenant faithfulness. The psalmist's confidence is rooted in God's established pattern of grace towards those who genuinely love Him. This "love" is not a mere sentiment but a deep reverence and commitment to God's revealed will and character, which manifests in obedience and devotion. The plea for mercy is thus a recognition of human dependence on divine benevolence, appealing to God's consistent nature as a compassionate deliverer. It highlights the reciprocal relationship where God's grace is extended to those whose hearts are aligned with His, demonstrating that while salvation is by grace, it is received by faith that expresses itself in love for God's name. This verse, therefore, serves as a powerful reminder of God's enduring compassion and His faithfulness to His covenant people through all generations.

REFLECTION AND APPLICATION

Psalms 119:132 offers a timeless model for prayer and a profound insight into the nature of our relationship with God. It encourages believers to approach God with a bold yet humble confidence, not presuming upon His grace, but appealing to His well-established character as a merciful and faithful God. In moments of personal distress, spiritual yearning, or when facing opposition, we are invited to lay our needs before the Lord, trusting that He will "look upon" us with favorable regard and extend His unmerited compassion. This verse also serves as a crucial reminder that genuine love for God is not merely an emotional feeling but a deep reverence for His "name"—His entire being, character, and revealed will. Such love is demonstrated through a life of obedience, devotion, and a desire to honor Him in all things. Our reliance on God's grace should be unwavering, knowing that His mercies are constant and His faithfulness extends to all who sincerely seek Him and strive to live according to His precepts. This prayer invites us to align our desires with God's character, asking Him to act in a way that is consistent with His revealed nature and His historical dealings with His people.

Questions for Reflection

  • In what specific areas of your life do you most need God to "look upon" you with mercy today?
  • How does understanding God's consistent character ("as thou usest to do") bolster your confidence in prayer?
  • What does it practically mean for you to "love God's name" in your daily life, beyond mere sentiment?
  • How can you cultivate a deeper reliance on God's unmerited grace, rather than on your own efforts or perceived worthiness?

FAQ

What does "love thy name" truly signify in this context, and how is it demonstrated?

Answer: In biblical thought, a "name" (Hebrew: shem) represents the very essence, character, authority, and reputation of a person. Therefore, to "love God's name" is to love who God is in His totality—His attributes of holiness, justice, mercy, faithfulness, and power. It signifies a profound reverence and devotion to His revealed being. This love is not merely an emotional sentiment but a deep, abiding commitment that manifests in practical ways. It is demonstrated through obedience to His commandments (John 14:15), trust in His promises (Psalms 9:10), and a desire to honor His character in all aspects of one's life. It means valuing God's glory above all else and striving to live in a way that brings Him honor and reflects His nature to the world, recognizing that His name is worthy of all praise and devotion (Psalms 29:2).

CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT

The psalmist's plea in Psalms 119:132 for God to "look upon me, and be merciful unto me, as thou usest to do unto those that love thy name" finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While the psalmist appealed to God's historical pattern of mercy, Christ is the very embodiment and ultimate revelation of God's mercy and grace. In Jesus, God truly "looked upon" humanity with compassion, not merely observing our plight but actively entering into it through the Incarnation (John 1:14). He is the visible image of the invisible God, and in His face, we see the light of the knowledge of the glory of God (2 Corinthians 4:6). Furthermore, the "those that love thy name" are now, preeminently, those who love and trust in Jesus Christ. Jesus Himself declared, "If ye love me, keep my commandments" (John 14:15), and promised that those who love Him will be loved by the Father (John 14:21). Through Christ's atoning sacrifice, God's mercy is poured out abundantly, allowing believers to approach the throne of grace with confidence, knowing that they will receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need (Hebrews 4:16). Thus, the psalmist's earnest prayer is not just a historical longing but a prophetic anticipation fully realized in the person and redemptive work of our compassionate Savior, Jesus Christ, who perfectly revealed the Father's name and nature (John 17:6).

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Commentary on Psalms 119 verse 132

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

Here is, 1. David's request for God's favour to himself: "Look graciously upon me; let me have thy smiles, and the light of thy countenance. Take cognizance of me and my affairs, and be merciful to me; let me taste the sweetness of thy mercy and receive the gifts of thy mercy." See how humble his petition is. He asks not for the operations of God's hand, only for the smiles of his face; a good look is enough; and for that he does not plead merit, but implores mercy. 2. His acknowledgment of his favour to all his people: As thou usest to do unto those that love thy name. This is either, (1.) A plea for mercy: "Lord, I am one of those that love thy name, love thee and thy word, and thou usest to be kind to those that do so; and wilt thou be worse to me than to others of thy people?" Or, (2.) A description of the favour and mercy he desired - "that which thou usest to bestow on those that love thy name, which thou bearest to thy chosen," Psa 106:4, Psa 106:5. He desires no more, no better, than neighbour's fare, and he will take up with no less; common looks and common mercies will not serve, but such as are reserved for those that love him, which are such as eye has not seen, Co1 2:9. Note, The dealings of God with those that love him are such that a man needs not desire to be any better dealt with, for he will make them truly and eternally happy. And as long as God deals with us no otherwise than as he uses to deal with those that love him we have no reason to complain, Co1 10:13.

Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verse 132. Public domain.
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Augustine of HippoAD 430
Exposition on Psalm 119
He still prays. He has opened his mouth, and drawn in the Spirit; but he still knocks in prayer unto the Father, and seeks: he drinks, but the more sweet he finds it, the more eagerly does he thirst. Hear the words of him in his thirst. "O look Thou upon me," he says, "and be merciful unto me: according to the judgment of those that love Your Name" [Psalm 119:132]: that is, according to the judgment You have dealt unto all who love Your Name; since You have first loved them, to cause them to love You. For thus says the Apostle John, "We love God, because He first loved us." [1 John 4:19]
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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