Psalm 119:1-16

119:1 Blessed [happy] are the undefiled [integrity; blameless] in the way, who walk in the law [Heb. torah: narrow definition: Torah of Moses; broad definition: “any instruction flowing from the revelation of God as the basis for life and action” (Expositors, Vol. 5, p. 737); given that we might maintain a healthy relationship with God and with each other] of the LORD.

119:2 Blessed [happy] are they that keep his testimonies [inscribed royal decree; legal requirement; something prescribed; terms of the covenant made between the Lord and Israel; God’s will on matters of faith and morals], and that seek him with the whole heart.

119:3 They also do no iniquity [they do not make it a habit to sin; sin will keep you from the Bible or the Bible will keep you from sin]: they walk in his [allow God’s Word to rule/guide life] ways [path or highway].

119:4 Thou [God] hast commanded us to keep thy precepts [prescriptions for Israel’s conduct; particular instructions of the Lord; all of God’s instructions are designed for our good and our protection] diligently [fully not partially].

119:5 O [introduces earnest desire of the psalmist] that my ways were [because our ways are by nature opposed to God’s ways] directed to [steady, loyal, constant] keep [psalmist motivated to obey because he loved the Lord] thy statutes [which give order and stability to life]!

119:6 Then shall I not be ashamed [guilt, troubled conscience; results when we violate God’s commands], when I have respect unto all [not just some] thy commandments.

119:7 I will praise [response of one who recognizes the surpassing worth of God’s Word] thee with uprightness of heart, when I shall have learned [a lifelong process] thy righteous judgments [ordinances; laws].

119:8 I will keep thy statutes: O forsake me not utterly.

119:9 Wherewithal shall a young man [cf. Joseph’s response to the advances of Potiphar’s wife in Gen. 39:9] cleanse [same as “undefiled” (v. 1)] his way? by taking heed thereto according to [following God’s directions] thy word [God’s truth in any form: stated, promised, or commanded].

119:10 With my whole [not part or halfheartedly] heart [sincere love for God] have I sought [cf. Ps. 42:1] thee: [a request for help…] O let me not wander [cf. Ps. 119:67 re: danger of straying] from thy commandments.

119:11 Thy word have [requires discipline] I [intentionally] hid [treasured] in mine heart [where it is continually present “as an inward motive power in opposition to selfish action” (Keil/Delitzsch)], that [aim; result] I might not sin against thee.

119:12 Blessed art thou, O LORD: teach me [request for help to learn more] thy statutes.

119:13 With my lips have I declared [repeat, declare, proclaim] all the judgments of thy mouth.

119:14 I have rejoiced [attitude of one who recognizes the surpassing worth of God’s Word] in the way of thy testimonies, as much as in all riches.

119:15 I will meditate [reflect, ponder, mull over] in thy precepts [God’s Word tells us the path to walk], and have respect unto [look, pay attention, regard] thy ways [paths; the path we follow will determine our destination; God’s Word can keep us on the right path].

119:16 I will delight [describes psalmist’s relationship to God’s statutes] myself in thy statutes: I will [psalmist’s promise] not forget thy word [cf. 119:93,141].

Psalm 119:33-40
[underlined words show tone of humility and dependence on God]

119:33 Teach me, O LORD, the way of thy statutes [because they lead in the right direction]; and I shall keep it unto the end [for a lifetime].
119:34 Give me understanding [to apply], and I shall keep thy law; yea, I shall observe it with my whole [not just part; wholeheartedly] heart.

119:35 Make me [“help me prefer”] to go in the path of thy commandments; for therein do I delight [cf. Ps. 1:2].

119:36 Incline my heart unto thy testimonies, and not to covetousness.

119:37 Turn away mine eyes from beholding vanity [“worthless things” (NIV); distractions; things that can cause our longing and love for God to grow cold; cf. Ps. 101:3]; and quicken thou me in thy way.

119:38 Stablish thy word unto thy servant, who is devoted to thy fear.

119:39 Turn away my reproach which I fear: for thy judgments [“ordinances” (NIV)] are good [result of obeying God’s laws is general well-being; it is well with those who keep them].

119:40 Behold, I have longed after thy precepts: quicken me in thy righteousness [cf. 119:159].