Psalms 119:24

Authorized King James Version

Thy testimonies also are my delight and my counsellors.

Word-by-Word Analysis

גַּֽם

H1571

properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and

עֵ֭דֹתֶיךָ

H5713

Thy testimonies

testimony

שַׁעֲשֻׁעָ֗י

H8191

also are my delight

enjoyment

אַנְשֵׁ֥י

H582

and my counsellors

properly, a mortal (and thus differing from the more dignified h0120); hence, a man in general (singly or collectively)

עֲצָתִֽי׃

H6098

advice; by implication, plan; also prudence

Analysis

The worship and praise theme here intersects with the broader canonical witness to God's character and purposes. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of progressive revelation that finds its culmination in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's consistent character and purposes.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the Israelite monarchy with its court politics and military conflicts. The author writes to address worshipers in the temple and those seeking God in times of distress, making the emphasis on worship and praise particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about worship and praise?
How does the worship and praise theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
How does this verse's literary context within Psalms chapter 119 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?