Psalms 119:153

KJV

¶ RESH. Consider mine affliction, and deliver me: for I do not forget thy law.

KJV (with Strong's)

RESH. Consider {H7200} mine affliction {H6040}, and deliver {H2502} me: for I do not forget {H7911} thy law {H8451}.

Complete Jewish Bible

(Resh) Look at my distress, and rescue me, for I do not forget your Torah.

Berean Standard Bible

Look upon my affliction and rescue me, for I have not forgotten Your law.

American Standard Version

Consider mine affliction, and deliver me; For I do not forget thy law.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalm 119:153, nestled within the "RESH" section of this acrostic psalm, presents a profound and poignant prayer from a psalmist burdened by severe affliction. It is a heartfelt cry for divine consideration and deliverance, not based on human merit, but firmly grounded in a steadfast and unwavering commitment to God's revealed law. This verse beautifully encapsulates the tension between human suffering and divine faithfulness, portraying a believer who, despite distress, remains anchored to God's Word, trusting that such devotion will prompt God's compassionate intervention.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 119 is a monumental acrostic poem, meticulously structured with 22 octaves, each corresponding to a letter of the Hebrew alphabet. Every verse within a given octave begins with the same Hebrew letter. The "RESH" section (verses 153-160), where this verse is found, is the twentieth such section. Throughout the entire psalm, the central and unifying theme is the supreme value, authority, and life-giving nature of God's Word, referred to by various synonyms such as "law," "statutes," "precepts," "commandments," "testimonies," and "judgments." This specific verse, "Consider mine affliction, and deliver me: for I do not forget thy law," directly follows a declaration of love for God's precepts (verse 152) and precedes further expressions of trust and pleas for vindication against persecutors (verses 154-157). It highlights the psalmist's consistent posture of seeking God's intervention in suffering, always linking it to his devotion to the divine instruction, thereby reinforcing the overarching theme of the psalm.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical and cultural backdrop for Psalm 119 is generally understood to be the post-exilic period, or at least a time when the Mosaic Law (Torah) was central to Israelite identity and worship. Affliction (`‘oni`) in this context could encompass a wide range of hardships, from personal suffering and illness to persecution by enemies or societal oppression, all common experiences for God's people throughout their history. In ancient Israel, the covenant relationship with Yahweh was paramount; obedience to the Law was understood as the proper response to God's gracious election and a pathway to blessing, while disobedience often led to curses or judgment. The psalmist's plea, "Consider mine affliction, and deliver me: for I do not forget thy law," resonates deeply with this covenantal understanding. It is not a claim of sinless perfection, but rather an appeal to God's covenant faithfulness, implying that because the psalmist has remained loyal to God's instruction, he has a basis to appeal for divine help, believing God will act on behalf of those who honor His covenant.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes prevalent throughout Psalm 119 and the broader biblical narrative. Foremost is the theme of **Prayer in Affliction**, where the psalmist models a direct, earnest appeal to God in times of distress, underscoring God's role as the ultimate deliverer and refuge for His people, as seen in [Psalm 50:15](/psalms/50-15 "Psalm 50:15 - Call on Me in the Day of Trouble"). Another crucial theme is **Faithfulness as a Plea**, where the psalmist's unwavering commitment to God's law ("for I do not forget thy law") serves as the foundation for his petition. This is not a boast of earning salvation, but a humble declaration of sincere devotion, appealing to God's justice and faithfulness to those who walk in His ways. This steadfastness is often linked to the idea of hiding God's Word in one's heart, as expressed in [Psalm 119:11](/psalms/119-11 "Psalm 119:11 - Hiding God's Word in the Heart"). Finally, the verse reinforces **The Enduring Value of God's Law**, portraying God's `Torah` not merely as a set of rules, but as a life-giving guide and a source of stability and hope, particularly in the face of suffering and changing circumstances, echoing the blessedness described in [Psalm 1:2](/psalms/1-2 "Psalm 1:2 - Delight in the Law of the Lord").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Affliction (Hebrew, _‘oni'_):** This term denotes misery, suffering, oppression, or distress. It conveys a deep sense of hardship, often implying a state of being brought low or humbled by circumstances. The psalmist's use of this word emphasizes the severity and personal nature of his distress, indicating a need for profound divine intervention rather than a superficial alleviation of minor discomfort.
* **Deliver (Hebrew, _chalats'_):** This verb means to draw out, rescue, set free, or release. It implies a situation where the psalmist is entrapped or bound by his affliction, and he desperately seeks liberation. The word suggests a forceful or decisive act of rescue, highlighting God's power to extricate His servant from dire circumstances.
* **Law (Hebrew, _Torah'_):** In its broadest sense, `Torah` refers to God's instruction, teaching, or divine guidance. While it often refers to the Mosaic Law, in Psalm 119, it encompasses the entirety of God's revealed will, including His statutes, precepts, and testimonies. The psalmist's declaration, "I do not forget thy law," signifies an active, intentional adherence and remembrance, not merely intellectual recall. It implies a life lived in conscious alignment with God's commands and principles, even amidst suffering.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Consider mine affliction":** This is a direct, earnest plea to God. "Consider" (Hebrew, _ra'ah_) implies not just seeing, but actively observing, paying attention to, and taking notice of the psalmist's suffering. It is a request for God to truly engage with his plight, to acknowledge the depth of his misery, and to respond with compassion and understanding.
* **"and deliver me":** This follows immediately as the desired outcome of God's consideration. The psalmist is not merely seeking sympathy but active rescue. This phrase expresses a desperate need for liberation from the oppressive circumstances, trusting in God's power to intervene and set him free from whatever is causing his distress.
* **"for I do not forget thy law":** This clause provides the foundation or rationale for the psalmist's plea. It is a declaration of faithful obedience and devotion, serving as an appeal to God's covenant faithfulness. The psalmist is not claiming sinless perfection, but rather a consistent, intentional commitment to God's Word. This "not forgetting" implies active remembrance, meditation, and adherence to God's instruction, even in the midst of suffering, thereby presenting himself as one who honors God's covenant and thus is worthy of His compassionate intervention.

