Psalms 119:120
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Psalms 119:120
120 My flesh trembleth for fear of thee; and I am afraid of thy judgments.
Chapter Context
Psalms 119 is a poetic and liturgical chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of sacrifice, discipleship, righteousness. 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 119:120
120 My flesh trembleth for fear of thee; and I am afraid of thy judgments.
Analysis
My flesh trembleth for fear of thee (סָמַר מִפַּחְדְּךָ בְשָׂרִי, samar mipachdкha vesari)—the verb samar means to bristle, stand on end, shudder. It describes hair standing up in horror. This is not reverential awe but terrified trembling before God's holiness. Basar (flesh) emphasizes the physical, involuntary response. Isaiah experienced this: Woe is me! for I am undone (Isa 6:5). Peter cried: Depart from me; for I am a sinful man (Luke 5:8).
And I am afraid of thy judgments (וּמִמִּשְׁפָּטֶיךָ יָרֵאתִי, umimishpatekha yareti)—the verb yare means to fear, reverence, be afraid. God's mishpatim (judgments, ordinances) produce holy dread. This concludes the Samekh section with profound fear balancing the earlier love (v. 113, 119). Mature faith holds both: Love the LORD and fear the LORD (Deut 10:12). The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom (Prov 9:10). Without this trembling, love becomes presumption.
Historical Context
Israel encountered God's terrifying holiness at Sinai—thunder, lightning, earthquake, fire (Exod 19:16-18). The people trembled and feared they would die (Exod 20:18-19). This holy fear guarded against presuming on God's grace and maintained reverence for His law.
Reflection
- When was the last time you experienced physical trembling or holy dread in God's presence?
- How do you balance loving God's testimonies (v. 119) with fearing His judgments (v. 120)?
- What aspects of God's character or judgments should produce more reverential fear in your life?
Word Studies
- Judgment: מִשְׁפָּט (Mishpat) H4941 - Judgment, justice
Cross-References
- Judgment: 2 Chronicles 34:21
- Parallel theme: Psalms 119:53, 1 Samuel 6:20, 2 Chronicles 34:27, Isaiah 66:2, Habakkuk 3:16, Philippians 2:12