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Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Psalms 119:164.
David, in this psalm, is full of complaints, yet those did neither jostle out his praises nor put him out of tune for them; whatever condition a child of God is in he does not want matter for praise and therefore should not want a heart. See here, 1. How often David praised God - Seven times a day, that is, very frequently, not only every day, but often every day. Many think that once a week will serve, or once or twice a day, but David would praise God seven times a day at least. Praising God is a duty which we should very much abound in. We must praise God at every meal, praise him upon all occasions, in every thing give thanks. We should praise God seven times a day, for the subject can never be exhausted and our affections should never be tired. See Psa 119:62. 2. What he praised God for - because of thy righteous judgments. We must praise God for his precepts, which are all just and good, for his promises and threatenings and the performance of both in his providence. We are to praise God even for our afflictions, if through grace we get good by them.
Historical interpretation
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Frequent prayer also commends us to God. For if the prophet says, “Seven times a day have I praised you,” though he was busy with the affairs of a kingdom, what ought we to do, who read, “Watch and pray that you enter not into temptation”? Certainly our customary prayers ought to be said with giving of thanks, when we rise from sleep, when we go forth, when we prepare to receive food, after receiving it and at the hour of incense, when at last we are going to rest.
The seven loaves signify the sevenfold working of the Holy Spirit; the four thousand people, the church established under the four Gospels; the seven baskets of fragments, the perfection of the church. This number, you see, stands for perfection extremely often. I mean, how come it says, "Seven times a day shall I praise you"? Is a person going wildly astray who does not praise God that number of times? So what else can be the meaning of "seven times a day shall I praise you," but "I shall never cease from praising"? You see, when he says seven times he signifies the whole of time; that is why the ages unfold in the weekly round of seven days. So what else can "seven times a day shall I praise you" mean but his "praise is always in my mouth"?
Such was, assuredly, the conduct of the Psalmist, who says, "Seven times a day do I praise You, because of Your righteous judgments" [Psalm 119:164]. The words "seven times a day," signify "evermore." For this number is wont to be a symbol of universality; because after six days of the divine work of creation, a seventh of rest was added; [Genesis 2:2] and all times roll on through a revolving cycle of seven days. For no other reason it was said, "a just man falls seven times, and rises up again:" [Proverbs 24:16] that is, the just man perishes not, though brought low in every way, yet not induced to transgress, otherwise he will not be just. For the words, "falls seven times," are employed to express every kind of tribulation, whereby man is cast down in the sight of men: and the words, "rises up again," signify that he profits from all these tribulations. The following sentence in this passage sufficiently illustrates the foregoing words: for it follows, "but the wicked shall fall into mischief." Not to be deprived of strength in any evils, is therefore the falling seven times, and the rising again of the just man. Justly has the Church then praised God seven times in a day for His righteous judgments; because, when it was time that judgment should begin at the house of God, [1 Peter 4:17] she did not faint in all her tribulations, but was glorified with the crowns of Martyrs.
Bishop Epiphanius of Cyprus, of holy memory, was told this by the abbot of his monastery in Palestine. ‘By your prayers we have kept our rule; we carefully observe the offices of terce, sext, none and vespers.’ But Epiphanius rebuked him and said, ‘Then you are failing to pray at other times. The true monk ought to pray without ceasing (1 Thess. 5:17). He should always be singing psalms in his heart.’
Obtain the same thing for yourself and strive to advance toward it; for it is able to raise you from earth to heaven. You will not advance in it without preparation or [solely] by chance. First cleanse your soul of every passion and wipe it as clean of every evil as a newly cleansed mirror. Remove far from you every recollection of wrong and anger, which most of all prevents our daily prayers from reaching God. Also remove from your heart the offenses of everyone who has ever sinned against you. Giving wings to your prayer with mercy and compassion for the poor, approach God with fervent tears. Praying in this way you will be able to say with the blessed David, who, although he was king and burdened with countless cares, cleansed his soul of all passions: “I hated and abhorred iniquity, but I loved your law. Seven times a day I praised you because of the judgments of your righteousness.” My soul kept your testimonies and I loved them very much. Let my prayer draw near to you, Lord; enable me to understand your word.
