Psalm 119 Story behind the Psalm

Psalm Overview

• Grammar
• Semantics
• Story behind the Psalm
• Discourse
• Poetics

About the Story Behind Layer

The Story behind the Psalm shows how each part of the psalm fits together into a single coherent whole. Whereas most semantic analysis focuses on discrete parts of a text such as the meaning of a word or phrase, Story Behind the Psalm considers the meaning of larger units of discourse, including the entire psalm. (Click 'Expand' to the right for more information.)

The goal of this layer is to reconstruct and visualise a mental representation of the text as the earliest hearers/readers might have conceptualised it. We start by identifying the propositional content of each clause in the psalm, and then we identify relevant assumptions implied by each of the propositions. During this process, we also identify and analyse metaphorical language (“imagery”). Finally, we try to see how all of the propositions and assumptions fit together to form a coherent mental representation. The main tool we use for structuring the propositions and assumptions is a story triangle, which visualises the rise and fall of tension within a semantic unit. Although story triangles are traditionally used to analyse stories in the literary sense of the word, we use them at this layer to analyse “stories” in the cognitive sense of the word—i.e., a story as a sequence of propositions and assumptions that has tension.

Story Behind Visuals for Psalm 119

Summary Triangle

The story triangle below summarises the story of the whole psalm. We use the same colour scheme as in Participant Analysis. The star icon along the edge of the story-triangle indicates the point of the story in which the psalm itself (as a speech event) takes place. We also include a theme at the bottom of the story. The theme is the main message conveyed by the story-behind.

Background ideas

Following are the common-ground assumptionsCommon-ground assumptions include information shared by the speaker and hearers. In our analysis, we mainly use this category for Biblical/Ancient Near Eastern background. which are the most helpful for making sense of the psalm.

• YHWH disciplines those he loves (Deut 8:5; 2 Sam 7:14; Jer 30:11; 31:18-20; Prov 3:12; Ps 32:3-5; 94:12).
• The instrument of his discipline will not go unpunished (Jer 30:11, 16; Hab 3:1-16).
• The same authority expressed when YHWH established his creation is the authority expressed when YHWH established his word (Ps 24:1-2; 119:152).
• YHWH's enduring faithfulness to his creation implicates his enduring faithfulness to his people (Gen 8:22; Jer 31:36; Ps 96:10).
• As a metonymical extension, devotion to YHWH's word amounts to devotion to YHWH himself (Reynolds 2010, 34ff., Procházková 2021, 81; see also Isa 42:21, Ps 97:8).
• Obedience to YHWH's word is impossible without YHWH's help (Jer 32:39-40; Ezek 36:24-28).
• An ingathering of kings will seek and learn YHWH's word (Isa 2:1-4; 60:3; Ps 2:10-12; Ps 102:19-23; Ps 148:11 and especially Ps 138:1-5).

Background situation

The background situation is the series of events leading up to the time in which the psalm is spoken. These are taken from the story triangle – whatever lies to the left of the star icon.

Expanded paraphrase

The expanded paraphrase seeks to capture the implicit information within the text and make it explicit for readers today. It is based on the CBC translation and uses italic text to provide the most salient background information, presuppositions, entailments, and inferences.

v. 1

Let me put on display the happiness of those blameless in their way, of those walking in the teaching of YHWH, listening to it and obeying it!

v. 2

Let me put on display the happiness of those keeping his testimonies! They seek him with nothing less than a whole heart and, therefore, find him.

v. 3

Also, they have not done injustice which would disqualify them from finding YHWH. But rather, they have walked in his ways.

v. 4

You, YHWH, have commanded your precepts, so that people, including myself, fully keep them.

v. 5

I pray that my ways might be committed like those blameless people so that I keep your purposes.

v. 6

Then I will not be ashamed when I consider all of your commands and see myself fall short.

v. 7

But rather, I will praise you with a sincere heart when I learn your righteous rules and do them.

v. 8

This is my commitment: I will keep your purposes. But do not forsake me at all in this endeavor, or I will fail miserably!

v. 9

Think about it: How will a young man keep his way pure? Only by keeping it according to your words.

v. 10

That's why I have sought you with nothing less than all my heart. But I still need your help, so do not let me stray from your commands!

v. 11

I have treasured your promise in my heart and think about it all the time, so that I might not sin against you.

v. 12

You are blessed, YHWH; I praise you. Teach me your purposes, as I know you will eventually.

v. 13

With my lips I have proclaimed all the rules that come from your mouth.

