The
earth is full of your loving kindness, Yahweh. Teach me your statutes.
Psalm 119:64
Psalm 119 [57.] Yahweh is my portion.
I promised to obey your words.
I sought your favor with my whole heart.
Be merciful to me according to your word.
I considered my ways,
and turned my steps to your statutes.
I will hurry, and not delay,
to obey your commandments.
The ropes of the wicked bind me,
but I won’t forget your law.
At midnight I will rise to give thanks to you,
because of your righteous ordinances.
I am a friend of all those who fear you,
of those who observe your precepts.
The earth is full of your loving kindness, Yahweh.
Teach me your statutes.
TET
Psalm 119 [65.] Do good to your servant,
according to your word, Yahweh.
Teach me good judgment and knowledge,
for I believe in your commandments.
Before I was afflicted, I went astray;
but now I observe your word.
You are good, and do good.
Teach me your statutes.
The proud have smeared a lie upon me.
With my whole heart, I will keep your precepts.
Their heart is as callous as the fat,
but I delight in your law.
It is good for me that I have been afflicted,
that I may learn your statutes.
The law of your mouth is better to me than thousands of pieces of gold and silver.
Meaning:
This verse, nestled within the longest chapter in the Bible, offers a profound reflection on the omnipresence of God’s love and the psalmist’s desire to align his life with God's teachings. Psalm 119 is a rich and detailed meditation on the beauty and necessity of God’s law, emphasizing how it serves as a guide for living a life pleasing to God.
Significance
The Earth is Full of Your Loving Kindness, LORD: This opening phrase is a declaration of God’s steadfast love and mercy, which permeates all of creation. The term "loving kindness" (often translated as "steadfast love" or "mercy" in other translations) comes from the Hebrew word "chesed," which conveys God’s covenantal loyalty, kindness, and enduring love towards His people. By saying that the earth is full of God's loving kindness, the psalmist acknowledges that no part of creation is untouched by God's benevolence and care. This reflects a deep awareness of God's active presence and goodness in the world, even in the midst of trials and challenges.
This statement invites us to see the world through the lens of God's mercy. It’s a call to recognize that, despite the brokenness and sin in the world, God's love is still evident and abundant. Whether through the beauty of nature, the relationships we cherish, or the provisions we receive, God's loving kindness is woven into the fabric of our daily lives. It’s a reminder that we are surrounded by evidence of God’s care, which should inspire gratitude and trust in His ongoing faithfulness.
Teach Me Your Statutes: This second part of the verse expresses the psalmist’s deep desire for instruction and guidance from God. The term "statutes" refers to God’s decrees or laws, which are intended to guide the moral and spiritual conduct of His people. The psalmist isn’t merely asking for knowledge, but for a heart and mind that are shaped by God’s teachings. This plea for instruction is a recurring theme throughout Psalm 119, where the writer consistently seeks to align his life with God’s will.
This request underscores a profound truth: understanding God’s love should lead us to a greater commitment to His ways. Recognizing that the earth is full of God's loving kindness naturally compels the psalmist to want to live in accordance with God's will. It’s an acknowledgment that God’s statutes are not burdensome rules, but rather the path to life, joy, and righteousness. This desire for instruction is both humble and wise, reflecting the psalmist’s recognition that he cannot live rightly without divine guidance.
Reflection
Psalm 119 as a whole is a celebration of God's Word, expressed through the psalmist's deep devotion to the law. The psalmist often contrasts the faithfulness of God’s word with the transience and deceitfulness of human ways. Within this context, Psalm 119:64 serves as a powerful reminder that God’s commandments are an expression of His love and that living according to them is both a response to and a reflection of that love.
This verse also reflects the psalmist’s intimate relationship with God. He recognizes God’s love in the world around him and responds with a desire to know and follow God more closely. This dynamic relationship between recognizing God’s goodness and seeking to live according to His will is central to the life of faith.
Application in Our Lives
Psalm 119:64 encourages us to do two things: to recognize the abundance of God’s love in our world and to seek His guidance for living rightly.
Gratitude and Awareness: Start each day by acknowledging the evidence of God’s loving kindness around you. This could be through moments of prayer, taking note of the blessings in your life, or simply pausing to appreciate the beauty of creation.
Commitment to Learning: Make a habit of studying God’s Word with the intention of letting it shape your actions and attitudes. Ask God to teach you His statutes, not just in an academic sense, but in a way that transforms your life.
Cross-References:
Psalm 33:5: "He loves righteousness and justice. The earth is full of the loving kindness of the LORD." This verse closely mirrors the first half of Psalm 119:64, affirming that God's love and justice are evident throughout the earth.
Psalm 25:4-5: "Show me your ways, LORD. Teach me your paths. Guide me in your truth, and teach me, For you are the God of my salvation." Like the psalmist in Psalm 119:64, this verse reflects a deep longing for God’s guidance and instruction.
Isaiah 6:3: "One called to another, and said, 'Holy, holy, holy, is the LORD of Hosts! The whole earth is full of his glory!'" While focusing on God's holiness and glory, this verse complements the idea that God's presence and attributes fill the earth.
Conclusion: Psalm 119:64 beautifully captures the psalmist’s recognition of God’s pervasive love and his deep desire to live in accordance with God’s will. It reminds us that God’s loving kindness fills the earth, and in response to this, we should seek to learn and follow His ways. As we grow in our understanding of God’s love, let us also grow in our commitment to living out His teachings, allowing His Word to guide and shape our lives.
PIB Scriptures are derived from the World English Bible