Psalms 119:147

¶ I prevented the dawning of the morning, and cried: I hoped in thy word.

I prevented {H6923} the dawning of the morning {H5399}, and cried {H7768}: I hoped {H3176} in thy word {H1697}.

I rise before dawn and cry for help; I put my hope in your word.

I rise before dawn and cry for help; in Your word I have put my hope.

I anticipated the dawning of the morning, and cried: I hoped in thy words.

Psalm 119:147 (KJV) beautifully illustrates the psalmist's profound devotion and reliance on God's Word. It paints a picture of eager anticipation and heartfelt prayer, grounded in an unwavering hope.

Context of Psalm 119:147

Psalm 119 is the longest psalm in the Bible, an acrostic poem celebrating the beauty, wisdom, and power of God's law (Torah, statutes, precepts, commandments). Each eight-verse stanza begins with a successive letter of the Hebrew alphabet. Verse 147 falls within the 'Tsade' (צ) section, which emphasizes the psalmist's righteousness, diligence, and trust in God's judgments. This verse highlights a personal commitment to seeking God early and earnestly, reflecting the deep value placed on communion with the Divine.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Passionate Devotion: The phrase "I prevented the dawning of the morning" signifies a deliberate and eager act of seeking God before the start of the day. It speaks to prioritizing spiritual communion over other daily activities, demonstrating a deep hunger for God's presence and guidance. This active pursuit is a hallmark of true devotion.
  • Fervent Prayer: "And cried" conveys the intensity and earnestness of the psalmist's prayer. It suggests a heartfelt plea, possibly born of distress or deep longing, emphasizing the vital role of passionate communication with God. This is not a casual prayer but an urgent, sincere cry from the soul.
  • Unwavering Hope in God's Word: The foundation of this early rising and fervent crying is the psalmist's hope in God's word. This is not mere wishful thinking but a confident expectation based on the trustworthiness and promises of scripture. It underscores that God's Word is the ultimate source of comfort, direction, and assurance, providing a solid ground for faith even in challenging times. This hope is active and sustaining, echoing the sentiment found in Psalm 130:5, "I wait for the LORD, my soul doth wait, and in his word do I hope."

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "prevented" is qadam (קדם), which means "to come before," "to anticipate," or "to meet." It emphasizes the psalmist's proactive and intentional effort to be with God before others or before the demands of the day begin. The word "cried" comes from za'aq (זעק), meaning "to cry out," often used for a desperate plea for help or a fervent call to God, indicating deep emotion and urgency. "Hoped" is from yakhal (יחל), which implies a patient, expectant waiting, a confident trust that God will fulfill His promises. It's an active hope that fuels perseverance.

Practical Application

Psalm 119:147 offers a timeless model for spiritual discipline and a vibrant relationship with God. It encourages believers to:

  • Prioritize God: Just as the psalmist rose before dawn, we are called to intentionally set aside dedicated time for God, making Him the first priority of our day. This discipline mirrors the example of Jesus, who often rose early to pray.
  • Pray Fervently: Our prayers should be earnest and from the heart, expressing our true needs, desires, and thanksgiving. God hears the cries of His people, as seen in Psalm 34:17.
  • Build Hope on Scripture: Our hope should be firmly rooted in God's reliable and unchanging Word. Regularly engaging with scripture strengthens our faith and provides assurance, enabling us to face life's challenges with confidence in His promises.

This verse serves as a powerful reminder that consistent, heartfelt devotion, fueled by hope in God's Word, is key to a flourishing spiritual life.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Mark 1:35

    And in the morning, rising up a great while before day, he went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed.

  • Psalms 5:3

    My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O LORD; in the morning will I direct [my prayer] unto thee, and will look up.

  • Psalms 130:5

    ¶ I wait for the LORD, my soul doth wait, and in his word do I hope.

  • Psalms 130:6

    My soul [waiteth] for the Lord more than they that watch for the morning: [I say, more than] they that watch for the morning.

  • Psalms 88:13

    But unto thee have I cried, O LORD; and in the morning shall my prayer prevent thee.

  • Psalms 42:8

    [Yet] the LORD will command his lovingkindness in the daytime, and in the night his song [shall be] with me, [and] my prayer unto the God of my life.

  • Psalms 119:74

    ¶ They that fear thee will be glad when they see me; because I have hoped in thy word.

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