Psalms 119:39
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Psalms 119:39
39 Turn away my reproach which I fear: for thy judgments are good.
Chapter Context
Psalms 119 is a poetic and liturgical chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of worship, grace, 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 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 119:39
39 Turn away my reproach which I fear: for thy judgments are good.
Analysis
Turn away my reproach which I fear (הַעֲבֵר חֶרְפָּתִי אֲשֶׁר יָגֹרְתִּי)—Avar (to pass over, remove) asks God to cause cherpah (reproach, disgrace, scorn) to pass away. Yagor (to fear, dread) reveals anxiety about mockery from enemies who scorn covenant faithfulness. The psalmist fears not the reproach itself but its implications: does God defend those who follow His judgments? For thy judgments are good (כִּי מִשְׁפָּטֶיךָ טוֹבִים)—Mishpatim (judgments, ordinances) are declared tovim (good) despite appearances. This is faith's confession when circumstances suggest otherwise.
This verse captures the believer's tension: following God's good judgments in a fallen world invites reproach. Will God vindicate His servants or allow them to be shamed? The psalmist's confidence rests not on personal merit but on God's character—His judgments are good, therefore He must eventually vindicate those who follow them. This finds ultimate fulfillment in Christ, who endured history's greatest reproach (the cross) trusting the Father's vindication (resurrection). All who unite to Christ share both His reproach and His vindication.
Historical Context
Honor-shame cultures made reproach devastating—mockery could destroy social standing and economic prospects. The psalmist likely faced scorn from wicked Israelites or pagan nations who viewed Torah-obedience as foolishness. The cry for God to 'turn away' reproach appears throughout psalms of lament, anticipating the suffering servant of Isaiah 53 who bore our reproach.
Reflection
- What reproach (mockery, scorn, marginalization) do you face for following God's judgments in your cultural context?
- How does confessing 'thy judgments are good' help you endure reproach when circumstances suggest God's ways lead to shame?
- How does Christ's willingness to bear ultimate reproach on the cross free you to endure lesser reproach for righteousness?
Word Studies
- Judgment: מִשְׁפָּט (Mishpat) H4941 - Judgment, justice
Cross-References
- Judgment: Romans 2:2, Revelation 19:2
- Good: 1 Timothy 3:7
- Parallel theme: Psalms 119:22, Titus 2:8