Psalms 119:76

¶ Let, I pray thee, thy merciful kindness be for my comfort, according to thy word unto thy servant.

Let, I pray thee, thy merciful kindness {H2617} be for my comfort {H5162}, according to thy word {H565} unto thy servant {H5650}.

Let your grace comfort me, in keeping with your promise to your servant.

May Your loving devotion comfort me, I pray, according to Your promise to Your servant.

Let, I pray thee, thy lovingkindness be for my comfort, According to thy word unto thy servant.

Psalm 119:76 is a heartfelt prayer from the psalmist, requesting divine comfort rooted in God's steadfast character and faithful promises. Amidst the broader theme of devotion to God’s law found throughout Psalm 119, this verse focuses on the personal experience of seeking solace directly from the Lord’s lovingkindness.

Context

Psalm 119 is the longest chapter in the Bible, an elaborate acrostic poem where each stanza (eight verses) begins with a successive letter of the Hebrew alphabet. It is a profound meditation on the beauty, wisdom, and comfort found in God's law, precepts, statutes, and word. Throughout the psalm, the writer often expresses feeling afflicted or in need of divine intervention, and his constant recourse is to God's word and His character. Verse 76 falls within the 'Kaph' section, where the psalmist often speaks of being consumed with longing for God's salvation and justice, making the plea for comfort particularly poignant.

Key Themes

  • God's Merciful Kindness as Comfort: The central plea is for God's "merciful kindness" to be the source of comfort. This highlights that true solace comes not from circumstances or human means, but from the very nature of God, who is inherently compassionate and loving.
  • The Reliability of God's Word: The phrase "according to thy word" is crucial. It signifies that the psalmist's request is not presumptuous but is based on God's own revealed promises. God's comfort is not arbitrary; it flows from His faithful declarations and covenants.
  • Prayer for Divine Solace: The verse is a direct prayer ("Let, I pray thee"), demonstrating the psalmist's dependence on God and the importance of seeking Him in times of distress. It is a model for believers to turn to God for their deepest needs.

Linguistic Insights

The King James Version's "merciful kindness" translates the rich Hebrew word hesed (חֶסֶד). Hesed is a multifaceted term that conveys more than just kindness or mercy; it denotes a profound, steadfast, loyal, and covenantal love. It is God's unwavering faithfulness to His promises and His people, even when they are undeserving. Understanding hesed deepens the appreciation for the kind of "comfort" the psalmist seeks: it is a comfort rooted in God's unchanging, committed character, not a fleeting emotion.

Practical Application

Psalm 119:76 offers timeless encouragement for believers facing affliction or distress today:

  1. Seek God's Comfort Directly: When troubles arise, our first recourse should be to God in prayer, asking for His unique, divine comfort.
  2. Anchor Comfort in God's Word: True and lasting comfort is found in God's promises. By immersing ourselves in Scripture, we discover the foundation for His comforting presence and assurance, as seen in 2 Corinthians 1:4.
  3. Trust God's Steadfast Love: Remember that God's "merciful kindness" (hesed) is unwavering. His love is not conditional on our performance but is a foundational aspect of His character, always available to His "servants" who seek Him.
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.

  • Psalms 106:4

    Remember me, O LORD, with the favour [that thou bearest unto] thy people: O visit me with thy salvation;

  • Psalms 106:5

    That I may see the good of thy chosen, that I may rejoice in the gladness of thy nation, that I may glory with thine inheritance.

  • Psalms 86:5

    For thou, Lord, [art] good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee.

  • 2 Corinthians 1:3

    ¶ Blessed [be] God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort;

  • 2 Corinthians 1:5

    For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also aboundeth by Christ.

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