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Psalms 119:138
Study this verse
Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Psalms 119:137–138.
Here is, 1. The righteousness of God, the infinite rectitude and perfection of his nature. As he is what he is, so he is what he should be, and in every thing acts as becomes him; there is nothing wanting, nothing amiss, in God; his will is the eternal rule of equity, and he is righteous, for he does all according to it. 2. The righteousness of his government. He rules the world by his providence, according to the principles of justice, and never did, nor ever can do, any wrong to any of his creatures: Upright are thy judgments, the promises and threatenings and the executions of both. Every word of God is pure, and he will be true to it; he perfectly knows the merits of every cause and will judge accordingly. 3. The righteousness of his commands, which he has given to be the rule of our obedience: "Thy testimonies that thou hast commanded, which are backed with thy sovereign authority, and to which thou dost require our obedience, are exceedingly righteous and faithful, righteousness and faithfulness itself." As he acts like himself, so his law requires that we act like ourselves and like him, that we be just to ourselves and to all we deal with, true to all the engagements we lay ourselves under both to God and man. That which we are commanded to practise is righteous; that which we are commanded to believe is faithful. It is necessary to our faith and obedience that we be convinced of this.
Historical interpretation
Historical Reception
2 surviving comments on this verse. Each one is dated, so this reads as a timeline rather than a list.
Select a marker to jump to its quote. Markers stagger vertically where authors wrote within a few decades of each other.
For this is the divine promise: “The Lord shall fight for you.” Henceforth, although afflictions and trials from without overtake them, yet, being fashioned after the apostolic words and “being steadfast in tribulations and persevering in prayers” and in meditation on the law, they stand against those things that befall them, are well-pleasing to God and give utterance to the words that are written, “Afflictions and distresses are come on me, but your commandments are my meditation.”
Thus, then, as if giving a reason why he had cause to weep much, and to mourn deeply for his sin, he says, "Righteous are You, O Lord, and true is Your judgment" [Psalm 119:137]. "You have commanded Your testimonies, righteousness, and Your truth exceedingly" [Psalm 119:138]. This righteousness of God and righteous judgment and truth, is to be feared by every sinner: for thereby all who are condemned are condemned of God; nor is there one who can righteously complain against the righteous God of his own damnation. Therefore the tears of the penitent are needful; since if his impenitent heart were condemned, he would be most justly condemned. He indeed calls the testimonies of God righteousness: for He proves himself righteous by giving righteous commandments. And this is truth also, that God may become known by such testimonies.
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Summary
Psalm 119:138 profoundly declares the intrinsic nature of God's divine decrees, asserting that they are both perfectly righteous and entirely trustworthy. This verse, situated within the Bible's longest psalm—a comprehensive meditation on the multifaceted beauty and unwavering perfection of God's revealed Word—underscores the psalmist's deep reverence for divine instruction, highlighting the unblemished character and steadfast reliability of all that God has commanded.
Context
Literary Context
Psalm 119 is the longest psalm in the biblical canon, an elaborate acrostic poem structured around the 22 letters of the Hebrew alphabet, with eight verses dedicated to each letter. Verse 138 falls within the "Tsade" (צ) section, which spans Psalms 119:137-144. Throughout this majestic composition, the psalmist expresses an unparalleled devotion, love, and unwavering commitment to God's revealed will, often using a rich tapestry of synonyms like "testimonies," "statutes," "precepts," "commandments," and "laws." This particular verse, like many in the psalm, serves as a profound affirmation of the divine origin and inherent perfection of God's Word, setting the stage for the psalmist's continued reliance on and delight in God's instruction amidst a world often hostile to divine truth, as seen in Psalms 119:139. The psalmist's personal experience of zeal and affliction (e.g., Psalms 119:139-140) further amplifies the need for God's steadfast and righteous Word as a constant anchor.
Historical & Cultural Context
In ancient Israel, the "testimonies" or "Torah" (Law) of God were not merely a set of legal codes but represented the very covenant relationship between Yahweh and His people. Unlike the often arbitrary or capricious laws of surrounding pagan nations, God's commands were understood to emanate from His perfect character, serving as the foundation for a just society and a holy life. The concepts of "righteousness" (צֶדֶק, tsedeq) and "faithfulness" (אֱמוּנָה, ʼĕmûwnâh) were paramount attributes of God Himself, reflecting His unchanging nature and absolute reliability. For the Israelite, adherence to God's testimonies was seen as the path to blessing and flourishing, a direct reflection of their trust in the God who had faithfully delivered them from bondage and established them as His chosen people, as recounted in Deuteronomy 6:20-25. This cultural understanding imbued God's Word with supreme authority and an expectation of unwavering truthfulness, forming the bedrock of their national and individual identity.
