Psalms 119:87

They had almost consumed me upon earth; but I forsook not thy precepts.

They had almost {H4592} consumed {H3615} me upon earth {H776}; but I forsook {H5800} not thy precepts {H6490}.

They have nearly ended my life on earth, but I have not abandoned your precepts.

They almost wiped me from the earth, but I have not forsaken Your precepts.

They had almost consumed me upon earth; But I forsook not thy precepts.

Commentary

Psalms 119:87 stands as a powerful testament to enduring faith amidst overwhelming adversity. In this verse, the psalmist expresses the intense pressure and danger he faced, stating, "They had almost consumed me upon earth; but I forsook not thy precepts." It highlights a moment of profound crisis met with unwavering commitment to God's divine law.

Context

Psalm 119 is the longest chapter in the Bible, an acrostic poem (divided into 22 sections, each corresponding to a letter of the Hebrew alphabet) entirely devoted to extolling the virtues and power of God's Word, referred to by various synonyms like statutes, judgments, commandments, and precepts. Verse 87 falls within the 'Kaph' section (verses 81-88), where the psalmist often describes his deep distress and longing for God's salvation, yet consistently reaffirms his devotion to God's commands despite his suffering. The "they" likely refers to enemies, oppressors, or those who persecuted the psalmist for his faithfulness to God, indicating a tangible and life-threatening opposition.

Key Themes

  • Perseverance in Adversity: The phrase "They had almost consumed me" vividly portrays the psalmist's near-total destruction. Yet, his response, "but I forsook not thy precepts," demonstrates remarkable spiritual resilience and steadfastness in the face of immense pressure. This verse powerfully illustrates the principle of perseverance through suffering, a common theme in Scripture.
  • Fidelity to God's Word: At the core of the psalmist's endurance is his unwavering commitment to God's precepts. These are His divinely appointed instructions and commands, which serve as a anchor and source of strength when all else seems to fail. This adherence is a recurring theme throughout Psalm 119, emphasizing the light and guidance God's word provides.
  • Divine Sustenance: Implicit in the psalmist's survival and refusal to forsake God's precepts is the understanding that God Himself, through His Word, sustains him. Despite being on the brink of being "consumed," the psalmist is preserved because his hope and obedience are rooted in the divine.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "consumed" is kalah (כָּלָה), which means to finish, complete, or bring to an end, often implying destruction or perishing. Its use here emphasizes the severity of the threat—the psalmist was on the verge of being utterly destroyed or extinguished. The word "precepts" comes from piqqudim (פִּקּוּדִים), one of the many terms for God's law in Psalm 119, specifically referring to God's appointed commands or ordinances, highlighting their authoritative and specific nature.

Practical Application

Psalms 119:87 offers profound encouragement for believers today. When faced with overwhelming challenges, persecution, or circumstances that threaten to "consume" us, this verse reminds us of the power of holding fast to God's Word. Our adherence to His commands provides spiritual stability, wisdom, and the inner strength needed to endure. It teaches us that true resilience is found not in our own might, but in our unwavering devotion to the divine instructions that guide and sustain us through life's darkest moments. Even when near the breaking point, faithfulness to God's truth is our refuge and strength.

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Cross-References

  • Matthew 10:28 (7 votes)

    And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.

  • Psalms 119:61 (4 votes)

    ¶ The bands of the wicked have robbed me: [but] I have not forgotten thy law.

  • Isaiah 58:2 (4 votes)

    Yet they seek me daily, and delight to know my ways, as a nation that did righteousness, and forsook not the ordinance of their God: they ask of me the ordinances of justice; they take delight in approaching to God.

  • Psalms 119:51 (3 votes)

    ¶ The proud have had me greatly in derision: [yet] have I not declined from thy law.

  • 1 Samuel 26:24 (3 votes)

    And, behold, as thy life was much set by this day in mine eyes, so let my life be much set by in the eyes of the LORD, and let him deliver me out of all tribulation.

  • 1 Samuel 24:6 (2 votes)

    And he said unto his men, The LORD forbid that I should do this thing unto my master, the LORD'S anointed, to stretch forth mine hand against him, seeing he [is] the anointed of the LORD.

  • 1 Samuel 24:7 (2 votes)

    So David stayed his servants with these words, and suffered them not to rise against Saul. But Saul rose up out of the cave, and went on [his] way.