Psalms 119:57-64

ח (Khet)

119:57 The Lord is my source of security. ¹ 

I have determined ²  to follow your instructions. ³ 

119:58 I seek your favor ⁴  with all my heart.

Have mercy on me as you promised! ⁵ 

119:59 I consider my actions ⁶ 

and follow ⁷  your rules.

119:60 I keep your commands

eagerly and without delay. ⁸ 

119:61 The ropes of the wicked tighten around ⁹  me,

but I do not forget your law.

119:62 In the middle of the night I arise ¹⁰  to thank you

for your just regulations.

119:63 I am a friend to all your loyal followers, ¹¹ 

and to those who keep your precepts.

119:64 O Lord, your loyal love fills the earth.

Teach me your statutes!

[119:57]  ¹ tn Heb “my portion [is] the Lord.” The psalmist compares the Lord to landed property, which was foundational to economic stability in ancient Israel (see Ps 16:5).

[119:57]  ² tn Heb “I said.”

[119:57]  ³ tn Heb “to keep your words” (see v. 9).

[119:58]  ⁴ tn Heb “I appease your face.”

[119:58]  ⁵ tn Heb “according to your word.”

[119:59]  ⁷ tn Heb “my ways.”

[119:59]  ⁸ tn Heb “and I turn my feet toward.”

[119:60]  ¹⁰ tn Heb “I hurry and I do not delay to keep your commands.”

[119:61]  ¹³ tn Heb “surround.”

[119:62]  ¹⁶ tn The psalmist uses an imperfect verbal form to emphasize that this is his continuing practice.

[119:63]  ¹⁹ tn Heb “to all who fear you.”