Psalms 119:117
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Psalms 119:117
117 Hold thou me up, and I shall be safe: and I will have respect unto thy statutes continually.
Chapter Context
Psalms 119 is a poetic and liturgical chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of hope, truth, redemption. 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 119:117
117 Hold thou me up, and I shall be safe: and I will have respect unto thy statutes continually.
Analysis
Hold thou me up, and I shall be safe (סְעָדֵנִי וְאִוָּשֵׁעָה, se'adeni ve'ivvashe'ah)—the verb sa'ad means support, sustain, strengthen. The result clause uses yasha (be saved, delivered, victorious)—the root of Yeshua/Jesus. Divine support produces salvation. This parallels verse 116's upholding, intensifying the plea. The psalmist knows he cannot stand alone; safety requires God's active intervention.
And I will have respect unto thy statutes continually (וְאֶשְׁעָה בְחֻקֶּיךָ תָמִיד, ve'esh'ah vechuqqekha tamid)—the verb sha'ah means to gaze upon, regard, look attentively. Continual (tamid) gazing at God's statutes is both motivation for asking God's help and the result of receiving it. This circular relationship appears throughout Scripture: God's grace enables obedience, which increases hunger for more grace. The psalmist will not take God's deliverance for granted but respond with intensified devotion to His statutes.
Historical Context
The language of being 'held up' evokes military imagery—a soldier supported by comrades in battle. For Israel, safety came not from military might but from God's sustaining power. Those upheld by God could face any enemy while maintaining focus on His law.
Reflection
- In what specific situations do you need God to 'hold you up' for safety and victory?
- How does experiencing God's deliverance increase your respect for and attention to His statutes?
- What does it mean to 'have respect unto God's statutes continually' in daily practice?
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: Psalms 17:5, 71:6, 119:6, 139:10, Jude 1:24