Psalms 119:40

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

Behold, I have longed {H8373} after thy precepts {H6490}: quicken {H2421} me in thy righteousness {H6666}.

See how I long for your precepts; in your righteousness, give me life!

How I long for Your precepts! Revive me in Your righteousness.

Behold, I have longed after thy precepts: Quicken me in thy righteousness. ื• VAV.

Commentary

Context

Psalm 119 is the longest chapter in the Bible, an elaborate acrostic poem dedicated entirely to the glory and sufficiency of God's Word, using eight different synonyms for His law (e.g., statutes, commandments, precepts, testimonies, judgments). Verse 40 falls within the "Peh" (or "Pe") section (verses 33-40), where the psalmist consistently expresses his profound devotion to God's instructions and seeks divine enablement to obey them. This psalm is a timeless meditation on the blessing of delighting in the law of the Lord and how it shapes a believer's life.

Key Themes

  • Passionate Desire for God's Word: The phrase "I have longed after thy precepts" reveals an intense, fervent yearning for God's divine instructions. It's not a casual interest but a deep spiritual hunger for understanding and living by His truth. This longing is a mark of a heart truly devoted to God.
  • Prayer for Spiritual Revival: "Quicken me" is a plea for renewed life, vitality, or spiritual awakening. The psalmist recognizes his dependence on God to infuse him with the spiritual energy needed to walk in obedience. This is a common theme throughout Psalm 119, where the psalmist frequently prays to be made alive according to God's word.
  • Reliance on God's Righteousness: The prayer concludes with "in thy righteousness." This signifies that the psalmist appeals to God's just, faithful, and holy character as the basis for his request. He trusts that God, being righteous, will uphold His promises and grant the life and strength needed to follow His ways. God's righteousness is not just a standard but a source of life.

Linguistic Insights

  • The Hebrew word for "longed after" is ta'av (ืชึธึผืึทื‘), which conveys a strong, passionate desire, often bordering on craving or yearning. It suggests a deep emotional and spiritual longing for something essential.
  • "Precepts" comes from the Hebrew piqqudim (ืคึดึผืงึผื•ึผื“ึดื™ื), referring to God's specific commands or mandates, emphasizing their divine appointment and authority. These are the detailed instructions that guide one's life.
  • "Quicken me" is from the Hebrew verb chayah (ื—ึธื™ึธื”), meaning "to live," "to restore to life," or "to revive." In this context, it often refers to spiritual vitality, deliverance from spiritual lethargy, or renewed strength to walk in God's ways. It's a prayer for God to infuse life where there might be spiritual death or weakness.

Practical Application

Psalm 119:40 offers a powerful model for our own spiritual walk. It challenges us to examine the depth of our desire for God's Word. Do we truly "long after" His precepts, or do we approach them with indifference? This verse also reminds us that spiritual vitality is not self-generated but is a gift from God. When we feel spiritually dry, weary, or struggling with obedience, we can, like the psalmist, humbly pray, "Quicken me in thy righteousness." This prayer acknowledges our dependence on God and His unwavering character to empower us to live a life pleasing to Him. It encourages a daily posture of seeking God's Word and relying on His life-giving power for strength and direction, especially in navigating the complexities of modern life.

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Cross-References

  • John 10:10

    The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have [it] more abundantly.

  • Psalms 119:20

    ยถ My soul breaketh for the longing [that it hath] unto thy judgments at all times.

  • Philippians 3:13

    Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but [this] one thing [I do], forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,

  • Philippians 3:14

    I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

  • Psalms 119:159

    ยถ Consider how I love thy precepts: quicken me, O LORD, according to thy lovingkindness.

  • 2 Corinthians 7:1

    ยถ Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.

  • Psalms 119:25

    ยถ DALETH. My soul cleaveth unto the dust: quicken thou me according to thy word.