Psalms 119:152

¶ Concerning thy testimonies, I have known of old that thou hast founded them for ever.

Concerning thy testimonies {H5713}, I have known {H3045} of old {H6924} that thou hast founded {H3245} them for ever {H5769}.

Long ago I learned from your instruction that you established it forever.

Long ago I learned from Your testimonies that You have established them forever.

Of old have I known from thy testimonies, That thou hast founded them for ever. ר RESH.

Psalms 119:152 articulates the psalmist's unwavering conviction in the eternal and unchanging nature of God's divine revelation. This verse serves as a powerful declaration that God's Word, His testimonies, are not temporary or subject to change, but are established on a foundation that endures forever.

Context

Psalm 119 is the longest chapter in the Bible, a magnificent acrostic poem dedicated entirely to the praise and exploration of God's law, statutes, precepts, commandments, and testimonies. Each stanza, often beginning with a successive letter of the Hebrew alphabet, expresses the psalmist's profound love and dependence on God's Word. Verse 152, nestled within the 'Qoph' section, reflects a mature understanding, not just a fleeting appreciation, but a long-held certainty about the divine and enduring quality of God's truth, contrasting with human wisdom or fleeting trends.

Key Themes

  • The Unchanging Nature of God's Word: The phrase "thou hast founded them for ever" asserts the absolute permanence and reliability of God's commandments and promises. Unlike human declarations that change with time or circumstance, God's Word is settled in heaven, an eternal foundation for all reality. This provides immense security and stability for believers.
  • Personal and Enduring Knowledge: "I have known of old" signifies that this isn't a new revelation to the psalmist, but a truth deeply ingrained through years of experience and meditation. It speaks to the tested and proven reliability of God's testimonies over time, fostering deep trust and confidence in His divine law.
  • Divine Authority and Origin: The emphasis on "thou hast founded them" points directly to God as the ultimate source and sustainer of His own Word. It is His divine authority that gives His testimonies their eternal weight and ensures their steadfastness, distinguishing them from any human decree or philosophy.

Linguistic Insights

  • The Hebrew word for "testimonies" (עֵדֹ֥וֹת, ‘edot) refers to God's solemn declarations, His divine decrees, or the principles by which He governs His people. These are not merely suggestions but authoritative pronouncements that bear witness to His character and will.
  • The phrase "founded them for ever" (יְסַדְתָּם לְעוֹלָֽם, yesadtam l'olam) conveys the idea of being established, laid as a permanent foundation, for eternity. This emphasizes the unbreakable and unchangeable nature of God's truth, a concept echoed in other parts of Scripture, such as when Jesus declared that heaven and earth would pass away, but His words would not.

Practical Application

For believers today, Psalms 119:152 offers profound comfort and a call to confidence. In a world of shifting values and uncertain futures, the eternal nature of God's Word provides an unshakeable anchor. It encourages us to build our lives on its unchanging truths, knowing that what God has declared is forever reliable. This verse reminds us that diligent study and meditation on Scripture will lead to a deep, personal 'knowing of old' that strengthens faith and provides sure guidance for every generation. It serves as a powerful reminder of God's faithfulness and the enduring relevance of His divine instruction.

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.

  • Luke 21:33

    Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away.

  • Psalms 111:7

    The works of his hands [are] verity and judgment; all his commandments [are] sure.

  • Psalms 111:8

    They stand fast for ever and ever, [and are] done in truth and uprightness.

  • Ecclesiastes 3:14

    I know that, whatsoever God doeth, it shall be for ever: nothing can be put to it, nor any thing taken from it: and God doeth [it], that [men] should fear before him.

  • Psalms 119:160

    ¶ Thy word [is] true [from] the beginning: and every one of thy righteous judgments [endureth] for ever.

  • Psalms 119:144

    The righteousness of thy testimonies [is] everlasting: give me understanding, and I shall live.

  • Psalms 89:34

    My covenant will I not break, nor alter the thing that is gone out of my lips.

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