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Summary
Psalms 119:164 profoundly expresses the psalmist's unwavering and abundant devotion to God, manifested through consistent daily praise. This praise is not arbitrary but deeply rooted in the steadfast conviction of God's perfect and just decrees, which are perceived not as restrictive burdens but as an inexhaustible source of joy, wisdom, and a reliable foundation for life. The verse encapsulates a life thoroughly saturated with worship, acknowledging God's inherent righteousness as revealed in the entirety of His divine judgments and moral governance.
Context
Literary Context
Psalm 119 stands as the Bible's longest chapter, an intricately structured acrostic poem where each of its 22 stanzas corresponds to a letter of the Hebrew alphabet, beginning with that letter. It serves as an expansive and passionate meditation on the multifaceted nature, profound beauty, and indispensable necessity of God's law, statutes, precepts, commandments, and judgments. The psalmist articulates an unparalleled love for God's Word, viewing it as the ultimate source of life, wisdom, comfort, and unwavering guidance amidst personal affliction and societal turmoil. Verse 164 is situated within the 'Tsade' section (verses 161-168), a segment where the psalmist emphatically reaffirms his steadfast love for God's precepts, even in the face of intense persecution and opposition from powerful figures and deceitful adversaries. This section conspicuously highlights the psalmist's profound inner peace and immense delight in God's law, a stark contrast to the distress and turmoil inflicted by his enemies. The consistent, overflowing praise detailed in verse 164 is thus presented as a natural, spontaneous outflow of this profound affection and unshakeable trust in God's perfect governance, even when external circumstances are overwhelmingly challenging.
Historical & Cultural Context
In ancient Israel, daily life was often structured and sanctified by specific, though not universally rigid, times of prayer and devotion. While formal injunctions for all citizens were not always present, traditions of praying at set hours, such as morning, noon, and evening, were well-established, as evidenced by the psalmist's own practice in Psalm 55:17 and Daniel's unwavering commitment in Daniel 6:10. The phrase "seven times a day" should be understood as an idiomatic expression, not a literal numerical count, but rather a powerful rhetorical device signifying completeness, abundance, and diligent consistency. Within biblical numerology, the number seven frequently functions as a symbol of perfection, fullness, or divine completion (e.g., the seven days of creation, numerous seven-day festivals). Consequently, the psalmist's declaration in this verse conveys a life thoroughly permeated by worship and gratitude, acknowledging God's omnipresent sovereignty and the perpetual relevance of His "judgments" (Hebrew: mishpatim)—His divine decrees, ordinances, and just decisions that comprehensively govern all aspects of existence.
Key Themes
This verse significantly contributes to several profound themes prevalent throughout Psalm 119 and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates Consistent Devotion and Praise, demonstrating a life saturated with worship that is not merely occasional but deeply ingrained and perpetual. The "seven times a day" hyperbole underscores a profound commitment to unceasing adoration, reflecting the psalmist's continuous delight in God's Word, a sentiment also vividly expressed in Psalm 1:2. Secondly, the verse emphatically highlights the Foundation in God's Righteousness. The profound reason for this overflowing praise is explicitly stated: "because of thy righteous judgments," affirming that God's decrees are inherently perfect, flawlessly fair, and eternally true. This echoes the powerful declaration found in Deuteronomy 32:4, which proclaims, "He is the Rock, his work is perfect: for all his ways are judgment: a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is he." The psalmist praises God not simply for His inherent being, but for the perfect manner in which He governs and reveals His divine will through His flawless law. Thirdly, the verse profoundly signifies Gratitude for Divine Guidance, showcasing a deep and abiding appreciation for God's comprehensive moral and spiritual framework. The psalmist discovers profound joy and an inexhaustible reason for praise in the very structure and principles God has established for human life, recognizing them as inherently good, supremely beneficial, and eternally worthy of constant celebration.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
This Hebrew term for "seven" is employed here as a powerful idiom signifying completeness, abundance, or spiritual perfection, rather than a literal numerical count. It conveys that the psalmist's praise is not sporadic or partial, but rather comprehensive, all-encompassing, and diligently consistent. This implies a life lived in constant, pervasive awareness of God's presence and His righteous character, where every segment of the day and every facet of existence is intentionally dedicated to His praise.
