Psalms 119:146
I cried unto thee; save me, and I shall keep thy testimonies.
Original Language Analysis
קְרָאתִ֥יךָ
I cried
H7121
קְרָאתִ֥יךָ
I cried
Strong's:
H7121
Word #:
1 of 4
to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)
הוֹשִׁיעֵ֑נִי
unto thee save
H3467
הוֹשִׁיעֵ֑נִי
unto thee save
Strong's:
H3467
Word #:
2 of 4
properly, to be open, wide or free, i.e., (by implication) to be safe; causatively, to free or succor
Historical Context
Israel's archetypal salvation was the Exodus—deliverance from Egypt in order to serve YHWH at Sinai (Exodus 19:4-6). Salvation was always for covenant relationship and obedience, not merely from bondage.
Questions for Reflection
- How does understanding salvation as rescue for obedience (not from obedience) reshape your view of grace and law?
- In what areas of life do you need to cry 'save me' so that you can faithfully keep God's testimonies?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
I cried unto thee; save me (קְרָאתִיךָ הוֹשִׁיעֵנִי, qeratikha hoshieni)—The cry becomes more direct: save me (hoshieni, from yasha, to deliver, rescue). This is the root of Yeshua (Jesus)—"YHWH saves." And I shall keep thy testimonies—Again, salvation is sought not for comfort alone but for faithful obedience. Deliverance enables covenant fidelity.
Biblical soteriology consistently links salvation and sanctification. Titus 2:14 says Christ redeemed us "that he might... purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works." Ephesians 2:10 declares we are "created in Christ Jesus unto good works." Salvation is rescue from sin's penalty and power—freedom to obey God's testimonies, not freedom from obligation to them.