Psalms 119:71

¶ It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn thy statutes.

It is good {H2896} for me that I have been afflicted {H6031}; that I might learn {H3925} thy statutes {H2706}.

It is for my good that I have been humbled; it was so that I would learn your laws.

It was good for me to be afflicted, that I might learn Your statutes.

It is good for me that I have been afflicted; That I may learn thy statutes.

Context

Psalm 119 is the longest chapter in the Bible, a magnificent acrostic poem dedicated entirely to the praise and exaltation of God's Word, law, statutes, precepts, commandments, and testimonies. Each of its 22 sections, corresponding to the letters of the Hebrew alphabet, consists of eight verses beginning with that letter. The psalmist, traditionally believed to be King David, expresses deep love and devotion to God's law, constantly seeking to understand and obey it. Verse 71 falls within the "Yodh" section (verses 73-80 in some translations, but 65-72 in KJV numbering for this section), where the psalmist reflects on personal experiences and appeals to God for continued instruction.

Key Themes

  • The Purifying Power of Affliction: The verse highlights a profound spiritual truth: that hardship and suffering, often viewed negatively, can serve as a divine tool for spiritual growth and deeper understanding. The psalmist explicitly states that his affliction was "good" because it led him to God's statutes.
  • Learning God's Statutes: The primary purpose of the affliction, according to the psalmist, was to learn God's laws. This suggests that during times of ease, one might become complacent or distracted, but adversity often drives individuals back to the foundational truths and instructions of God's Word.
  • Divine Purpose in Suffering: This verse underscores the biblical concept that God can use even painful circumstances for a redemptive and constructive purpose in the lives of believers. It aligns with the idea that all things work together for good to those who love God.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "afflicted" is 'anah (עָנָה), which carries a range of meanings including to be humbled, to be brought low, to be disciplined, or to suffer. It implies a state of being oppressed or subjected to hardship. The psalmist's declaration that this was "good" reveals a mature spiritual perspective, recognizing that God's discipline, though painful in the moment, is ultimately for our benefit. The word "statutes" is choqim (חֻקִּים), referring to God's decrees, ordinances, or prescribed laws, which are fixed and unchangeable.

Practical Application

For the modern believer, Psalm 119:71 offers immense comfort and perspective when facing trials. It encourages us to:

  • Reframe Suffering: Instead of viewing affliction as purely negative, consider it as a potential catalyst for spiritual growth and a deeper relationship with God and His Word.
  • Seek God's Word in Hardship: When difficulties arise, turn intentionally to the Bible. It is often in our weakest moments that we become most receptive to God's instruction and find strength in His promises. Just as God's discipline, though grievous, yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness, so too can our afflictions refine us.
  • Trust God's Sovereignty: This verse is a powerful reminder that God is sovereign over all circumstances, even painful ones, and can use them to teach us, humble us, and draw us closer to His divine will.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Hebrews 12:10

    For they verily for a few days chastened [us] after their own pleasure; but he for [our] profit, that [we] might be partakers of his holiness.

  • Hebrews 12:11

    Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.

  • Psalms 119:67

    ¶ Before I was afflicted I went astray: but now have I kept thy word.

  • 1 Corinthians 11:32

    But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world.

  • Psalms 94:12

    ¶ Blessed [is] the man whom thou chastenest, O LORD, and teachest him out of thy law;

  • Psalms 94:13

    That thou mayest give him rest from the days of adversity, until the pit be digged for the wicked.

  • Isaiah 27:9

    By this therefore shall the iniquity of Jacob be purged; and this [is] all the fruit to take away his sin; when he maketh all the stones of the altar as chalkstones that are beaten in sunder, the groves and images shall not stand up.
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