Psalms 119:62

KJV

¶ At midnight I will rise to give thanks unto thee because of thy righteous judgments.

KJV (with Strong's)

At midnight {H2676}{H3915} I will rise {H6965} to give thanks {H3034} unto thee because of thy righteous {H6664} judgments {H4941}.

Complete Jewish Bible

At midnight I rise to give you thanks because of your righteous rulings.

Berean Standard Bible

At midnight I rise to give You thanks for Your righteous judgments.

American Standard Version

At midnight I will rise to give thanks unto thee Because of thy righteous ordinances.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 119:62 captures the psalmist's profound and extraordinary devotion to God, expressed through a deliberate act of worship at the most unconventional hour. This intentional rising at midnight is not a burdensome duty but an overflowing response of deep gratitude for God's "righteous judgments"—His perfect, just, and wise decrees that reveal His character and govern all things. It powerfully illustrates a heart so captivated by divine truth and moral excellence that it finds immense joy and compelling reason for thanksgiving in the Lord's established order, prioritizing communion with Him above all else.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 119 stands as the longest chapter in the Bible, an intricately structured acrostic poem dedicated entirely to the multifaceted praise and deep affection for God's Word. Comprising 176 verses, it is meticulously divided into 22 stanzas of eight verses each, with each stanza corresponding to a letter of the Hebrew alphabet and beginning with words starting with that letter. Verse 62 is situated within the "Yodh" stanza (verses 57-64), which often emphasizes the psalmist's commitment to God as his portion and his earnest seeking of God's favor. This verse, therefore, is not an isolated burst of piety but a deeply personal and consistent manifestation of the psalmist's overarching commitment to God's Word, echoing the sentiment found throughout the entire psalm that God's laws are a perpetual source of delight, comfort, and guidance, even amidst affliction or personal challenge, as seen in the psalmist's declaration that God's word is his comfort in affliction in [Psalms 119:50](/psalms/119-50 "Psalm 119:50 - God's Word as Comfort").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, specific times for prayer and worship were customary, often aligned with the morning and evening sacrifices (e.g., [Psalms 55:17](/psalms/55-17 "Psalm 55:17 - Evening, Morning, and Noon Prayer")). However, the act of rising "at midnight" specifically for giving thanks was highly unusual and not a prescribed ritual within Israelite religious practice. This detail transcends mere cultural expectation, pointing instead to a voluntary, deeply personal, and radical commitment to the Lord that prioritizes communion with Him above personal comfort or societal norms. The cultural understanding of God's "judgments" (מִשְׁפָּטִים, _mishpatim_) was foundational to Israel's identity as a covenant people. These were not merely legal codes but the very expression of God's righteous character, His just governance over creation and human affairs, and the divine wisdom distinguishing Israel from surrounding nations, as highlighted by Moses in [Deuteronomy 4:8](/deuteronomy/4-8 "Deuteronomy 4:8 - God's Righteous Statutes").
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes within Psalm 119 and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it exemplifies **Extraordinary Devotion and Discipline**, showcasing a level of commitment that goes beyond mere duty or convenience. This reflects a profound love for God's Word that permeates all hours, echoing the dedicated prayer lives of figures like Jesus, who often withdrew to pray, sometimes through the night, as recorded in [Luke 6:12](/luke/6-12 "Luke 6:12 - Jesus Prays All Night"), or Paul and Silas, who worshipped in prison at midnight, as recounted in [Acts 16:25](/acts/16-25 "Acts 16:25 - Paul and Silas's Midnight Worship"). Secondly, it highlights **Gratitude for God's Righteous Judgments**, revealing a heart that perceives God's laws not as burdensome restrictions but as just, perfect, and supremely beneficial expressions of His character, inherently worthy of thanksgiving. This perspective aligns with the psalm's recurring affirmation of the law as a source of delight and life, as expressed in [Psalms 119:97](/psalms/119-97 "Psalm 119:97 - Love for God's Law"). Lastly, it underscores the theme of **Consistent and Unceasing Worship**, suggesting that true worship is not confined to specific times or places but is an overflowing, continuous attitude of praise and adoration for God's character and His Word, permeating every aspect of life.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Midnight (Hebrew, _châtsôwth_):** The Hebrew word חָצוֹת (_châtsôwth_), derived from the root meaning "to divide," literally signifies "the middle (of the night)" or "midnight." Its specific use here is profoundly significant, as midnight was not a customary time for public or private prayer in ancient Israel. Therefore, "at midnight" emphasizes the psalmist's extreme dedication, personal sacrifice, and profound earnestness. It points to a devotion that transcends convenience, comfort, or external obligation, signifying a deep, internal compulsion to commune with God even when the world is asleep and personal rest is most desired.
* **Rise (Hebrew, _qûwm_):** The verb קוּᆷ (_qûwm_) is a primitive root meaning "to rise," "to stand up," or "to get up." It implies a deliberate, active, and purposeful movement. The psalmist is not merely waking up passively; he is actively choosing to get out of bed to engage in worship. This active "rising" underscores the intentionality and volitional nature of his devotion, highlighting a conscious decision to prioritize God above physical ease or personal comfort, demonstrating a profound commitment.
* **Judgments (Hebrew, _mishpâṭ_):** The Hebrew term מִשְׁפָּט (_mishpâṭ_), derived from the verb "to judge," refers to a verdict, a sentence, a formal decree, or generally, justice. In this context, "thy righteous judgments" (with _tsedeq_ for righteous) refers to God's ordinances, decrees, and just rulings. It encompasses His established moral order, His acts of justice in the world, and His righteous governance. When the psalmist gives thanks for God's _mishpâṭ_, he is acknowledging the fairness, perfection, and wisdom inherent in all of God's dealings and laws. It's a recognition that God's ways are always right, just, and worthy of praise, even when they challenge human understanding or comfort, providing a stable foundation for life.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"At midnight":** This opening phrase immediately establishes the extraordinary timing of the psalmist's devotion. It highlights a commitment that goes beyond mere routine or convenience, indicating a profound internal drive to honor God even in the quietest, darkest, and most inconvenient hours. It speaks to the depth of the psalmist's love, reverence, and spiritual discipline.
* **"I will rise to give thanks unto thee":** This clause reveals the psalmist's active decision and the specific purpose of his midnight awakening. It is a conscious, volitional act ("I will rise") undertaken specifically for the purpose of expressing profound gratitude ("to give thanks"). This is not a passive reception of grace but an energetic, intentional response of worship directed intimately toward God ("unto thee"), demonstrating a personal and deeply relational commitment.
* **"because of thy righteous judgments":** This final clause provides the core motivation and content of the psalmist's thanksgiving. His gratitude is not generic but specifically rooted in God's "righteous judgments." This signifies a deep appreciation for the justice, wisdom, and moral perfection inherent in God's laws, decrees, and the way He governs the world. It implies that the psalmist finds joy, spiritual nourishment, and profound security in the very principles that define God's character and His interaction with humanity, recognizing their perfect and beneficial nature.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several potent literary techniques to convey its profound message. The most prominent is **Imagery**, creating a vivid mental picture of a solitary figure rising from sleep in the deep darkness of night to engage in worship. This image immediately communicates **Intensification** or **Hyperbole**, as rising at midnight for prayer is an extreme, though not necessarily a literal daily practice, meant to emphasize the extraordinary depth and unwavering nature of the psalmist's devotion. The act itself serves as a powerful **Symbolism** for a life fully surrendered and dedicated to God, where even personal comfort and rest are willingly sacrificed for spiritual communion. The phrase "righteous judgments" uses **Metonymy**, where the "judgments" stand for the entire character and revealed will of God, implying that the psalmist's gratitude is for God Himself as revealed through His just, wise, and perfect ways.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly speaks to the nature of true worship, revealing it as an overflow of a heart utterly captivated by God's character and His revealed will. It challenges the common notion that worship is confined to specific times or places, instead portraying it as a continuous, all-encompassing attitude of gratitude and reverence for God's inherent righteousness and the wisdom of His decrees. The psalmist's deep devotion to God's "judgments" underscores the theological truth that God's law is not a burdensome imposition but a perfect expression of His love, designed for human flourishing and a pathway to deeper relationship with Him. This profound appreciation for divine justice and moral order is foundational to a life of faith, recognizing that God's ways are always right, just, and worthy of our deepest thanksgiving. It points to the blessedness of those who delight in God's law, finding in it not only guidance but also profound joy, purpose, and spiritual sustenance.

