Psalms 119:52

KJV

¶ I remembered thy judgments of old, O LORD; and have comforted myself.

KJV (with Strong's)

I remembered {H2142} thy judgments {H4941} of old {H5769}, O LORD {H3068}; and have comforted {H5162} myself.

Complete Jewish Bible

ADONAI, I keep in mind your age-old rulings; in them I take comfort.

Berean Standard Bible

I remember Your judgments of old, O LORD, and in them I find comfort.

American Standard Version

I have remembered thine ordinances of old, O Jehovah, And have comforted myself.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 119:52 reveals the psalmist's profound source of solace: the intentional recollection of God's ancient judgments, decrees, and consistent acts of righteousness. In times of personal distress or opposition, the author finds deep comfort and stability not in fleeting circumstances, but in meditating upon the unchanging character and historical faithfulness of the LORD, whose past actions serve as a reliable anchor for present hope.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalms 119:52 is situated within the 'Zayin' section (verses 49-56) of the longest psalm in the Bible, [Psalms 119](/psalms/119 "Psalms 119 - The Excellence of God's Law"). This psalm is an elaborate acrostic poem, with each of its 22 stanzas (corresponding to the letters of the Hebrew alphabet) focusing on the multifaceted excellence and enduring power of God's law (Torah), statutes, precepts, and judgments. The 'Zayin' section, specifically, emphasizes the psalmist's hope in God's word and the comfort it provides amidst affliction and the scorn of the arrogant. Verse 52 directly follows the psalmist's plea for God to remember His word to His servant (v. 49) and his declaration that God's word is his comfort in affliction (v. 50), underscoring the active role of memory in receiving divine solace.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The psalmist, often depicted as a devout individual facing trials, opposition, or even persecution from the ungodly (e.g., [Psalms 119:51](/psalms/119-51 "Psalms 119:51 - Scorn of the Arrogant")), operates within an ancient Israelite worldview where remembering God's past acts was a foundational spiritual discipline. The "judgments of old" (מִשְׁפָּטִים, _mishpatim'_) would evoke not merely legal verdicts, but God's righteous ordinances, His consistent dealings with His people, and His historical interventions (e.g., the [Exodus](/exodus/1 "Exodus 1 - The Deliverance from Egypt"), the giving of the Law at [Sinai](/exodus/19 "Exodus 19 - God Meets Israel at Sinai"), the provision in the wilderness, and countless deliverances). This act of remembering was a communal and personal practice, reinforcing covenant identity and trust in God's unchanging character, especially when present circumstances seemed bleak.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within [Psalms 119](/psalms/119 "Psalms 119 - The Glory of God's Word"). Firstly, it highlights the **Enduring Faithfulness of God**, demonstrating that God's character and His past actions are a reliable source of comfort and stability. Secondly, it underscores the **Power of God's Word as a Source of Comfort and Hope**, showing how meditating on divine truth, specifically God's "judgments," actively alleviates distress. The psalmist's comfort is not found in external circumstances but in an internal, divinely-rooted assurance. Finally, it emphasizes **Active Spiritual Discipline**, as remembering is not passive recall but a deliberate, intentional act of bringing God's past into the present to shape one's perspective and provide solace, echoing the sentiment that God's word is "a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path" ([Psalms 119:105](/psalms/119-105 "Psalms 119:105 - God's Word, a Lamp and Light")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **judgments (Hebrew, מִשְׁפָּטִים, _mishpatim'_):** This plural noun refers to God's righteous ordinances, decrees, and the consistent outworking of His justice and righteousness in history. It encompasses not only legal rulings but also the divine principles by which God governs the world and interacts with humanity. In this context, it specifically points to God's past acts of justice, deliverance, and faithfulness that demonstrated His character and upheld His covenant promises to Israel. Remembering these "judgments of old" means recalling God's proven track record of acting righteously and reliably.
* **remembered (Hebrew, זָכַר, _zakhar'_):** More than a simple mental recall, _zakhar_ in biblical Hebrew implies an active, intentional, and often worshipful engagement with the past. It means to bring something to mind with the purpose of acting upon it, meditating on it, or allowing it to shape one's present reality. For the psalmist, "remembering" God's judgments is a deliberate spiritual discipline, a conscious effort to internalize and apply the lessons of God's historical faithfulness to his current distress, thereby activating the comfort that flows from divine truth.
* **comforted myself (Hebrew, נֶחָמָה, _nechamah'_ - related to the root נחם, _nacham'_):** This reflexive verb indicates that the comfort is generated internally by the psalmist's own act of remembering, but its source is external and divine – God's "judgments of old." It signifies a deep, abiding solace and inner peace, a profound assurance that counters anxiety and sorrow. This is not a superficial or temporary relief, but a genuine self-consolation derived from dwelling on God's unchanging character and consistent reliability, providing a firm foundation for the soul.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"I remembered thy judgments of old, O LORD;":** This clause highlights the psalmist's deliberate and active engagement with God's past. The phrase "judgments of old" refers to God's established patterns of righteous action, His ancient decrees, and His historical acts of justice and faithfulness (e.g., the Exodus, the giving of the Law, past deliverances). By recalling these, the psalmist brings God's consistent character and proven reliability into his present consciousness. The address "O LORD" (Yahweh) emphasizes the personal, covenantal relationship with the unchanging God who has revealed Himself through these acts.
* **"and have comforted myself.":** This clause describes the profound outcome of the act of remembering. The comfort is an internal, self-generated solace, but it is entirely dependent on the divine source – God's "judgments." By meditating on God's unchanging faithfulness and justice as demonstrated throughout history, the psalmist finds deep assurance and peace, effectively soothing his own soul amidst affliction. This comfort is robust because it is grounded in the eternal and trustworthy nature of God, not in fleeting circumstances.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 119:52 employs several literary devices to convey its powerful message. The most prominent is **Spiritual Discipline** through the act of "remembering." This is not a passive recall but an active, intentional engagement with God's past actions and character, transforming it into a source of present strength. The phrase "judgments of old" functions as **Metonymy** or **Synecdoche**, where a part (God's judgments/decrees) stands for the whole (God's entire character, His faithfulness, His covenant reliability). The verse also exhibits a subtle form of **Cause and Effect**, where the act of remembering God's past faithfulness directly leads to the experience of personal comfort. Furthermore, within the broader context of [Psalms 119](/psalms/119 "Psalms 119 - The Beauty of God's Law"), the consistent use of synonyms for God's law (e.g., judgments, statutes, precepts) creates a rich tapestry of **Repetition with Variation**, reinforcing the psalm's central theme of the word's supreme value.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The profound truth of Psalms 119:52 resonates deeply with the biblical emphasis on God's unchanging nature and His covenant faithfulness. The act of remembering God's "judgments of old" is a theological anchor, grounding the believer in the steadfast reality of a God who has always acted righteously and reliably. This practice cultivates a robust faith that transcends present difficulties, as it acknowledges that the God who delivered in the past is the same God who is sovereign in the present and faithful for the future. It underscores that true comfort is not found in the absence of trouble, but in the unwavering presence and character of the LORD, whose historical acts serve as an enduring testament to His trustworthiness.

