The Final Stanza of Psalm 119

In his commentary on the Psalms, H.C. Leupold has written about this last stanza that “Almost every verse is a petition. Since this illustrates the face that the writer is utterly dependent upon God’s help, this fact must be added to the issue involved in the preceding section, which some interpreters regard as evidence of spiritual pride. Such a spirit of utter humility that seeks all it needs from God is the very antithesis of pride.” (pg. 860)

These petitions serve as summaries of the entirety of Psalm 119. Here are those petitions.

Teach me (vs. 169). He lacks understanding of God’s Word and wants it desperately. He knows what Paul would later write in I Corinthians 1 about the foolishness of the world in comparison to the wisdom of God. The psalmist wants this wisdom.

Hear me (vs. 170). Again, the cries continue. He wants to be heard. And the more he learns of God, the more he will praise.

Receive me (vs. 171-72). The psalmist wants his lips to gush forward with praise as he is with God in His Word more and more. Albert Barnes illustrates this gushing forth of the psalmist in his commentary: “Each new degree of knowledge will excite a corresponding desire to praise thee. This will be true of all who love God, while this life lasts, and for ever. The ever-increasing knowledge of God will excite every-increasing praise; and as God is infinite and eternal, it follows that the increase of knowledge and of happiness, in those who are saved, will be eternal. These things will go hand in hand for ever and ever.” (pg. 225)

Help me (vs. 173). Choosing God’s Word and God’s way over all others reveals the true heart of the psalmist. He wasn’t going to get swallowed up in the ways of the world. He wasn’t going to try to serve both God and Himself. He wasn’t going to try extra-biblical remedies with his sufferings. It is God’s “precepts” he chose.

Judge me (vs. 174-175). He wants to continue praising God with his life and continue obeying with his life. And in order for any and all of that to happen he needs for God to continue to save him.

Seek me (vs. 176). He is being honest of his inability to perfectly adhere to the Law. He is making himself small. He is saying, “God I am going to disobey. I am not perfect. There will be times when I don’t live up to your perfect standards. I will take 2 steps back, but God my pattern in life will be one of obedience. I will always follow those 2 steps back with 3 steps forward. Don’t forget me, because I won’t forget what you say.” This is a simple, honest admission that disobedience will come.  

Yet even though that admission is present, notice the final phrase – “I will not forget Your commandments.” The final word is not that of failure, but the affirmation of loyalty of intention and purpose: I do not forget your commandments!