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Commentary on Psalms 119 verse 63
David had often expressed the great love he had to God; here he expresses the great love he had to the people of God; and observe, 1. Why he loved them; not so much because they were his best friends, most firm to his interest and most forward to serve him, but because they were such as feared God and kept his precepts, and so did him honour and helped to support his kingdom among men. Our love to the saints is then sincere when we love them for the sake of what we see of God in them and the service they do to him. 2. How he showed his love to them: He was a companion of them. He had not only a spiritual communion with them in the same faith and hope, but he joined with them in holy ordinances in the courts of the Lord, where rich and poor, prince and peasant, meet together. He sympathized with them in their joys and sorrows (Heb 10:33); he conversed familiarly with them, communicated his experiences to them, and consulted theirs. He not only took such to be his companions as did fear God, but he vouchsafed himself to be a companion with all, with any, that did so, wherever he met with them. Though he was a king, he would associate with the poorest of his subjects that feared God, Psa 15:4 : Jam 2:1.
For I imagine that what follows, "I am a companion of all them that fear You, and keep Your commandments" [Psalm 119:63], does relate to the Head Himself, as it is in the Epistle which is inscribed to the Hebrews: "Both He that sanctifies and they who are sanctified are all of one: for which cause He is not ashamed to call them brethren.". ..Therefore Jesus Himself speaks in this prophecy: some things in His Members and in the Unity of His Body, as if in one man diffused over the whole world, and growing up in succession throughout the roll of ages: and some things in Himself our Head. And on this account, that since He became the companion of His brethren, God of men, the Immortal of the mortal, for this reason the seed fell upon the earth, that by its death it might produce much fruit; he next adds concerning this very fruit, "The earth, O Lord, is full of Your mercy" [Psalm 119:64]. And whence this, save when the ungodly is justified? That we may make progress in the knowledge of this grace, he adds, "O teach me Your righteousnesses!"
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SUMMARY
Psalms 119:63 expresses the psalmist's intentional and profound commitment to fellowship with individuals who deeply revere God and actively obey His divine commands. This verse underscores the critical spiritual discipline of discerningly choosing one's companions, recognizing that shared devotion to God's word and a reverential fear of the Lord are foundational for mutual encouragement, accountability, and perseverance in the life of faith. It highlights the transformative power of godly association in one's spiritual journey, emphasizing that spiritual growth is often nurtured within a community of like-minded believers.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Psalms 119:63 employs several literary devices to convey its powerful message. The most prominent is Parallelism, specifically Synonymous Parallelism, where the second clause ("and of them that keep thy precepts") reiterates and expands upon the first clause ("I am a companion of all them that fear thee"). This structure reinforces the idea that the "fear of the Lord" is intrinsically linked to "keeping His precepts," showing that true reverence for God is demonstrated through active obedience. The psalmist's declaration itself is a form of Confession or Affirmation, stating his personal commitment and allegiance to a particular way of life and community. There is also an element of Didacticism, as the verse implicitly teaches the reader about the importance of choosing godly companions and the characteristics of such individuals for spiritual flourishing. The deliberate choice of "companion" (châbêr) also suggests Intentionality, highlighting the active and conscious decision of the psalmist to align himself with a specific kind of community, rather than being passively influenced by his surroundings.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly underscores the biblical emphasis on the importance of community and the formative influence of one's associations on spiritual development. It teaches that our spiritual health is deeply intertwined with the company we keep, advocating for intentional fellowship with those who genuinely reverence God and strive to obey His word. This is not merely about social preference but about cultivating an environment conducive to spiritual growth, mutual accountability, and shared pursuit of righteousness. The psalmist recognizes that such companionship strengthens one's resolve to live according to God's precepts, providing encouragement and support in a world often hostile to divine truth. This principle is foundational for the life of faith, reminding believers that they are called into a community of like-minded individuals for their edification and perseverance in the journey of faith.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 119:63 serves as a timeless challenge to every believer to critically examine the nature of their closest relationships. In an age where connections are often superficial or driven by convenience, the psalmist calls us to a deeper, more intentional approach to fellowship. Do our companions genuinely encourage us in our walk with God, sharpening our faith and spurring us on to greater obedience? Or do they subtly, or even overtly, draw us away from God's truth and His ways? Cultivating godly fellowship is not merely a suggestion but a crucial discipline for spiritual growth, accountability, and endurance in the faith. It reminds us that our spiritual health is often a direct reflection of the company we keep. By intentionally seeking out and nurturing relationships with those who truly reverence God and strive to obey His word, we not only strengthen our own walk of faith but also contribute to building a vibrant, supportive community that collectively honors and glorifies God. This verse compels us to be both discerning in our choices and proactive in seeking out spiritual solidarity.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What does "fear thee" mean in this context? Is it about being afraid of God?
Answer: In Psalms 119:63, "fear thee" (Hebrew: yârêʼ) does not refer to being terrified or scared of God in a negative sense. Instead, it denotes a profound reverence, awe, and respectful submission to God's holiness, majesty, and authority. It's a recognition of His supreme power and goodness, which naturally leads to humility, worship, and a desire to obey His will. This "fear of the Lord" is consistently presented in Scripture as the beginning of wisdom (Proverbs 9:10) and the foundation for a righteous life. It's a healthy, worshipful fear that motivates obedience, not a paralyzing dread.
Why is it important to be a "companion" of those who fear God and keep His precepts?
Answer: The importance of choosing godly companions is a recurring theme throughout the Bible. As Proverbs 13:20 states, "He who walks with the wise grows wise, but a companion of fools suffers harm." Our associations profoundly shape our character, beliefs, and actions. By intentionally aligning with those who genuinely reverence God and strive to obey His commands, the psalmist ensures he is surrounded by positive spiritual influences. Such companionship provides mutual encouragement, accountability, spiritual sharpening, and a shared commitment to living righteously. It helps believers to persevere in faith, resist temptation, and grow in their understanding and application of God's word, as seen in the New Testament's call to not neglect meeting together (Hebrews 10:24-25).
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 119:63, with its emphasis on companionship rooted in the fear of God and obedience to His precepts, finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in Jesus Christ. Jesus is the perfect embodiment of one who perfectly "feared" God—not in dread, but in absolute reverence, submission, and joyful obedience to the Father's will in every aspect of His life (John 8:29). He perfectly "kept" all of God's precepts, fulfilling the Law and prophets (Matthew 5:17). Therefore, to be a "companion" of those who fear God and keep His precepts is, in the New Covenant, to be a companion of Christ Himself and of those who are in Christ. Through His atoning work, Jesus brings us into fellowship with God (1 John 1:3) and with one another, forming the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:27). As believers, we are called to walk with Him, learn from Him, and imitate His perfect obedience and reverence for God. Our fellowship with one another in the church is a reflection of our shared companionship with Christ, empowering us to collectively live out the fear of the Lord and keep His new covenant commands, chief among them the command to love one another as He has loved us (John 13:34-35).