Psalms 119:153

Authorized King James Version

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Consider mine affliction, and deliver me: for I do not forget thy law.

Original Language Analysis

רְאֵֽה RESH Consider H7200
רְאֵֽה RESH Consider
Strong's: H7200
Word #: 1 of 7
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
עָנְיִ֥י mine affliction H6040
עָנְיִ֥י mine affliction
Strong's: H6040
Word #: 2 of 7
depression, i.e., misery
וְחַלְּצֵ֑נִי and deliver H2502
וְחַלְּצֵ֑נִי and deliver
Strong's: H2502
Word #: 3 of 7
to pull off; hence (intensively) to strip, (reflexive) to depart; by implication, to deliver, equip (for fight); present, strengthen
כִּי H3588
כִּי
Strong's: H3588
Word #: 4 of 7
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
תֽ֝וֹרָתְךָ֗ thy law H8451
תֽ֝וֹרָתְךָ֗ thy law
Strong's: H8451
Word #: 5 of 7
a precept or statute, especially the decalogue or pentateuch
לֹ֣א H3808
לֹ֣א
Strong's: H3808
Word #: 6 of 7
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
שָׁכָֽחְתִּי׃ me for I do not forget H7911
שָׁכָֽחְתִּי׃ me for I do not forget
Strong's: H7911
Word #: 7 of 7
to mislay, i.e., to be oblivious of, from want of memory or attention

Analysis & Commentary

Consider mine affliction, and deliver me (רְאֵה־עָנְיִי וְחַלְּצֵנִי, re'eh-onyi vechaltzeni)—The Resh (ר) stanza opens with a legal appeal: re'eh means 'look upon with judicial attention.' The psalmist grounds his petition in covenant loyalty: I do not forget thy law (תוֹרָתֶךָ לֹא שָׁכָחְתִּי, toratekha lo shakhachti). Chalatz ('deliver') carries military connotations—God as warrior-rescuer pulling the faithful from enemy hands.

This verse anticipates Christ's cry from the cross, where affliction and covenant faithfulness meet. The psalmist's plea echoes through Gethsemane and Calvary, where perfect Torah-obedience endured ultimate oni (affliction) to deliver us.

Historical Context

Psalm 119, the longest chapter in Scripture (176 verses), is an elaborate acrostic poem—each eight-verse section begins with successive Hebrew letters. Verses 153-160 form the Resh (ר) section, traditionally associated with deliverance and seeing. Likely composed during exile or persecution, when Torah faithfulness meant suffering.

Questions for Reflection

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