Psalms 119:82

Psalm 119:82 KJV captures the profound longing and suffering of the psalmist, whose hope is solely fixed on God's promised word amidst deep affliction. This verse is a poignant cry from a soul exhausted by waiting for divine intervention and comfort.

Context

This verse is part of the extensive Psalm 119, an acrostic poem that is the longest chapter in the Bible, entirely devoted to exalting God's law, statutes, precepts, and commandments—collectively, His "word." Throughout the psalm, the author, often understood to be a devout Israelite facing intense persecution or distress, expresses unwavering devotion to God's Word as his guide, hope, and source of life. The section containing verse 82 (the *Kaph* section, verses 81-88) particularly highlights the psalmist's intense suffering and his fervent plea for God's promised salvation and comfort, which seems delayed.

Key Themes

• Intense Longing and Waiting: The phrase "Mine eyes fail for thy word" vividly portrays a physical and emotional exhaustion from prolonged waiting. It speaks to a desperate yearning for God's promises to materialize, perhaps through deliverance or relief from suffering. This mirrors the spiritual posture of waiting patiently for the Lord.
• Suffering and Affliction: The psalmist's plea, "When wilt thou comfort me?", directly indicates a state of distress, sorrow, or persecution. It's a question born of pain, seeking solace and relief that only God can provide.
• Hope in God's Word: Despite the suffering, the psalmist's focus remains on "thy word." This signifies that his hope is not in circumstances or human aid, but entirely in God's reliable promises and character. The Word is the anchor in the storm, even when its fulfillment seems distant.
• Divine Comfort: The core request is for comfort. This isn't just emotional solace but often refers to God's active intervention, strength, and deliverance from affliction, as seen in God's comfort in all our tribulation.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word translated "fail" is kalah (כָּלָה), which means to be completed, consumed, or to pine away. It conveys a sense of being utterly spent or wasted, emphasizing the extreme nature of the psalmist's longing and the toll his suffering has taken. His eyes are not merely tired but are "failing" or "pining away" from the intensity of his expectation for God's word (or promise) to be fulfilled.

Practical Application

Psalm 119:82 resonates deeply with anyone experiencing a season of prolonged difficulty or unanswered prayer. It teaches us several vital lessons:

• Persistence in Prayer: Even when weary, the psalmist continues to cry out to God, demonstrating the importance of persistent prayer and honest expression of our deepest needs and frustrations.
• Anchoring in God's Promises: In times of waiting, our hope must remain fixed on God's Word. It is the foundation of our faith, providing assurance that God is faithful to His promises, even when we cannot see the immediate outcome.
• Trusting God's Timing: The question "When wilt thou comfort me?" acknowledges the human desire for immediate relief but also implies a continued trust that comfort *will* come, according to God's perfect timing. This challenges us to cultivate patience and endurance while waiting for the Lord's hand to move, as encouraged in Isaiah 40:31.