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Commentary on Psalms 119 verses 59–60
David had said he would keep God's word (Psa 119:57), and it was well said; now here he tells us how and in what method he pursued that resolution. 1. He thought on his ways. He thought beforehand what he should do, pondering the path of his feet (Pro 4:26), that he might walk surely, and not at all adventures. He thought after what he had done, reflected upon his life past, and recollected the paths he had walked in and the steps he had taken. The word signifies a fixed abiding thought. Some make it an allusion to those who work embroidery, who are very exact and careful to cover the least flaw, or to those who cast up their accounts, who reckon with themselves, What do I owe? What am I worth? "I thought not on my wealth (as the covetous man, Psa 49:11) but on my ways, not on what I have, but what I do:" for what we do will follow us into another world when what we have must be left behind. Many are critical enough in their remarks upon other people's ways who never think of their own: but let every man prove his own work. 2. He turned his feet to God's testimonies. He determined to make the word of God his rule, and to walk by that rule. He turned from the by-paths to which he had turned aside, and returned to God's testimonies. He turned not only his eye to them, but his feet, his affections to the love of God's word and his conversation to the practice of it. The bent and inclinations of his soul were towards God's testimonies and his conversation was governed by them Penitent reflections must produce pious resolutions. 3. He did this immediately and without demur (Psa 119:60): I made haste and delayed not. When we are under convictions of sin we must strike while the iron is hot, and not think to defer the prosecution of them, as Felix did, to a more convenient season. When we are called to duty we must lose no time, but set about it today, while it is called today. Now this account which David here gives of himself may refer either to his constant practice every day (he reflected on his ways at night, directed his feet to God's testimonies in the morning, and what his hand found to do that was good he did it without delay), or it may refer to his first acquaintance with God and religion, when he began to throw off the vanity of childhood and youth, and to remember his Creator; that blessed change was, by the grace of God, thus wrought. Note, (1.) Conversion begins in serious consideration, Eze 18:28; Luk 15:17. (2.) Consideration must end in a sound conversion. To what purpose have we thought on our ways if we do not turn our feet with all speed to God's testimonies?
In petition one asks for mercy for one’s sins, in thanksgiving you give thanks to your Father who is in heaven, while in praise you praise him for his works. At a time when you are in trouble, offer up petition, and when you are well supplied with good things, you should give thanks to the Giver, and when your mind rejoices, offer up praise. Make all these prayers of yours with discernment to God. See how David was always saying, “I have risen to give thanks to you for your judgments, O just One.” And in another psalm he said, “Praise the Lord in heaven, praise him in the heights.” Again he says, “I will bless the Lord at all times, and at all times his praises are in my mouth.” Do not pray using only one kind of prayer, but pray them at different times.
Let each of these considerations find entrance into your mind and check the swollen growth of wrath. By such preparations and by acquiring such dispositions, we quiet the leaping and throbbing of the heart and restore it to tranquil steadiness. This, indeed, is the implication in the words of David: “I am ready and am not troubled.” You must, therefore, repress the violent and frenzied movement of the soul by recalling the example of saintly people. How gently, for instance, the mighty David bore the fury of Shimei. He did not allow himself to grow angry but turned his thoughts to God, saying, “The Lord has bid him curse David.”
The possession of God is owed to such as these, as Isaiah says: “This is the inheritance of those who believe in the Lord.” Very aptly does he say, “This is the inheritance,” for that alone is the inheritance; there is no other. The inheritance is not a treasure that people stumble on blindly, and passing things have not the quality of an inheritance. The only inheritance is that in which God is the portion, as the Lord’s holy one says: “God is my inheritance,” and again: “I have become an heir of your precepts.” You see what are the possessions of the just person: God’s commandments, his words, his precepts. In these he is rich; on these he feeds; with these he is delighted as if by all riches.
Accordingly, let us condition ourselves to not be easily distracted from the task of approaching God constantly with our prayers day and night, and especially at night. Night is the time when there is no one to hinder us, when there is great peace of mind, when there is complete repose. It is also the time when all turmoil is left outside the house, when no one is likely to put us off or distract us from entreaty, and when our mind happens to be set at rest and is able to propose everything precisely to the physician of souls. I mean, if blessed David, king as he was as well as inspired author and beset with so many worries, clad in mantle and crown, could say, “At midnight I rise to praise you for the rulings of your justice,” what should we say who, despite leading a private and carefree life, do not even do the same as he? In other words, since by day he had much on his mind, a great mass of business, terrible confusion, and could not find a suitable time for the proper kind of prayer, he prayed during the time of respite that others devote to sleep, lying on soft beds, tossing and turning. On the contrarythe king, though caught up in such responsibility, devoted the time to prayer, conversing privately with God, directing sincere entreaties to him of the most intense kind, and thus he achieved whatever he set his mind to. Through these prayers he was successful in wars, inflicting defeat and adding victory to victory. He enjoyed, you see, an invincible weaponry, an ally from on high sufficient not merely for battles conducted by human beings but also for the cohorts of the demons.
