Psalm 119:41-48

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Waw

41  Let your steadfast love come to me, O Lord, 

your salvation according to your promise; 

42  then shall I have an answer for him who taunts me, 

for I trust in your word. 

43  And take not the word of truth utterly out of my mouth, 

for my hope is in your rules. 

44  I will keep your law continually, 

forever and ever, 

45  and I shall walk in a wide place, 

for I have sought your precepts. 

46  I will also speak of your testimonies before kings 

and shall not be put to shame, 

47  for I find my delight in your commandments, 

which I love. 

48  I will lift up my hands toward your commandments, which I love, 

and I will meditate on your statutes. 

ESV

The psalmist opens this stanza asking for the Lord’s covenant faithfulness (ḥasādîm pl of hesed also translated steadfast love/unfailing love/loyal love) to come to him. The Lord’s faithfulness and love is the promise of salvation. “What the psalmist does in this stanza is what all believers should do, pray for the promises of God to be fulfilled. The focus of the request here is on the promised deliverance from the opposition and reproach of the world” (A. Ross, Psalms (90-150) KEL, 2016, p. 503). 

The Lord will never do anything that violates Himself or His Covenant. He is faithful and the psalmist (and the psalmists at large) know this. In verses 41-42 confidence in the Lord’s salvation is what “will cause him to triumph over the one who taunts him” (D. Estes, Psalms 73-150 NAC, 2019, p. 412). The psalmist clearly states that it is the Lord’s Word that he trusts, not the words of his oppressors.

In verse 43, the psalmist does rely on his own ability and strength to answer his oppressors. “Because he realizes he could be tempted to speak falsely, the psalmist urges the Lord to help him continue to speak what is truthful” (Estes, p. 412). The psalmist’s hope and confidence is in the Lord and what He says. “As in vv. 142, 151, 160, “truth” (ʾĕmet) here has the sense of being trustworthy and reliable” (p. 412).

The Lord’s Word always has and will always be True, Reliable and Trustworthy! As such the psalmist will keep, guard, watch, observe (וְאֶשְׁמְרָ֖ה) the Lord’s law continually (torah tāmîd) forever and ever (v 44). “Although he does not specifically refer to himself as a student, his resolution to keep the Lord’s instruction continually (tāmîd) implies that he will never graduate from God’s school but will be a perpetual student of his way (cf. v. 117). Obedience to God’s tôrâ (“instruction”) is the fixed commitment of the psalmist’s life” (Estes, p. 412).

The psalmist knows that the Lord is the only One who delivers and saves (v 41); as such, he will trust His Word (v 42), hope in His rules (v 43), keep His law continually (v 44) and walk in a wide place (v 45) meaning he will “liv[e] life fully” (Ross, p. 505) because he had sought (drš) His precepts. “By setting his focus to study or seek (drš, as in v. 2 speaks of a wholehearted, intentional search) God’s precepts, he finds that obedience to God’s word leads to freedom, not to confinement. As with a train, true liberty comes from staying on the tracks of obedience to God’s instruction, not by going off the rails in an attempt to do as one pleases” (Estes, p. 412).

The psalmist is taking His love for the Lord and His Word public (v 46a). True love and devotion to the Lord cannot help but to overflow in public, no matter the cost. Hence why the psalmist will not be put to shame (v 46b). The psalmist finds delight in the commandments which he loves (v 47). It is obvious throughout this psalm that he (the psalmist) loves and delights in the Lord and in His Word.

Because the psalmist is so full of love and delight in God’s Word (v 47), he raises his hands toward His commandments and will meditate on them (v 48). “This is an active, intentional response, as the psalmist does not resist God’s word, but he receives it joyfully and without reluctance. Because he loves what the Lord has said, he accepts and assimilates it into his life. As in Ps 1:2, the process of meditation causes him to internalize God’s word so that he lives what he learns from him” (Estes, pp. 412-413).

Praise You Lord for Your covenant faithfulness! Praise You Lord that You do not violate Your Covenant and that You have made Your way and standard clear to us! Lord God, may Your Word overflow authentically from our lives because of our personal time in worship, devotion and study with You. Lord God, help us to love and trust Your Word. Help us to be confident in our salvation that is by grace through faith in Christ so that we will not doubt nor be shaken when trials, oppressors or negative emotions come against us. Lord God, may we be reminded that when we go off the rails and follow the things of this world that we will suffer consequences for our disobedience. Lord God, thank You for this reader. May this reader be reminded that Your Word is True, Reliable and Trustworthy. Lord God, for the reader who is not in Christ, may today be the day of their salvation. Thank You Lord for preserving Your Word in each generation. Lord, for those of us who are in Christ may we never stop delighting, loving and meditating on Your Word. In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

