Psalms 119:47

And I will delight myself in thy commandments, which I have loved.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְאֶשְׁתַּֽעֲשַׁ֥ע

H8173

And I will delight

(in a good acceptation) to look upon (with complacency), i.e., fondle, please or amuse (self); (in a bad one) to look about (in dismay), i.e., stare

בְּמִצְוֹתֶ֗יךָ

H4687

myself in thy commandments

a command, whether human or divine (collectively, the law)

אֲשֶׁ֣ר

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

אָהָֽבְתִּי׃

H157

which I have loved

to have affection for (sexually or otherwise)

Analysis

The divine love theme here intersects with God's covenantal faithfulness demonstrated throughout salvation history. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of progressive revelation from covenant love in the Old Testament to agape love in the New. The phrase emphasizing love fundamental to theology proper, revealing God's essential nature and character and connects to the broader scriptural witness about hesed in the Old Testament and agape in the New Testament.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of ancient Near Eastern poetry and hymnic literature for worship shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of divine love within the theological tradition of Psalms Understanding a worldview centered on covenant relationship between God and His people helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes love in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

What practical applications emerge from understanding divine love as presented in this verse, particularly in light of responding to cultural confusion about the nature of love and relationships?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of divine love, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of theology proper and the doctrine of God?
How might the original audience's understanding of love differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?