Psalm 119:93-96
93 I will never forget your precepts*,
for by them you have given me life.
94 I am yours; save me,
for I have sought your precepts.
95 The wicked lie in wait to destroy me,
but I consider your testimonies.
96 I have seen a limit to all perfection,
but your commandment is exceedingly broad.
* Through these reflections, those phrases that identify God’s word, revelation, or law will be highlighted in the text in the hopes of accentuating the many and varied ways we can visualize what God has given to us for our good.
Reflection
When we become children of God, a transfer of “ownership” has taken place. It may be better to say that a transfer of responsibility has taken place.
The day I learned that I would become a father, I felt a weight settle on me. In that moment, there was a realization that I would become responsible for a new life. To say that I was was changed by that awakening would be an understatement. I was shaken by the changes I knew would become a part of my life.
In many ways, I knew that I would never be the same again. I understand that how I saw the world would be altered by the presence of this new life in my home.
While it would be a little foolish to try and describe what God feels for us as his children, I do think we can learn something from the Psalmist’s description in verse 94. We no longer belong to ourselves. When we have entered into relationship with God by faith in Jesus, we have surrendered our rights to our own lives.
There may be some who are bothered by this. I am not one of them. To know that God is responsible for my life, my soul, and my destiny is quite comforting. I don’t always appreciate it like I should. So, it would be wise to do what I can to not lose sight of this wonderful reality.
Commentary
Verse 93: Here we see an explicit connection being made between God’s precepts and the life we have. The idea of “life” here can be understood in a variety of ways. It could be salvation. Or it could mean encouragement. However, the overall tone of the psalm leans in a practical direction. Therefore, with that in mind, it would make sense to see the word “life” here as referring to wisdom. As we learn and remember God’s word, we grow in wisdom. We are enlightened by the mind of God for how we should conduct ourselves in this world.
Verse 94: The pursuit of God’s precepts is an indication of what we value. The greater our commitment to God’s word, the more we understand all God has promised. The way we see our relationship with God also has a role to play here. The Psalmist describes themselves as belonging to God, “I am yours.” This is the posture of the person who sees all God offers and chooses that over anything else.
Verse 95: The fact of opposition should be a given. It will happen in the course of time. Not always because of something we did to instigate it. Sometimes we are faced with conflict because we are doing what God has commanded. In this verse the Psalmist implies that regardless of what may come against us, we should “consider your testimonies.” There should be a resolve to not lose sight of what God has revealed to us. This considering is a safeguard against losing heart in the midst of the schemes of the wicked.
Verse 96: The expanse of God’s commandments cannot be measured and it cannot be quantified. In the world, there are those who would try and convince us of their wisdom. But earthly wisdom has its limits. What’s more, earthly wisdom can never bring us into the presence of God. God’s commands, may at first appear restrictive, but they are far greater than we may fully understand in the moment. But as we dive deeper and investigate further and consider more intentionally what God has commanded, we will see the richness of God’s wisdom like never before.
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