Psalms 119:135

Make thy face to shine upon thy servant; and teach me thy statutes.

Word-by-Word Analysis

פָּ֭נֶיךָ

H6440

Make thy face

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

הָאֵ֣ר

H215

to shine

to be (causative, make) luminous (literally and metaphorically)

בְּעַבְדֶּ֑ךָ

H5650

upon thy servant

a servant

וְ֝לַמְּדֵ֗נִי

H3925

and teach

properly, to goad, i.e., (by implication) to teach (the rod being an middle eastern incentive)

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

חֻקֶּֽיךָ׃

H2706

me thy statutes

an enactment; hence, an appointment (of time, space, quantity, labor or usage)

Analysis

The worship and praise theme here intersects with the broader canonical witness to God's character and purposes. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of progressive revelation that finds its culmination in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's consistent character and purposes.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the Israelite monarchy with its court politics and military conflicts. The author writes to address worshipers in the temple and those seeking God in times of distress, making the emphasis on worship and praise particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

How might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
How does the worship and praise theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of the progressive revelation of God's purposes throughout Scripture, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?