Psalms 119:152
Concerning thy testimonies, I have known of old that thou hast founded them for ever.
Original Language Analysis
קֶ֣דֶם
of old
H6924
קֶ֣דֶם
of old
Strong's:
H6924
Word #:
1 of 6
the front, of place (absolutely, the fore part, relatively the east) or time (antiquity); often used adverbially (before, anciently, eastward)
יָ֭דַעְתִּי
I have known
H3045
יָ֭דַעְתִּי
I have known
Strong's:
H3045
Word #:
2 of 6
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
כִּ֖י
H3588
כִּ֖י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
4 of 6
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
Historical Context
In a world of competing religious claims and constantly shifting empires, Israel's confidence rested on the eternal stability of YHWH's Word. This confidence sustained the faithful through exile, persecution, and cultural pressure to compromise.
Questions for Reflection
- How does knowing that God's testimonies are 'founded forever' affect your confidence in Scripture's authority today?
- What difference does long-term, experiential knowledge of God's Word make compared to mere intellectual assent?
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Analysis & Commentary
Concerning thy testimonies, I have known of old (מֵעֵדֹתֶיךָ יָדַעְתִּי מִקֶּדֶם, me-edotekha yadati mi-qedem)—Yadati (I have known) implies intimate, experiential knowledge, not mere acquaintance. Mi-qedem means "from ancient time," suggesting both the antiquity of God's revelation and the psalmist's long familiarity. That thou hast founded them for ever (כִּי לְעוֹלָם יְסַדְתָּם, ki le-olam yesadtam)—God founded (yasad, established, laid a foundation for) His testimonies eternally.
Jesus declared, "Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law" (Matthew 5:18). Peter writes, "The word of the Lord endureth for ever" (1 Peter 1:25). God's testimonies are not evolving cultural artifacts but eternal foundations—as immovable as creation itself. This verse grounds confidence: what God has established from eternity will stand through all ages. Scripture is not subject to revision.