Key Themes
Psalm 119:138 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes prevalent throughout the psalm and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the Divine Authority and Command of God's Word; His "testimonies" are not suggestions but authoritative decrees, originating from the sovereign Creator and demanding absolute reverence and obedience, a theme echoed in Deuteronomy 4:1-2. Secondly, the verse highlights the Inherent Righteousness of God's commands. They are intrinsically just, morally upright, and perfectly aligned with God's holy and unblemished character, serving as the ultimate standard for truth and goodness, as seen in Psalm 19:7-9. Finally, and crucially, it emphasizes the Unwavering Faithfulness of God's testimonies. They are "very faithful," speaking to their absolute reliability, truthfulness, and dependability. What God commands, He upholds; what He promises, He fulfills, providing a secure foundation for faith and life, a truth reinforced in Numbers 23:19. This triad of divine authority, inherent righteousness, and unwavering faithfulness forms the core of the psalmist's trust in God's revealed Word.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
This term (plural in the verse, derived from the singular noun H5713) refers to God's solemn declarations, decrees, or precepts. These are not merely laws but divine pronouncements that bear witness to God's character, His covenant relationship with humanity, and His revealed will. They are His authoritative self-disclosure, serving as a reliable standard for life and truth, reflecting the very essence of His being.
This term (H6664) signifies justice, moral rectitude, and conformity to a divine standard. When applied to God's testimonies, it means they are inherently just, morally perfect, and in complete alignment with God's holy and unblemished character. There is no flaw, injustice, or error in His commands; they embody His perfect standard of goodness and truth, providing the blueprint for a just life and society.
This word (H530), related to the root אָמָן (ʼāman), from which "amen" is derived, conveys reliability, trustworthiness, firmness, and constancy. When God's testimonies are described as "very faithful," it emphasizes their absolute dependability and truthfulness. They are not capricious or changing but firm and steadfast, assuring believers that God's Word will prove true in every circumstance and that His promises will be fulfilled, providing an unshakeable foundation for trust.
Verse Breakdown
"Thy testimonies"
This opening phrase identifies the subject of the psalmist's declaration as God's divine revelations. "Testimonies" (Hebrew, ‘ēḏôt) refers to God's solemn declarations, precepts, or decrees, which bear witness to His character and will. The possessive "Thy" underscores their divine origin and absolute authority, distinguishing them from human laws or philosophies and emphasizing their sacred, covenantal nature.
"[that] thou hast commanded"
This clause further emphasizes the divine authorship and authoritative nature of these testimonies. They are not suggestions or optional guidelines but direct, authoritative commands (Hebrew, tsâvâh) issued by God Himself. This highlights God's sovereignty and His right to establish the moral and spiritual order for His creation, making obedience a matter of acknowledging His supreme rule and perfect wisdom.
"[are] righteous"
This assertion declares the inherent moral perfection and justice of God's commands. "Righteous" (Hebrew, tsedeq) signifies that God's testimonies are perfectly aligned with His holy character, free from any flaw, injustice, or error. They provide the ultimate standard for what is good, true, and morally upright, reflecting God's own unblemished nature and providing a reliable guide for human conduct.
"and very faithful"
This final phrase speaks to the absolute reliability and trustworthiness of God's Word. "Faithful" (Hebrew, ʼĕmûwnâh) conveys steadfastness and dependability. The intensifier "very" (Hebrew, mᵉʼôd) underscores that God's testimonies are utterly firm and constant; they do not change, they do not fail, and they will always prove true. This provides immense assurance that God's promises will be fulfilled and His commands will always lead to beneficial outcomes for those who obey them, establishing a secure foundation for faith.
Literary Devices
Psalm 119:138 employs several literary devices to enhance its profound message and underscore the psalmist's unwavering conviction. The most prominent is Affirmation, as the psalmist makes a direct, declarative statement about the inherent qualities of God's testimonies, reinforcing their divine nature and authority. The use of the intensifier "very" in "very faithful" functions as a form of Emphasis or even Hyperbole, stressing the absolute and unwavering reliability of God's Word beyond mere faithfulness, conveying a sense of ultimate certainty. The psalm itself is structured as an Acrostic Poem, with each section beginning with a successive letter of the Hebrew alphabet. While not directly evident in this single verse, this overarching structure reflects a meticulous and comprehensive engagement with God's law, underscoring the psalmist's exhaustive meditation on divine truth. Furthermore, attributing qualities like "righteous" and "faithful" to "testimonies" can be seen as a subtle form of Personification, imbuing God's abstract decrees with active, moral characteristics that mirror God's own attributes. This literary craftsmanship serves to elevate God's Word, portraying it not as a static legal code but as a dynamic, living revelation of divine character.
