Psalms 119:159
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Psalms 119:159
159 Consider how I love thy precepts: quicken me, O LORD, according to thy lovingkindness.
Chapter Context
Psalms 119 is a poetic and liturgical chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of covenant, righteousness, faith. 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 demonstrates God's faithfulness despite human unfaithfulness. 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 119:159
159 Consider how I love thy precepts: quicken me, O LORD, according to thy lovingkindness.
Analysis
Consider how I love thy precepts (רְאֵה כִּי־פִקּוּדֶיךָ אָהָבְתִּי, re'eh ki-fiqudekha ahavti)—The psalmist bids God 'see' (re'eh) his love (ahavah) for piqudim (precepts, orders, mandates). The word order emphasizes object: 'your precepts—I love.' Quicken me, O LORD, according to thy lovingkindness (יְהוָה כְּחַסְדְּךָ חַיֵּנִי, YHWH kechasdekha chayeni)—chesed, that covenant-keeping faithful love, becomes the measure of quickening.
This anticipates Jesus's criterion for love: 'If ye love me, keep my commandments' (John 14:15). Love for God's precepts validates love for God Himself. The quickening comes through chesed—the very attribute Hosea 6:6 prizes above sacrifice.
Historical Context
The final verse of the Resh (ר) section returns to the 'consider' (re'eh) of v. 153, framing the stanza. The psalmist moves from 'see my affliction' to 'see my love'—both appeal to the covenant relationship. Chesed is the glue of covenant; it obligates God to respond to those who love His Torah.
Reflection
- How is love for God's precepts both the evidence of regeneration and the means of ongoing spiritual vitality?
- What would it look like to pray 'quicken me according to your <em>chesed</em>' in a specific area of spiritual dullness?
- How does John 14:15 ('If ye love me, keep my commandments') inform your understanding of loving God's precepts?
Word Studies
- Love: אַהֲבָה / חֶסֶד (Ahavah / Chesed) H157 - Love / Loyal-love
Cross-References
- Love: Psalms 119:97
- Parallel theme: Psalms 119:153, Nehemiah 13:22