Psalms 119:59

ยถ I thought on my ways, and turned my feet unto thy testimonies.

I thought {H2803} on my ways {H1870}, and turned {H7725} my feet {H7272} unto thy testimonies {H5713}.

I thought about my ways and turned my feet toward your instruction.

I considered my ways and turned my steps to Your testimonies.

I thought on my ways, And turned my feet unto thy testimonies.

Commentary

Psalms 119:59 (KJV) presents a profound sequence of spiritual growth: introspection, conviction, and decisive reorientation towards God's divine instructions. It encapsulates the heart's journey from self-awareness to obedience.

Context

Psalm 119 is the longest chapter in the Bible, a magnificent acrostic poem entirely devoted to extolling the virtues and importance of God's Word, referred to by various synonyms like "testimonies," "statutes," "precepts," "commandments," and "judgments." Verse 59 falls within the 'Teth' section (verses 57-64), which continues the psalmist's deep personal devotion and commitment to God's law. The entire psalm reflects a deep love for and reliance upon God's revealed truth as the guide for life.

Key Themes

  • Introspection and Self-Examination: The verse begins with a crucial act of looking inward. "I thought on my ways" signifies a deliberate and honest evaluation of one's actions, choices, and life path. This reflective process is foundational for spiritual correction.
  • Repentance and Reorientation: Following self-assessment, the psalmist "turned my feet." This isn't merely a mental shift but a physical and active redirection of one's entire being. It embodies the biblical concept of repentance, a turning away from a former course and towards God.
  • Obedience to God's Word: The destination of this turning is "unto thy testimonies." God's testimonies, His revealed will and moral standards, become the new compass for life. This highlights that true repentance leads to practical obedience to divine truth.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "thought" (ื—ึธืฉึทืื‘, chashav) implies a deep, deliberate consideration or reckoning, not a casual thought. It suggests a thorough examination of one's conduct. The phrase "turned my feet" comes from the root ืฉืื•ึผื‘ (shuv), which is often translated as "return" or "repent." It signifies a complete change of direction, emphasizing the decisive and active nature of the psalmist's reorientation. The "testimonies" (ืขึตื“ึนืช, edot) are God's solemn declarations, precepts, and covenant stipulations, serving as a reliable witness to His character and will.

Practical Application

This verse offers a timeless model for spiritual growth and renewal:

  • Regular Self-Assessment: We are encouraged to regularly examine our ways, reflecting honestly on our behavior, attitudes, and priorities in light of God's Word.
  • Decisive Action: Introspection must lead to action. When we recognize deviation from God's path, we must make a conscious and deliberate choice to "turn our feet" โ€“ to change our course and align with His will.
  • Reliance on God's Word: God's "testimonies" remain the unchanging standard. Our turning must always be towards His revealed truth, finding in it the guidance and wisdom necessary for living a life pleasing to Him, much like those who walk in the law of the Lord.

Psalms 119:59 reminds us that a vibrant spiritual life requires ongoing self-reflection and a willing, active commitment to walk in the light of God's unchanging Word.

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Cross-References

  • 2 Corinthians 13:5

    Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?

  • Ezekiel 18:28

    Because he considereth, and turneth away from all his transgressions that he hath committed, he shall surely live, he shall not die.

  • Lamentations 3:40

    Let us search and try our ways, and turn again to the LORD.

  • 2 Corinthians 12:21

    [And] lest, when I come again, my God will humble me among you, and [that] I shall bewail many which have sinned already, and have not repented of the uncleanness and fornication and lasciviousness which they have committed.

  • Luke 15:17

    And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father's have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger!

  • Luke 15:20

    And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him.

  • Haggai 1:7

    Thus saith the LORD of hosts; Consider your ways.