Psalms 119:21

¶ Thou hast rebuked the proud [that are] cursed, which do err from thy commandments.

Thou hast rebuked {H1605} the proud {H2086} that are cursed {H779}, which do err {H7686} from thy commandments {H4687}.

You rebuke the proud, the cursed, who stray from your mitzvot.

You rebuke the arrogant— the cursed who stray from Your commandments.

Thou hast rebuked the proud that are cursed, That do wander from thy commandments.

Commentary

Psalm 119:21 describes God’s active judgment against those who proudly disregard His divine will. This verse highlights a fundamental principle of biblical justice: God opposes the arrogant who stray from His perfect law.

Context

This verse is part of the extensive Psalm 119, an acrostic poem dedicated entirely to the praise and importance of God's law, statutes, precepts, and commandments. The psalmist, throughout this chapter, expresses deep love and devotion to God's Word, contrasting his own desire for obedience with the actions of the wicked or proud. Verse 21 falls within the Gimel section (verses 17-24), where the psalmist appeals for God's grace and guidance, implicitly acknowledging the danger of straying from the path of righteousness.

Key Themes

  • Divine Rebuke of Pride: God does not tolerate arrogance that leads to rebellion against His authority. The word "rebuked" (Hebrew: ga'ar) suggests a strong, authoritative correction, indicating God's direct opposition to such pride. This theme is echoed throughout Scripture, as seen in James 4:6, which states, "God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble."
  • The Nature of the "Proud": The Hebrew term for "proud" (zedim) refers to those who are presumptuous, insolent, and act with deliberate defiance against God's commands. Their pride manifests as a refusal to submit to divine authority, leading them to "err from thy commandments."
  • Consequences of Disobedience: The phrase "cursed, which do err from thy commandments" underscores the severe spiritual and practical consequences of straying from God's path. Being "cursed" (Hebrew: arurim) implies being cut off from God's blessings and favor, experiencing divine disapproval, and facing adverse outcomes for their rebellion. This contrasts sharply with the blessings promised to those who delight in the law of the Lord.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew term for "proud" is zedim (זֵדִים), which often describes those who are arrogant, insolent, and act with deliberate defiance. It's a stronger word than simply "haughty"; it conveys a sense of presumptuous rebellion. The verb "rebuked" is ga'ar (גָּעַר), implying a strong, authoritative reprimand, often with indignation. This highlights God's active involvement in correcting those who oppose Him. "Cursed" is arurim (אֲרוּרִים), indicating a state of being under a curse, alienated from blessing.

Practical Application

Psalm 119:21 serves as a sober warning and a powerful reminder for believers today. It calls us to:

  • Cultivate Humility: Recognize that all wisdom and blessing come from God, and true wisdom involves submission to His Word. Pride leads to spiritual blindness and ultimately, God's opposition.
  • Diligently Follow God's Word: Actively seek to understand and obey God's commandments, recognizing that straying from them brings unfavorable consequences. Our obedience is a reflection of our love and humility before God.
  • Understand God's Justice: Appreciate that God's rebukes are not arbitrary but are righteous responses to rebellion and disobedience, aiming to lead people back to His truth.

This verse reinforces the truth that the path of blessing is found in humble obedience to God's unchanging Word, while pride and disobedience lead to divine judgment and separation from His favor.

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Cross-References

  • 1 Peter 5:5

    ¶ Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all [of you] be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.

  • Psalms 119:10

    ¶ With my whole heart have I sought thee: O let me not wander from thy commandments.

  • Psalms 119:118

    ¶ Thou hast trodden down all them that err from thy statutes: for their deceit [is] falsehood.

  • Luke 18:14

    I tell you, this man went down to his house justified [rather] than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.

  • Malachi 4:1

    ¶ For, behold, the day cometh, that shall burn as an oven; and all the proud, yea, and all that do wickedly, shall be stubble: and the day that cometh shall burn them up, saith the LORD of hosts, that it shall leave them neither root nor branch.

  • Luke 14:11

    For whosoever exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.

  • 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: