Psalms 119:27
Make me to understand the way of thy precepts: so shall I talk of thy wondrous works.
Original Language Analysis
דֶּֽרֶךְ
the way
H1870
דֶּֽרֶךְ
the way
Strong's:
H1870
Word #:
1 of 5
a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb
פִּקּוּדֶ֥יךָ
of thy precepts
H6490
פִּקּוּדֶ֥יךָ
of thy precepts
Strong's:
H6490
Word #:
2 of 5
properly, appointed, i.e., a mandate (of god; plural only, collectively, for the law)
הֲבִינֵ֑נִי
Make me to understand
H995
הֲבִינֵ֑נִי
Make me to understand
Strong's:
H995
Word #:
3 of 5
to separate mentally (or distinguish), i.e., (generally) understand
Cross References
Psalms 105:2Sing unto him, sing psalms unto him: talk ye of all his wondrous works.Revelation 15:3And they sing the song of Moses the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, Great and marvellous are thy works, Lord God Almighty; just and true are thy ways, thou King of saints.Acts 2:11Cretes and Arabians, we do hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God.Psalms 111:4He hath made his wonderful works to be remembered: the LORD is gracious and full of compassion.Psalms 71:17O God, thou hast taught me from my youth: and hitherto have I declared thy wondrous works.Psalms 78:4We will not hide them from their children, shewing to the generation to come the praises of the LORD, and his strength, and his wonderful works that he hath done.
Historical Context
Israel's history included repeated lapses into covenant unfaithfulness—worshiping false gods while claiming YHWH loyalty, oppressing the poor while maintaining ritual observance, trusting Egypt or Assyria rather than God. The prophets condemned this "way of lying" (Isaiah 29:13, Jeremiah 7:4-11). Post-exile, the reformed community sought to walk in truth, yet Nehemiah 13 reveals continued struggles with covenant breaking. This prayer acknowledges ongoing vulnerability to self-deception and need for God's gracious instruction.
Questions for Reflection
- What forms of self-deception or spiritual hypocrisy might be "ways of lying" in your life?
- How does viewing God's law as "gracious gift" rather than burdensome obligation transform obedience?
- In what areas do you need God to "remove" false ways you cannot eliminate yourself?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
"Remove from me the way of lying" petitions for deliverance from deceit. Derek sheker (way of lying/falsehood) encompasses both speaking lies and living falsely—hypocrisy, self-deception, preferring comfortable falsehood over difficult truth. The verb haser (remove) acknowledges that we cannot eliminate deceit by willpower alone—God must remove it. "Grant me thy law graciously" recognizes Torah as undeserved gift. Chaneni toratekha combines chanan (be gracious, show favor) with torah (instruction). God's law is not burden but grace—merciful provision of divine wisdom for living. This echoes Psalm 19:7-11, which describes Torah as perfect, sure, right, pure, clean, true—more desirable than gold. The contrast is sharp: remove falsehood, grant truth; take away what corrupts, give what sanctifies.