#### Literary Devices
Psalm 119:153 effectively employs several literary devices. The most overarching is the **Acrostic Structure** of Psalm 119 itself, with this verse falling under the "RESH" section, signifying a deliberate and artful construction that emphasizes the comprehensive nature of God's Word. The verse also exhibits a form of **Parallelism**, specifically a cause-and-effect or reason-and-request structure, where the psalmist's faithfulness ("I do not forget thy law") is presented as the reason for his plea for divine intervention ("Consider mine affliction, and deliver me"). This structure highlights the psalmist's understanding of the covenant relationship. Furthermore, the entire verse functions as a **Supplication** or **Prayer**, a direct address to God, demonstrating the psalmist's reliance on divine action. The phrase "not forget thy law" can also be seen as a **Metonymy**, where "forgetting" represents a departure from or disobedience to God's will, and "not forgetting" signifies active obedience and devotion.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalm 119:153 powerfully articulates the biblical principle that faithfulness to God's Word, even amidst profound suffering, provides a legitimate basis for appealing to His covenant loyalty and seeking His intervention. This is not a transactional exchange where obedience earns salvation, but rather a reflection of the relational dynamic within the covenant: those who walk in God's ways can confidently approach Him in their distress, trusting in His character to respond to their cries. The psalmist's plea underscores God's attentiveness to the righteous and His willingness to deliver those who honor His commands, demonstrating a profound trust in divine justice and compassion. It reminds believers that their commitment to God's truth is not in vain, but forms a foundation for confident prayer and expectation of His providential care.

* [Deuteronomy 4:29-31](/deuteronomy/4-29 "Deuteronomy 4:29-31 - Seeking the Lord in Distress")
* [Psalm 34:19](/psalms/34-19 "Psalm 34:19 - Many are the Afflictions of the Righteous")
* [Romans 8:28](/romans/8-28 "Romans 8:28 - God Works All Things for Good")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalm 119:153 offers a timeless model for believers navigating the complexities of suffering and faith. It challenges us to cultivate a deep and abiding commitment to God's Word, not as a legalistic burden, but as a life-giving anchor in times of storm. When affliction strikes, our first response should be to turn to God in earnest prayer, laying bare our distress before Him, just as the psalmist did. Our consistent devotion to His truth—actively remembering, meditating on, and striving to obey His commands—becomes the very ground upon which we can confidently appeal for His intervention. This verse reassures us that God "considers" our plight; He is not distant or indifferent to our pain. Our faithfulness, though imperfect, aligns us with His will and positions us to receive His compassionate deliverance, reminding us that even in the darkest valleys, holding fast to His Word provides both hope and the pathway to His help.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific ways do I tend to "forget" God's law or instruction when I am under affliction?**
* **How does my commitment to God's Word inform the way I pray for deliverance in times of distress?**
* **What does it mean for God to "consider" my affliction, and how does that understanding shape my trust in Him?**
* **Beyond seeking deliverance, how can my suffering deepen my adherence to God's law?**

