Psalms 119:137
Righteous art thou, O LORD, and upright are thy judgments.
Original Language Analysis
Cross References
Psalms 145:17The LORD is righteous in all his ways, and holy in all his works.Jeremiah 12:1Righteous art thou, O LORD, when I plead with thee: yet let me talk with thee of thy judgments: Wherefore doth the way of the wicked prosper? wherefore are all they happy that deal very treacherously?Ezra 9:15O LORD God of Israel, thou art righteous: for we remain yet escaped, as it is this day: behold, we are before thee in our trespasses: for we cannot stand before thee because of this.Revelation 16:7And I heard another out of the altar say, Even so, Lord God Almighty, true and righteous are thy judgments.Psalms 99:4The king's strength also loveth judgment; thou dost establish equity, thou executest judgment and righteousness in Jacob.Psalms 103:6The LORD executeth righteousness and judgment for all that are oppressed.Nehemiah 9:33Howbeit thou art just in all that is brought upon us; for thou hast done right, but we have done wickedly:Deuteronomy 32:4He is the Rock, his work is perfect: for all his ways are judgment: a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is he.Daniel 9:14Therefore hath the LORD watched upon the evil, and brought it upon us: for the LORD our God is righteous in all his works which he doeth: for we obeyed not his voice.Daniel 9:7O Lord, righteousness belongeth unto thee, but unto us confusion of faces, as at this day; to the men of Judah, and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and unto all Israel, that are near, and that are far off, through all the countries whither thou hast driven them, because of their trespass that they have trespassed against thee.
Historical Context
Psalm 119 is the longest chapter in Scripture, an elaborate acrostic with 22 eight-verse stanzas (one per Hebrew letter). Each verse in the Tsadhe section (vv. 137-144) begins with צ. The psalm was likely used in temple worship and personal meditation on Torah.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's unchanging righteousness provide stability when your circumstances feel unjust?
- What is the relationship between declaring God's righteousness (v. 137) and experiencing His vindication in your trials?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Righteous art thou, O LORD (צַדִּיק אַתָּה יְהוָה, tsaddiq attah YHWH)—The Tsadhe (צ) stanza begins by declaring God's essential character. Tsaddiq is not mere legal correctness but covenant faithfulness, the same righteousness God requires of His people. Upright are thy judgments (mishpatim)—God's legal verdicts and moral governance flow from His perfect nature.
This verse anchors all complaint and petition in God's character. Before the psalmist appeals for vindication (vv. 138-144), he affirms that YHWH Himself is the standard of righteousness. Paul echoes this in Romans 3:26, where God is both just and justifier—His righteousness is the basis for declaring sinners righteous.