* [Deuteronomy 8:2](/deuteronomy/8-2 "Deuteronomy 8:2 - Remember the Wilderness Journey")
* [Lamentations 3:21-23](/lamentations/3-21 "Lamentations 3:21-23 - God's Mercies Are New Every Morning")
* [Hebrews 13:8](/hebrews/13-8 "Hebrews 13:8 - Jesus Christ Is the Same Yesterday, Today, and Forever")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
In a world characterized by constant change, uncertainty, and personal struggles, Psalms 119:52 offers a timeless and powerful strategy for cultivating inner peace and resilience. The psalmist's discipline of remembering God's "judgments of old" invites us to actively engage with the narrative of divine faithfulness, both in the grand sweep of biblical history and in the intimate details of our own lives. This is not a passive mental exercise but a deliberate spiritual act of recalling how God has consistently demonstrated His justice, love, and reliability. By intentionally meditating on God's past interventions—His deliverances, provisions, and unwavering adherence to His promises—we anchor our souls in His unchanging character. This practice serves as a potent antidote to anxiety, despair, and doubt, transforming our perspective from one focused on present difficulties to one grounded in the eternal truth of who God is. It empowers us to face current challenges with a confident hope, knowing that the God who has been faithful in the past remains faithful today and forever.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does intentionally recalling God's past faithfulness, both in Scripture and in your personal life, provide comfort in your current struggles?**
* **What specific "judgments of old" (God's righteous acts or decrees) from biblical history or your own experience can you meditate on today to find solace?**
* **In what ways does remembering God's unchanging character strengthen your trust in His present and future guidance?**

