Psalms 119:24
Thy testimonies also are my delight and my counsellors.
Original Language Analysis
גַּֽם
H1571
גַּֽם
Strong's:
H1571
Word #:
1 of 5
properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and
Cross References
Psalms 119:92Unless thy law had been my delights, I should then have perished in mine affliction.Colossians 3:16Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.Psalms 119:16I will delight myself in thy statutes: I will not forget thy word.Joshua 1:8This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.Psalms 19:11Moreover by them is thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward.Psalms 119:77Let thy tender mercies come unto me, that I may live: for thy law is my delight.Isaiah 8:20To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.Psalms 119:162I rejoice at thy word, as one that findeth great spoil.Psalms 119:143Trouble and anguish have taken hold on me: yet thy commandments are my delights.Jeremiah 6:10To whom shall I speak, and give warning, that they may hear? behold, their ear is uncircumcised, and they cannot hearken: behold, the word of the LORD is unto them a reproach; they have no delight in it.
Historical Context
Ancient kings relied on counsellors and advisors for wisdom in governing and warfare. The value of wise counsel is a major theme in Proverbs (11:14, 15:22, 24:6). For the psalmist to call God's testimonies his counsellors suggests he trusts Scripture more than human wisdom, even from influential advisors. This counter-cultural stance reflects the conviction that God's revealed truth surpasses human insight.
Questions for Reflection
- Do you genuinely turn to Scripture as your primary counsellor when facing decisions and difficulties?
- What competing voices or sources of counsel might you be trusting more than God's written Word?
- How can you cultivate the practice of consulting Scripture for guidance as deliberately as you might seek human advice?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Thy testimonies also are my delight and my counsellors. The Gimel (ג) stanza concludes with affirmation of Scripture's sufficiency. Testimonies (edotekha, עֵדֹתֶיךָ) are God's witnessing truths, His covenant stipulations that testify to His character and faithfulness. These are the psalmist's delight (sha'ashu'ai, שַׁעֲשֻׁעָי), a word conveying pleasure, enjoyment, source of joy—the same concept as verse 16. Even amid princely opposition, God's Word brings pleasure rather than burden.
My counsellors (anshei atzati, אַנְשֵׁי עֲצָתִי) literally means 'men of my counsel'—personifying Scripture as wise advisors. While earthly princes conspire against him (v. 23), the psalmist has superior counsellors in God's testimonies. These provide wisdom, guidance, and strategic direction that exceed any human advice. This anticipates Psalm 119:98-100: God's commandments make the psalmist wiser than his enemies, teachers, and elders. Jesus promised the Spirit would guide believers into all truth (John 16:13), fulfilling this pattern of divine counsel through God's Word.