Psalms 119:55
I have remembered thy name, O LORD, in the night, and have kept thy law.
Original Language Analysis
זָ֘כַ֤רְתִּי
I have remembered
H2142
זָ֘כַ֤רְתִּי
I have remembered
Strong's:
H2142
Word #:
1 of 6
properly, to mark (so as to be recognized), i.e., to remember; by implication, to mention; to be male
בַלַּ֣יְלָה
in the night
H3915
בַלַּ֣יְלָה
in the night
Strong's:
H3915
Word #:
2 of 6
properly, a twist (away of the light), i.e., night; figuratively, adversity
שִׁמְךָ֣
thy name
H8034
שִׁמְךָ֣
thy name
Strong's:
H8034
Word #:
3 of 6
an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character
יְהוָ֑ה
O LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֑ה
O LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
4 of 6
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
Cross References
Psalms 63:6When I remember thee upon my bed, and meditate on thee in the night watches.Psalms 42:8Yet the LORD will command his lovingkindness in the daytime, and in the night his song shall be with me, and my prayer unto the God of my life.Isaiah 26:9With my soul have I desired thee in the night; yea, with my spirit within me will I seek thee early: for when thy judgments are in the earth, the inhabitants of the world will learn righteousness.Acts 16:25And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them.
Historical Context
Night watches were significant in ancient Israel—temple guards maintained vigil, and devout individuals practiced nocturnal prayer (Psalm 63:6, 119:62, 148). Jesus Himself prayed through the night (Luke 6:12). The practice emphasized undistracted communion with God when daily duties ceased. Remembering God's name in darkness reflected trust when circumstances obscured His presence.
Questions for Reflection
- What spiritual disciplines do you maintain 'in the night' when no one else observes your faithfulness?
- How does meditating on God's covenant name (Yahweh—'I AM') strengthen obedience during dark circumstances?
- In what ways might nighttime prayer or Scripture meditation deepen your relationship with God?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
I have remembered thy name, O LORD, in the night, and have kept thy law. The phrase in the night (בַּלַּיְלָה, balaylah) suggests both literal nighttime meditation and metaphorical darkness of affliction. Thy name (שִׁמְךָ, shimkha) represents God's revealed character and covenant identity—particularly LORD (יְהוָה, Yahweh), the personal covenant name disclosed at the burning bush.
The connection between remembering God's name and keeping His law reveals that obedience flows from relationship. The psalmist doesn't keep Torah to gain favor but because he knows Yahweh personally. This anticipates Jesus's teaching: 'If you love me, keep my commandments' (John 14:15). Nighttime remembrance also reflects sustained devotion—maintaining faith when no one watches.