Psalms 119:14
I have rejoiced in the way of thy testimonies, as much as in all riches.
Original Language Analysis
בְּדֶ֖רֶךְ
in the way
H1870
בְּדֶ֖רֶךְ
in the way
Strong's:
H1870
Word #:
1 of 6
a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb
כְּעַ֣ל
as much as in
H5921
כְּעַ֣ל
as much as in
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
4 of 6
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
Cross References
Matthew 13:44Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field; the which when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field.Psalms 119:162I rejoice at thy word, as one that findeth great spoil.Jeremiah 15:16Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called by thy name, O LORD God of hosts.Psalms 112:1Praise ye the LORD. Blessed is the man that feareth the LORD, that delighteth greatly in his commandments.Psalms 119:111Thy testimonies have I taken as an heritage for ever: for they are the rejoicing of my heart.Psalms 119:127Therefore I love thy commandments above gold; yea, above fine gold.Job 23:12Neither have I gone back from the commandment of his lips; I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary food.Psalms 119:72The law of thy mouth is better unto me than thousands of gold and silver.Psalms 119:77Let thy tender mercies come unto me, that I may live: for thy law is my delight.Psalms 119:47And I will delight myself in thy commandments, which I have loved.
Historical Context
In the ancient world, wealth meant security, status, and power. Riches could purchase protection, influence, and comfort. For the psalmist to value God's testimonies equally suggests a radical reorientation of values. This counter-cultural perspective would have challenged Israel's frequent temptation to pursue material prosperity through political alliances and economic opportunism rather than covenant faithfulness.
Questions for Reflection
- Do you genuinely rejoice in Scripture with the same intensity that people pursue wealth and success?
- What practical changes would occur in your life if you truly valued God's Word as much as financial security?
- How can you cultivate deeper joy in obeying God's testimonies rather than viewing them as restrictive obligations?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
I have rejoiced in the way of thy testimonies, as much as in all riches. Here the psalmist expresses extraordinary delight in Scripture. Rejoiced (sasti, שַׂשְׂתִּי) conveys exultation and joy, not mere intellectual appreciation. The object is the way of thy testimonies (derek edotekha, דֶּרֶךְ עֵדְוֹתֶיךָ)—not just the content of God's testimonies but the path of living according to them. Testimonies (edot, עֵדוֹת) are God's witnesses to His character and covenant faithfulness.
The comparison to all riches (kol-hon, כָּל־הוֹן) is striking. The psalmist values God's Word more than unlimited material wealth—the very treasures most people pursue with passion. This echoes verse 72's declaration that God's law is better than thousands of gold and silver pieces. Jesus would later teach that the kingdom of heaven is like a treasure worth selling everything to obtain (Matthew 13:44), and Paul counted all things as loss compared to knowing Christ (Philippians 3:8).