Psalms 119:174

Commentary on Psalm 119:174 (KJV)

Psalm 119:174 encapsulates a profound spiritual longing for God's ultimate intervention and a deep, abiding affection for His divine revelation. It highlights a central tension and harmony in the believer's life: the anticipation of future deliverance coupled with present delight in God's revealed will.

Context

Psalm 119 is the longest chapter in the Bible, an acrostic poem celebrating the excellency and sufficiency of God's Word. Each of the 22 stanzas (corresponding to the letters of the Hebrew alphabet) consists of eight verses, with each verse in a stanza beginning with the same Hebrew letter. Verse 174 falls within the final 'Taw' (ת) section, reflecting a culminating expression of the psalmist's lifelong devotion and profound relationship with God's statutes, precepts, commandments, and judgments.

Key Themes

• Longing for God's Salvation: The phrase "I have longed for thy salvation, O LORD" expresses an intense, fervent desire for God's saving action. This "salvation" (Hebrew: yeshua, יְשׁוּעָה) encompasses not only rescue from immediate dangers or oppressors but also a deeper spiritual deliverance, vindication, and the ultimate fulfillment of God's promises. It speaks to a yearning for the blessed hope and the full manifestation of God's redemptive plan. The psalmist waits with patient expectation for the Lord, as echoed in Psalm 130:5.
• Delight in God's Law: Despite the yearning for future salvation, the psalmist finds profound joy and satisfaction in God's law in the present. "Thy law is my delight" indicates that God's commandments are not viewed as burdensome rules but as a source of pleasure, guidance, and spiritual nourishment. This delight (Hebrew: sha'ashu'a, שַׁעֲשֻׁעַ) is a deep, active enjoyment, reflecting a heart that truly loves God's ways, similar to the blessed man described in Psalm 1:2 who delights in the law of the Lord and meditates on it day and night.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew term for "salvation," yeshua (יְשׁוּעָה), is a rich word often translated as deliverance, help, or welfare. It carries the idea of rescue and liberation, and its root is the same as the name Jesus (Yeshua in Hebrew), highlighting the ultimate source of salvation. The word for "delight," sha'ashu'a (שַׁעֲשֻׁעַ), conveys a sense of great pleasure, amusement, or cherished possession, emphasizing the deep internal joy the psalmist finds in God's statutes.

Practical Application

Psalm 119:174 offers a powerful model for believers today:

• Balanced Spirituality: It encourages a life that balances future hope with present engagement. We are called to long for God's ultimate salvation and the return of Christ, while simultaneously finding joy and guidance in His Word in our daily lives.
• Source of Joy: This verse reminds us that true delight and fulfillment are found not in worldly pursuits but in God's perfect law. Spending time in Scripture, meditating on its truths, and striving to obey its precepts can be a profound source of peace and satisfaction.
• Steadfast Hope: Even amidst trials or waiting, the psalmist's longing for salvation is anchored by the unchanging delight in God's law. This provides a steadfast hope and a continuous source of strength.