Psalms 119:157
Many are my persecutors and mine enemies; yet do I not decline from thy testimonies.
Original Language Analysis
רַ֭בִּים
Many
H7227
רַ֭בִּים
Many
Strong's:
H7227
Word #:
1 of 6
abundant (in quantity, size, age, number, rank, quality)
רֹדְפַ֣י
are my persecutors
H7291
רֹדְפַ֣י
are my persecutors
Strong's:
H7291
Word #:
2 of 6
to run after (usually with hostile intent; figuratively [of time] gone by)
Cross References
Psalms 119:51The proud have had me greatly in derision: yet have I not declined from thy law.1 Corinthians 15:58Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.Isaiah 42:4He shall not fail nor be discouraged, till he have set judgment in the earth: and the isles shall wait for his law.Job 17:9The righteous also shall hold on his way, and he that hath clean hands shall be stronger and stronger.Job 23:11My foot hath held his steps, his way have I kept, and not declined.
Historical Context
The language of 'pursuers' recalls David fleeing Saul (1 Samuel), prophets persecuted by kings (1 Kings 19:2), and faithful Jews under Antiochus Epiphanes (1 Maccabees 1:52-63). The psalm likely reflects either personal persecution or the exile experience, where maintaining Torah-observance meant suffering.
Questions for Reflection
- How does persecution reveal whether your obedience to God's Word is convenient preference or covenant commitment?
- What specific 'testimonies' (<em>edot</em>) are you most tempted to 'decline from' under social pressure?
- How does Christ's unwavering faithfulness under persecution empower you to stand firm in yours?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Many are my persecutors and mine enemies (רַבִּים רֹדְפַי וְצָרָי, rabbim rodfai vetzarai)—Rodef means 'pursue, chase down, hunt'; tzar means 'narrow place, distress, adversary.' The psalmist is hunted prey in confined space. Yet: do I not decline from thy testimonies (מֵעֵדוֹתֶיךָ לֹא נָטִיתִי, me'edotekha lo natiti). Natah means 'turn aside, deviate, bend away.' Under pressure, he maintains straight-line fidelity to edot (testimonies, covenant witness).
This verse prefigures Christ's steadfastness through persecution. Acts 4:27-28 identifies Jesus's rodfim (pursuers)—Herod, Pilate, Gentiles, Israel—yet He never deviated from the Father's testimony.