Psalms 119:122
Be surety for thy servant for good: let not the proud oppress me.
Original Language Analysis
עֲרֹ֣ב
Be surety
H6148
עֲרֹ֣ב
Be surety
Strong's:
H6148
Word #:
1 of 6
to braid, i.e., intermix; technically, to traffic (as if by barter); also or give to be security (as a kind of exchange)
לְט֑וֹב
for good
H2896
לְט֑וֹב
for good
Strong's:
H2896
Word #:
3 of 6
good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good
אַֽל
H408
אַֽל
Strong's:
H408
Word #:
4 of 6
not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing
Cross References
Hebrews 7:22By so much was Jesus made a surety of a better testament.Isaiah 38:14Like a crane or a swallow, so did I chatter: I did mourn as a dove: mine eyes fail with looking upward: O LORD, I am oppressed; undertake for me.Psalms 119:21Thou hast rebuked the proud that are cursed, which do err from thy commandments.Job 17:3Lay down now, put me in a surety with thee; who is he that will strike hands with me?
Historical Context
The concept of surety was well-established in ancient Near Eastern legal practice. In Israel's covenant framework, asking God to be surety inverts the typical pattern—instead of humans guaranteeing obligations to God, God guarantees protection for His faithful servant.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Christ's role as surety of the new covenant (Hebrews 7:22) provide security against your spiritual enemies?
- What 'proud' voices in culture today seek to oppress biblical faithfulness?
- Do you boldly ask God to personally guarantee your spiritual welfare, or do you rely on your own strength?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Be surety for thy servant for good (עֲרֹב עַבְדְּךָ לְטוֹב, arov avdekha l'tov)—The verb arav means to stand as guarantor or pledge security, used of Judah's surety for Benjamin (Gen 43:9). The psalmist asks God Himself to become his bondsman against oppressors—a bold request fulfilled in Christ, who became surety of the better covenant (Heb 7:22).
Let not the proud oppress me (זֵדִים, zedim)—The proud/arrogant ones who presumptuously violate God's law. This echoes v. 51, 69, 78, 85—a recurring threat throughout the psalm, representing those who reject divine authority.