Psalms 119:60

KJV

I made haste, and delayed not to keep thy commandments.

KJV (with Strong's)

I made haste {H2363}, and delayed {H4102} not to keep {H8104} thy commandments {H4687}.

Complete Jewish Bible

I hurry, I don't delay, to observe your mitzvot.

Berean Standard Bible

I hurried without hesitating to keep Your commandments.

American Standard Version

I made haste, and delayed not, To observe thy commandments.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 119:60 encapsulates the psalmist's profound and immediate commitment to God's divine instructions, expressing an unhesitating eagerness to obey. It portrays a heart that delights in the Lord's commandments, prioritizing their keeping without procrastination or delay, reflecting a deep love and reverence for the divine will. This verse serves as a powerful testament to the psalmist's devotion, setting an example of diligent and joyful adherence to God's Word.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalms 119 is the longest chapter in the Bible, a magnificent acrostic poem structured into 22 stanzas, each corresponding to a letter of the Hebrew alphabet. Each of the eight verses within a stanza begins with that stanza's letter. This monumental psalm is entirely devoted to extolling the virtues, wisdom, and life-giving power of God's Word, referred to by various synonyms such as law, statutes, precepts, commandments, decrees, and testimonies. Verse 60 falls within the 'Ayin' section (verses 57-64), where the psalmist often expresses personal resolve and commitment to God's covenant. The preceding verses (e.g., [Psalms 119:57](/psalms/119-57 "Psalms 119:57 - God is My Portion")) declare God as his portion and his earnest plea for God's favor, setting the stage for his reciprocal commitment to obedience. The immediate context emphasizes the psalmist's personal relationship with God and his active pursuit of righteousness in response to God's goodness.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, the Torah (God's Law) was not merely a set of rules but the very revelation of God's character and His covenant relationship with His people. It was the foundation of their national identity, their worship, and their daily life. Obedience to the Law was seen as the primary way to demonstrate faithfulness to God and to experience His blessings, as repeatedly emphasized in the Pentateuch (e.g., [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses")). The psalmist, likely a devout Israelite (traditionally King David, though authorship is debated), would have understood the commandments not as burdensome restrictions but as divine wisdom for flourishing and drawing near to God. The cultural expectation was that a righteous individual would diligently study and apply God's Word, making its precepts central to their existence.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Psalms 119 and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Prompt and Diligent Obedience**, contrasting sharply with the human tendency towards procrastination and reluctance. The psalmist's immediate action underscores that true devotion is expressed not just in knowledge or desire, but in swift, unhesitating compliance. Secondly, it reinforces the theme of **Delight in God's Law**, suggesting that this haste is not born of compulsion but of a genuine love for God's instructions, seeing them as a source of joy and life, as expressed elsewhere in the psalm (e.g., [Psalms 119:97](/psalms/119-97 "Psalms 119:97 - Love for God's Law")). Finally, it speaks to the **Sufficiency and Authority of God's Word**, portraying it as the ultimate guide that demands and deserves immediate and full adherence, leading to a life aligned with divine wisdom and purpose, echoing the call to "walk in all the way that the Lord your God has commanded you" found in [Deuteronomy 5:33](/deuteronomy/5-33 "Deuteronomy 5:33 - Walk in the Way of the Lord").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Haste (Hebrew, _ḥûš_):** This verb (חוּשׁ) conveys a sense of urgency, eagerness, and swift action. It implies not a frantic rush, but a deliberate and immediate movement towards a goal. In this context, it signifies the psalmist's strong desire and ready disposition to obey God's commands, indicating that his obedience is not reluctant or forced, but flows from an inner motivation.
* **Delayed not (Hebrew, _lōʾ hitmahmehahtî_):** This phrase (לֹא הִתְמַהְמָהְתִּי) is the negative of the Hithpael stem of the verb מָהַהּ (_māhah_), meaning "to linger," "to delay," or "to procrastinate." The Hithpael stem often denotes a reflexive or intensive action, here emphasizing the psalmist's active decision *not* to delay. The pairing of "made haste" with "delayed not" creates a powerful rhetorical emphasis, leaving no room for ambiguity regarding the psalmist's immediate and unreserved commitment.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"I made haste":** This opening clause establishes the psalmist's proactive and immediate response. It speaks to an internal disposition of eagerness and readiness, rather than a grudging or reluctant compliance. The action is initiated from within, driven by a desire to align with God's will.
* **"and delayed not":** This second clause functions as a strong reinforcement and an emphatic negation of any hesitation. It rules out procrastination, indecision, or any form of resistance to God's revealed will. Together with the first clause, it paints a picture of unwavering resolve and prompt action.
* **"to keep thy commandments":** This final phrase clarifies the object and purpose of the psalmist's haste and lack of delay. It is not a general urgency, but a specific, focused commitment to "keep" (Hebrew, _šāmar_, meaning to observe, guard, or preserve) God's divine instructions. This highlights the practical, active nature of his devotion – it's about doing, not just knowing.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in Psalms 119:60 is **Parallelism**, specifically a combination of **Synonymous Parallelism** and **Antithetical Parallelism**. "I made haste" and "delayed not" express a similar idea (prompt action) but from opposite perspectives (positive action vs. negative inaction), thereby reinforcing the central message with strong **Emphasis**. The phrase "made haste" positively asserts the psalmist's swiftness, while "delayed not" antithetically denies any procrastination, creating a powerful and unambiguous statement of immediate obedience. This dual expression leaves no room for misinterpretation, underscoring the psalmist's total commitment and eagerness to obey God's commandments without reservation. The psalmist's fervent declaration also carries an element of **Hyperbole**, as perfect, unceasing human obedience is an ideal, yet it powerfully conveys the psalmist's intense desire and striving.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 119:60 articulates a profound theological truth: that genuine love for God is intrinsically linked to prompt and joyful obedience to His Word. It challenges the common human inclination to resist, question, or postpone divine directives, instead presenting an ideal of eager submission. This verse underscores the biblical principle that God's commandments are not burdensome but are pathways to life, wisdom, and a deeper relationship with the Creator. The psalmist's immediate response reflects a heart that trusts God's goodness and the inherent wisdom of His law, recognizing that delaying obedience is a form of spiritual negligence that hinders one's spiritual growth and communion with God. This proactive stance is a hallmark of true discipleship, demonstrating that faith is active and responsive.

