(1) Outline
(EBC)
129–31 The psalmist considers the many benefits of God’s word. His “statutes” are “wonderful” (v. 129). Through them he gains insight into the “wonderful” acts and perfections of the Lord. God’s revelation illumines so that even those not experienced in the realities of life may gain wisdom. Because of these and other benefits, the psalmist...“pants” for them as he waits with great anticipation...
132–36 The psalmist prays with great zeal for the Lord’s blessing... His prayer for God’s blessing is in accordance with God’s own promises “to those who love your name” . The psalmist asks for the Lord to be faithful to his word and to his past fidelity to his people . The psalmist too gives himself with greater commitment to do God’s will (“let no sin rule over me,” v. 133; “that I may obey your precepts,” v. 134; “and teach me your decrees,” v. 135; cf. v. 124). So great is his zeal for God’s law that he weeps over the continuation of rebellion and transgression (v. 136). The idiom “streams [lit., ‘irrigation canals,’ see 1:3] of tears” is a hyperbole for deep sorrow and anguish of soul.
132–36 The psalmist prays with great zeal for the Lord’s blessing... His prayer for God’s blessing is in accordance with God’s own promises “to those who love your name” . The psalmist asks for the Lord to be faithful to his word and to his past fidelity to his people . The psalmist too gives himself with greater commitment to do God’s will (“let no sin rule over me,” v. 133; “that I may obey your precepts,” v. 134; “and teach me your decrees,” v. 135; cf. v. 124). So great is his zeal for God’s law that he weeps over the continuation of rebellion and transgression (v. 136). The idiom “streams [lit., ‘irrigation canals,’ see 1:3] of tears” is a hyperbole for deep sorrow and anguish of soul.
(2) Repeated idea:
119:129 Your rules are marvelous.
Therefore I observe them.
119:130 Your instructions are a doorway through which light shines.
They give insight to the untrained.
119:133 Direct my steps by your word! Do not let any sin dominate me!
119:134 Deliver me from oppressive men,
so that I can keep your precepts.
119:135 Smile (NET: lit=“cause your face to shine") on your servant!
Teach me your statutes!
Why are the Words marvelous? Because they gave light and insight to the untrained who was the psalmist. Why do people need light or insight is because they are in the darkness. The darkness that God's Words shines on is the sin that could dominate us. The oppressive man could be the wicked who is against God's words. In order words, we need God's Word because we have sin and we live with the wicked people who are against God's Word.
(3) Reflection: Are you lack of insight for life like me? I admit that. I do not know how to deal with certain decisions e.g. financial decisions. I have a hard time deciding whether I should have a friend in a certain way. I do not know what is the best word to say to consult people in difficult situations. May we all come to God and ask the Holy Spirit to remind us of the Scriptures that is relevant to our situations.
Audrey
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