Psalms 119:8
I will keep thy statutes: O forsake me not utterly.
Original Language Analysis
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
1 of 7
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
חֻקֶּ֥יךָ
thy statutes
H2706
חֻקֶּ֥יךָ
thy statutes
Strong's:
H2706
Word #:
2 of 7
an enactment; hence, an appointment (of time, space, quantity, labor or usage)
אֶשְׁמֹ֑ר
I will keep
H8104
אֶשְׁמֹ֑ר
I will keep
Strong's:
H8104
Word #:
3 of 7
properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc
אַֽל
H408
אַֽל
Strong's:
H408
Word #:
4 of 7
not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing
Cross References
Psalms 71:9Cast me not off in the time of old age; forsake me not when my strength faileth.Philippians 4:13I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.Psalms 51:11Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me.Psalms 119:176I have gone astray like a lost sheep; seek thy servant; for I do not forget thy commandments.Psalms 71:18Now also when I am old and grayheaded, O God, forsake me not; until I have shewed thy strength unto this generation, and thy power to every one that is to come.Psalms 119:106I have sworn, and I will perform it, that I will keep thy righteous judgments.Psalms 119:16I will delight myself in thy statutes: I will not forget thy word.Joshua 24:15And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.
Historical Context
The fear of divine abandonment pervades the Psalms, reflecting Israel's covenant theology. God's presence was the essence of covenant blessing (Exodus 33:15-16), while His absence meant judgment and disaster. The exile had demonstrated the catastrophic consequences of God's departure from His people. This verse's plea resonates with Moses' desperate prayer in Exodus 33:15: 'If Your presence does not go with us, do not bring us up from here.'
Questions for Reflection
- How do you balance personal responsibility for obedience with dependence on God's empowering grace?
- What circumstances in your life make you most acutely aware of your need for God's sustaining presence?
- How does the assurance that God will never forsake His people (Hebrews 13:5) free you to pursue holiness without self-reliance?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
I will keep thy statutes: O forsake me not utterly. The final verse of the Beth (ב) stanza pairs resolute obedience with desperate dependence. I will keep (eshmor, אֶשְׁמֹר) means to guard, observe, protect—implying vigilant, active commitment to God's statutes (chuqqekha, חֻקֶּיךָ), the divinely prescribed ordinances. Yet this vow is immediately followed by the plea forsake me not utterly (al-ta'azveni ad-me'od, אַל־תַּעַזְבֵנִי עַד־מְאֹד), acknowledging that perseverance in obedience requires divine enablement.
This verse captures the paradox of sanctification: believers are commanded to obey while simultaneously recognizing their utter dependence on God's sustaining grace. The psalmist knows that without God's presence and help, even the firmest resolve will crumble. Paul would later express this same tension: 'work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you' (Philippians 2:12-13).