Published by

Blue Collar Theologian

My name is Mandy Sweigart-Quinn, I live in Lancaster, PA and I am a “Blue Collar Theologian.” I love Jesus! I am passionate about His Word (The Holy Bible)! I come alive when I can encourage others in their walk with Jesus (whether by writing or speaking). As a “Blue Collar Theologian” it is my aim to live/practice/work out my Christian hope with sincerity, authenticity and genuineness. As a “Blue Collar Theologian,” I strive to meet people right where they are (“Incarnational Theology”). I graduated in May 2019 from Capital Seminary and Graduate School with a Master's in Biblical Studies. I am a passionate, excited and enthusiastic person! I love flowers, sports and sunsets. Since January 2, 2018 I have had the privilege of being married to Nathan.

56 thoughts on “Psalm 119:41-48”

  1. “may we never stop delighting, loving and meditating on Your Word.”
    That has been my prayer most of my life Mandy. I saw as a teenager how many of my uncles and aunts ended up crashing on the rocks of life (marriages, family, on and on) because of their lack of walking closely with God.

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    1. Thank you for your encouragement and blessings, Mary! Praying for you. Is your sciatica calming down? Hiding God’s Word in our hearts is what sustains us in the hard times and as you said keeps us from sinning. May we desire, long and love to know God and His Word more!!! Love and blessings, Mary. Please keep me updated with how I may pray for you als0810@comcast.net.

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  4. Great post Mandy. It reminded me of how we are encouraged to have faith like a child, maybe like the child who copies their loved parent’s habits or mannerisms. If as believers we love Father God we should rejoice in and love all He does, especially His Holy Word before us. Our Lord and Saviour loved the scriptures, so should we! Thank you for this precious reminder Mandy.

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    1. Amen, Alan! I hope people will be encouraged by this comment! Jesus loving the Word should motivate us to love Him and the Word, especially since the Word sees fulfillment in Christ. The more we know and love the Word the more we will love Him! I love how you mention the child copying their parents mannerisms, may we forget that we are made in Christ’s image and we are to do the works He has planned for us. Love and blessings to you and Susan!

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    1. Jerry Bridges in his book The Pursuit of Holiness says that people are always wanting more victory. If people want more victory they need more obedience. That is profound to me. So often obedience is taboo but for those who are in Christ we know that obedience to God and His Word brings life, joy, contentment, etc. So many people are in bondage, going off the rails today and it breaks my heart. Thank you for commenting, Annie! Lots of love, hugs and blessings!

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  8. “…then shall I have an answer for him who taunts me…” v 42
    the ‘taunter’ to me is none other than the “accuser of the brethren”. He reminds of our our past sins, failures – even taunts us about what we could have, should have done.
    But thank the Lord for v 41, His steadfast love and salvation! ❤

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    1. Amen, Lisa Beth! God does not cause people to taunt Himself nor His people. The accuser, satan, the devil he taunts and mocks God, trying to steal His glory and ruin His people. Excellent point, thank you!!! Love and blessings to you, Bob, Becky and Starry. Ps: will respond to your humility post later, sorry I am behind!

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      3. Yes, we are so grateful for her…and continue to pray everyday that she opens her heart to our Lord, “let her last days be her best days, knowing you and having even one day to testify how great You are”
        Thank you sister.

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  9. We are grateful to the Triune GOD for His work in our salvation and making us assimilate His Word Mandy. Leaving that option entirely to us, we can’t and won’t do it. The Psalmist has not realized that it was GOD all along who completely made him feel (doing his part) free like a train running on its tracks in obedience. My apologies, just too busy these days with what I’ve said in my response added on my usual, please check it out. Blessings to you and Nathan!

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    1. Seriously Kent, no apologies necessary! When you have a minute email me how I can pray for this situation. You are so right about us not assimilating the Word without His Work. I am so thankful for the Triune’s help in keeping us on the right track. Love and blessings to you and your family.

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  10. “ The psalmist knows that the Lord is the only One who delivers and saves”… Amen. Our trust is in Him. Who else can deliver and save us?
    Thank you Mandy. Love and blessings dear one.❤️

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      2. Lord Jesus praise You that You are Peace! Lord God, be Crissy’s Peace, be her wholeness, be her Rock. Lord God, help Crissy remain connected to You during this time. Lord God, thank You for Crissy, keep her whole being stayed on You. Lord God, give Crissy confidence, wisdom and discernment in all areas of life. El Señor, muchas gracias por mi hermana hermosa, Crissy. Amén.