v. 14

I rejoice in the way of your testimonies as one rejoicing over all wealth!

v. 15

That's why this is all I want to do: Let me meditate on your precepts and let me consider your ways and think about all you have done.

v. 16

Let me confirm my commitment: I will delight in your purposes. I will not forget your words.

v. 17

Deal fairly with your servant, who trusts you, according to your loyalty, so that I will live and if I am alive I will surely keep your words.

v. 18

Open my eyes, so that I will see wonderful things from your teaching, the same way you have made us remember your wonders on past occasions.

v. 19

I am a sojourner in the land, traveling the path of your word. So do not hide your commands from me as a sign of your displeasure.

v. 20

My soul is consumed with longing for your judgments– it's all I can think about – all the time.

v. 21

You have rebuked the arrogant people, cursed ones, those who abandon your commands rather than longing for them.

v. 22

They deserve your rebuke, but I do not. So take insult and contempt away from me, because I have kept your testimonies.

v. 23

Also, leaders have been sitting in their position of counsel and speaking together against me. Nevertheless, your lowly servant meditates on your purposes.

v. 24

Indeed, your testimonies are my delight; they act as my advisers, not the leaders, even though that is their job!.

v. 25

My life sticks to the dust and I would be dead without your help. Keep me alive according to your promise to your servants!

v. 26

Previously, I declared my ways, calling for help so that you would pay attention to my circumstances, and you took notice and answered me so that I came through them. Teach me your purposes, because I need to understand that you will do it again.

v. 27

Give me understanding of the way of your precepts, so that I will meditate on your wonderful deeds, in full trust.

v. 28

But, for now, I still weep from grief. So please take notice like last time and lift me up according to your promise.

v. 29

Also remove any disloyal ways from me so something like that previous episode does not happen again and be gracious to me with your teaching.

v. 30

Look, I have chosen a faithful way. I have set your rules before me.

v. 31

I cling to your testimonies. What more can I do? YHWH, do not let me be shamed like those who abandon your word.

v. 32

I run along the path of your commands, because you broaden my understanding; otherwise, I would be off the path.

v. 33

Teach me, YHWH, the way of your purposes, so that I will keep it to the end.

v. 34

Give me understanding so that I will keep your teaching and I will observe it with a whole heart.

v. 35

Guide me in the path of your commands, for I delight in it.

v. 36

Turn my heart to your testimonies and not to unjust gain, which I would be tempted to pursue if I abandoned your way.

v. 37

Turn my eyes away from seeing futile things, which do not satisfy anyway, unlike the joy of your word. Keep me alive according to your word of both blessing towards those who keep your word and curse against those who ignore it.

v. 38

Fulfill for your servant your promise of rejecting the wicked, which is designed for the fear of you.

v. 39

And when you do, also turn away their insults directed towards me, which, if I am honest, I fear, because your judgments are actually good and we can trust that you will put them into effect so that there will be justice in the world.

v. 40

Look, I long for your precepts. So keep me alive by your justice, which carries out these good judgments.

v. 41

Now, let your loyal acts come to me in order to deal with me fairly, YHWH; [let] your salvation [come to me] according to your promise of blessing and curse,

v. 42

so that I will answer a word to those insulting me and will not shrink away in shame, because I trust in your words.

v. 43

And do not take true words out of my mouth at all even if I am tempted to resort to lies – because I hope in your judgments and know you will punish falsehood –

v. 44

so that I will keep your teaching always, forever and ever, always,

v. 45

so that I will live at ease with a clean conscience and free from oppression – because I care about your precepts –

v. 46

so that I will speak about your testimonies before kings, who come to learn your ways and walk in your paths and I will not be ashamed,

v. 47

so that I will delight in your commands, which I love,

v. 48

so that I will commit to your commands, which I love, and vow to obey them, and I will meditate on your purposes.

v. 49

Remember the promise for your servant in which you have caused me to hope, your promise that you discipline me as a son, but will not finish me off.

v. 50

This is my consolation in my suffering: that your word has kept me alive.

v. 51

Even still, arrogant people have completely derided me. But I have not turned from your teaching.

v. 52

Instead, I remember your decisions which are the same from eternity past, YHWH, and I am comforted.

v. 53

In fact, rage has seized me because of wicked people, those who reject your teaching.

v. 54

Your decrees have become my songs during my sojourning, as I seek to obey your word. They bring me joy and I think about them all the time.

v. 55

I remember your name all the time, even in the night, YHWH, that is, your character and what you have done, and it helps me obey, so I keep your teaching.

