Psalms 119:173

KJV

¶ Let thine hand help me; for I have chosen thy precepts.

KJV (with Strong's)

Let thine hand {H3027} help {H5826} me; for I have chosen {H977} thy precepts {H6490}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Let your hand be ready to help me, because I choose your precepts.

Berean Standard Bible

May Your hand be ready to help me, for I have chosen Your precepts.

American Standard Version

Let thy hand be ready to help me; For I have chosen thy precepts.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 119:173 is a fervent prayer from the psalmist, earnestly appealing for God's active and powerful assistance. This heartfelt plea is not born of presumption but is firmly rooted in the psalmist's deliberate and unwavering commitment to God's divine instructions. It beautifully illustrates the profound biblical principle that a life characterized by intentional obedience to God's Word forms the confident and relational basis for seeking and receiving His indispensable aid in times of need, acknowledging human dependence on divine power.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 119 stands as the longest chapter in the Bible, an intricately structured acrostic poem that systematically extols the virtues, power, and necessity of God's divine law, statutes, precepts, commandments, and judgments. Each of its 22 stanzas, corresponding to the letters of the Hebrew alphabet, typically comprises eight verses, each beginning with the successive letter. Throughout this monumental psalm, the author expresses an unparalleled love, devotion, and absolute reliance on God's Word, portraying it as the guiding light for life, a source of comfort in affliction, and a shield against temptation. Verse 173 appears in the penultimate stanza (the "Resh" section), serving as a powerful summation of the psalmist's posture: having consistently affirmed his deep commitment to living by God's Word, he now confidently appeals for God's direct, tangible "hand" to help him, reinforcing the theme of dependence on God despite personal faithfulness. This verse echoes sentiments found earlier in the psalm, such as the desire for God's help in understanding His law, as seen in the psalmist's prayer, [Grant me understanding, that I may keep your law](/psalms/119-34 "Psalms 119:34 - Grant me understanding, that I may keep your law").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Psalms, as a collection, reflect the spiritual experiences of ancient Israel, often in times of distress, worship, or profound reflection. The cultural context of Psalm 119 emphasizes the centrality of the Torah (God's Law) in the life of a devout Israelite. The Law was not merely a set of rules but the very revelation of God's character and will, a covenantal guide for living in relationship with Him. To "choose" God's precepts implied a conscious, volitional alignment with this divine revelation, setting oneself apart from the ways of the world and embracing a life of covenant fidelity. The concept of God's "hand" is a common biblical anthropomorphism, signifying His active power, intervention, and protection, particularly in the context of deliverance or provision. For an Israelite, appealing for God's "hand" was a deeply personal and profound request for divine intervention in their specific circumstances, acknowledging God's sovereignty and immanence. This understanding of God's active involvement in human affairs is a hallmark of Old Testament faith, as exemplified in the account of the Israelites witnessing [the great work which the LORD had done](/exodus/14-31 "Exodus 14:31 - Israel saw the great work which the LORD had done") at the Red Sea.

