When the Psalmist writes this passage in Ps 119:153-160, he may perhaps be in an unfavorable circumstance. This passage seems to be a call for God’s help in asking Him to deliver the writer from some “affliction” (verse 153).

It is not clear what kind of problem that the author is facing but verse 157 suggests that some persecutors and adversaries might be affecting him in some way. These people are also being described as the “wicked” (verse 155) and “faithless” (verse 158).

The synonyms of the Scriptures appear in every verse of this passage as follows: “law” (verse 153), “promise” (verse 154), “statutes” (verse 155), “rules” (verse 156), “testimonies” (verse 157), “commands” (verse 158), “precepts” (verse 159) and “truth” (verse 160). Thus, these observations above suggest that the central idea of this passage is about how believers can rely on God’s Word to respond to unchristian or unkind treatments that come by our ways.

Let us observe the contrasting attitudes of the Psalmist from his adversaries towards the Scriptures. For his enemies, they do not seek the statutes of God (verse 155) and they do not keep God’s commandments (verse 158). Even though these people went against the Psalmist and afflicted him, he pled his cause to God, asking God to redeem him (verse 154) and for deliverance (verse 153a). His conviction to remain faithful to God in not forgetting His law (verse 153b) and not swerving from His testimonies (verse 157) is evident.

One significant observation concerning the possible dire opposition that the Psalmist faces is the thrice usage of the phrases “give my life” (verses 154b, 156b and 159b). He cries out this plea to God in accordance with His promise, His rules and His steadfast love (verses 154b, 156b and 159b). The Psalter then ends this passage with a positive mood by stating God’s Word is truth and His righteous rules endures forever.

Dear brothers and sisters, Jesus has called us to follow Him. We are to be in the world and not of this world (Jn 17:11-18). The comforting promise that Jesus’ high priestly prayer for His disciples in John chapter 17, applies to us as well today (Jn 17:20). Like the Psalmist, let us strengthen our conviction in God’s Word and turn to Him for help and deliverance.

Prayer

Dear Jesus, This world that does not know you, may even be hostile to us because we as your children stand up and live by your ways. Help us not to waver from our understanding of your Word and instead, we pray that you continue to help us persevere in being a witness that honors you. I pray in your name. Amen.