Theological and Thematic Connections
The declaration in Psalms 119:138—that God's testimonies are both righteous and very faithful—is a cornerstone of biblical theology, deeply intertwined with the very nature of God Himself. It affirms that God's character is the source and standard of all righteousness; His commands are not arbitrary but flow directly from His perfect holiness and justice. This truth provides the bedrock for trust in God's moral governance of the universe and His unfailing commitment to His covenant promises. The faithfulness of His Word assures believers that God is utterly dependable, that His truth endures through all generations, and that His purposes will ultimately prevail. This confidence in God's righteous and faithful Word is essential for spiritual stability, guiding believers in discerning truth from error and providing a steadfast anchor in a changing world. It undergirds the entire biblical narrative, from creation to consummation, revealing a God who is consistently true to His Word and His nature.
Reflection and Application
For the contemporary believer, Psalms 119:138 offers profound comfort, unwavering assurance, and a clear call to trust and obedience. In a world often characterized by moral relativism, shifting truths, and broken promises, the declaration that God's testimonies are "righteous and very faithful" provides an unshakeable foundation. It means we can confidently rely on God's Word as the ultimate standard for morality, ethics, and truth, knowing that His commands are inherently just and perfectly aligned with His holy character. This verse encourages us to embrace God's precepts not as burdensome restrictions but as reliable guides from a perfectly just and trustworthy Father, designed for our flourishing and spiritual well-being. When we face decisions, doubts, or difficulties, meditating on the righteousness and faithfulness of God's Word equips us with divine wisdom and steadfast hope, empowering us to live lives that reflect His truth and honor His name. It calls us to a deeper commitment to studying and obeying His Word, understanding that in doing so, we align ourselves with eternal truth and the very character of God.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What does "testimonies" mean in this context?
In Psalms 119:138, "testimonies" (Hebrew: ‘ēḏôt) refers to God's solemn declarations, decrees, or precepts. It signifies God's self-revelation and His authoritative pronouncements that bear witness to His character and will. These are not merely laws in a legalistic sense but rather the divine principles and truths that God has revealed to humanity, serving as a guide for life and a reflection of His covenant relationship with His people, as seen throughout Psalm 119. They are the enduring witness to who God is and what He requires.
How can God's commands be "righteous" if they sometimes seem difficult or restrictive?
The righteousness of God's commands stems from His own perfect character. "Righteous" (Hebrew: tsedeq) implies inherent justice, moral uprightness, and alignment with ultimate truth. While God's commands may sometimes appear difficult or restrictive from a human perspective, they are always designed for our ultimate good and spiritual flourishing. They provide a blueprint for a life lived in harmony with God's holy nature, protecting us from the destructive consequences of sin and leading us toward true freedom and blessing. Just as a loving parent sets boundaries for a child's safety and well-being, God's righteous commands are expressions of His perfect love and wisdom, ultimately leading to life, as Deuteronomy 30:19-20 indicates.
What is the significance of God's testimonies being "very faithful"?
The phrase "very faithful" (Hebrew: ʼĕmûwnâh, intensified by mᵉʼôd) emphasizes the absolute reliability, trustworthiness, and unwavering constancy of God's Word. It means that God's commands and promises are utterly dependable; they do not change, they do not fail, and they will always prove true. This attribute provides immense assurance to believers, guaranteeing that God will fulfill every word He has spoken and that His character is immutable. It is a foundational truth that underpins all biblical theology, reminding us that God "cannot deny himself" (2 Timothy 2:13). This faithfulness provides a secure anchor for our faith in a world full of uncertainty and fleeting promises.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Psalms 119:138, with its declaration of God's testimonies as "righteous and very faithful," finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Jesus Himself is the living embodiment of God's righteous and faithful Word; He is the Word made flesh (John 1:14), perfectly revealing the Father's character and will. Every command, every promise, and every truth found in God's testimonies are perfectly upheld and exemplified in Christ's life, ministry, and atoning death. He lived a life of perfect obedience to God's righteous law, fulfilling its demands where humanity had failed (Matthew 5:17). Furthermore, His sacrificial death on the cross demonstrated God's righteous judgment against sin while simultaneously upholding His faithfulness to His covenant promises of salvation. Through Christ, believers are not only given access to God's righteous and faithful testimonies but are also empowered by the Holy Spirit to live in accordance with them, finding true righteousness and eternal life in Him (Romans 3:21-26 and 2 Corinthians 5:21). Thus, Jesus is the very "Amen" to God's faithful promises (2 Corinthians 1:20), the one in whom all of God's commands are perfectly fulfilled and through whom His righteousness is graciously imparted.