TRV
Translation
Complete Jewish Bible
The arrogant have dug pits for me to fall in; this is not in keeping with your Torah!
Young's Literal Translation
The proud have digged for me pits, That are not according to Thy law.
In the KJVVerse 15,984 of 31,102
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Commentary on Psalms 119 verses 85–87
85 ¶ The proud have digged pits for me, which are not after thy law.
86 All thy commandments are faithful: they persecute me wrongfully; help thou me.
87 They had almost consumed me upon earth; but I forsook not thy precepts.
David's state was herein a type and figure of the state both of Christ and Christians that he was grievously persecuted; as there are many of his psalms, so there are many of the verses of this psalm, which complain of this, as those here. Here observe,
I. The account he gives of his persecutors and their malice against him. 1. They were proud, and in their pride they persecuted him, glorying in this, that they could trample upon one who was so much cried up, and hoping to raise themselves on his ruins. 2. They were unjust: They persecuted him wrongfully; so far was he from giving them any provocation that he had studied to oblige them; but for his love they were his adversaries. 3. They were spiteful: They dug pits for him, which intimates that they were deliberate in their designs against him and that what they did was of malice prepense; it intimates likewise that they were subtle and crafty, and had the serpent's head as well as the serpent's venom, that they were industrious and would refuse no pains to do him a mischief, and treacherous, laying snares in secret for him, as hunters do take wild beasts, Psa 35:7. Such has been the enmity of the serpent's seed to the seed of the woman. 4. They herein showed their enmity to God himself. The pits they dug for him were not after God's law; he means they were very much against his law, which forbids to devise evil to our neighbour, and has particularly said, Touch not my anointed. The law appointed that, if a man dug a pit which occasioned any mischief, he should answer for the mischief (Exo 21:33, Exo 21:34), much more when it was dug with a mischievous design. 5. They carried on their designs against him so far that they had almost consumed him upon earth; they went near to ruin him and all his interests. It is possible that those who shall shortly be consummate in heaven may be, for the present, almost consumed on earth; and it is of the Lord's mercies (and, considering the malice of their enemies, it is a miracle of mercy) that they are not quite consumed. But the bush in which God is, though it burns, shall not be burnt up.
II. His application to God in his persecuted state. 1. He acknowledges the truth and goodness of his religion, though he suffered: "However it be, all thy commandments are faithful, and therefore, whatever I lose for my observance of them, I know I shall not lose by it." True religion, if it be worth any thing, is worth every thing, and therefore worth suffering for. "Men are false; I find them do; men of low degree, men of high degree, are so, there is no trusting them. But all thy commandments are faithful; on them I may rely." 2. He begs that God would stand by him, and succour him: "They persecute me; help thou me; help me under my troubles, that I may bear them patiently, and as becomes me, and may still hold fast my integrity, and in due time help me out of my troubles." God help me is an excellent comprehensive prayer; it is a pity that it should ever be used lightly and as a by-word.
III. His adherence to his duty notwithstanding all the malice of his persecutors (Psa 119:87): But I forsook not thy precepts. That which they aimed at was to frighten him from the ways of God, but they could not prevail; he would sooner forsake all that was dear to him in this world than forsake the word of God, would sooner lose his life than lose the comfort of doing his duty.
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 85–87. Public domain.
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Augustine of HippoAD 430
HOMILIES ON 1 JOHN 10:4
What order does God impose on you? "Love me. You love gold, you will seek gold, and perhaps you will not find it. Whoever seeks me, I am with him. You will love honor, and perhaps you will not find it. Whoever seeks me, I am with him. Who has loved me and has not attained me?" God says to you, "You wish to make [someone] a patron or a powerful friend of yours; you solicit him through someone else inferior. Love me," God says to you, "there is no soliciting of me through anyone; love itself makes me present to you." What is sweeter than this love, brothers? Not without reason you just heard in the psalm, "The unjust have told me of delights, but not as your law, Lord." What is the law of God? The commandment of God. What is the commandment of God? That new commandment that is called new for the very reason that it renews: "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another." Hear that this is the law of God. The apostle says, "Bear one another's burdens, and so you will fulfill the law of Christ." This is the consummation of all our works, love. There is the end. Because of this we are running; to this we are running. When we come to it, we shall rest.
Augustine of HippoAD 430
Exposition on Psalm 119
In what follows: "The wicked have told me pleasant tales: but not like Your law, O Lord" [Psalm 119:85]: the Latin translators have endeavoured to render the Greek
BedeAD 735
Homilies on the Gospels 1:5
“And Joseph called his name Jesus.” “Jesus” in Hebrew means “saving” or “savior” in Latin. It is clear that the prophets most certainly call on his name. Hence these things are sung in great desire for a vision of him: “My soul will exult in the Lord and take delight in his salvation.” “My soul pines for your salvation.” “I, however, will glory in the Lord; I will rejoice in God my Jesus.” And especially that [verse]: “God in your name save me!” as if the [prophet] would say, “You who are called Savior, make bright the glory of your name in me by saving [me].”