* [Psalms 1:2](/psalms/1-2 "Psalm 1:2 - Delight in God's Law")
* [Romans 7:12](/romans/7-12 "Romans 7:12 - The Law is Holy, Righteous, and Good")
* [Deuteronomy 4:8](/deuteronomy/4-8 "Deuteronomy 4:8 - God's Righteous Statutes")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 119:62 serves as a powerful and convicting call to examine the depth and sincerity of our own devotion to God. While not mandating literal midnight vigils, the verse challenges us to consider what "rising at midnight" might look like in our contemporary lives—what sacrifices of comfort, convenience, or personal time are we truly willing to make to prioritize our relationship with God and engage with His Word? It encourages us to cultivate a heart that genuinely delights in God's Word and His righteous character, viewing His commands not as restrictive burdens but as expressions of His perfect love and wisdom, leading to abundant life and profound blessing. This verse invites us into a lifestyle of consistent, intentional worship and thanksgiving, where our gratitude for God's justice and goodness permeates every hour of our day, transforming our perspective on His sovereignty and our eager response to His will. It reminds us that genuine worship is a deep, personal, and often sacrificial act, flowing from a profound and abiding appreciation for who God is and what He has done.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What does "rising at midnight" (i.e., making significant personal sacrifices beyond convenience) look like in my commitment to God and His Word today?**
* **How do I truly view God's "judgments" or commands—as burdensome rules to follow, or as righteous pathways to life and blessing, worthy of thanksgiving?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate a deeper, more consistent attitude of gratitude for God's character and His Word, even when it requires personal inconvenience or discipline?**

