Psalms 119:68

Psalms 119:68 beautifully encapsulates a fundamental truth about God and a heartfelt plea from a devoted worshipper. It declares God's inherent nature as good and His consistent actions as benevolent, followed by a humble request for divine instruction.

Context

Psalm 119 is the longest psalm in the Bible, a magnificent acrostic poem (though the KJV translation doesn't always preserve the acrostic nature directly) that celebrates the beauty, wisdom, and necessity of God's law, or Torah. Each section of eight verses begins with a successive letter of the Hebrew alphabet. Verse 68 falls within the 'Ayin' section, where the psalmist continues to express his deep love for God's precepts and his desire to live according to them, often in the face of affliction or opposition. This verse highlights the personal relationship the psalmist has with God, rooted in trust in God's character.

Key Themes

• The Unchanging Goodness of God: The opening phrase, "Thou art good, and doest good," is a profound theological statement. It asserts that God is not merely good in His actions, but that goodness is His very essence and nature. His deeds flow directly from who He is. This foundational truth provides the bedrock for faith and trust, affirming that everything God does is ultimately for the good of His creation and consistent with His holy character. This resonates with other scriptures, such as 1 Chronicles 16:34, which proclaims, "O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good."
• A Humble Desire for Divine Instruction: Following the declaration of God's goodness, the psalmist immediately prays, "teach me thy statutes." This reveals a deep hunger to understand and align one's life with God's perfect will. It's a recognition that human wisdom is insufficient and that true understanding of God's ways comes through His revelation. This plea for divine guidance is a recurring theme throughout Psalm 119 and is a model for believers seeking to live righteously. It echoes the prayer found in Psalm 25:4, "Shew me thy ways, O LORD; teach me thy paths."

Linguistic Insights

• The Hebrew word for "good" is tov (טוֹב), which is a rich term encompassing more than just moral uprightness. It includes ideas of pleasantness, benefit, prosperity, and suitability. When applied to God, it signifies His comprehensive benevolence and the beneficial nature of all His dealings.
• "Statutes" is translated from the Hebrew choq or chuqqah (חֻקָּה), which refers to an ordained decree, an established ordinance, or a prescribed rule. These are not arbitrary laws but are divinely established principles for living, designed to guide humanity towards blessing and righteousness.

Significance and Application

Psalms 119:68 offers a powerful model for prayer and spiritual living:

• Foundation of Trust: Before asking for anything, the psalmist acknowledges God's inherent goodness. Our prayers and pursuit of God's will should always be rooted in the firm belief that God is good and His intentions towards us are always benevolent. This trust removes fear and opens the heart to receive His instruction.
• Dependence on God for Understanding: The verse highlights our need for divine teaching. We cannot fully grasp God's ways or live according to His standards without His direct intervention and guidance through His Word and Spirit. It's a call to humility, recognizing that true wisdom comes from above.
• Pursuit of Obedience: The desire to be taught God's statutes is not merely for intellectual knowledge but for practical obedience. Understanding God's commands is a step towards living them out, leading to a life that honors Him and experiences the blessings of following His path. This active pursuit of truth and sanctification is central to the Christian walk.

In a world that often questions God's character or offers countless paths, this verse provides a clear anchor: God is good, He does good, and His statutes are the true guide for life. We are invited to confidently approach Him, declaring His goodness, and humbly requesting His wisdom.