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  11. What you say about verse 43 really stands out to me today. I want to echo the prayer of the psalmist and ask God to help me speak what is truthful. Our society continues to be overwhelmed with lies. Some are so blatantly obvious in their falsehood that one would think they would be rejected without question. But instead this world is accepting them! It’s disheartening, but that’s all the more reason for us to stand firm in the truth and be truth speakers. May God strenghten us to do so courageously! Thank you for your insights in this passage, Mandy! God bless!

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    1. Amen and Amen, Colleen! Your heart and my heart are thinking the same thing! In light of all of this, the Wrath of God is becoming ever more real and while I praise God for our salvation it is terrifying for those who do not know Christ. Romans 1 and reprobate mind is on full display in ways I NEVER would have thought possible. Love and blessings, Colleen!!

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  12. I am so thankful that His word is reliable, trustworthy and true. Only in Him can we rely and trust. His love is unfailing – Amen to that 🙏🏽. We find freedom and joy when we follow Him and obey Him.
    Thank you for this Mandy.
    Blessings my friend 🤗🌺

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    1. Thank you for your encouragement, Manu! “Freedom” is word that is being used in all its various meanings all over the globe. There is not “Freedom” without Christ, it is only bondage. The more we love, trust & obey (couldn’t resist!) God the more our freedom and joy increases regardless of our circumstances. I am thankful for your heart for God and His Word. I am thankful for how serious You take handling His Word and loving and obeying Him. You are loved!

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  13. I’m a few days behind on my wordpress reader, didn’t even see this! I will read it though! Answering your last comment on my post: I didn’t think your comment was somehow hinting that we are saved by works at all! It was actually a good comment Mandy. God’s Wrath is very, very real as you pointed out!

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  14. I’m glad God’s Word is reliable/trustworthy. In a world where there’s many things I do not know of what’s exactly going on, glad we can know truth about God and the Gospel.
    Neat also to see this stanza states salvation is by trusting in God, anticipating the New Testament exposition of that!
    I echo your prayer of thanks to God that He’s preserved His words for generations. I appreciate your look at the Hebrew and the research and resources you poured into this

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    1. Thanks, brother!! Speaking of salvation, did you ever think we would get to a place where a Christian anti vaccine would call Christians who are vaccinated unsaved?! I have righteous anger and God will not take kindly to this kind of divisive rhetoric!!!

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      1. Wow that is sad and rather extreme…sad. I did see a facebook friend that is super conservative get massively attacked last night for saying he took his vaccine…so crazy though at a different level to question people’s salvation!

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  15. Good verses to study and reflect on.❤️

    I love this one:

    for I find my delight in your commandments, which I love.

    Thankful this is true for me, I’m thankful I’m in a place of love and respect toward God and His ways. Praying for those who aren’t following Him.

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      1. That’s really sweet Mandy!! ❤️

        Sometimes I’m too simple though, I’m in the middle of beating myself up right now…my middle kiddo was invited to go to the fair with a friend last night and I turned the offer down because this particular fair is pricey and we always hit up a cheaper one in August..turns out I’m pretty sure the friend didn’t end up going after all and her parents had already purchased a wristband for her, I feel awful now…so see oftentimes my simplicity stands in the way, especially financially!😬🥲

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      2. Did they purchase the wristband for your kid? Or they purchased the wristband for theirs? If the friend didn’t go to the fair, that’s not your fault. If they purchased the wristband for your kiddo and they didn’t go that could cause some hurt feelings. Simplicity and parenting are opposites, nothing simple or easy about that role! Love and blessings!!

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      3. Well the wristband was only purchased for their daughter but prior to that I probably caused them to think my daughter was going and then I didn’t have her go kinda last minute, because it’s pricey and I’ve had my special needs brother this weekend so my organization has been yucky.
        Anyway I found out today the girl still went to the fair but with her mom so at least the ticket wasn’t a waste and I apologized for my lack of communication, it’s actually been a good lesson for me to learn to not be so high-strung!🥴 k sorry long message whining about myself!😅

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  16. Life & relations teaches us that when the opposite as its way, where there is a lack of precepts, devotion, and holding to His guidance, turmoil and calamity comes. Much like revisiting an old abandoned house, which once was lovely decades prior, now has no value, rotting wood and sinking roof. Good study, Mandy. Thank you so much for the work and time to open up 119. Hugs and God’s grip – Alan

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  17. Pingback: Psalm 119:57-64 – Blue Collar Theologian
  18. Pingback: Psalm 119 – Blue Collar Theologian

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