### FAQ
**Why "midnight"? Is this a literal command for all believers?**

Answer: The phrase "at midnight" in Psalms 119:62 is best understood as a powerful expression of the psalmist's extraordinary devotion and spiritual discipline, rather than a literal command for all believers to wake up at midnight daily. It symbolizes a commitment to God that transcends personal comfort and convenience, highlighting a willingness to sacrifice rest for the sake of communion with the Lord. While some individuals may feel led to engage in specific times of prayer or study, the core principle is about prioritizing God and His Word in one's life, even when it requires personal sacrifice. Similar acts of dedicated prayer at unusual times are seen in the lives of other biblical figures, such as Jesus praying all night before choosing His disciples, as recorded in [Luke 6:12](/luke/6-12 "Luke 6:12 - Jesus Prays All Night"), or Paul and Silas worshipping in prison at midnight, as recounted in [Acts 16:25](/acts/16-25 "Acts 16:25 - Paul and Silas's Midnight Worship"). The emphasis is on the intentionality, depth, and sacrificial nature of devotion.

**What does "righteous judgments" mean in this context?**

Answer: The term "righteous judgments" translates the Hebrew phrase _mishpatim tzedeq_ (מִשְׁפָּטִים צֶדֶק). In this context, _mishpatim_ refers to God's just decrees, ordinances, and the moral principles by which He governs the world. It encompasses not only His revealed laws (like the Ten Commandments) but also His acts of justice in history and His inherent character as the perfectly righteous Judge. When the psalmist gives thanks for God's "righteous judgments," he is expressing profound gratitude for the fairness, wisdom, and moral perfection embedded in all of God's dealings and His revealed will. He recognizes that God's ways are always right, just, and ultimately beneficial, providing a stable and trustworthy foundation for life, as emphasized throughout Psalm 119 and in passages like [Deuteronomy 32:4](/deuteronomy/32-4 "Deuteronomy 32:4 - God's Perfect and Just Ways").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 119:62, with its profound expression of devotion to God's righteous judgments, finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in Jesus Christ. The psalmist's aspiration to live in perfect gratitude for God's law is perfectly embodied by Christ, who alone lived a life of flawless obedience and unwavering devotion to the Father's will. Jesus did not come to abolish the Law but to fulfill it ([Matthew 5:17](/matthew/5-17 "Matthew 5:17 - Jesus Fulfills the Law")), perfectly upholding every righteous judgment of God through His life, death, and resurrection. He is the very embodiment of God's righteousness, the one through whom grace and truth came ([John 1:17](/john/1-17 "John 1:17 - Grace and Truth Came Through Jesus Christ")), making it possible for humanity to be reconciled to a holy God. Through His atoning sacrifice, the righteous demands of God's law were fully met, and His perfect obedience is graciously imputed to believers ([Romans 3:21-26](/romans/3-21-26 "Romans 3:21-26 - Righteousness Through Faith in Christ")). Thus, our gratitude for God's righteous judgments is now primarily directed to Christ, who perfectly revealed and satisfied them. It is through Him that we are empowered by the Holy Spirit to genuinely delight in God's law and offer true, Spirit-led worship, echoing the psalmist's deep commitment but now rooted in the finished work of the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God").

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

Acts 16:25

¶ And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them.

Mark 1:35

And in the morning, rising up a great while before day, he went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed.

Psalms 42:8

[Yet] the LORD will command his lovingkindness in the daytime, and in the night his song [shall be] with me, [and] my prayer unto the God of my life.

Psalms 119:164

¶ Seven times a day do I praise thee because of thy righteous judgments.

Psalms 119:7

¶ I will praise thee with uprightness of heart, when I shall have learned thy righteous judgments.

Romans 7:12

Wherefore the law [is] holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good.

Psalms 119:147

¶ I prevented the dawning of the morning, and cried: I hoped in thy word.