Psalms 119:159

Psalms 119:159 is a heartfelt plea from the psalmist, encapsulating a profound love for God's instructions combined with an earnest request for divine intervention and life. It reflects a deep spiritual dependency on God's unwavering character.

Context

Psalm 119 is the longest chapter in the Bible, an elaborate acrostic poem (though the KJV translation doesn't explicitly show the Hebrew acrostic structure) that is a continuous meditation on God's Word, referred to by various synonyms such as law, statutes, precepts, commandments, judgments, testimonies, and word. Throughout its 176 verses, the psalmist expresses deep devotion to God's instructions, often amidst suffering, opposition, and a sense of vulnerability. Verse 159 falls within the "Resh" section, where the psalmist continues to articulate his righteous walk and his reliance on God's justice and mercy in the face of adversaries.

Key Themes

• Love for God's Precepts: The opening phrase, "Consider how I love thy precepts," is a declaration of the psalmist's profound affection and commitment to God's commands. This isn't merely intellectual agreement but a deep, emotional attachment to the divine will, seeing it as good, right, and life-giving. This love is presented as a basis for his plea, not as a merit, but as a sincere orientation of his heart. For more on this theme, see Psalms 119:97.
• Dependence on Divine Revival ("Quicken Me"): The urgent cry, "quicken me, O LORD," signifies a deep awareness of human weakness and the constant need for God's life-giving power. The psalmist seeks spiritual renewal, preservation from spiritual or physical death, and vigor to continue obeying God's ways. This plea is common throughout Psalm 119, highlighting the ongoing need for God's empowering grace (Psalms 119:25, Psalms 119:37).
• God's Lovingkindness as the Basis for Hope: The request is anchored in God's "lovingkindness." This refers to God's steadfast, faithful love, His covenant loyalty, and mercy. The psalmist appeals not to his own worthiness, but to the very character of God. It's a prayer rooted in trust that God will act according to His gracious nature.

Linguistic Insights

• "Precepts" (Hebrew: piqqudîm): This term refers to specific instructions or ordinances given by God, often implying a detailed command that needs to be observed. It emphasizes God's careful oversight and guidance for His people.
• "Quicken me" (Hebrew: ḥayēh-nî): Literally meaning "cause me to live" or "give me life." In the context of Psalm 119, it often carries the nuance of spiritual revival, renewed strength, or preservation from affliction and death, allowing the psalmist to continue living righteously and serving God.
• "Lovingkindness" (Hebrew: ḥeseḏ): This is a crucial theological term in the Old Testament, representing God's loyal love, mercy, and covenant faithfulness. It describes God's unwavering commitment to His people, a love that is both powerful and enduring. The psalmist appeals to this fundamental aspect of God's character as the foundation for his request for life and sustenance. For a deeper understanding of God's hesed, consider Exodus 34:6.

Practical Application

This verse offers a powerful model for prayer and spiritual living:

1. Examine Your Heart: It challenges us to honestly consider the depth of our own love for God's Word. Do we truly cherish His precepts, or do we see them as burdens?
2. Acknowledge Dependence: Like the psalmist, we must recognize our constant need for God's life-giving power. When we feel spiritually weary, dry, or overwhelmed, we can cry out to Him for renewal.
3. Appeal to God's Character: Our prayers are most effective when they are grounded in God's unchanging nature. We can confidently ask for His help, not based on our merit, but on His infinite "lovingkindness" and faithfulness.
4. Persevere in Faith: Even in the midst of hardship, our love for God's Word should drive us to seek Him, trusting that He will sustain us according to His faithful love and purpose.