Jamieson, Fausset & Brown

“At midnight--HENGSTENBERG supposes a reference to the time when the Lord went forth to slay the Egyptian first-born (Ex 11:4; 12:29; compare Job 34:20). But it rather refers to the Psalmist's own praises and prayers in the night time.”

“While opposed by the wicked, and opposing them, the pious delight in those who fear God, but, after all, rely for favor and guidance not on merit, but mercy.”

“The reliance on promises (Ps 119:49) is strengthened by experience of past dealings according with promises, and a prayer for guidance, encouraged by sanctified affliction.”

“Teach me good judgment and knowledge--namely, in Thy word (so as to fathom its deep spirituality); for the corresponding expression (Ps 119:12, 64, 68), is, "Teach me Thy statutes."”

“The crafty malice of the wicked, in slandering him, so far from turning him away, but binds him closer to God's Word, which they are too stupid in sin to appreciate. HENGSTENBERG refers the "lie" to such slanders against the Jews during the captivity, as that …”

“Let my . . . be sound--that is, perfect, sincere. ashamed--disappointed in my hope of salvation.”

“In all changes God's Word remains firm (1Pe 1:25). Like the heavens, it continually attests God's unfailing power and unchanging care (Ps 89:2). is settled in--that is, stands as firmly as the heaven in which it dwells, and whence it emanated.”

“They--the heaven (Ps 119:89) and the earth (Ps 119:90). HENGSTENBERG translates, "They stand for thy judgment," that is, ready, as obedient servants, to execute them.”

“Hence the pious are encouraged and inclined to seek a knowledge of it, and persevere amidst the efforts of those planning and waiting to destroy them. my delights--plural, not merely delight, but equal to all other delights.”

“Avoidance of sinful courses is both the effect and means of increasing in divine knowledge (compare Ps 19:10).”

“Such was the national covenant at Sinai and in the fields of Moab.”

“But the disobedient and rebellious will be visited by God's wrath, which impresses the pious with wholesome fear and awe. their deceit is falsehood--that is, all their cunning deceit, wherewith they seek to entrap the godly, is in vain.”

“The "judgments" are those on the wicked (Ps 119:119). Joyful hope goes hand in hand with fear (Hab 3:16-18).”

“On the grounds of his integrity, desire for God's word, and covenant relation to Him, the servant of God may plead for His protecting care against the wicked, gracious guidance to the knowledge of truth, and His effective vindication of the righteous and their…”

“God's words, as an open door, let in light, or knowledge. Rather, as HENGSTENBERG explains it, "The opening up," or, "explanation of thy word." To the natural man the doors of God's Word are shut. Eph 1:18, confirm this view, "opening (that is, explaining) an…”

“Look . . . upon me--opposed to hiding or averting the face (compare Ps 25:15; 102:17). as thou usest to do--or, "as it is right in regard to those who love Thy name." Such have a right to the manifestations of God's grace, resting on the nature of God as fai…”

“His hope of deliverance from external oppression of man (Ps 119:34) is founded on his deliverance from the internal "dominion of iniquity," in answer to his prayer (Ps 119:33).”

“The principles of God's government are permanent and reliable, and in the deepest distress His people find them a theme of delightful meditation and a source of reviving power (Ps 119:17, 116). law is the truth--It therefore cannot deceive as to its promises…”

“An intelligent devotion is led by divine promises and is directed to an increase of gracious affections, arising from a contemplation of revealed truth.”

“Though the wicked are near to injure, because far from God's law, He is near to help, and faithful to His word, which abides for ever.”

“(Compare Ps 119:136). transgressors--or, literally, "traitors," who are faithless to a righteous sovereign and side with His enemies (compare Ps 25:3, 8).”

“(Compare Ps 119:121-126, 153-155). quicken me, O Lord, according to thy lovingkindness-- (Ps 119:88). This prayer occurs here for the ninth time, showing a deep sense of frailty.”

“God has been ever faithful, and the principles of His government will ever continue worthy of confidence. from the beginning--that is, "every word from Genesis (called so by the Jews from its first words, 'In the beginning') to the end of the Scriptures is tr…”

“Instead of fearing his persecutors, he fears God's Word alone (Lu 12:4, 5). The Jews inscribe in the first page of the great Bible (Ge 28:17), "How dreadful is this place! This is none other but the house of God, and this is the gate of heaven!"”

“Though persecuted by the mighty, the pious are not turned from revering God's authority to seek their favor, but rejoice in the possession of this "pearl of great price," as great victors in spoils.”