Psa 119:169-176 | JFB | STEP | 169-170. The prayer for understanding of the truth precedes that for deliverance. The fulfilment of the first is the basis of the fulfilment of the second ( ). On the terms "cry" and "supplication" (compare ; ).

‏ Psalms 119:169-176

169-170. The prayer for understanding of the truth precedes that for deliverance. The fulfilment of the first is the basis of the fulfilment of the second (Psa 90:11-17). On the terms "cry" and "supplication" (compare Psa 6:9; 17:1).

171-172. shall utter--or, "pour out praise" (compare Psa 19:2); shall cause Thy praises to stream forth as from a bubbling, overflowing fountain.

173-174. (Compare Psa 119:77, 81, 92).

I have chosen--in preference to all other objects of delight.

175. Save me that I may praise Thee.

thy judgments--as in Psa 119:149, 156.

176. Though a wanderer from God, the truly pious ever desires to be drawn back to Him; and, though for a time negligent of duty, he never forgets the commandments by which it is taught.

lost--therefore utterly helpless as to recovering itself (Jr 50:6; Lu 15:4). Not only the sinner before conversion, but the believer after conversion, is unable to recover himself; but the latter, after temporary wandering, knows to whom to look for restoration. Psa 119:175, 176 seem to sum up the petitions, confessions, and professions of the Psalm. The writer desires God's favor, that he may praise Him for His truth, confesses that he has erred, but, in the midst of all his wanderings and adversities, professes an abiding attachment to the revealed Word of God, the theme of such repeated eulogies, and the recognized source of such great and unnumbered blessings. Thus the Psalm, though more than usually didactic, is made the medium of both parts of devotion--prayer and praise.