Psalms 119:170
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Psalms 119:170
170 Let my supplication come before thee: deliver me according to thy word.
Chapter Context
Psalms 119 is a poetic and liturgical chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of righteousness, hope, 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 addresses timeless questions about faith, suffering, and divine purpose. 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 119:170
170 Let my supplication come before thee: deliver me according to thy word.
Analysis
Let my supplication come before thee (תָּבוֹא תְּחִנָּתִי לְפָנֶיךָ, tavo techinati lefanekha)—Techinah ('supplication, plea for grace') parallels v. 169's rinnah (cry). Bo ('come, enter, arrive') suggests entrance into the divine presence. The plea: deliver me according to thy word (כְּאִמְרָתְךָ הַצִּילֵנִי, ke'imratekha hatzileni). Natzal ('deliver, rescue, snatch away') appears—deliverance measured by imrah (word, utterance, promise).
This anticipates Christ's high-priestly prayer (John 17), where He petitions the Father for believers' deliverance based on the Father's revealed will.
Historical Context
The parallel structure with v. 169 (cry/supplication, understanding/deliverance, according to Your Word) emphasizes that all spiritual blessing flows from God's self-revelation. The psalmist doesn't demand rights but pleads for grace (techinah), grounding his request in God's own promises rather than personal merit.
Reflection
- How does praying for deliverance 'according to' God's Word keep your requests aligned with His will rather than your preferences?
- What's the difference between demanding deliverance based on your needs versus pleading (<em>techinah</em>) for it based on God's promises?
- How does Jesus's prayer for your deliverance in John 17:15 ('keep them from the evil') fulfill the psalmist's petition?
Cross-References
- Word: Psalms 119:41, 2 Samuel 7:25
- Parallel theme: Psalms 28:2