The very root of the English word "Hallelujah" (meaning "Praise the Lord!"), halal denotes a joyful, active, and often exuberant commendation of God. It encompasses the acts of celebrating, boasting in, or shining forth God's glory. In this context, it signifies a deliberate, fervent, and heartfelt act of worship, an expression of profound admiration, exultation, and gratitude for God's inherent character and His divine actions.
This plural noun specifically refers to God's divine decrees, ordinances, and perfectly just decisions. It comprehensively encompasses God's righteous rulings, His moral laws, and the immutable principles by which He governs the entire universe and interacts with humanity. Distinct from fallible human judgments, God's mishpatim are inherently perfect, unequivocally equitable, and eternally true, serving as an utterly reliable foundation for life, worship, and a profound understanding of His divine will. The psalmist's praise is precisely because these judgments are intrinsically "righteous."
Verse Breakdown
"Seven times a day do I praise thee"
This opening clause unequivocally establishes the psalmist's profound and continuous commitment to worship. The phrase "seven times a day" functions as a hyperbolic expression, signifying unceasing, complete, and abundant praise, rather than a literal tally of distinct acts. It speaks to a life wholly devoted to God, where praise is a constant, spontaneous outflow, seamlessly woven into the very fabric of daily existence. It vividly reflects a heart that discovers countless reasons throughout the day to acknowledge, extol, and magnify God's boundless greatness.
"because of thy righteous judgments"
This second clause provides the crucial, foundational reason and profound motivation for the psalmist's consistent and overflowing praise. The praise offered is not arbitrary, fleeting, or merely emotional; rather, it is immutably grounded in the objective reality of God's perfect character and His divinely revealed will. God's "judgments" (His divine laws, eternal decrees, and moral ordinances) are intrinsically "righteous"—meaning they are just, true, and utterly perfect. The psalmist praises God precisely because His ways are always right, His commands are always good, and His governance is always equitable. This highlights a deep, abiding appreciation for the moral and spiritual structure God has provided, finding profound joy and an inexhaustible reason for worship in His perfect wisdom and unwavering justice.
Literary Devices
The verse masterfully employs several significant literary devices to convey its profound message. Hyperbole is prominently evident in the phrase "seven times a day," which is clearly not intended to be interpreted literally but rather to convey an extreme degree of consistency and overwhelming abundance in praise. This deliberate exaggeration powerfully emphasizes the psalmist's total and unreserved dedication to God. Closely intertwined with this is Symbolism, where the cardinal number "seven" inherently symbolizes completeness, perfection, and fullness within biblical contexts, thereby reinforcing the profound idea of a life entirely saturated with worship. Furthermore, the verse establishes a clear and implicit Cause-and-Effect Relationship: the psalmist's praise is directly given because of God's righteous judgments. This highlights a logical, theological, and experiential connection between God's inherent character (His righteousness) as perfectly revealed in His law, and the appropriate human response of unceasing worship. The verse, in its concise formulation, functions as a potent declaration of theological truth, vividly demonstrating the psalmist's profound love for God's revealed will as the ultimate and unwavering basis for his perpetual adoration.
