Psalms 119:20

Psalm 119:20 reads, "My soul breaketh for the longing [that it hath] unto thy judgments at all times." This verse from the King James Version powerfully articulates a profound spiritual yearning for God's divine instruction and will.

Context

Psalm 119 is the longest psalm in the Bible, a magnificent acrostic poem dedicated entirely to the excellence and necessity of God's Word. Each of its 22 sections, corresponding to the letters of the Hebrew alphabet, contains eight verses, all of which touch upon various facets of God's law, statutes, precepts, testimonies, and judgments. The psalmist consistently expresses deep love, devotion, and reliance on divine revelation. Verse 20, part of the Daleth (ד) section, reveals the intense personal emotion the psalmist feels towards God's righteous decrees.

Key Themes

• Profound Spiritual Longing: The phrase "my soul breaketh" conveys an overwhelming, almost painful, desire for God's truth. It is not a casual interest but an intense spiritual hunger, a longing for divine righteousness that consumes the inner being. This deep yearning echoes the sentiment found in Psalm 42:1, "As the deer panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God."
• The Excellence of God's Word: The object of this intense desire is God's "judgments," which in Psalm 119 refers to His righteous decrees, ordinances, and instructions. The psalmist views God's law not as a burdensome set of rules but as a source of life, wisdom, and delight, as highlighted throughout the psalm and in Psalm 1:2, "But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night."
• Constant Devotion: The addition "at all times" emphasizes the unceasing nature of this spiritual craving. It signifies a continuous, unwavering pursuit of God's will and presence through His Word, indicating that this longing is not fleeting but a constant state of the heart.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word translated "breaketh" is garas (גָּרַס), which literally means "to crush," "to grind," or "to scrape." Its use here vividly portrays the psalmist's soul as being consumed by an intense, almost unbearable, longing—a profound spiritual ache that feels as though it is physically breaking him. This strong imagery underscores the depth of his devotion.

"Judgments" translates mishpatim (מִשְׁפָּטִים), a term frequently used in Psalm 119 alongside synonyms like statutes, precepts, and testimonies. It refers to God's righteous ordinances and the divine decisions that reveal His character and guide humanity. They are not merely rules but expressions of God's perfect justice and wisdom, serving as the standard for righteous living.

Practical Application

Psalm 119:20 challenges believers to examine the depth of their own desire for God's Word. Is it a casual interest, or is it a profound, soul-consuming longing? Cultivating such a longing involves consistent engagement with Scripture, seeing it not as a legalistic burden but as the very sustenance for the soul. This verse reminds us that true spiritual satisfaction comes from aligning our lives with God's "judgments" and seeking His will, much like the blessing promised to those who hunger and thirst after righteousness. It is an invitation to pursue God's truth with wholehearted devotion, recognizing its life-giving and soul-sustaining power.