Psalms 119:159
Consider how I love thy precepts: quicken me, O LORD, according to thy lovingkindness.
Original Language Analysis
רְ֭אֵה
Consider
H7200
רְ֭אֵה
Consider
Strong's:
H7200
Word #:
1 of 7
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
כִּי
H3588
כִּי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
2 of 7
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
פִקּוּדֶ֣יךָ
thy precepts
H6490
פִקּוּדֶ֣יךָ
thy precepts
Strong's:
H6490
Word #:
3 of 7
properly, appointed, i.e., a mandate (of god; plural only, collectively, for the law)
יְ֝הוָ֗ה
me O LORD
H3068
יְ֝הוָ֗ה
me O LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
5 of 7
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
Cross References
Psalms 119:97O how love I thy law! it is my meditation all the day.Psalms 119:153Consider mine affliction, and deliver me: for I do not forget thy law.Nehemiah 13:22And I commanded the Levites that they should cleanse themselves, and that they should come and keep the gates, to sanctify the sabbath day. Remember me, O my God, concerning this also, and spare me according to the greatness of thy mercy.
Historical Context
The final verse of the Resh (ר) section returns to the 'consider' (re'eh) of v. 153, framing the stanza. The psalmist moves from 'see my affliction' to 'see my love'—both appeal to the covenant relationship. Chesed is the glue of covenant; it obligates God to respond to those who love His Torah.
Questions for Reflection
- How is love for God's precepts both the evidence of regeneration and the means of ongoing spiritual vitality?
- What would it look like to pray 'quicken me according to your <em>chesed</em>' in a specific area of spiritual dullness?
- How does John 14:15 ('If ye love me, keep my commandments') inform your understanding of loving God's precepts?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Consider how I love thy precepts (רְאֵה כִּי־פִקּוּדֶיךָ אָהָבְתִּי, re'eh ki-fiqudekha ahavti)—The psalmist bids God 'see' (re'eh) his love (ahavah) for piqudim (precepts, orders, mandates). The word order emphasizes object: 'your precepts—I love.' Quicken me, O LORD, according to thy lovingkindness (יְהוָה כְּחַסְדְּךָ חַיֵּנִי, YHWH kechasdekha chayeni)—chesed, that covenant-keeping faithful love, becomes the measure of quickening.
This anticipates Jesus's criterion for love: 'If ye love me, keep my commandments' (John 14:15). Love for God's precepts validates love for God Himself. The quickening comes through chesed—the very attribute Hosea 6:6 prizes above sacrifice.