Psalms 119:147-148

119:147 I am up before dawn crying for help.

I find hope in your word.

119:148 My eyes anticipate the nighttime hours,

so that I can meditate on your word.

Psalms 119:158

119:158 I take note of the treacherous and despise them,

because they do not keep your instructions. ¹ 

Psalms 119:161

שׂ/שׁ (Sin/Shin)

119:161 Rulers pursue me for no reason,

yet I am more afraid of disobeying your instructions. ² 

[119:158]  ¹ tn Heb “your word.”

[119:161]  ¹ tn Heb “and because of your instructions my heart trembles.” The psalmist’s healthy “fear” of the consequences of violating God’s instructions motivates him to obey them. See v. 120.