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Commentary on Psalms 119 verses 55–56
Here is, 1. The converse David had with the word of God; he kept it in mind, and upon every occasion he called it to mind. God's name is the discovery he has made of himself to us in and by his word. This is his memorial unto all generations, and therefore we should always keep it in memory - remember it in the night, upon a waking bed, when we are communing with our own hearts. When others were sleeping David was remembering God's name, and, by repeating that lesson, increasing his acquaintance with it; in the night of affliction this he called to mind. 2. The conscience be made of conforming to it. The due remembrance of God's name, which is prefixed to his law, will have a great influence upon our observance of the law: I remembered thy name in the night, and therefore was careful to keep thy law all day. How comfortable will it be in the reflection if our own hearts can witness for us that we have thus remembered God's name, and kept his law! 3. The advantage he got by it (Psa 119:56): This I had because I kept thy precepts. Some understand this indefinitely: This I had (that is I had that which satisfied me; I had every thing that is comfortable) because I kept thy precepts. Note, All that have made a business of religion will own that it has turned to a good account, and that they have been unspeakable gainers by it. Others refer it to what goes immediately before: "I had the comfort of keeping thy law because I kept it." Note, God's work is its own wages. A heart to obey the will of God is a most valuable reward of obedience; and the more we do the more we may do, and shall do, in the service of God; the branch that bears fruit is made more fruitful, Joh 15:2.
"I have thought upon Your Name, O Lord, in the night-season, and have kept Your law" [Psalm 119:55]. Night is that low estate wherein is the trouble of mortality; night is in the proud who deal exceeding wickedly; night is the fear for the ungodly who forsake the law of the Lord; night is, lastly, the house of this pilgrimage, "until the Lord come, and bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts, and then shall every man have praise of God." [1 Corinthians 4:5] In this night, therefore, man ought to remember the Name of the Lord; "So that he who glories, may glory in the Lord." [1 Corinthians 1:31]
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SUMMARY
Psalms 119:55 articulates the psalmist's profound and unwavering devotion, showcasing a deeply personal commitment to God's character and commands. It encapsulates the essence of true piety: a constant, heartfelt remembrance of the Lord, particularly during times of quiet solitude or potential distress, which naturally flows into a diligent and joyful obedience to His divine law. This verse highlights a faith that is both intimately reflective and actively lived out, demonstrating steadfastness in all circumstances and serving as a model for enduring spiritual discipline.
CONTEXT
Literary Context: Psalms 119 stands as the longest chapter in the Bible, an elaborate acrostic poem meticulously structured around the 22 letters of the Hebrew alphabet. Each of its 22 sections, comprising eight verses, is dedicated to extolling the virtues and transformative power of God's Word, referred to by various synonyms such as law, statutes, precepts, commandments, testimonies, judgments, and word. Verse 55 falls within the 'Zayin' section (verses 49-56), a segment where the psalmist frequently expresses profound hope and comfort derived from God's promises, often amidst experiences of affliction. God's Word consistently serves as a source of steadfastness during such trials. The preceding verses, such as Psalms 119:49-50, emphasize the solace found in divine promises, while the subsequent verse, Psalms 119:56, speaks of the blessings that accrue from keeping His precepts. This positioning makes verse 55 a pivotal statement, articulating the psalmist's personal commitment to both remembering God's character and diligently obeying His commands.
Historical & Cultural Context: The book of Psalms, as a collective work, functioned as the hymnbook and prayer manual for ancient Israel, reflecting the spiritual life and theological understanding of the covenant community. The concept of "remembering God's name" held immense significance in ancient Near Eastern thought; a name was not merely a label but encapsulated the very essence, character, and authority of the person. For Israel, remembering the LORD's name meant recalling His mighty acts of deliverance, His unwavering covenant faithfulness, and His revealed attributes, as profoundly articulated in passages like Exodus 34:6-7. The "night" (Hebrew: laylah) in ancient Israel was a time often associated with quietude, solitude, and deep contemplation, but also a period when fears, anxieties, or dangers could be heightened. The practice of meditating on God's law "day and night" was a foundational spiritual discipline, as evidenced in Joshua 1:8 and Psalms 1:2, underscoring the cultural emphasis on constant engagement with divine instruction as the ultimate source of wisdom, guidance, and prosperity.
Key Themes: This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Psalms 119 and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the theme of Personal Piety and Devotion, showcasing a deeply intimate relationship with God that transcends external circumstances. The psalmist's active remembrance of God's character is not a passive intellectual exercise but an ongoing, heartfelt engagement that shapes his entire being, fostering a profound spiritual connection. Secondly, it highlights the theme of Obedience as a Response to Relationship, illustrating that keeping God's law is not a burdensome duty but a natural and joyful outflow of knowing and remembering who God is. This intrinsic connection between knowing God and obeying Him is a recurring motif throughout Scripture, where love for God is intrinsically linked to adherence to His commands, as Jesus Himself taught in John 14:15. Finally, the phrase "in the night" introduces the theme of Steadfastness Amidst Adversity, suggesting that true faith endures and even flourishes during periods of quiet reflection, solitude, or even distress. It speaks to a consistent reliance on God's unchanging truth as a source of comfort and guidance, regardless of external circumstances, demonstrating the enduring power of God's Word in all seasons of life.