### FAQ

**Is the psalmist boasting of his obedience to earn God's favor?**

Answer: No, the psalmist is not boasting in a self-righteous way to earn God's favor or salvation. Instead, the phrase "for I do not forget thy law" functions as an appeal to God's covenant faithfulness. In the biblical understanding of the covenant, God promised to bless and protect those who walked in His ways and kept His commands (see [Deuteronomy 28:1-14](/deuteronomy/28-1 "Deuteronomy 28:1-14 - Blessings for Obedience")). The psalmist is humbly declaring his sincere devotion and adherence to God's revealed will, thereby appealing to God's character and promises to those who remain loyal to Him. It's a plea based on relationship and covenant fidelity, not on earning merit. This is similar to how a child might remind a parent of their good behavior when asking for something, not to earn love, but to appeal to the established relational dynamic.

**What does "not forget thy law" truly mean in this context?**

Answer: "Not forget thy law" (לֹא שָׁכַחְתִּי תוֹרָתֶךָ) goes beyond mere intellectual recall. In Hebrew thought, "forgetting" often implies a failure to act upon, to neglect, or to abandon. Therefore, "not forgetting" means actively remembering, meditating upon, treasuring, and striving to obey God's instruction (`Torah`) in one's daily life. It signifies a deep, internal commitment that translates into external conduct. Even in affliction, the psalmist's mind and heart remain fixed on God's Word, indicating that his distress has not caused him to abandon his spiritual principles or his loyalty to God's revealed will. This active remembrance is a source of strength and a foundation for his plea, as seen in [Psalm 119:16](/psalms/119-16 "Psalm 119:16 - I will delight in your statutes; I will not forget your word.").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Psalms 119:153 is a prayer from an Old Testament saint under the Law, its deepest fulfillment and resonance are found in Jesus Christ. The psalmist's plea to "Consider mine affliction, and deliver me" finds its ultimate echo in the profound suffering of Christ, who bore the ultimate affliction—the sin of the world—on the cross. Unlike the psalmist, whose obedience was real but imperfect, Jesus perfectly fulfilled the condition "I do not forget thy law." He was the only one who completely and flawlessly kept God's `Torah` in every thought, word, and deed, as attested in [Hebrews 4:15](/hebrews/4-15 "A High Priest Who Can Sympathize"). His perfect obedience, even unto death, was the basis for His deliverance from the power of the grave and His exaltation. For believers, our deliverance from affliction, particularly the ultimate affliction of sin and death, is not based on our own imperfect adherence to the law, but on Christ's perfect obedience and atoning sacrifice. We are "considered" and "delivered" because of what He has done, and through faith in Him, we are united with His perfect righteousness. Our ability to approach God in prayer for deliverance, even in our own afflictions, is now entirely predicated on the finished work of the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), who perfectly fulfilled the Law and bore its curse on our behalf, offering us true freedom and eternal life (see [Galatians 3:13](/galatians/3-13 "Galatians 3:13 - Christ Redeemed Us from the Curse of the Law") and [Romans 8:1-2](/romans/8-1 "Romans 8:1-2 - No Condemnation in Christ Jesus")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Psalms 119:176

¶ I have gone astray like a lost sheep; seek thy servant; for I do not forget thy commandments.

Lamentations 5:1

¶ Remember, O LORD, what is come upon us: consider, and behold our reproach.

Psalms 9:13

Have mercy upon me, O LORD; consider my trouble [which I suffer] of them that hate me, thou that liftest me up from the gates of death:

Psalms 119:16

I will delight myself in thy statutes: I will not forget thy word.

Proverbs 3:1

¶ My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments:

Psalms 119:159

¶ Consider how I love thy precepts: quicken me, O LORD, according to thy lovingkindness.

Psalms 119:141

¶ I [am] small and despised: [yet] do not I forget thy precepts.