(1) Summary: (Kel) This stanza stresses the integrity and reliability of the word of the LORD: it is eternally righteous because the LORD is righteous; it is true and faithful because the LORD is. The point may be stated this way: Because God is (dependably) righteous, his word is everlastingly righteous and a comfort in times of anguish. For the psalmist anguish here comes from people who ignore and violate the word of the LORD; when he is zealous for the word of the LORD, his adversaries oppose him and cause him grief. Nevertheless, it is the word that brings him comfort and joy, and so he will not abandon it. The New Testament confirms that the law was holy and just and good (Rom. 7:12–16); Jesus declared that the word of the LORD is truth and the means of salvation and sanctification (John 17:17; see also 2 Cor. 6:7 and 1 Pet. 1:23). Believers today build their lives on the word; but the more they do, the more they find that people around them are uncomfortable with it. If believers are zealous to defend and proclaim the word, they will find strong opposition. And so they should do as this psalmist did, prove it to be true by relying on it, so that in times of opposition the word will increase their joy and comfort.
(2) Note and reflection: The psalmist stated that his zeal consumed him v.139. Why? It was because he saw that the Lord is just, His judgment and His words are fair, just and absolutely reliable v.137-138. Later on he said God's word is absolutely pure v.140. Do we have zeal for a person just because of how good that person is? Maybe. But, until that person interacts with us then we will enjoy him better. E.g. under the leadership of this person our society becomes more just and purer than we will love him. If I apply that to our relationship with God then I will say when we apply God's word in our lives v.144 and we will notice the difference whether God is just or not.
Comments