6:20PM | Themes in Psalm 119

I. I am a stranger and pilgrim on the Earth, and need God's law to direct me and show me how to live

v.19
I am a stranger in the earth;
Do not hide Your commandments from me.

v.54
Your statutes have been my songs
In the house of my pilgrimage.

v.73
Your hands have made me and fashioned me!
Give me understanding, that I may learn Your commandments.

II. I obey and delight in God's law despite worldly opposition

v.22-24
Remove from me reproach and contempt,
For I have kept Your testimonies.
Princes also sit and speak against me,
But Your servant meditates on Your statutes.
Your testimonies also are my delight
And my counselors.

v.31
I cling to Your testimonies;
O Lord, do not put me to shame!

v.38
Turn away my reproach which I dread,
For Your judgments are good.

v.44-47
So shall I keep Your law continually,
Forever and ever.
And I will walk at liberty,
For I seek Your precepts.
I will speak of Your testimonies also before kings,
And will not be ashamed.
And I will delight myself in Your commandments,
Which I love.

v.51
The proud have me in great derision,
Yet I do not turn aside from Your law.

v.61
The cord of the wicked have bound me,
But I have not forgotten Your law.

v.69
The proud have forged a lie against me,
But I will keep Your precepts with my whole heart.

v.87
They almost made an end of me on earth,
But I did not forsake Your precepts.

v.95
The wicked wait for me to destroy me,
But I will consider Your testimonies.

v.109-111
My life is continually in my hand [in danger],
Yet I do not forget Your law.
The wicked have laid a snare for me,
Yet I have not strayed from Your precepts.
Your testimonies I have taken as a heritage forever,
For they are the rejoicing of my heart.

v.157
Many are my persecutors and my enemies,
Yet I do not turn from Your testimonies.

v.161-163
Princes persecute me without a cause,
But my heart stands in awe of Your word.
I rejoice at Your word
As one who finds great treasure.
I hate and abhor lying,
But I love Your law.

v.165
Great peace have those who love Your law,
And nothing causes them to stumble.