Psalms 119:116
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Psalms 119:116
116 Uphold me according unto thy word, that I may live: and let me not be ashamed of my hope.
Chapter Context
Psalms 119 is a poetic and liturgical chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of prayer, love, grace. Written during various periods (c. 1000-400 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Temple worship utilized these compositions across various periods of Israel's history.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-176: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it foreshadows Christ's work through typology and prophetic elements. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Psalms and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Psalms 119:116
116 Uphold me according unto thy word, that I may live: and let me not be ashamed of my hope.
Analysis
Uphold me according unto thy word, that I may live (סָמְכֵנִי כְאִמְרָתְךָ וְאֶחְיֶה, sомkheni khe'imratкha ve'echyeh)—the verb samakh means support, sustain, uphold, like a pillar supporting a building. Without divine support, the psalmist will collapse. The plea is grounded according unto thy word—not arbitrary favor but covenant faithfulness to God's promises. That I may live shows the stakes: spiritual survival depends on God's upholding power.
And let me not be ashamed of my hope (וְאַל־תְּבִישֵׁנִי מִשִּׂבְרִי, ve'al-tevisheni misivri)—the verb bosh means to be put to shame, disappointed, confounded. Paul echoes this: Hope maketh not ashamed (Rom 5:5). The psalmist's confidence rests on God's proven reliability—those who hope in His word will never be ultimately disappointed, though they may suffer temporarily. This is the anchor of Christian assurance.
Historical Context
Israel's hope was repeatedly tested through exile, persecution, and delay of promises. The psalmist's prayer reflects the tension between present weakness and future vindication. Those who trusted God's word despite circumstances were never ultimately ashamed (Dan 3:17-18, Heb 11:13-16).
Reflection
- What specific promises in God's word do you need Him to uphold you by today?
- How do you maintain hope in God's word when circumstances seem to contradict His promises?
- In what ways has God upheld you in the past, preventing you from being ashamed of your hope?
Cross-References
- Hope: Romans 5:5
- Word: Romans 10:11, 1 Peter 2:6
- Parallel theme: Psalms 25:2, 37:17, 37:24, 54:4, Isaiah 41:10, 42:1