Psalms 119:60
I made haste, and delayed not to keep thy commandments.
Original Language Analysis
חַ֭שְׁתִּי
I made haste
H2363
חַ֭שְׁתִּי
I made haste
Strong's:
H2363
Word #:
1 of 5
to hurry; figuratively, to be eager with excitement or enjoyment
וְלֹ֣א
H3808
וְלֹ֣א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
2 of 5
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
הִתְמַהְמָ֑הְתִּי
and delayed
H4102
הִתְמַהְמָ֑הְתִּי
and delayed
Strong's:
H4102
Word #:
3 of 5
properly, to question or hesitate, i.e., (by implication) to be reluctant
Cross References
Ecclesiastes 9:10Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest.Galatians 1:16To reveal his Son in me, that I might preach him among the heathen; immediately I conferred not with flesh and blood:Proverbs 27:1Boast not thyself of to morrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth.
Historical Context
Israel's history warned against delayed obedience. The generation that refused immediate entry into Canaan wandered 40 years in wilderness (Numbers 14). Saul's delayed obedience in destroying Amalek cost him the kingdom (1 Samuel 15). In contrast, Abraham's immediate willingness to sacrifice Isaac demonstrated genuine faith (Genesis 22). Jesus's parables often warned against presuming on time—the foolish virgins, the rich farmer storing crops.
Questions for Reflection
- What specific obedience to God's Word have you been postponing, and what rationalizations sustain the delay?
- How can you cultivate the spiritual reflex of immediate obedience when conviction comes, before rationalization sets in?
- In what areas of life might 'delayed obedience' actually be disobedience disguised as prudence?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
I made haste, and delayed not to keep thy commandments. The pairing made haste (חַשְׁתִּי, chashti) and delayed not (וְלֹא הִתְמַהְמָהְתִּי, velo hitmahmahti) creates emphatic urgency—no procrastination, no hesitation. Following verse 59's repentance, this verse demonstrates that genuine conviction produces immediate obedience. The verb delayed (מָהַהּ, mahah) is used of Lot's hesitation to flee Sodom (Genesis 19:16), illustrating the danger of spiritual dithering.
This urgency contrasts worldly procrastination—Felix's 'convenient season' that never came (Acts 24:25), Agrippa's 'almost persuaded' (Acts 26:28). The gospel demands immediate response: 'Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts' (Hebrews 3:15). Delayed obedience is disobedience. Speed in obeying God demonstrates that faith is real and alive.