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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SUMMARY
Psalms 119:85 is a profound lament from the psalmist, expressing deep distress over the malicious and deceitful plots orchestrated by the arrogant and presumptuous, whose actions stand in direct defiance of God's divine law. This verse powerfully contrasts the righteous path, anchored in God's unchanging precepts, with the treacherous schemes of those who reject divine authority, underscoring the psalmist's unwavering reliance on God's perfect standard amidst severe persecution and serving as an implicit plea for divine justice against unrighteous opposition.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Psalms 119:85 employs several potent Literary Devices to convey its message. The most prominent is Metaphor, specifically in the phrase "digged pits." This vivid image transforms the abstract concept of malicious plotting into a concrete, tangible danger, evoking the treachery and hidden nature of the enemies' schemes. It creates a powerful sense of vulnerability and imminent threat for the psalmist, allowing the reader to grasp the insidious nature of the opposition. There is also a strong element of Contrast established between the actions of "the proud" and "thy law." The psalmist explicitly states that their plots are "not after thy law," setting up a clear dichotomy between human wickedness and divine righteousness. This contrast highlights the psalmist's unwavering commitment to God's standards even as he suffers from those who reject them, emphasizing the moral and theological chasm between the two. Furthermore, the verse functions as a Lament and an implicit Plea, articulating the psalmist's distress and serving as an appeal to God for intervention and justice against those who defy His commands and seek to harm His faithful servant.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 119:85 powerfully articulates the tension between the righteous who strive to live by God's law and the wicked who actively oppose it. The psalmist's suffering at the hands of the "proud" reflects a recurring biblical theme of the righteous being persecuted for their faithfulness. This verse underscores the absolute authority and unchanging nature of God's law as the ultimate standard of truth and justice, against which all human actions, especially those born of malice and defiance, are measured and found wanting. It highlights the believer's recourse to God's character and commands when faced with unrighteous opposition, trusting that God sees and will ultimately vindicate His people and judge those who act contrary to His revealed will.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
In a world that often seems to disregard divine truth, Psalms 119:85 offers profound comfort and guidance. It reminds us that opposition to God's people and His ways is not a new phenomenon; believers throughout history have faced malicious plots and unjust persecution from those who reject God's law. This verse calls us to recognize the reality of such spiritual warfare, but more importantly, it directs our gaze to the unchanging standard of God's Word. When we experience betrayal, slander, or schemes designed to harm us, our solace is not found in human justice alone, but in the unwavering truth that God's law remains the ultimate arbiter. Our response, like the psalmist's, should be one of steadfast devotion to God's commands, knowing that our vindication rests in His hands. This verse encourages us to bring our grievances before God, confident that He sees every hidden pit and every lawless act, and that His justice will ultimately prevail, bringing deliverance to His faithful. It challenges us to examine our own hearts, ensuring that our actions are always "after thy law," and to pray for those who persecute us, while firmly standing on the truth of God's Word.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What does "digged pits" mean in a biblical context?
Answer: In a biblical context, "digged pits" is a powerful metaphor for setting a hidden trap or devising a treacherous plot. It refers to the ancient practice of digging a deep hole, often camouflaged, to ensnare animals or enemies. Spiritually, it signifies malicious and deceitful schemes designed to cause someone's downfall, harm, or destruction. This imagery is used elsewhere in scripture to describe the wicked's insidious efforts against the righteous, often with the ironic outcome that the plotters themselves fall into their own traps, as seen in Psalms 7:15 and Proverbs 26:27.
Who are "the proud" mentioned in this verse?
Answer: "The proud" (Hebrew: zedim) in this context refers to individuals characterized by arrogance, insolence, and presumptuousness. They are not merely self-important but actively defy God's authority and His law. Their pride often manifests as contempt for divine commands and a willingness to oppress or harm the righteous without remorse. They believe themselves above accountability, acting with a lawless spirit that directly opposes God's righteous standards. This term often describes those who are powerful or influential but use their position to persecute the godly, as the psalmist laments elsewhere that "The proud have forged a lie against me" (Psalms 119:69).
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 119:85 finds its ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the perfectly righteous one who, far more than the psalmist, faced the most profound and insidious plots from "the proud" – the religious and political authorities of His day. Their schemes to entrap Him in His words (Matthew 22:15) and ultimately to crucify Him (John 11:53) were undeniably "not after thy law" but were acts of profound lawlessness, injustice, and hatred against the Son of God. Yet, in God's sovereign and redemptive plan, these very pits dug for Him became the means of our salvation. The cross, though a symbol of human malice and the ultimate act of lawlessness, was God's chosen path for the ultimate Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world. Jesus, who perfectly upheld the law and lived in complete obedience to the Father, suffered the full weight of lawless human opposition, yet He rose victorious, demonstrating God's ultimate vindication of the righteous. For believers, Christ is our refuge and our vindicator; in Him, we find strength to endure persecution, knowing that the "proud" who oppose God's kingdom will ultimately fall into their own pits, and Christ's perfect law of liberty will eternally prevail.