Psalms 119:83-86

Context

119:83 For¹ I am like a wineskin² dried up in smoke.³

I do not forget your statutes.

119:84 How long must your servant endure this?⁴

When will you judge those who pursue me?

119:85 The arrogant dig pits to trap me,⁵

which violates your law.⁶

119:86 All your commands are reliable.

I am pursued without reason.⁷ Help me!

[119:83] ¹tn Or “even though.”

[119:83] ²tn The Hebrew word נֹאד (no’d, “leather container”) refers to a container made from animal skin which is used to hold wine or milk (see Josh 9:4, 13; Judg 4:19; 1 Sam 16:20).

[119:83] ³tn Heb “in the smoke.”

[119:84] ⁴tn Heb “How long are the days of your servant?”

[119:85] ⁷tn Heb “for me.”

[119:85] ⁸tn Heb “which [is] not according to your law.”

[119:86] ¹⁰sn God’s commands are a reliable guide to right and wrong. By keeping them the psalmist is doing what is right, yet he is still persecuted.