Psalm 119:85

Vs. 85 — The proud have dug pits for me, Which is not according to Your law.

William S. Plumer:

Let men beware how they dig pits for others. All God’s word testifies against such wickedness. How many tests are invented simply for the purpose of entangling men’s consciences and furnishing ground for persecution. (Spurgeon, C. H. (2009). The treasury of David: Psalms 111-119 (Vol. 5, p. 312). Bellingham, WA: Logos Bible Software.)

Prayer:

The proud have dug pits for me, which is not according to Your law. Open my eyes to see the pits, the snares, and traps that the wicked have set for the just. Cause the string that holds the arrow of hate and pride to break when they pull it back to shoot at the children of light, and at the weak and innocent ones. Though the desire is to harm others, turn their plans upon them. Then humble them to see the state of their hearts against Your law. When Your Law condemns them, shine the Gospel of saving grace into their hearts. From a plotter of evil to a humble, repentant sinner–that is where I have come from, so do the same for those who plot and device evil against the just and weak.


Psalm 119:84

Vs. 84 — How many are the days of Your servant? When will You execute judgment on those who persecute me?

R. Greenham:

This is an ordinary prayer, not against any certain persons, but rather generally against God’s enemies, and their evil courses. For the Lord executeth judgment upon his children for their conversion, as Paul (Acts 9), and upon the wicked for their confusion. He prayeth against them that belonged not to God, and yet not so much against their persons as their evil causes; and no otherwise against their persons than as they are joined with the evil causes. Thus we may pray for the confusion of God’s enemies; otherwise we cannot. (Spurgeon, C. H. (2009). The treasury of David: Psalms 111-119 (Vol. 5, p. 312). Bellingham, WA: Logos Bible Software.)

Prayer:

O’ God and Father of the redeemed in Christ, how long will the wicked continue to persecute and force their evil upon the righteous, the oppressed, and the weak. When will you execute justice upon those who rush to devour Your children? Come quickly, Lord Jesus, come quickly!


Psalm 119:83

Vs. 83 — For I have become like a wineskin in smoke, Yet I do not forget Your statutes.

Rosenmüller, quoted in Neale and Littledale:

One object amongst the ancients of such exposure was to mellow the wine by the gradual ascent of the heat and smoke from the fire over which the skin was suspended; and thus the words teach us the uses of affliction in ripening and improving the soul.

Prayer:

Father, for I have become like a wineskin in smoke, yet I do not forget Your statutes. Though the smoke of this godless age surround me and enclose upon me, I will hold to Your statues. I am fully persuaded that You are able and therefore will keep me in Christ Jesus. Your imputed righteousness is not affected by the prevailing influences of this world. Thy wine is kept by Thee, and Thee alone. Therefore, though the smoke from the enemy’s fires blow into my camp, I will not fear or follow it. Rather let the smoke remind me of how sweet and tasteful Thy goodness is in this life and the life to come. And let this world’s smoke work to strengthen my resolve to walk with Thee, step-by-step in this journey. The aroma of Christ is my delight.


Psalm 119:82

Vs. 82 — My eyes fail from searching Your word, Saying, “When will You comfort me?”

John Calvin:

Here we have presented to us the wonderful and incredible power of patience, under the infirmity of the flesh, when, being faint and deprived of all vigour, we have recourse to God for help, even while it is hidden from us. (Calvin, J., & Anderson, J. (2010). Commentary on the Book of Psalms (Vol. 4, p. 462). Bellingham, WA: Logos Bible Software.)

Thomas Manton:

So it is with the children of God; they esteem the blessings promised, and God’s word giveth them good assurance that they do not wait upon him in vain.

Prayer:

Father,  I confess that my eyes fail from searching Your word, saying, “When will You comfort me?” There are times when my burden is so heavy and the hurt so deep that I waver in my faith. Rather than going to the tree of life and eating the fruit that hangs down within reach even to my wearied heart, I ponder my situation and allow hope in Your promises to wane. When my eyes are upon me, comfort is far. When my eyes are upon You, I am comforted and refreshed. Quicken my soul, Spirit of the Living God. Lead me, no, drive me to the eternal word. For though the flesh withers and its glory fades, the word of our God will stand forever!

 


Psalm 119:81

Vs. 81 — My soul faints for Your salvation, But I hope in Your word.

Le Blanc:

“I hope in thy word:” i.e. I hope beyond anything I understand, and beyond anything I can possibly do, and beyond anything I deserve, and beyond all carnal and spiritual consolations, for I desire and look for Thee only. I seek Thee, not Thine: I long to hear “Thy word,” that I may obey it in patience and meekness. (Spurgeon, C. H. (2009). The treasury of David: Psalms 111-119 (Vol. 5, p. 309). Bellingham, WA: Logos Bible Software.)

Prayer:

My God, in Whom I trust, my soul faints for Your salvation, but I hope in Your word. Though my heart is overwhelmed; though my mind is under siege; though discouragement, despair, and weariness weigh upon my soul, I will keep my eyes upon You. I will go to Your word and find refuge. There I will go and camp–in Your word, for Your promises bring healing, comfort, and hope. Your words are like ointment upon my wounds and weariness. Let Thy Spirit refresh my soul according to Thy word.