### FAQ
**What does "judgments of old" specifically refer to?**

Answer: In Psalms 119:52, "judgments of old" (Hebrew: _mishpatim_) refers to God's righteous ordinances, decrees, and His consistent acts of justice and faithfulness throughout history. It's broader than just legal rulings; it encompasses the divine principles by which God governs and His historical interventions that demonstrate His character. This includes events like the [Exodus](/exodus/1 "Exodus 1 - The Deliverance from Egypt") and the giving of the Law at [Mount Sinai](/exodus/19 "Exodus 19 - God Meets Israel at Sinai"), His provision in the wilderness, His deliverances of Israel from enemies, and His righteous dealings with individuals. The psalmist is recalling God's proven track record of acting in accordance with His holy and trustworthy nature, which serves as a foundation for comfort and trust in the present.

**How is "comforted myself" different from self-reliance?**

Answer: The comfort described in Psalms 119:52 is not a form of self-reliance in the sense of finding strength or solace purely within oneself, independent of God. Instead, it is a divinely-sourced comfort that the psalmist actively accesses through a spiritual discipline. The comfort originates from God's "judgments of old"—His character, His faithfulness, and His past actions. The psalmist "comforts himself" by intentionally bringing these divine realities to mind, meditating on them, and allowing them to transform his perspective and emotional state. It's a reliance *on God* that is activated through an internal act of remembrance and faith, rather than a reliance on one's own inherent strength or wisdom. The psalmist is drawing from an external, divine wellspring of truth to nourish his inner being, much like how [God is called the "God of all comfort"](/2_corinthians/1-3 "2 Corinthians 1:3 - God of All Comfort") in the New Testament, and we are comforted by Him to comfort others.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The psalmist's act of remembering God's "judgments of old" finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While the Old Testament "judgments" pointed to God's righteous character and His historical faithfulness, Christ Himself is the full embodiment of God's justice, mercy, and unwavering truth. He is the Word made flesh ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")), through whom God has spoken most fully ([Hebrews 1:1-3](/hebrews/1-1 "Hebrews 1:1-3 - God Has Spoken Through His Son")). The ultimate "judgment of old" that brings comfort to the believer is the cross of Christ, where God's justice was perfectly satisfied and His mercy poured out, demonstrating His righteousness in justifying those who believe ([Romans 3:21-26](/romans/3-21 "Romans 3:21-26 - Righteousness Through Faith")). Remembering Christ's finished work—His life of perfect obedience, His sacrificial death, and His victorious resurrection—provides the deepest and most enduring comfort. The Holy Spirit, whom Jesus called the "Helper" or "Comforter" ([John 14:26](/john/14-26 "John 14:26 - The Holy Spirit, the Helper")), enables us to recall these divine truths, applying the comfort of Christ's work to our hearts and minds, assuring us that because God was faithful in sending His Son, He will be faithful in all His promises. Thus, our comfort is not merely in past events, but in the living, unchanging Christ, who is "the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever" ([Hebrews 13:8](/hebrews/13-8 "Hebrews 13:8 - Jesus Christ Is the Same Yesterday, Today, and Forever")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Psalms 77:11

¶ I will remember the works of the LORD: surely I will remember thy wonders of old.

Psalms 77:12

I will meditate also of all thy work, and talk of thy doings.

Psalms 105:5

Remember his marvellous works that he hath done; his wonders, and the judgments of his mouth;

Psalms 103:18

To such as keep his covenant, and to those that remember his commandments to do them.

Deuteronomy 4:3

Your eyes have seen what the LORD did because of Baalpeor: for all the men that followed Baalpeor, the LORD thy God hath destroyed them from among you.

Deuteronomy 4:4

But ye that did cleave unto the LORD your God [are] alive every one of you this day.

Deuteronomy 1:35

Surely there shall not one of these men of this evil generation see that good land, which I sware to give unto your fathers,