Psalm 119:33-40 is a section of the longest psalm in the Bible, which is an acrostic poem that praises God's word and law. In this section, the psalmist expresses his desire to learn and obey God's commands, and to be delivered from sin and falsehood. Here is a verse by verse explanation with some possible applications:
Verse 33: Teach me, O Lord, the way of your statutes; and I will keep it to the end.
- The psalmist acknowledges that he needs God's instruction to understand and follow his statutes, which are his rules and principles. He also commits to keep them faithfully until the end of his life.
- Application: We can pray for God to teach us his word and his will, and to help us obey him with all our heart. We can also study the Bible regularly and diligently, as it is the primary source of God's revelation.
Verse 34: Give me understanding, that I may keep your law and observe it with my whole heart.
- The psalmist asks for God's understanding, which is more than just knowledge or information. It is the ability to discern and apply God's truth in every situation. He wants to keep God's law, which is his moral instruction, and to observe it with his whole heart, which means with sincerity and devotion.
- Application: We can ask God for wisdom and insight to live according to his word. We can also seek to love God with all our heart, soul, mind and strength, as Jesus commanded (Mark 12:30).
Verse 35: Lead me in the path of your commandments, for I delight in it.
- The psalmist requests for God's guidance in the path of his commandments, which are his specific instructions for his people. He delights in God's commandments, because they are good, righteous and beneficial for him.
- Application: We can trust God to lead us in the right way, as he promised to do for those who acknowledge him (Proverbs 3:5-6). We can also find joy and pleasure in obeying God, as he rewards those who seek him (Hebrews 11:6).
Verse 36: Incline my heart to your testimonies, and not to selfish gain!
- The psalmist pleads for God to incline his heart to his testimonies, which are his declarations of his character and deeds. He wants his heart to be drawn to God and his word, rather than to selfish gain, which is anything that appeals to his sinful nature or worldly desires.
- Application: We can ask God to change our hearts and make them more like his. We can also resist the temptation of selfish gain, which can take many forms such as money, fame, power or pleasure.
Verse 37: Turn my eyes from looking at worthless things; and give me life in your ways.
- The psalmist implores God to turn his eyes from looking at worthless things, which are anything that distracts him from God or leads him astray. He wants God to give him life in his ways, which are his plans and purposes for him.
- Application: We can ask God to help us focus on what is true, noble, right, pure, lovely and admirable (Philippians 4:8). We can also seek to live for God's glory and kingdom, rather than for ourselves or the world.
Verse 38: Confirm to your servant your promise, that you may be feared.
- The psalmist appeals to God to confirm to him his promise, which is his covenant or agreement with him. He wants God to assure him of his faithfulness and reliability, so that he may fear him. To fear God means to respect him, honor him and worship him.
- Application: We can rely on God's promises, which are based on his character and grace. We can also cultivate a healthy fear of God, which is the beginning of wisdom (Proverbs 9:10).
Verse 39: Turn away the reproach that I dread, for your rules are good.
- The psalmist asks God to turn away the reproach that he dreads, which is the shame or disgrace that comes from sin or opposition. He affirms that God's rules are good, which means they are beneficial and pleasing for him.
- Application: We can confess our sins to God and receive his forgiveness and cleansing (1 John 1:9). We can also trust that God will protect us from our enemies and vindicate us from false accusations (Psalm 31:1-5).
Verse 40: Behold, I long for your precepts; in your righteousness give me life!
- The psalmist declares that he longs for God's precepts, which are his instructions or directions for life. He asks God to give him life in his righteousness, which is his justice and holiness.
- Application: We can hunger and thirst for God's word, as it is the source of life and nourishment for our souls (Matthew 4:4). We can also depend on God's righteousness, which is given to us through faith in Jesus Christ (Romans 3:21-22).
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