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices that enrich its meaning and impact. The most prominent is Personal Confession, indicated by the repeated use of the first-person singular pronoun and verb forms: "I have remembered" and "I have kept." This direct, testimonial quality lends an intimate and relatable dimension to the psalmist's declaration, serving as a powerful example of genuine piety and personal commitment. Metaphor is vividly present in the phrase "in the night," which functions not only as a literal temporal setting but also as a profound symbol for periods of solitude, quiet contemplation, or even spiritual and emotional darkness, adversity, and trial. This metaphorical usage highlights the enduring and unwavering nature of the psalmist's faith, regardless of external circumstances. Furthermore, there is a clear Cause and Effect relationship or Parallelism of Thought established between remembering God's name and keeping His law. The verse implicitly suggests that the active, heartfelt remembrance of God's character (the cause) naturally leads to and empowers the diligent obedience to His commands (the effect), portraying these two essential aspects of devotion as intrinsically linked and mutually reinforcing, demonstrating a holistic spirituality.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 119:55 profoundly connects to the overarching biblical theme of the relationship between divine revelation and human response. It posits that a deep, internal knowledge and remembrance of God's character (His "name") is the wellspring from which true, external obedience to His will (His "law") flows. This is not a legalistic adherence but a joyful, relational submission rooted in love and reverence. The verse underscores that God's law is not a set of arbitrary rules but an expression of His very nature, and therefore, engaging with His law is a way of engaging with Him. This intimate connection fosters a steadfast faith that endures through all seasons of life, particularly in the "night" of difficulty or quiet reflection, affirming God's Word as a constant source of guidance, comfort, and unwavering truth.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 119:55 offers a timeless blueprint for cultivating a vibrant and resilient faith in contemporary life. It challenges believers to move beyond superficial engagement with God to a profound, internal remembrance of His character that permeates every aspect of their existence. This means intentionally setting aside time, especially during quiet moments or periods of personal challenge, to meditate on who God is—His faithfulness, His love, His power, and His promises. When we truly remember God's name, our obedience to His commands ceases to be a burdensome duty and transforms into a natural, joyful, and spontaneous expression of our love and trust. The "night" in our lives—whether literal hours of solitude, seasons of doubt, or periods of intense trial—becomes not a time for despair but an opportunity for deeper communion, where God's unchanging Word and character provide unwavering comfort and direction. This verse encourages us to cultivate a faith that is not just for the daylight hours but sustains and strengthens us through every shadow, enabling us to live lives of consistent devotion and active obedience, reflecting the steadfastness of the psalmist.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What does it mean to "remember God's name" in this context?
Answer: To "remember God's name" (Hebrew: zakhar shem) goes far beyond simple intellectual recall. It means to actively bring to mind, meditate upon, and fully engage with God's revealed character, His attributes (such as His faithfulness, holiness, love, and justice), His covenant promises, and His mighty acts throughout history. It implies a deep, personal, and heartfelt acknowledgment of who God is, allowing these truths to shape one's inner being and outward actions. It's a conscious, ongoing process of keeping God's essence at the forefront of one's mind, particularly as revealed in His Word and through His redemptive acts (e.g., Deuteronomy 4:9).
Why is "in the night" significant in this verse?
Answer: The phrase "in the night" (Hebrew: balaylah) carries multiple layers of significance. Literally, it refers to the quiet hours of darkness when daily distractions subside, providing an opportunity for deep contemplation and communion with God. Metaphorically, "night" can symbolize periods of difficulty, distress, loneliness, or spiritual darkness. The psalmist's remembrance of God's name "in the night" therefore highlights an unwavering devotion that transcends circumstances. It suggests that even when life feels uncertain or challenging, God's character and law remain a steadfast source of comfort, guidance, and strength, demonstrating a faith that is resilient and deeply rooted, as seen in other expressions of nocturnal meditation (e.g., Psalms 63:6).
Is keeping God's law a burden or a blessing according to this verse?
Answer: According to Psalms 119:55, keeping God's law is presented as a blessing and a natural outflow of a deep, loving relationship with God, rather than a burdensome duty. The psalmist's obedience ("have kept thy law") is directly linked to his remembrance of God's character ("I have remembered thy name"). This connection implies that when one truly knows and reveres God, living according to His will becomes a joyful and willing response, not a grudging obligation. This perspective aligns with other biblical passages that affirm God's commandments are not burdensome but are given for our good and lead to life and blessing (e.g., 1 John 5:3 and Deuteronomy 10:13).
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 119:55 finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in Jesus Christ. While the psalmist diligently remembered God's name and kept His law, Jesus is the perfect embodiment and full revelation of God's name and character. He is the Word made flesh, through whom the Father's glory and truth are fully known (e.g., John 1:18 and Hebrews 1:3). Jesus perfectly kept God's law, fulfilling every jot and tittle, not abrogating it but bringing it to its intended purpose (e.g., Matthew 5:17). He is the one who perfectly remembered the Father's will "in the night" of Gethsemane, choosing obedience even unto death (e.g., Luke 22:42), demonstrating ultimate faithfulness in the face of profound darkness. Through Christ, believers are empowered by the Holy Spirit to remember God's name and keep His law, not by their own strength, but by grace. The Spirit reminds us of all that Jesus taught (e.g., John 14:26), enabling us to walk in newness of life and fulfill the righteous requirement of the law (e.g., Romans 8:3-4). Thus, our remembrance of God's name is now a remembrance of Christ, and our keeping of His law is a joyful response to His redemptive work, finding light and comfort in Him even in the deepest "night" (e.g., John 8:12).