Psalms 119:23

¶ Princes also did sit [and] speak against me: [but] thy servant did meditate in thy statutes.

Princes {H8269} also did sit {H3427} and speak {H1696} against me: but thy servant {H5650} did meditate {H7878} in thy statutes {H2706}.

Even when princes sit and plot against me, your servant meditates on your laws.

Though rulers sit and slander me, Your servant meditates on Your statutes.

Princes also sat and talked against me; But thy servant did meditate on thy statutes.

Commentary

Psalms 119:23 KJV Commentary: This verse, nestled within the longest psalm, offers a profound insight into the psalmist's response to adversity and opposition. It highlights the contrast between external pressures and internal spiritual discipline.

Context

Psalm 119 is an acrostic poem, an extended meditation on the nature and value of God's law (Torah). Each of its 22 sections corresponds to a letter of the Hebrew alphabet, and each verse within a section begins with that letter. The psalmist repeatedly expresses deep devotion to God's Word, often amidst suffering, slander, and opposition from the proud or powerful. Verse 23 falls within the 'Gimel' section, where the psalmist often laments his affliction and seeks God's comfort and instruction.

Key Themes

  • Persecution and Opposition from Authority: The phrase "Princes also did sit and speak against me" indicates that the psalmist was facing significant opposition not just from common adversaries, but from powerful, influential individuals or rulers. This underscores the reality that even those committed to God's ways can face high-level slander and persecution. Such opposition can be daunting, but the psalmist's response is a testament to faith.
  • The Power of Meditation on God's Word: In stark contrast to the princes' words of accusation, the psalmist declares, "but thy servant did meditate in thy statutes." This isn't a passive activity but an active, deep engagement with God's divine law. The Hebrew word for "meditate" (siach) can imply musing, pondering, speaking to oneself, or even conversing. It suggests a profound internal focus on God's truth as a refuge and source of strength amidst external turmoil. This act of spiritual discipline is a powerful antidote to fear and despair.
  • Steadfastness in Adversity: The verse beautifully illustrates spiritual resilience. Despite the formidable nature of his opponents, the psalmist remains unwavering in his devotion to God's Word. His commitment to making God's statutes his guiding light (as seen elsewhere in Psalm 119) provides stability when the world seems to turn against him. This steadfastness allows him to find comfort and direction even in affliction, as expressed in Psalm 119:50.

Linguistic Insights

The term "princes" (Hebrew: sarim) refers to high-ranking officials or leaders, emphasizing the gravity and authority of the opposition. The word "meditate" (Hebrew: siach) is crucial; it's not merely thinking but a profound, often vocal, communion with the divine truth. This deep engagement with God's Word is the psalmist's chosen response to the hostile counsel of men.

Practical Application

Psalms 119:23 offers a timeless lesson for believers facing criticism, slander, or opposition, especially from those in positions of power. Instead of retaliating, despairing, or being distracted by the accusations, the verse encourages us to turn inward to God's Word. When the world speaks against us, our spiritual strength comes from delighting in and meditating on God's statutes. This practice provides solace, wisdom, and a firm foundation that external pressures cannot shake. It reminds us that our ultimate allegiance and focus should be on God's truth, not on the opinions or threats of others.

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Cross-References

  • Psalms 2:1

    ¶ Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing?

  • Psalms 2:2

    The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD, and against his anointed, [saying],

  • 1 Samuel 22:7

    Then Saul said unto his servants that stood about him, Hear now, ye Benjamites; will the son of Jesse give every one of you fields and vineyards, [and] make you all captains of thousands, and captains of hundreds;

  • 1 Samuel 22:13

    And Saul said unto him, Why have ye conspired against me, thou and the son of Jesse, in that thou hast given him bread, and a sword, and hast enquired of God for him, that he should rise against me, to lie in wait, as at this day?

  • Luke 22:66

    And as soon as it was day, the elders of the people and the chief priests and the scribes came together, and led him into their council, saying,

  • Luke 23:10

    And the chief priests and scribes stood and vehemently accused him.

  • Luke 23:11

    And Herod with his men of war set him at nought, and mocked [him], and arrayed him in a gorgeous robe, and sent him again to Pilate.