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Commentary on Psalms 119 verse 51
David here tells us, and it will be of use to us to know it, 1. That he had been jeered for his religion. Though he was a man of honour, a man of great prudence, and had done eminent services to his country, yet, because he was a devout conscientious man, the proud had him greatly in derision; they ridiculed him, bantered him, and did all they could to expose him to contempt; they laughed at him for his praying, and called it cant, for his seriousness, and called it mopishness, for his strictness, and called it needless preciseness. They were the proud that sat in the scorner's seat and valued themselves on so doing. 2. That yet he had not been jeered out of his religion: "They have done all they could to make me quit it for shame, but none of these things move me: I have not declined from thy law for all this; but, if this be to be vile" (as he said when Michal had him greatly in derision), "I will be yet more vile." He not only had not quite forsaken the law, but had not so much as declined from it. We must never shrink from any duty, nor let slip an opportunity of doing good, for fear of the reproach of men, or their revilings. The traveller goes on his way though the dogs bark at him. Those can bear but little for Christ that cannot bear a hard word for him.
We are instructed in all this, but the prophet has already experienced it. He says, “This hope has consoled me in my humility, for your word has given me life.” The hope is the hope that God has implanted in him. It has consoled him “in his humility,” that is, when he is spurned, mocked, vexed by injustices, dishonored by insults, for he knows that he is soldiering through his present trials. But the hope instilled by the Lord consoles him in these wars endured in his weakness, and he is lent life by the utterances of God. By these he knows that the glory of his weakness is outstanding in heaven. He knows that his soul, renewed by the utterances of God, contains within it, so to say, the nourishment of eternal life. He lives by God’s utterances and is untroubled by the empty fame of the proud, for he knows that his need is richer than their wealth. He knows that his fasting is abundantly fed by the blessing of heaven and the gospel, that his humility will be rewarded by the glorious prize of honor. So he added, “The arrogant mock me without restraint, but I do not turn from your law.”
The next verse is, "The proud dealt exceeding wickedly: yet have I not shrinked from Your law" [Psalm 119:51]. By the proud he wished to be understood the persecutors of the pious; and he therefore added, "yet have I not shrinked from Your laws," because the persecution of the proud attempted to force him to do this. He says that they dealt "exceeding wickedly," because they were not only wicked themselves, but even tried to make the godly wicked. In this humiliation, that is, in this tribulation, that hope comforted him which was given in the word of God, who promised aid, that the faith of the Martyrs might not faint; and who by the presence of His Spirit gave strength to them in their toils, that they might escape from the snare of the fowlers.. ..
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SUMMARY
Psalms 119:51 profoundly expresses the psalmist's unwavering commitment to God's law, even when subjected to intense and pervasive ridicule from the arrogant. It vividly portrays a deep-seated fidelity to divine truth that transcends social pressure and personal suffering, showcasing the steadfastness of a righteous heart in the face of worldly contempt and active opposition to God's revealed will.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The verse primarily employs Contrast and Steadfastness as a Motif. A stark Contrast is drawn between the actions of "the proud" and the psalmist's response. The proud engage in "derision," an act of rebellion and contempt, while the psalmist responds with unwavering obedience, refusing to "decline from thy law." This highlights the fundamental difference between those who reject God's authority and those who embrace it, emphasizing the moral and spiritual chasm between them. The psalmist's refusal to "declined" also establishes Steadfastness as a central motif, portraying a character defined by unyielding loyalty to divine truth, even under severe duress. This steadfastness is not merely passive resistance but an active, intentional commitment that serves as a testament to the law's inherent worth and the psalmist's deep conviction. Furthermore, the use of "greatly" (מְאֹד, mᵉʼôd) to qualify "derision" contains an element of Hyperbole, emphasizing the overwhelming nature of the scorn to magnify the psalmist's subsequent, even more impressive, and resolute steadfastness.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 119:51 deeply resonates with the pervasive biblical theme of righteousness enduring persecution. It profoundly underscores that faithfulness to God's revealed will often provokes hostility and scorn from those who reject divine authority and live in self-willed pride. The psalmist's steadfastness in the face of derision is a powerful testament to the transformative and sustaining power of God's Word, which provides the inner strength and moral fortitude to resist external pressures to compromise or abandon one's convictions. This verse teaches that true devotion is not contingent on social approval or ease, but is rooted in an unshakeable conviction about the eternal truth, goodness, and sufficiency of God's law—a conviction that enables believers to find comfort, direction, and unwavering purpose even when scorned by a hostile world. It affirms that the path of obedience, though sometimes difficult and costly, is ultimately the path of integrity, divine blessing, and ultimate vindication.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
