Psalms 119:30
I have chosen the way of truth: thy judgments have I laid before me.
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
אֱמוּנָ֥ה
of truth
H530
אֱמוּנָ֥ה
of truth
Strong's:
H530
Word #:
2 of 5
literally firmness; figuratively security; morally fidelity
בָחָ֑רְתִּי
I have chosen
H977
בָחָ֑רְתִּי
I have chosen
Strong's:
H977
Word #:
3 of 5
properly, to try, i.e., (by implication) select
Cross References
Proverbs 1:29For that they hated knowledge, and did not choose the fear of the LORD:Psalms 119:29Remove from me the way of lying: and grant me thy law graciously.Luke 10:42But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.1 Peter 2:2As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:Psalms 119:111Thy testimonies have I taken as an heritage for ever: for they are the rejoicing of my heart.Psalms 119:24Thy testimonies also are my delight and my counsellors.Joshua 24:15And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.John 8:45And because I tell you the truth, ye believe me not.2 John 1:4I rejoiced greatly that I found of thy children walking in truth, as we have received a commandment from the Father.Psalms 119:173Let thine hand help me; for I have chosen thy precepts.
Historical Context
The Hebrew verb 'bachar' (choose) is used of God choosing Israel (Deuteronomy 7:6) and Israel choosing God. This mutual choosing reflects covenant relationship. The psalmist writes from a culture where visible judgments (the law on scrolls, recited publicly) could literally be 'set before' one's eyes in synagogue and home.
Questions for Reflection
- How does verse 29's plea for grace inform your understanding of 'choosing' the way of truth in verse 30?
- What specific judgments of God do you deliberately 'set before' your eyes daily to guide moral decisions?
- Where might you be choosing the way of truth theoretically while practically choosing convenience or cultural approval?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
I have chosen the way of truth (דֶּֽרֶךְ־אֱמוּנָה בָחָרְתִּי)—Emunah (faithfulness, steadfastness, truth) is covenant reliability—the same word describing God's character. Bachar (to choose, select) emphasizes deliberate decision, not passive drift. This is Joshua's challenge: "Choose this day whom you will serve" (Joshua 24:15). Yet this choosing happens only after verse 29's prayer for grace, revealing that our choosing is God's gift, not autonomous self-determination. Thy judgments have I laid before me (מִשְׁפָּטֶיךָ שִׁוִּיתִי)—Mishpatim (judgments, ordinances) are God's authoritative decisions, which the psalmist shavah (sets, places) constantly before his eyes as moral compass.
Biblical choosing is responsive, not autonomous. The psalmist chooses truth after God graciously removes deception (v.29). This is compatibilism: real human choice within sovereign divine grace. The way of truth requires both God's empowerment and our deliberate decision to keep His judgments perpetually in view.