Psalms 119:98
Thou through thy commandments hast made me wiser than mine enemies: for they are ever with me.
Original Language Analysis
מִצְוֹתֶ֑ךָ
Thou through thy commandments
H4687
מִצְוֹתֶ֑ךָ
Thou through thy commandments
Strong's:
H4687
Word #:
3 of 7
a command, whether human or divine (collectively, the law)
כִּ֖י
H3588
כִּ֖י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
4 of 7
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
לְעוֹלָ֣ם
for they are ever
H5769
לְעוֹלָ֣ם
for they are ever
Strong's:
H5769
Word #:
5 of 7
properly, concealed, i.e., the vanishing point; generally, time out of mind (past or future), i.e., (practically) eternity; frequentatively, adverbial
Cross References
Proverbs 2:6For the LORD giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding.James 1:25But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.Colossians 3:16Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.Psalms 119:11Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.Deuteronomy 4:6Keep therefore and do them; for this is your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the nations, which shall hear all these statutes, and say, Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people.Psalms 119:30I have chosen the way of truth: thy judgments have I laid before me.Deuteronomy 4:8And what nation is there so great, that hath statutes and judgments so righteous as all this law, which I set before you this day?1 Samuel 18:30Then the princes of the Philistines went forth: and it came to pass, after they went forth, that David behaved himself more wisely than all the servants of Saul; so that his name was much set by.1 Samuel 18:14And David behaved himself wisely in all his ways; and the LORD was with him.1 Samuel 18:5And David went out whithersoever Saul sent him, and behaved himself wisely: and Saul set him over the men of war, and he was accepted in the sight of all the people, and also in the sight of Saul's servants.
Historical Context
In Israel, wisdom literature (Proverbs, Job, Ecclesiastes) competed with pagan wisdom traditions—Egyptian Amenemope, Mesopotamian Ahiqar. The psalmist claims Hebrew Scripture surpasses all rivals, a claim validated in Christ, "in whom are hidden all treasures of wisdom and knowledge" (Colossians 2:3).
Questions for Reflection
- Can you identify a situation where biblical wisdom gave you insight your 'enemies' (opponents, critics) lacked?
- What does it mean for God's commandments to be 'ever with you'? How can you cultivate that constant companionship?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Thou through thy commandments hast made me wiser than mine enemies (מֵאֹיְבַי תְּחַכְּמֵנִי מִצְוֹתֶיךָ me'oyevai techakkemeni mitzvotekha)—Divine pedagogy: God's mitzvot (commandments) produce chakam (wisdom, skill). Not merely information but formation—Scripture creates sagacity enemies lack. For they are ever with me (כִּי לְעוֹלָם הִיא־לִי ki le'olam hi-li)—Constant companionship, not occasional consultation.
David's wisdom exceeded Saul's military cunning (1 Samuel 18:14); Daniel surpassed Babylonian counselors (Daniel 1:20). True wisdom isn't native intelligence but God-taught discernment. Proverbs 9:10 establishes the foundation: "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom." The psalmist's advantage isn't IQ but intimacy—walking with Scripture until its categories reshape perception. This is Paul's "mind of Christ" (1 Corinthians 2:16).