Theological and Thematic Connections
This verse powerfully underscores a fundamental theological principle: authentic praise is not merely an emotional outburst but is deeply rooted in a profound understanding and heartfelt appreciation of God's immutable character, particularly His perfect righteousness and unwavering justice as expressed in His divine decrees. It teaches that God's laws are not burdensome restrictions or arbitrary rules, but rather perfect and benevolent revelations of His very nature, providing the indispensable framework for a life of profound blessing and the deepest, most compelling reasons for adoration. The psalmist's consistent and abundant praise vividly demonstrates that a life lived in accordance with God's "judgments" naturally leads to a heart overflowing with gratitude and worship, recognizing God's infinite wisdom and perfect equity in all things. This transformative perspective elevates obedience from a mere duty to a joyful, spontaneous, and profound response to divine goodness and truth.
Reflection and Application
Psalms 119:164 serves as a profound challenge to all believers, urging us to cultivate a life characterized by deep, consistent, and fervent praise, not as a sporadic or occasional act, but as an indispensable and integral part of our daily existence. While the phrase "seven times a day" functions as an idiom for completeness and totality, the underlying principle powerfully encourages a spiritual discipline where gratitude, adoration, and worship are seamlessly woven into the very fabric of our lives, permeating our thoughts, words, and actions from the moment we awaken until we rest. It calls us to actively seek out, diligently study, and profoundly appreciate God's divine decrees, understanding with conviction that His ways are always righteous, always just, and always good, even when they may appear challenging or counter-cultural to our fallen perspectives. Like the psalmist, we are called to discover abundant and inexhaustible reasons to praise God, particularly for the eternal truth, profound wisdom, and unerring guidance found within His sacred Word. This verse fosters a profound love for God's law as a perpetual source of joy, a clear pathway to knowing Him more intimately, and an unshakeable foundation for a life of unwavering worship, recognizing that His judgments are always ultimately for our deepest good and His supreme glory.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What is the significance of "seven times a day" in Psalms 119:164?
The phrase "seven times a day" is a powerful biblical idiom signifying completeness, abundance, and diligent consistency, rather than a literal numerical count. In ancient Hebrew culture and biblical numerology, the number seven frequently represents perfection, fullness, or divine completion (e.g., the seven days of creation, the seven-branched menorah in the tabernacle). Therefore, when the psalmist declares, "Seven times a day do I praise thee," he is expressing a profound and all-encompassing devotion. It means his life is thoroughly saturated with praise for God, that his worship is unceasing, comprehensive, and seamlessly integrated into every part of his daily existence. It is a hyperbole employed to convey total dedication and perpetual adoration, similar to how Psalm 55:17 mentions praying "evening, and morning, and at noon," indicating a regular, consistent, and pervasive practice. The profound emphasis is on the quality and pervasiveness of the praise, which is deeply rooted in the psalmist's profound appreciation for God's perfectly righteous judgments.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Psalms 119:164, with its profound emphasis on praising God for His righteous judgments, finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest, most glorious meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While the Old Testament saint praised God for His revealed law, believers in Christ now praise God for the perfect embodiment, complete fulfillment, and ultimate vindication of that law in Jesus. Christ is the living Word, the supreme and ultimate revelation of God's righteous judgments and His holy character. He perfectly upheld every aspect of God's righteous standards, not only by fulfilling the Law in its entirety (Matthew 5:17) but also by perfectly obeying the Father's will in every single aspect of His life, ministry, and sacrificial death (Hebrews 10:7). Moreover, the cross of Christ stands as the supreme, unparalleled demonstration of God's righteous judgments against sin, a sacred place where divine justice and infinite mercy perfectly converge and are gloriously satisfied (Romans 3:25-26). Through saving faith in Christ, we are not merely given a law to obey, but we are graciously given Christ Himself as our righteousness (1 Corinthians 1:30), thereby enabling us to truly and authentically praise God for His righteous judgments, knowing with absolute certainty that in Christ, we are fully reconciled to the perfectly just and holy God. Our "seven times a day" praise is now eternally directed to the Father, through the Son, who has made us righteous and granted us unhindered access to God's glorious presence.