* [John 14:15](/john/14-15 "John 14:15 - Love and Obedience"): "If ye love me, keep my commandments."
* [James 1:22](/james/1-22 "James 1:22 - Doers of the Word"): "But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves."
* [Deuteronomy 6:5](/deuteronomy/6-5 "Deuteronomy 6:5 - Love the Lord Your God"): "And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 119:60 stands as a timeless call to examine the posture of our hearts toward God's revealed will. In a world that often encourages procrastination, self-reliance, or questioning authority, the psalmist's immediate and unhesitating obedience offers a counter-cultural paradigm. It challenges us to move beyond mere intellectual assent to God's Word and into active, joyful compliance. When God's Spirit prompts, or His Word illuminates a path, do we "make haste" to follow, or do we "delay" with excuses, fear, or a desire for personal convenience? This verse invites us to cultivate a spiritual discipline of promptness, recognizing that every moment of delay in obedience is a missed opportunity for deeper communion with God and for experiencing the blessings that flow from His perfect will. It encourages us to prioritize God's commands above all other considerations, allowing our love for Him to be the driving force behind our eager and immediate response.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What are common reasons I might "delay" in keeping God's commandments in my own life?**
* **How can I cultivate a heart that "makes haste" to obey, even when obedience is difficult or inconvenient?**
* **In what specific area of my life is God calling me to immediate obedience right now?**
* **How does my willingness to obey reflect my love and trust in God?**

### FAQ
**What does "I made haste, and delayed not" truly signify about the psalmist's character?**

Answer: The phrase "I made haste, and delayed not" profoundly signifies the psalmist's exceptional devotion and spiritual discipline. It indicates a heart that is not merely willing but eager and proactive in its obedience to God's commandments. This is not a reluctant compliance, but a joyful and immediate response, stemming from a deep love and reverence for God's Word. It suggests that the psalmist views God's laws not as burdensome restrictions but as life-giving instructions, worthy of his utmost priority and swift action. This characteristic reflects a mature faith where the desire to please God outweighs any personal inclination towards procrastination or self-will.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Psalms 119:60 expresses the psalmist's ideal of eager obedience, its ultimate fulfillment is found in the perfect life of Jesus Christ. Jesus, the incarnate Word of God, perfectly embodied this prompt and unhesitating submission to His Father's will. From His declaration at age twelve, "Did you not know that I must be about My Father’s business?" ([Luke 2:49](/luke/2-49 "Luke 2:49 - Jesus in the Temple")), to His resolute journey to Jerusalem, knowing what awaited Him, Jesus consistently "made haste" and "delayed not" in fulfilling every divine command. His entire ministry, culminating in His obedient sacrifice on the cross, was a demonstration of perfect adherence to God's will, even to the point of death ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience")). He declared, "I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me" ([John 6:38](/john/6-38 "John 6:38 - Jesus Does the Father's Will")). For believers, Christ's perfect obedience both sets the standard and provides the means for us to strive for such promptness. Through His atoning work, we are reconciled to God, and by the power of the Holy Spirit, we are enabled to walk in newness of life, empowered to obey God's commands with a transformed heart, reflecting the eager devotion seen in the psalmist and perfectly exemplified in our Lord ([Romans 8:4](/romans/8-4 "Romans 8:4 - Life by the Spirit")).

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 95:7

¶ For he [is] our God; and we [are] the people of his pasture, and the sheep of his hand. To day if ye will hear his voice,

Psalms 95:8

Harden not your heart, as in the provocation, [and] as [in] the day of temptation in the wilderness:

Galatians 1:16

To reveal his Son in me, that I might preach him among the heathen; immediately I conferred not with flesh and blood:

Ecclesiastes 9:10

Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do [it] with thy might; for [there is] no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest.

Proverbs 27:1

¶ Boast not thyself of to morrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth.

Ezekiel 10:6

And it came to pass, [that] when he had commanded the man clothed with linen, saying, Take fire from between the wheels, from between the cherubims; then he went in, and stood beside the wheels.

Ezekiel 10:8

¶ And there appeared in the cherubims the form of a man's hand under their wings.