Let us hear what follows: "I have promised to keep Your law." What means, "My portion, O Lord: I have promised to keep Your law" [Psalm 119:57]; save because the Lord will be each man's portion then, when he has kept His law? Consider therefore what he subjoins: "I entreated Your face, with my whole heart:" and saying in what manner he prayed: "O be merciful," he says, "unto me, according to Your word" [Psalm 119:58]. And as if he had been heard and aided by Him whom he prayed unto, "I thought," he says, "on my own ways, and turned away my feet unto Your testimonies" [Psalm 119:59]. That is, I turned them away from my own ways, which displeased me, that they might follow Your testimonies, and there might find a path. For most of the copies have not, "Because I thought," as is read in some; but only, "I thought." But what is here written, "and I turned away my feet:" some read, "Because I thought, Thou also hast turned away my feet:" that this may rather be ascribed to the grace of God, according to the Apostle's words, "For it is God who works in us." [Philippians 2:13] ...
Prayer offered up at night possesses a great power, more so than the prayer of the daytime. Therefore all the righteous prayed during the night, while combating the heaviness of the body and the sweetness of sleep and repelling corporeal nature. And this the prophet also says, “I toiled in my groaning; every night I will wash my bed, with tears will I water my couch,” while he sighed in fervent prayer. And again, “At midnight I arose to give thanks unto Thee for the judgments of Thy righteousness.” And for every entreaty for which they urgently besought God, they armed themselves with the prayer of night vigil, and at once they received their request.
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SUMMARY
Psalms 119:59 encapsulates a profound and transformative spiritual journey: the psalmist's deliberate and deep introspection into his personal conduct and life trajectory, which culminates in a decisive and active reorientation of his entire being towards the divine instructions and authoritative declarations of God. This verse powerfully portrays the vital process of honest self-examination, conviction by truth, and a subsequent, resolute commitment to obedience, highlighting the indispensable and transformative power of aligning one's life with the unchanging truth of God's revealed will.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Psalms 119:59 masterfully employs several potent literary devices to convey its profound spiritual message. The most prominent is Metaphor, particularly evident in the phrase "turned my feet." This is not a literal turning of physical feet in isolation, but a powerful metaphorical representation of a complete and radical change in one's life course, conduct, and moral direction. It vividly illustrates the concept of repentance as an active, volitional reorientation of one's entire being. Closely related is Synecdoche, where "feet" (a specific part of the body associated with movement) represent the whole person's actions, journey, and overall life trajectory, emphasizing the practical, lived aspect of this spiritual transformation. Furthermore, there is a clear implied Sequential Progression or causality within the verse, where the act of "thinking on my ways" (deep introspection) directly precedes and necessitates the subsequent act of "turning my feet" (decisive action and repentance). This highlights a logical and spiritual causality, where honest self-assessment, illuminated by God's truth, is the vital precursor to genuine change and committed obedience. The psalmist's personal declaration, "I thought... and turned," also exemplifies a powerful First-Person Narrative, making the experience deeply relatable and serving as an inspiring model for the reader's own spiritual journey of self-examination and reorientation.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 119:59 beautifully and succinctly articulates the quintessential biblical pathway of repentance and obedience, emphasizing that genuine spiritual transformation commences with a profound, honest self-awareness, progresses through a decisive, volitional reorientation, and ultimately culminates in a committed walk according to God's revealed will. This process is not a singular, isolated event but an ongoing, lifelong discipline for the believer, reflecting a heart that continually seeks to align itself with the divine standard. The verse underscores the absolute centrality of God's Word as the unchanging, infallible guide and the ultimate, trustworthy destination for a life lived in covenant faithfulness. It also powerfully highlights the personal responsibility inherent in the spiritual journey, where introspection, when confronted with divine truth, must inevitably lead to volitional action and a renewed commitment to God's ways.