v. 56

This has become mine: that I have kept your precepts. I have nothing else to call mine.

v. 57

My lot is nothing else than YHWH rather than territory or possessions, so I can hope in him, so I commit to keeping your words.

v. 58

I have entreated your favor with a whole heart. So be gracious to me according to your promise!

v. 59

After you disciplined me, I considered my ways and immediately turned my feet to your path in order to obey your testimonies.

v. 60

I hurried and did not delay in keeping your commands.

v. 61

Even though the ropes of traps laid by wicked people have surrounded me. Nevertheless, I have not forgotten your teaching.

v. 62

I get up at midnight to praise you for your just rules, because I know you will eventually come through.

v. 63

I am a friend to all who fear you and to those who keep your precepts. I am not alone in this.

v. 64

Indeed, YHWH, the earth is full of your faithfulness to those who have trusted in you for salvation. Teach me your purposes. Help me understand them!

v. 65

I believe that you have done good to your servant, YHWH, according to your promise.

v. 66

Teach me goodness, that is, discernment and knowledge to really understand it, because I believe in your commands.

v. 67

This is what happened: Before I was afflicted, I was going astray, but now that you have chastened me, I have kept your word.

v. 68

I know that you are good and one who does good. Teach me your purposes so that I will understand your treatment of me.

v. 69

Arrogant people have covered me in lies, since I was afflicted, looking down on me as if my faith was in vain and as if I had not responded to your discipline. But I keep your precepts with nothing less than a whole heart.

v. 70

Their heart is insensitive like animal fat. In other words, they do not care that they do not obey your word; they do not react when you rebuke them. But as for me, I delight in your teaching and not their approval.

v. 71

It was good for me that I was afflicted, so that I would learn your purposes.

v. 72

The teaching which proceeds from your mouth is better for me than thousands of gold and silver pieces. I do not need anything the arrogant could offer me!

v. 73

Your hands made me and established me. I am your loyal subject, so do not abandon me now! Give me understanding so that I learn your commands.

v. 74

And when I do, those who fear you will see me and rejoice, because I have hoped in your word.

v. 75

I know, YHWH, that your rules are absolutely just and [that] you afflicted me in faithfulness, not out of anger or spite.

v. 76

But please let your loyalty keep comforting me according to your promise which you gave to your servant.

v. 77

Let your merciful acts come to me so that I will live, because your teaching is my delight.

v. 78

On the other hand, let arrogant people be ashamed, because with a lie they have caused me to be seen as crooked, as if I was all-talk but did not walk in integrity. I, on the other hand, am focused on one thing: I meditate on your precepts.

v. 79

Let those who fear you turn to me, and those who know your testimonies, since they might be going through something similar.

v. 80

Let my heart be blameless in regard to your purposes, so that I will not be ashamed when I and others who fear you consider my life and obedience, no matter what the arrogant say.

v. 81

But do it now! My soul has wasted away for need of your salvation, even though I have hoped in your word.

v. 82

My eyes have started fading in weeping and weariness for need of your promise, saying, "When will you comfort me?"

v. 83

because I have become like a leather bottle in smoke, an unworthy sojourner in need of your discipline, but becoming increasingly brittle and at risk of not making it through this if it does on any longer! Look, I have not forgotten your purposes.

v. 84

How many are the days of your servant? Am I going to have much life left to live after this ordeal? When will you carry out judgment against those persecuting me?

v. 85

Arrogant people have dug pits for me to catch me by any means possible, just like with their ropes and traps, which is not [done] according to your teaching. Are you going to do something about it?

v. 86

If all of your commands are absolutely trustworthy, why do they get away with it when they have persecuted me without cause? Help me before it is too late!

v. 87

They have almost finished with me in the land, but I have not abandoned your precepts, since I am holding out hope in your salvation.

v. 88

Keep me alive according to your loyalty, so I will keep the testimony which proceeds from your mouth. If you do not save me how can I pursue obedience to your word?

v. 89

Let me get some perspective. No less than forever, YHWH, your word endures in heaven.

v. 90

Your faithfulness endures throughout each and every generation. Long before I was around, you established the earth and it stands.

v. 91

They, that is, both heaven and earth, are still standing today by no other force or power than your decisions, because all things are your servants, so you retain the prerogative to act as you, in your divine wisdom, see fit!

v. 92

If your teaching were not my delight, then I would have perished in my affliction. But you gave me the promises to hope in, so I came through it.

v. 93

I will never ever forget your precepts, because you have kept me alive by them.