* **Key Themes:** This verse encapsulates several core themes prevalent throughout Psalm 119 and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Divine Assistance and Dependence**, underscoring that even the most devoted servant of God remains utterly reliant on His strength and intervention to navigate life's challenges. The psalmist's plea for God's "hand" acknowledges human limitation and divine omnipotence, emphasizing our constant need for God as our refuge and strength, a truth powerfully echoed in [God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble](/psalms/46-1 "Psalms 46:1 - God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble"). Secondly, the verse powerfully articulates the theme of **Obedience as a Foundation for Confident Prayer**. The phrase "for I have chosen thy precepts" provides the rationale for the plea, demonstrating that a life committed to God's will fosters a confident expectation of His attentive care and aid. This is not a transactional demand but a relational appeal, where devotion to God's Word invites His responsiveness, as Jesus taught, [If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word](/john/14-23 "John 14:23 - Jesus' promise to those who love and keep His Word"). Finally, the verse reinforces the **Supreme Value of God's Word**. The psalmist's active "choice" of God's precepts signifies a deliberate, volitional act of aligning his entire being with God's revealed truth, affirming that God's Word is not merely acknowledged but embraced as the guiding principle for a righteous life, a characteristic of the blessed person described in [whose delight is in the law of the LORD](/psalms/1-2 "Psalms 1:2 - Delight in the law of the LORD").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Hand (Hebrew, _yâd'_):** From H3027, this primitive word refers to the open hand, indicating power, means, and direction. In biblical literature, "hand" is a potent anthropomorphism, often referring to God's active power, strength, protection, and direct intervention. When the psalmist requests God's "hand" to help him, it is a plea for God's personal, mighty, and tangible involvement in his specific circumstances, implying a need for divine action that transcends human capability. This imagery conveys God's immanence and His capacity to reach into human affairs with sovereign might.
* **Chosen (Hebrew, _bâchar'_):** From H977, a primitive root meaning to try, and by implication, to select. This verb denotes a deliberate, volitional act of selection, preference, or election. It signifies a conscious and intentional decision on the part of the psalmist to align himself with God's will as revealed in His precepts. It is not a passive acceptance but an active commitment, indicating a deep-seated conviction and personal dedication to God's ways, which forms the basis for his confident appeal for divine assistance.
* **Precepts (Hebrew, _piqqûwd'_):** From H6490, properly meaning "appointed," i.e., a mandate (of God; plural only, collectively, for the Law). This term refers to God's specific instructions, commands, or ordinances, often emphasizing their careful and precise nature. Unlike broader terms for God's law, "precepts" highlights the detailed and appointed guidance God has given for the good and proper conduct of His people. The psalmist's choice of these "precepts" underscores his commitment to the specific, practical applications of God's revealed truth in his daily life.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Let thine hand help me;":** This is an earnest and direct petition to God, expressed as an imperative. The psalmist acknowledges his profound need for divine assistance, recognizing that his own efforts or resources are insufficient to overcome the challenges he faces. The request for God's "hand" emphasizes a desire for powerful, personal, and active intervention, suggesting a situation where human strength or wisdom is utterly inadequate. It is a humble admission of dependence and a confident appeal to God's omnipotence and willingness to act on behalf of His faithful.
* **"for I have chosen thy precepts.":** This clause provides the foundational reason or justification for the psalmist's plea. The conjunction "for" (Hebrew, _ki_) acts as a causal link, connecting the request for help to a prior, deliberate, and ongoing choice. It is a declaration of his steadfast commitment and obedience to God's revealed will. This is not a claim of merit in a transactional sense, but an affirmation of a covenantal relationship: because the psalmist has intentionally aligned his life with God's instructions, he can confidently appeal to God for support, trusting in God's faithfulness to those who walk in His ways and delight in His truth.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 119:173 effectively employs **Anthropomorphism** in the phrase "Let thine hand help me." By attributing a human body part—the hand—to God, the psalmist vividly conveys God's active and personal involvement in human affairs, making the abstract concept of divine power more relatable and tangible. The "hand" symbolizes God's strength, protection, and direct intervention in a way that resonates deeply with human experience. Furthermore, the verse utilizes a clear **Causal Conjunction** ("for") to establish a direct, logical relationship between the psalmist's obedience and his expectation of divine help. This grammatical structure highlights the theological principle that a life committed to God's precepts provides a confident and rightful basis for prayer, anticipating God's favorable and faithful response. The verse also implicitly uses **Parallelism** in its structure, presenting a plea followed by its rationale, creating a balanced and impactful statement of faith, dependence, and the reciprocal nature of the covenant relationship.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 119:173 profoundly connects to the broader biblical understanding of prayer, obedience, and divine responsiveness. It teaches that while God's grace is ultimately unmerited and freely given, a life of intentional devotion to His revealed will creates a posture of receptivity and confidence in prayer. The psalmist's plea is not a demand based on self-righteousness, but a confident appeal rooted in a relationship where he has actively chosen to walk in God's ways. This verse affirms that God is faithful to those who are faithful to Him, not in a transactional sense of earning favor, but within the dynamic of a covenant relationship where mutual commitment fosters trust and responsiveness. It underscores the truth that seeking God's help is a continuous necessity, even for the most devout, and that our commitment to His Word aligns our desires with His, making our prayers more effective and in line with His perfect will.

* [James 4:8](/james/4-8 "James 4:8 - Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you")
* [1 John 3:22](/1_john/3-22 "1 John 3:22 - And whatever we ask we receive from Him, because we keep His commandments and do those things that are pleasing in His sight")
* [Psalms 1:2-3](/psalms/1-2-3 "Psalm 1:2-3 - Blessed is the one whose delight is in the law of the LORD, and who meditates on His law day and night")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 119:173 offers timeless encouragement and profound guidance for believers today. It reminds us that our commitment to God's Word is not an end in itself, but a vital pathway to experiencing His tangible help and intimate presence in our lives. When we consciously and consistently "choose" to live by God's precepts, we align our desires, actions, and very being with His divine will. This alignment does not earn His favor, for His grace is freely given, but it positions us to receive His blessings and aid with greater confidence, knowing we are walking in the path He has ordained. The psalmist, despite his deep devotion, still cries out for God's "hand," powerfully illustrating our constant and absolute dependence on God's grace and power, echoing the truth that [without me ye can do nothing](/john/15-5 "John 15:5 - Abiding in Christ"). Our prayers can be confident and bold when they spring from a heart that genuinely loves God's truth and strives to obey it, fostering a relationship where our devotion naturally leads us to trust in His willingness to support us through every trial and triumph.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does my daily commitment to God's Word influence the confidence and content of my prayer life?**
* **In what specific areas of my life do I most keenly feel the need for God's "hand" to help me today?**
* **Am I truly "choosing" God's precepts, making a deliberate, volitional decision to follow them, or merely acknowledging them intellectually?**
* **What practical steps can I take to deepen my commitment to God's Word, thereby strengthening my foundation for confident prayer and experiencing God's help?**

