Psalms 119:23
Princes also did sit and speak against me: but thy servant did meditate in thy statutes.
Original Language Analysis
גַּ֤ם
H1571
גַּ֤ם
Strong's:
H1571
Word #:
1 of 8
properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and
יָֽשְׁב֣וּ
also did sit
H3427
יָֽשְׁב֣וּ
also did sit
Strong's:
H3427
Word #:
2 of 8
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
נִדְבָּ֑רוּ
and speak
H1696
נִדְבָּ֑רוּ
and speak
Strong's:
H1696
Word #:
5 of 8
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
Historical Context
Throughout biblical history, God's servants faced opposition from rulers—Moses from Pharaoh, David from Saul, Jeremiah from Judah's kings, the apostles from the Sanhedrin. Psalm 2 depicts kings conspiring against God's anointed, a pattern fulfilled in Jesus' trial (Acts 4:25-28). The psalmist's meditation during persecution models the response of the faithful remnant who trusted God's Word despite political hostility.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you maintain spiritual focus and Bible meditation when facing opposition or criticism?
- What does it look like practically to respond to powerful adversaries by meditating on Scripture rather than defending yourself?
- How does identifying as 'thy servant' provide perspective when facing attacks from those with worldly power?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Princes also did sit and speak against me: but thy servant did meditate in thy statutes. Opposition intensifies to include powerful leaders. Princes (sarim, שָׂרִים) are rulers, officials, or those with political authority and social influence. They sit (yashvu, יָשְׁבוּ), suggesting formal gatherings or judicial sessions, and speak against (nidbberu-bi, נִדְבְּרוּ־בִי) indicates conspiring, plotting, or slandering. The psalmist faces organized, high-level opposition—not random persecution but calculated hostility from the powerful.
The contrast is sharp: but thy servant did meditate in thy statutes (avdekha yasiach bechuqqekha, עַבְדְּךָ יָשִׂיחַ בְּחֻקֶּיךָ). While princes plot evil, God's servant contemplates divine truth. Meditate (siach, שִׂיחַ)—the same verb describing the princes' scheming—here describes righteous reflection. The psalmist refuses to be distracted or intimidated by powerful enemies; he remains absorbed in God's statutes (chuqqim, חֻקִּים). This echoes the experiences of Joseph, Daniel, and supremely Jesus, who faced opposition from religious and political authorities yet remained faithful to God's Word.