Psalms 119:134
Deliver me from the oppression of man: so will I keep thy precepts.
Original Language Analysis
פְּ֭דֵנִי
Deliver
H6299
פְּ֭דֵנִי
Deliver
Strong's:
H6299
Word #:
1 of 5
to sever, i.e., ransom; generally to release, preserve
מֵעֹ֣שֶׁק
me from the oppression
H6233
מֵעֹ֣שֶׁק
me from the oppression
Strong's:
H6233
Word #:
2 of 5
injury, fraud, (subjectively) distress, (concretely) unjust gain
אָדָ֑ם
of man
H120
אָדָ֑ם
of man
Strong's:
H120
Word #:
3 of 5
ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)
Historical Context
Israel's foundational experience was redemption from Egyptian oppression (padah me'osheq) to serve God at Sinai. The exodus pattern pervades Scripture: redemption precedes and enables obedience. New covenant believers are redeemed from sin's oppression to serve righteousness (Rom 6:17-18).
Questions for Reflection
- What human 'oppressions' (social pressure, unjust systems, toxic relationships) hinder your obedience to God?
- How does the biblical pattern—redemption for the purpose of obedience—challenge modern notions of freedom as autonomy?
- Are you asking God to deliver you from oppression so you can be comfortable, or so you can keep His precepts?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Deliver me from the oppression of man (פְּדֵנִי מֵעֹשֶׁק אָדָם, pedeni me'osheq adam)—Padah means to redeem, ransom, rescue. Osheq is oppression, extortion, exploitation. Human tyranny obstructs obedience; redemption from it enables faithfulness. Christ's redemption frees believers from enslaving powers (Gal 5:1).
So will I keep thy precepts (וְאֶשְׁמְרָה פִּקּוּדֶיךָ, v'eshmerah piqudeiḵa)—Shamar (keep, guard, observe) indicates the purpose of deliverance: not comfort, but obedience. Freedom from human oppression creates space for divine service. Exodus paradigm: delivered from Egypt to serve God (Exod 7:16).