v. 94

I am yours; so save me, as I know you will eventually, because I, for one, care about your precepts.

v. 95

Wicked people, on the other hand, have waited for me to kill me. I only pay attention to your testimonies.

v. 96

I have seen everything come to an end, that is, people come and go, including the wicked and their plans. Your command extends even beyond the passing nature of everything else.

v. 97

How I love your teaching! It is my meditation all day.

v. 98

Your command makes me wiser than my enemies, because no one can take it away from me and it is mine forever.

v. 99

I have gained more insight than all my teachers, because it is your testimonies that are my meditation all day.

v. 100

I gain more understanding than even elders, because I have not only meditated on, but have kept your precepts.

v. 101

To that end, I have withheld my feet from every evil path so that I might keep your words.

v. 102

I have not turned away from your rules, for one simple reason: because you have instructed me.

v. 103

How pleasing are your words to my palate! [They are] more [pleasing] to my mouth than honey, that is, they are both satisfying and invigorating.

v. 104

I gain understanding from your precepts. Therefore, I hate every path of falsehood and do not go near them.

v. 105

I do not get lost, because your word is even a lamp for my feet and a light on my path.

v. 106

I have solemnly sworn to keep your righteous rules.

v. 107

At the same time, I am utterly afflicted, YHWH, so keep me alive according to your word and both I and others will praise you for your salvation.

v. 108

Please accept with pleasure the offering of this prayer coming from my mouth, YHWH, and fulfill my request of teaching me your rules, so that I will learn to obey them fully.

v. 109

I am always in danger, but I do not know why, since I have not forgotten your teaching.

v. 110

Wicked people have set a trap for me, but I have not even wandered from your precepts. What is going on?

v. 111

It seems I have nothing besides your word. I have inherited your testimonies forever, come what may, because they are nothing less than the joy of my heart.

v. 112

So I have turned my heart and decided to carry out your purposes forever - to the end!

v. 113

I hate double-minded people with split loyalties, but I love your teaching, because it teaches me how to obey and trust you.

v. 114

No matter what has happened, you are still my shelter and my shield. I have hoped in your word.

v. 115

So you, evildoers, get away from me, so that I will keep the commands of my God without being distracted by your nonsense!

v. 116

Sustain me according to your promise when I do not have strength, so that I will live; and do not let me be put to shame because of my hope, if it turned out to be misplaced.

v. 117

Uphold me when I am weak, so that I will be saved, and I will always pay regard to your purposes.

v. 118

You have rejected all those who go astray from your purposes, because their betrayal of me is unprompted. I had done nothing to incite their rage.

v. 119

You consider all the wicked of the earth dross, that is, useless, to be burned off the purified metal. Therefore I love your testimonies that I have heard about, because you judge rightly in your dealings with people.

v. 120

My skin has goose bumps from my fear of you and your justice, and I am in awe of your rules. I want nothing else than to to follow them as long as I live.

v. 121

That is why I have carried out justice and righteousness, just like you do. So do not leave me to my oppressors!

v. 122

Take responsibility for your servant so that it all turns out for my good; do not let arrogant people oppress me.

v. 123

My eyes have started fading in weeping and weariness for need of your salvation, for need of of your just promise.

v. 124

Please, quickly deal with your servant according to your loyalty and teach me your purposes.

v. 125

I am your servant; give me understanding so that I will know your testimonies.

v. 126

It is time for YHWH to act – look, the arrogant people, they have broken your law, after all!

v. 127

You have rejected them and consider them dross, so I know you will act. Therefore I love your commands more than gold, even more than pure gold. There is nothing I want more than to obey your word. There is nothing I need more than your justice.

v. 128

Therefore I have performed all your precepts correctly. I hate every path of falsehood, just like you do.

v. 129

Your testimonies are wonderful things! I have trusted them, therefore I have kept them.

v. 130

The explanation of your words illuminates, giving simple people like me understanding.

v. 131

I opened my mouth wide and panted because I long for your commands. I am desperate,

v. 132

Turn to me and be gracious to me according to the custom which is for those who love your name.

v. 133

By your grace, direct my steps by your word and do not let any evil gain control over me, which would undoubtedly happen without your protection.

v. 134

Save me from the oppression of man so that I may keep your precepts. If they have their way with me, I will not be around to follow your word.

v. 135

Stay close to me and make your face shine upon your servant with your perpetual blessing for your people, and teach me your purposes to help me understand why you promise to bless us and keep us, yet many of your people do not even care about your word.

v. 136

Streams of water have been flowing down from my eyes, because your teaching has not been kept! This is not how it should be. You will not put up with it.

