Psalms 119:124

¶ Deal with thy servant according unto thy mercy, and teach me thy statutes.

Deal {H6213} with thy servant {H5650} according unto thy mercy {H2617}, and teach {H3925} me thy statutes {H2706}.

Deal with your servant in accordance with your grace, and teach me your laws.

Deal with Your servant according to Your loving devotion, and teach me Your statutes.

Deal with thy servant according unto thy lovingkindness, And teach me thy statutes.

Commentary

Psalms 119:124 is a heartfelt prayer from the psalmist, who identifies himself as a "servant" of God, seeking both divine mercy and instruction in God's laws. It beautifully encapsulates a spirit of humility, dependence, and a deep longing for spiritual wisdom.

Context

Psalm 119 is the longest chapter in the Bible, an elaborate acrostic poem where each stanza begins with a successive letter of the Hebrew alphabet. Its central theme is an unwavering celebration of God's law, referred to by various synonyms like statutes, precepts, commandments, and judgments. The psalmist consistently expresses profound love, devotion, and a yearning to understand and obey God's Word. Within this larger narrative, verse 124 stands out as a personal plea, acknowledging human frailty while seeking divine guidance and grace.

Key Themes

  • Plea for Divine Mercy: The opening phrase, "Deal with thy servant according unto thy mercy," highlights the psalmist's profound humility and recognition that any favorable dealing from God is not earned through personal merit but flows solely from God's boundless compassion. This concept of God's unchanging, steadfast love is central throughout Scripture, as seen in Lamentations 3:22-23. It's a prayer for grace, not justice.
  • Desire for Divine Instruction: The second part, "and teach me thy statutes," reveals a sincere and earnest desire to be guided by God's revealed will. It's a prayer for spiritual illumination and understanding, recognizing that true wisdom and righteous living come from God alone. This echoes other prayers within Psalm 119, such as "Teach me, O LORD, the way of thy statutes" in verse 33.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "mercy" in this verse is chesed, a rich term often translated as "steadfast love," "lovingkindness," or "covenant loyalty." It implies a deep, enduring commitment and faithfulness from God to His people. "Statutes" (Hebrew: choq) refers to God's divinely appointed decrees or ordinances, emphasizing their authoritative and binding nature.

Practical Application

Psalms 119:124 offers a timeless model for prayer and spiritual living. It teaches us to approach God with genuine humility, acknowledging our deep need for His unmerited favor rather than relying on our own perceived righteousness. Furthermore, it underscores the vital importance of a continual desire to learn, understand, and apply God's Word in our daily lives. In a world often characterized by self-sufficiency, this verse reminds us that true wisdom and guidance originate from divine instruction, and that a heart open to God's truth is essential for navigating life's complexities.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Psalms 119:12 (11 votes)

    ¶ Blessed [art] thou, O LORD: teach me thy statutes.

  • Psalms 119:76 (9 votes)

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

  • Psalms 119:77 (9 votes)

    Let thy tender mercies come unto me, that I may live: for thy law [is] my delight.

  • Daniel 9:18 (8 votes)

    O my God, incline thine ear, and hear; open thine eyes, and behold our desolations, and the city which is called by thy name: for we do not present our supplications before thee for our righteousnesses, but for thy great mercies.

  • Psalms 130:7 (8 votes)

    Let Israel hope in the LORD: for with the LORD [there is] mercy, and with him [is] plenteous redemption.

  • Psalms 103:10 (7 votes)

    He hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities.

  • Psalms 119:26 (7 votes)

    ¶ I have declared my ways, and thou heardest me: teach me thy statutes.