Psalms 119:136
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Psalms 119:136
136 Rivers of waters run down mine eyes, because they keep not thy law.
Chapter Context
Psalms 119 is a poetic and liturgical chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of covenant, faith, wisdom. 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 illustrates divine judgment and mercy in response to human actions. 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 119:136
136 Rivers of waters run down mine eyes, because they keep not thy law.
Analysis
Rivers of waters run down mine eyes (פַּלְגֵי־מַיִם יָרְדוּ עֵינָי, palgei-mayim yardu einai)—Peleg means stream, canal, channel—not drops but torrents. Yarad (run down, descend) suggests continuous flow. The hyperbolic imagery communicates overwhelming grief. Jeremiah wept similarly over Jerusalem's rebellion (Lam 3:48-49).
Because they keep not thy law (עַל אֲשֶׁר לֹא־שָׁמְרוּ תוֹרָתֶךָ, al asher lo-shameru toratekha)—The tears flow not from personal suffering but from others' violation of God's torah. This is holy sorrow for God's dishonor. Paul had 'great sorrow and continual grief' for Israel's unbelief (Rom 9:2). Righteous weeping over sin marks spiritual maturity.
Historical Context
This concludes the Pe (פ) stanza. The progression moves from wonder at God's Word (v. 129) to panting desire (v. 131) to weeping over its violation (v. 136). Prophetic figures (Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Jesus) wept over covenant-breaking. Grief for sin's prevalence should mark God's people.
Reflection
- When was the last time you wept over others' disregard for God's law—not from self-righteousness but from love for God's honor?
- How does holy sorrow for widespread sin differ from judgmental disdain or apathetic tolerance?
- What does it reveal about your heart if you never grieve over the violation of God's Word in your culture?
Word Studies
- Law: תּוֹרָה (Torah) H8451 - Law, instruction
Cross-References
- Word: Psalms 119:53, 119:158, 1 Samuel 15:11, Jeremiah 14:17
- Parallel theme: Jeremiah 9:1, 9:18, 13:17, Ezekiel 9:4, Luke 19:41