v. 137

You are just, YHWH, and your justice is right.

v. 138

You have commanded your righteous testimonies and great faithfulness. Why do people not listen?

v. 139

My zeal has consumed me because my adversaries have forgotten your words.

v. 140

Yet your word is absolutely pure and your servant loves it.

v. 141

I am totally dependent on you but I am considered insignificant and unworthy by others, as if you did not care about me, but I have not forgotten your precepts.

v. 142

Just as your sovereignty over creation is eternal, so your justice is an eternal justice and your teaching is truth. You are not double-minded and deceitful like my arrogant enemies.

v. 143

But at the same time, distress and affliction have found me. Even still, your commands are my delight.

v. 144

I want to believe that your just testimonies are eternal. Give me understanding of your eternal dealings so that I will live.

v. 145

Since I have called out with a whole heart; answer me, YHWH, let me keep your purposes, since only with your gracious salvation is that going to happen.

v. 146

I have called out to you; save me, so that I will observe your testimonies.

v. 147

I have gone ahead before sunrise and called out for help. It is the first thing I do in my day, since I have hoped in your word.

v. 148

I know you will give me understanding through it, so I have been alert since before dawn to meditate on your word.

v. 149

When I call out to you, listen to my voice according to your loyalty; YHWH, keep me alive according to your justice, which is my only hope.

v. 150

Those pursuing a wicked scheme against me are near, but they are far from your teaching.

v. 151

At the same time, the reality is that you are near, YHWH, and all your commands are truth.

v. 152

This is nothing new. From long ago I have known from your testimonies that you established them forever. They do not change and they are still worthy of my trust.

v. 153

Look at my affliction and rescue me, because I have not forgotten your teaching.

v. 154

Defend my case against those who oppress me and want to shame me and redeem me. Keep me alive by your word, which guides me on the right path and offers life-giving promises.

v. 155

Success is far from wicked people. They are not going to get away with their schemes, because they do not care about your purposes.

v. 156

YHWH, your merciful acts are numerous. I have read about them and even seen them in my own life. Keep me alive according to your judgments against those who oppress me and for those who trust in you,

v. 157

Because my persecutors and my adversaries are also numerous! Even still, I have not turned away from your testimonies.

v. 158

I have seen unfaithful people and felt disgusted by those who have not kept your word.

v. 159

See that I love your precepts. YHWH, keep me alive according to your loyalty, the same loyalty I have shown you.

v. 160

I know you will do it, because the sum of your word is truth through and through and all of your just judgment is eternal and unchanging.

v. 161

Leaders have persecuted me without cause, but my heart fears your word.

v. 162

I rejoice over your word like one who finds great spoils of war.

v. 163

That is why I really hate falsehood, but I love your teaching.

v. 164

I have been praising you non-stop, as much as seven times throughout the day for your just judgments.

v. 165

Also, those who love your teaching have great peace when they see your work in the world, and there is no stumbling block against them since they keep their way pure.

v. 166

I, too, have hoped in your salvation, YHWH, and have carried out your commands.

v. 167

I have observed your testimonies and, what is more, I completely love them!

v. 168

I have kept your precepts and your testimonies because all of my ways are before you and I fear you. You also see when I stray and you set me back on the path of obedience.

v. 169

Let my cry come near to you, YHWH, so that you pay attention. Give me understanding according to your word, even when I have to wait, so I can trust in your faithfulness in dealing with me.

v. 170

Let my plea come to you so that you will rescue me according to your promise.

v. 171

Nevertheless, in the meantime, my lips already pour out praise because you do teach me your purposes.

v. 172

Whether you answer quickly or slowly, let my tongue sing your word because all of your commands are absolutely righteous.

v. 173

Even still, may your hand help me because I have chosen your precepts.

v. 174

I long for your salvation, YHWH, and your teaching is my delight.

v. 175

Let my soul live so that it will praise you, and let your judgments help me against those who persecute me.

v. 176

When I go astray like a lost sheep, which will happen, since there is no one who does not sin and I may very well need your correction again, search out your servant, because I have not forgotten your commands!

Story Triangles

Assumptions Table

Bibliography

Procházková, Ivana. 2021. The Torah / Law is a Journey: Using Cognitive and Culturally Oriented Linguistics to Interpret and Translate Metaphors in the Hebrew Bible. Prague: Karolinum Press.

Reynolds, Kent. 2010. Torah as Teacher: The Exemplary Torah Student in Psalm 119. Leiden: Brill.