Psalms 119:167
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Psalms 119:167
167 My soul hath kept thy testimonies; and I love them exceedingly.
Chapter Context
Psalms 119 is a poetic and liturgical chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of truth, obedience, fellowship. 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 contributes to the biblical metanarrative of redemption. 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 119:167
167 My soul hath kept thy testimonies; and I love them exceedingly.
Analysis
My soul hath kept thy testimonies (שָׁמְרָה נַפְשִׁי עֵדֹתֶיךָ, shamrah nafshi edotekha)—Shamar ('keep, guard, observe, preserve') with nefesh ('soul, life, self') as subject. The inner person guards edot (testimonies, covenant witnesses). The intensity? And I love them exceedingly (וָאֹהֲבֵם מְאֹד, va'ohavem me'od). Me'od means 'very, exceedingly, greatly'—the same word in the Shema: 'love the LORD thy God with all...thy might [me'od]' (Deuteronomy 6:5).
Jesus fulfills this perfectly, keeping the Father's testimonies with total soul-commitment and loving them me'od—with all His being unto death (Philippians 2:8).
Historical Context
The Shin (ש) section concludes with this affirmation of whole-souled Torah love. The nefesh (soul/self) as guardian of edot (testimonies) reverses the common pattern of external law-keeping. True obedience flows from internal transformation—the new covenant promise of Ezekiel 36:26-27.
Reflection
- What does it mean practically for your soul (<em>nefesh</em>) to 'keep' God's testimonies rather than just your outward behavior?
- How does 'exceedingly' (<em>me'od</em>) loving God's Word connect to the Shema's command to love God with all your <em>me'od</em> (might)?
- How did Jesus demonstrate whole-souled keeping of and love for the Father's testimonies throughout His earthly ministry?
Word Studies
- Love: אַהֲבָה / חֶסֶד (Ahavah / Chesed) H157 - Love / Loyal-love
Cross-References
- Love: Psalms 119:97, 119:159
- Parallel theme: Psalms 40:8, 119:111, Romans 7:22, Hebrews 10:16