Psalms 119:6
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Psalms 119:6
6 Then shall I not be ashamed, when I have respect unto all thy commandments.
Chapter Context
Psalms 119 is a poetic and liturgical chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of prayer, hope, salvation. 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 provides guidance for worship and spiritual devotion. 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 119:6
6 Then shall I not be ashamed, when I have respect unto all thy commandments.
Analysis
Then shall I not be ashamed (אָז לֹא־אֵבוֹשׁ, az lo-evosh)—The psalmist connects confidence before God directly to comprehensiveness of obedience. The Hebrew bosh means to be put to shame, disappointed, or confounded—particularly in the sense of unfulfilled expectation or exposed failure.
When I have respect unto all thy commandments (בְּהַבִּיטִי אֶל־כָּל־מִצְוֹתֶיךָ, behabbiti el-kol-mitzvotekha)—The verb nabat (to look, regard, pay attention to) suggests intentional focus, not casual acquaintance. The emphasis on all (כָּל, kol) is crucial: selective obedience produces shame, but wholehearted regard for God's entire revealed will produces confidence. This echoes James 2:10—stumbling in one point makes one guilty of all, because covenant loyalty is indivisible.
Historical Context
Psalm 119, the longest chapter in Scripture, is an elaborate acrostic celebrating God's Torah. Each 8-verse section corresponds to a Hebrew letter. Verse 6 falls in the aleph section (verses 1-8), establishing the psalm's foundational theme: blessedness comes through comprehensive obedience to God's word, not partial compliance.
Reflection
- In what areas of God's commandments do you practice selective obedience rather than having "respect unto all"?
- How does the promise of not being ashamed relate to standing before Christ at the judgment seat (1 John 2:28)?
Cross-References
- Word: James 2:10
- Parallel theme: Psalms 119:31, 119:80, 119:128, Job 22:26, John 15:14, 1 John 2:28