Psalms 119:52
I remembered thy judgments of old, O LORD; and have comforted myself.
Original Language Analysis
זָ֘כַ֤רְתִּי
I remembered
H2142
זָ֘כַ֤רְתִּי
I remembered
Strong's:
H2142
Word #:
1 of 5
properly, to mark (so as to be recognized), i.e., to remember; by implication, to mention; to be male
מִשְׁפָּטֶ֖יךָ
thy judgments
H4941
מִשְׁפָּטֶ֖יךָ
thy judgments
Strong's:
H4941
Word #:
2 of 5
properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or (participant's) divine law, ind
מֵעוֹלָ֥ם׀
of old
H5769
מֵעוֹלָ֥ם׀
of old
Strong's:
H5769
Word #:
3 of 5
properly, concealed, i.e., the vanishing point; generally, time out of mind (past or future), i.e., (practically) eternity; frequentatively, adverbial
Historical Context
Israel's faith was fundamentally historical—grounded in what God had done at specific times and places. The Exodus, wilderness wanderings, conquest, and exile formed a pattern of God's righteous judgment and faithful deliverance that sustained later generations. This verse reflects the practice of zikkaron (remembrance), central to Jewish worship.
Questions for Reflection
- Which specific historical acts of God (biblical or personal) bring you the most comfort in present difficulties?
- How can you cultivate the discipline of actively remembering God's past faithfulness rather than passive worry?
- In what ways does rehearsing Christ's death and resurrection provide the ultimate 'judgment of old' to comfort believers?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
I remembered thy judgments of old, O LORD; and have comforted myself. The verb remembered (זָכַר, zakar) means active recollection with practical application. Thy judgments of old (מִשְׁפָּטֶיךָ מֵעוֹלָם, mishpatekha me'olam) refers to God's historic acts of righteous judgment—delivering Israel from Egypt, judging Pharaoh, vindicating the oppressed.
Have comforted myself (וָאֶתְנֶחָם, va'etnecham) uses the Hitpael reflexive form—the psalmist actively applies comfort through remembering God's faithful acts. This models Christian meditation: rehearsing redemptive history (especially the cross) to strengthen faith during present trials. The God who judged Egypt will judge oppressors; the God who raised Christ will raise us.