Psalms 119:132

Commentary on Psalms 119:132 KJV

Psalm 119:132 is a heartfelt plea from the psalmist to God, seeking divine attention and compassion. This verse encapsulates a deep trust in God's character and His consistent faithfulness to those who are devoted to Him.

Context

Psalm 119 is the longest psalm in the Bible, an elaborate acrostic poem dedicated to extolling the virtues and importance of God's law, statutes, precepts, and commandments. Each section of eight verses begins with a different letter of the Hebrew alphabet. Verse 132 falls within the 'Pe' section (verses 129-136), where the psalmist expresses a profound love for God's testimonies, acknowledges his own distress, and seeks deliverance from his oppressors and God's continued favor. The psalmist frequently finds himself in difficult circumstances, appealing to God's revealed character and promises for comfort and intervention.

Key Themes

• A Plea for Divine Mercy: The core of the verse is a direct request for God to "look thou upon me, and be merciful unto me." This is not a demand but a humble appeal for God's compassionate regard and undeserved favor. It acknowledges human need and God's sovereign ability to provide grace.
• God's Consistent Character: The psalmist's confidence rests on God's established pattern of interaction with His faithful followers. The phrase "as thou usest to do unto those that love thy name" highlights God's unchanging nature and His historical demonstration of kindness and care towards His people. This provides a strong basis for prayer, appealing not to personal merit but to God's inherent goodness and faithfulness.
• The Mark of True Devotion: "Those that love thy name" identifies the recipients of God's special mercy. Loving God's name signifies a deep reverence for His character, His revealed nature, and His authority. It implies a life of obedience and devotion, as seen in John 14:15, where Jesus links love for Him with keeping His commandments.

Linguistic Insights

• The Hebrew word for "look" (ra'ah) here implies more than mere observation; it suggests an active, favorable regard and attention. It's a plea for God to turn His face towards the psalmist with approval and concern, similar to the priestly blessing in Numbers 6:25.
• "Be merciful" comes from the Hebrew root chanan, which means to be gracious, to show favor, or to have pity. It speaks of a spontaneous, unearned kindness, emphasizing God's benevolence rather than human deserving.
• "Love thy name" (ahav shem) is profound. In ancient Hebrew thought, a "name" represents the essence, character, and reputation of a person. To love God's name is to love who God is, His attributes, His holiness, and His covenant faithfulness. It's an expression of complete devotion to the Lord.

Practical Application

This verse offers powerful lessons for believers today:

• Boldness in Prayer: We are encouraged to approach God with confidence, seeking His mercy and favor, not based on our own perfection, but on His consistent character. We can pray with assurance, knowing that He is merciful and faithful to those who genuinely seek Him.
• Understanding True Devotion: The phrase "those that love thy name" serves as a reminder that genuine love for God is demonstrated through reverence, obedience to His word, and a desire to honor His character in our lives. It's not merely an emotional sentiment but a committed orientation of the heart and life.
• Reliance on God's Grace: The psalmist appeals to God's established way of dealing with His people. This reminds us that God's grace is not arbitrary but flows from His unchanging nature and His covenant promises, consistently extended to those who place their trust in Him. For more on God's unwavering compassion, consider Lamentations 3:22-23.