In a contemporary world that often mocks biblical values, traditional morality, and genuine, uncompromising faith, Psalms 119:51 offers profound encouragement and a vital challenge to every believer. Christians frequently encounter subtle or overt derision for their commitment to Christ, their moral stances on societal issues, or their adherence to scriptural truth in daily life. This verse calls us to cultivate an inner resolve, finding our stability and guidance not in popular opinion, fleeting cultural trends, or the ephemeral approval of the crowd, but in the eternal, unchanging truth of God's commands. Like the psalmist, our response to scorn should be an unwavering devotion to God's law, recognizing that true faithfulness is demonstrated not in times of ease and affirmation, but precisely when our convictions are tested and ridiculed. It invites us to deeply consider the ultimate source of our identity and validation: is it from human praise and acceptance, or from God's infallible Word and His approval? Embracing this steadfastness allows us to stand firm, knowing that our ultimate reward and vindication come from the Lord, not from a world that often rejects Him and His ways.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Who are "the proud" mentioned in this verse, and why do they mock the psalmist?
Answer: "The proud" (Hebrew: zêdîm, H2086) refer to those who are arrogant, insolent, and presumptuous, characterized by a willful disregard for God's authority and His law. They mock the psalmist because his steadfast obedience to God's commands stands as a silent, yet powerful, rebuke to their own rebellious and self-sufficient way of life. Their derision is a manifestation of their hostility towards God and anyone who truly seeks to follow Him, as seen in other passages that describe the wicked's opposition to the righteous (e.g., Psalms 10:4).
What does it mean to "not decline from thy law"?
Answer: To "not decline from thy law" means to steadfastly adhere to God's commands, principles, and revealed will without deviation, compromise, or turning away. It signifies an unyielding commitment to obedience, even when faced with significant external pressure, ridicule, or suffering. It's an active, intentional choice to remain faithful to God's truth, making it the ultimate standard for one's life, regardless of the cost or the world's opposition. This unwavering commitment is a hallmark of true discipleship, as exemplified by those who build their lives on the solid foundation of God's words (Matthew 7:24-27).
How can believers today maintain steadfastness when facing derision for their faith?
Answer: Maintaining steadfastness requires a deep root in God's Word and a reliance on the Holy Spirit. Firstly, immerse yourself in Scripture daily, allowing it to be your ultimate guide and source of truth, just as the psalmist did. Secondly, cultivate a strong and consistent prayer life, seeking God's strength, wisdom, and comfort. Thirdly, surround yourself with a supportive community of believers who can encourage, uphold, and pray for you. Fourthly, remember and meditate on the example of Christ, who endured far greater scorn and opposition for our sake (Hebrews 12:2-3). Finally, fix your eyes on the eternal reward and the approval of God, understanding that His commendation far outweighs the temporary derision of the world (2 Corinthians 4:17-18).
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 119:51 finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The psalmist's experience of being "greatly in derision" yet not declining from God's law perfectly foreshadows the earthly life of Christ. Jesus, the Son of God and the embodiment of perfect righteousness, faced unparalleled scorn and mockery from the proud religious leaders and a world hostile to God's truth, who vehemently rejected His divine authority and perfect obedience. From His humble birth to His agonizing death, He was consistently reviled, mocked, and ridiculed, precisely as prophesied in passages like Psalms 22:6-7. Yet, despite this intense and relentless derision, Jesus never once "declined from thy law." He perfectly fulfilled every jot and tittle of the Law, living a life of impeccable and unwavering obedience to His Father's will (Matthew 5:17). His steadfastness culminated in His obedience unto death on the cross (Philippians 2:8), where He endured the ultimate scorn and suffering to redeem humanity from sin. For believers, Christ's perfect obedience and steadfast endurance in the face of derision provide both the supreme pattern and the divine power for their own faithfulness. Through union with Him, empowered by the Holy Spirit, we are enabled to stand firm against the world's scorn, knowing that our strength to "not decline from thy law" comes from the one who perfectly embodied it and triumphed over all opposition (John 16:33).