Psalm 119:64

(This is an entry from a devotional commentary I am working on from Psalm 119 entitled ‘God and His Word’.  The introduction can be found here, successive entries have covered the 22 sections of the Psalm, and following entries verse by verse.)

 

"The earth is full of Your lovingkindness, O LORD;

Teach me Your statutes."

 

I am reminded immediately of Psalm 33:5.  Father, give me eyes to see it!  Your lovingkindness abounds on the earth (Psalm 98:3, Psalm 103:11, Jeremiah 9:24) and how awesome are Your deeds and lovingkindness towards the sons of men (Psalm 66:5, Psalm 107:8, Psalm 107:15, Psalm 107:21, Psalm 107:31).  Teach me to see, teach me to act in the reality of Your power.  ‘Lovingkindness’ is the Hebrew ‘חֶסֶד, ḥeseḏ: A masculine noun indicating kindness, lovingkindness, mercy, goodness, faithfulness, love, acts of kindness. This aspect of God is one of several important features of His character: truth; faithfulness; mercy; steadfastness; justice; righteousness; goodness.' The classic text for understanding the significance of this word is Psalm 136 where it is used twenty-six times to proclaim that God's kindness and love are eternal.  It is translated in the ESV as ‘steadfast love’.  Why do I act as if it does not exist?  May I joyfully run in the way today (Psalm 119:32), knowing that You have brought me into a broad place of freedom (Psalm 18:19). 

 

‘he implores for himself the inward teaching concerning His word as the highest and most cherished of mercies.’[1]

 

‘He had learned that far beyond the bounds of the land of promise and the race of Israel the love of Jehovah extended, and in this verse he expressed that large-hearted idea of God which is so seldom seen.. Surely he who fills the universe with his grace will grant such a request as this to his own child… those who have resolved to obey are the most eager to be taught… Those who wish to keep a law are anxious to know all its clauses and provisions lest they should offend through inadvertence. He who dares not care to be instructed of the Lord has never honestly resolved to be holy.’[2]


[1] Keil & Delitzsch, Commentary on the Old Testament, on Psalm 119:64

[2] Spurgeon, Charles Haddon, Treasury of David, on Psalm 119:64, e-Sword edition


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