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 119:59 presents a timeless, deeply practical, and profoundly challenging model for spiritual growth and ongoing renewal. It calls us to move beyond superficial living and passive religiosity into a life of intentional, active discipleship. The initial step, "I thought on my ways," challenges us to cultivate a consistent habit of honest, prayerful introspection. In a world saturated with distractions and noise, this deliberate pause to evaluate our conduct, our underlying motives, and our deepest priorities against the unwavering backdrop of God's Word is not merely advisable but absolutely crucial. Are our "ways" – our daily habits, decisions, and character – truly aligned with His divine will? Do our actions authentically reflect His holy character and His loving commands? This honest assessment, often facilitated by the Holy Spirit's convicting presence, is frequently uncomfortable but utterly necessary for genuine transformation. The subsequent action, "and turned my feet unto thy testimonies," demands decisive, active repentance. It is insufficient to merely acknowledge our shortcomings or feel a fleeting regret; we must actively, volitionally reorient our lives. This "turning" is a profound commitment to abandon paths of sin, self-reliance, or worldly wisdom and to consciously, deliberately choose God's way. It means allowing God's "testimonies"—His commands, precepts, wisdom, and promises—to be the ultimate, authoritative compass for every decision, every relationship, and every aspiration. This verse serves as a perpetual, gracious invitation to live a life of ongoing repentance and joyful, radical obedience, finding true freedom, profound purpose, and ultimate flourishing in aligning our entire being with the divine will.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What does "I thought on my ways" truly mean in a practical sense for a believer today?
Answer: "I thought on my ways" (Hebrew: חָשַׁב, châshab') implies a deep, deliberate, and profoundly honest self-assessment, far beyond a casual or superficial reflection. For a believer today, this means regularly engaging in prayerful introspection, actively inviting the Holy Spirit to illuminate and reveal any areas where our thoughts, words, and actions deviate from God's holy will. It involves holding our conduct, our underlying motives, and our life priorities up to the unflinching mirror of God's Word, as powerfully encouraged in James 1:22-25. Practically, this could involve setting aside dedicated time for quiet reflection, engaging in spiritual journaling, or seeking loving accountability from trusted spiritual mentors. Ultimately, it's about asking the fundamental question: "Am I walking in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him in every respect?" (Colossians 1:10).
How does "turning my feet" relate to the biblical concept of repentance?
Answer: "Turning my feet" is a powerful and concrete metaphor for the biblical concept of repentance (teshuvah in Hebrew, derived from the root שׁוּב, shûwb'). It signifies a complete and decisive change of direction, a radical reorientation of one's entire life course. It is far more than merely feeling sorry for sin; it is an active, volitional choice to turn away from a path of disobedience, self-reliance, or worldly wisdom, and to turn decisively towards God and His righteous ways. This profound turning involves a fundamental change of mind (Greek: metanoia), a transformation of heart, and, crucially, a tangible change of action. It is the practical outworking of divine conviction, leading to a new "walk" in alignment with God's will, powerfully exemplified by Jesus' foundational call to "repent and believe in the gospel" (Mark 1:15).
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Psalm 119:59 beautifully describes the psalmist's deeply personal journey of introspection, repentance, and obedience to God's testimonies, its most profound and ultimate fulfillment is found in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Jesus is the perfect, living embodiment of God's "testimonies," for He flawlessly lived out the Father's will in every conceivable aspect of His earthly life, declaring with divine authority, "I always do the things that are pleasing to him" (John 8:29). He perfectly "thought on His ways" and consistently walked in complete, unwavering alignment with God's divine path, never once needing to "turn His feet" from error or sin, for He knew no sin (2 Corinthians 5:21). Furthermore, Christ is not merely the perfect example; He is the divine enabler of our turning. He authoritatively calls all humanity to repentance, proclaiming, "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel" (Mark 1:15). Through His perfect life, atoning sacrifice on the cross, and glorious resurrection, He opens the only way for us to be reconciled to God, granting us the supernatural power to truly "turn our feet" from the dominion of sin and self and to walk in glorious newness of life (Romans 6:4). The Holy Spirit, graciously given by Christ, convicts us of our "ways" and empowers us to turn to God's "testimonies," which are now revealed most fully and perfectly in the person and redemptive work of Jesus, who is Himself "the way, and the truth, and the life" (John 14:6). Thus, our turning to God's testimonies is ultimately and eternally a turning to Christ, who is the living Word, the perfect fulfillment of all God's righteous decrees, and the sole source of true life and transformation.