Psalms 119:85

Psalm 119:85 is a poignant cry from the psalmist, expressing the deep distress caused by those who oppose God's ways. Part of the longest chapter in the Bible, a profound meditation on God's law, this verse highlights the contrast between the righteous path and the malicious schemes of the wicked.

Context

Psalm 119 is an acrostic poem, with each stanza of eight verses beginning with a successive letter of the Hebrew alphabet. Throughout this extensive psalm, the author (traditionally believed to be David, though some suggest Ezra) expresses an unwavering love and devotion to God's law, statutes, precepts, and commandments. Amidst this devotion, the psalmist frequently laments the opposition faced from "the proud" or "the insolent" who disregard divine instruction. The imagery of "digging pits" is a common biblical metaphor, found elsewhere in the Psalms and Proverbs (e.g., Psalm 7:15), representing treacherous plots, hidden traps, and malicious intentions designed to ensnare or harm. This cultural context evokes the danger of ambush and betrayal.

Key Themes and Messages

• The Malice of the Proud: The verse vividly portrays the active hostility and deceptive nature of those who oppose God's people. Their actions are not accidental but deliberate, calculated plots to cause harm and distress to the righteous.
• The Unrighteousness of Lawlessness: The crucial phrase, "which are not after thy law," underscores the fundamental contrast between the wicked's actions and God's divine standard. Their schemes are inherently unjust and contrary to the principles of righteousness and truth revealed in God's word. This provides the basis for the psalmist's appeal to God.
• The Righteous's Distress and Appeal: Despite experiencing severe persecution, the psalmist finds solace and a basis for appeal in God's unchanging law. This verse reflects the cry of a righteous soul oppressed by ungodly forces, seeking divine intervention and justice against those who despise God's commands.

Linguistic Insight

The term "proud" (Hebrew: zedim or ge'im, depending on the specific form in the text) refers to individuals who are arrogant, insolent, and presumptuous, often acting with contempt for God and His law. They are characterized by their defiance and opposition to divine authority. The phrase "digged pits" (Hebrew: karu shuchah) is a powerful and concrete image of setting a hidden trap, emphasizing the deceitful and insidious nature of their plots. It suggests a deliberate attempt to cause downfall through treachery.

Practical Application

Psalm 119:85 offers timeless insights for believers navigating a world that often opposes biblical truth:

• Acknowledge Opposition: It reminds us that opposition from those who reject God's ways is not new. Believers may face plots, criticism, or schemes designed to undermine their faith or well-being.
• Trust in God's Standard: In the face of injustice, our comfort and hope lie in the fact that God's law is the ultimate, unchanging standard of righteousness. He sees and judges all actions, especially those "not after thy law."
• Live by God's Word: The psalmist's distress serves as a call to steadfastness. Our unwavering commitment to God's law becomes our guide and defense in a world full of lawlessness, providing a clear distinction between right and wrong.
• Pray for Deliverance and Justice: Like the psalmist, we can bring our grievances before God, confident that He hears the cries of His people and will ultimately bring justice against those who act contrary to His will. This verse implicitly calls for God's intervention and deliverance (Psalm 59:1).