Psalms 119:31
I have stuck unto thy testimonies: O LORD, put me not to shame.
Original Language Analysis
דָּבַ֥קְתִּי
I have stuck
H1692
דָּבַ֥קְתִּי
I have stuck
Strong's:
H1692
Word #:
1 of 5
properly, to impinge, i.e., cling or adhere; figuratively, to catch by pursuit
יְ֝הוָ֗ה
O LORD
H3068
יְ֝הוָ֗ה
O LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
3 of 5
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
Cross References
John 8:31Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed;Acts 11:23Who, when he came, and had seen the grace of God, was glad, and exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord.Romans 5:5And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.Proverbs 23:23Buy the truth, and sell it not; also wisdom, and instruction, and understanding.Isaiah 45:17But Israel shall be saved in the LORD with an everlasting salvation: ye shall not be ashamed nor confounded world without end.1 John 2:28And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming.
Historical Context
Ancient honor-shame cultures made public disgrace worse than death. For a Hebrew believer to cling to Yahweh's testimonies while surrounding nations prospered in idolatry created intense pressure. Would covenant faithfulness lead to blessing or shame? This tension runs through Israel's entire history from Abraham to the prophets.
Questions for Reflection
- What does it look like practically to 'cling' to God's testimonies with the same intensity souls naturally cling to dust?
- In what areas of life do you fear that faithfulness to Scripture might lead to shame rather than vindication?
- How does Christ's willing embrace of shame on the cross secure the promise that God will not put to shame those who cling to His Word?
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Analysis & Commentary
I have stuck unto thy testimonies (דָּבַקְתִּי בְעֵדְוֺתֶיךָ)—Again davaq (cleave, cling), used in verse 25 for clinging to dust but here for clinging to God's edut (testimonies, witnesses). The testimonies are God's self-revelation in Scripture—His witness about Himself and His ways. The contrast is devastating: our souls naturally cling to death (v.25) but must intentionally cling to life-giving revelation. O LORD, put me not to shame (יְהוָה אַל־תְּבִישֵׁנִי)—Bosh (to be ashamed, disappointed) fears the shame of trusting God's promises and being abandoned. The psalmist's confidence rests entirely on Yahweh's covenant faithfulness, not personal worthiness.
This verse assumes that clinging to Scripture in a hostile world invites mockery. The psalmist fears not persecution itself but the possibility that God might not vindicate those who trust His Word. This is the tension every believer faces: will faithfulness to Scripture result in vindication or abandonment? The answer comes in Christ, who was 'put to shame' on the cross so that those who cling to Him will never be ashamed (Romans 10:11).