### FAQ

**Does this verse imply that God only helps those who are perfectly obedient?**

Answer: No, this verse does not imply that God only helps those who are perfectly obedient. Rather, it highlights the principle that a life marked by intentional commitment to God's Word creates a confident basis for seeking His help. The psalmist is not claiming sinless perfection, but a genuine and deliberate *choice* to live by God's precepts. God's help is ultimately rooted in His grace and faithfulness, but our obedience demonstrates a heart that trusts Him and aligns with His will. This alignment opens us up to receive His blessings and assistance, fostering a deeper relationship where we can confidently approach [the throne of grace](/hebrews/4-16 "Hebrews 4:16 - Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace") to find help in time of need. It's about a posture of the heart and a direction of life, not flawless performance.

**What does "choosing thy precepts" practically mean for a believer today?**

Answer: For a believer today, "choosing thy precepts" means actively and intentionally embracing God's Word as the supreme authority and guide for all of life. Practically, this involves several things:
1. **Diligent Study:** Regularly engaging with the Bible to understand God's commands and principles, striving to [present yourself approved to God](/2_timothy/2-15 "2 Timothy 2:15 - Study to show yourself approved to God").
2. **Heartfelt Obedience:** Making a conscious decision to apply what is learned to daily life, even when it's difficult or counter-cultural, remembering to [be doers of the word, and not hearers only](/james/1-22 "James 1:22 - Be doers of the word, and not hearers only").
3. **Prioritizing God's Will:** Allowing God's Word to shape one's values, decisions, and priorities above personal preferences or worldly influences, seeking first [the kingdom of God and His righteousness](/matthew/6-33 "Matthew 6:33 - Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness").
4. **Repentance and Return:** When one deviates, humbly repenting and returning to the path of God's commands, knowing that [if we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins](/1_john/1-9 "1 John 1:9 - If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins"). It's a continuous, dynamic process of aligning one's will with God's revealed truth, trusting that His ways are always for our good and His glory.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 119:173 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ, who perfectly embodied the "choice" of God's precepts and through whom God's "hand" of help is extended to humanity in its fullest measure. While the psalmist earnestly sought God's help based on his commitment to the Law, Jesus is the one who perfectly fulfilled every precept of God's Law, not for His own benefit, but on behalf of humanity, declaring that He [did not come to abolish the Law or the Prophets, but to fulfill them](/matthew/5-17 "Matthew 5:17 - Jesus came not to abolish the Law, but to fulfill it"). His entire life was an unwavering "choice" to do the Father's will, even to the point of sacrificial death on the cross, as He Himself stated, [I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me](/john/6-38 "John 6:38 - For I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me"). Through His perfect obedience and atoning death, Jesus became the ultimate expression of God's "hand" helping us, delivering us from the power of sin and the certainty of death, demonstrating that [God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us"). Now, through faith in Him, believers are not only forgiven but also empowered by the indwelling Holy Spirit to genuinely "choose" God's precepts, living a life of obedience that is pleasing to God, so that [the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us](/romans/8-4 "Romans 8:4 - So that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit"). Thus, the help the psalmist sought is fully realized in Christ, who is our wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption, as [Christ Jesus... became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption](/1_corinthians/1-30 "1 Corinthians 1:30 - Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption"), enabling us to walk in newness of life and experience God's powerful hand guiding and sustaining us.

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

Joshua 24:22

And Joshua said unto the people, Ye [are] witnesses against yourselves that ye have chosen you the LORD, to serve him. And they said, [We are] witnesses.

Deuteronomy 30:19

I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, [that] I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live:

Luke 10:42

But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.

Isaiah 41:10

¶ Fear thou not; for I [am] with thee: be not dismayed; for I [am] thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.

Isaiah 41:14

Fear not, thou worm Jacob, [and] ye men of Israel; I will help thee, saith the LORD, and thy redeemer, the Holy One of Israel.

Psalms 119:40

¶ Behold, I have longed after thy precepts: quicken me in thy righteousness.

Psalms 119:35

¶ Make me to go in the path of thy commandments; for therein do I delight.