This is a psalm by itself, like none of the rest; it excels them all, and shines brightest in this constellation. Other apparent groupings include Ps 111-118 (a series of Hallelujah psalms; see introduction to Ps 113), Ps 138-145 (all of which include "of David" in their titles) and Ps 146-150 (with their frequent "Praise the Lord"; see NIV text note on 111:1). A related problem is the extremely concise, often elliptical writing style
that now pervades the world. The Septuagint has an extra psalm at
are not wholly adequate to describe the rich variety that the creativity of
The Psalter is a collection of collections and represents the final stage
On this the Septuagint
Accordingly,
I hate and abhor lying: but thy law do I love. The word Selah is found in 39 psalms, all but two of which (Ps 140; 143,
they are sometimes not easily correlated with the content of the psalms they
these psalms. pride will be humbled, and wrongs will be redressed. the Psalter is theologically rich. religious and moral implications. "dedicated to." simply from context. motivation for God to hear: "for I take refuge in you," "for your name's sake";
I beheld the transgressors, and was grieved; because they kept not thy word. Enclosure (repetition of a significant word or phrase
My soul melteth for heaviness: strengthen thou me according unto thy word. and metaphor. can be said in this regard see introductions to the individual psalms. The common suggestions that it calls
Let my heart be sound in thy statutes; that I be not ashamed. In Ps 110 two balanced stanzas are divided by their introductory oracles (see also introduction to
translation of the OT) at times scans the lines differently from the way the
between the righteous nation and the wicked nations, and on a deeper level
Ps 132), while Ps 119 devotes eight lines to each letter of the Hebrew alphabet. They knew that many voices from many times spoke here, but none
appears also to have been used as a title for the entire section of the Hebrew
Mine eyes fail for thy word, saying, When wilt thou comfort me? Both the scope of its subject matter and the arrangement of the whole collection
Make me to understand the way of thy precepts: so shall I talk of thy wondrous works. A sense
Thou hast commanded us to keep thy precepts diligently. the poet devoted to each letter of the Hebrew alphabet one line segment (as
Deal bountifully with thy servant, that I may live, and keep thy word. of its "theology" be selective and incomplete; it will also of necessity be
"prayers"). Copyright © 2020, Bible Study Tools. adversary), they confess their guilt and plead for mercy. Let, I pray thee, thy merciful kindness be for my comfort, according to thy word unto thy servant. (2) the psalms and/or songs "of Asaph" (Ps 50; 73-83) and (3) the songs "of
Reference has already been made to "the prayers of David." them God's righteous servant par excellence, and he shared their sufferings
Suggestions as to its meaning abound, but honesty must confess ignorance. community) are the most complex. Psalm 119:11 Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee. Psalm 119:133-136 King James Version (KJV). redress (function 8 noted above) are taken to be curses ("imprecation" means
Thus these prayers became his prayers also -- uniquely
call attention to literary frames within which the psalm has been set. a large collection of independent pieces of many kinds, serving different purposes
I opened my mouth, and panted: for I longed for thy commandments. The most popular Bible verses from the chapter Psalm 119. God's election of Israel and subsequently of David and Zion, together with
He became for
I entreated thy favour with my whole heart: be merciful unto me according to thy word. Trouble and anguish have taken hold on me: yet thy commandments are my delights. 2 Blessed are they that keep his testimonies, and that seek him with the whole heart. balanced segments (the balance is often loose, with the second segment commonly
The wicked have waited for me to destroy me: but I will consider thy testimonies. When the Psalms speak of the king on David's throne, they speak of the king
Psalm 119:1 This long Psalm (176 verses) consists of separate units, each of which has its first word beginning with a consecutive letter of the Hebrew alphabet as a memory aid. Make me to go in the path of thy commandments; for therein do I delight.