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Day 288

Psalm 119:64 "The earth, O LORD, is full of Your mercy; Teach me Your statutes."

Day 288 – Psalm 119:57-64

“The earth, O LORD, is full of Your mercy; Teach me Your statutes.” Psalm 119:64

THE LANGUAGE OF POETS

The psalmists, being poets, employed both literal and figurative language in their writing. This is to be expected. Sometimes it is difficult to discern whether the psalmists were describing something literally or figuratively. In Psalm 119, the psalmist was describing literal experiences.

“The cords of the wicked have bound me,
But I have not forgotten Your law.
At midnight I will rise to give thanks to You,
Because of Your righteous judgments.
I am a companion of all who fear You,
And of those who keep Your precepts.
The earth, O LORD, is full of Your mercy;
Teach me Your statutes.”
Psalm 119:61-64

1. “The cords of the wicked have bound me”

a) The psalmist could have been remembering a time when he was a prisoner of the wicked.
b) He could also be using this to illustrate the power of wickedness entrapping people.

2. Holding fast to faith in God

a) The psalmist did not forget God’s laws even when he was in serious trouble.
b) Even if it was at midnight, he would rise up and give thanks to God.

3. Important reflections concerning friends and enemies

a) Enemies would only bring harm.
b) Good friends must be found among those who fear the Lord and keep His precepts.

4. Vital determinations

a) To believe in the fullness of God’s mercies.
b) To never lose hope in the mercies of God; He will bring about deliverance (implied).
c) To never forget God’s word no matter how trying the circumstances of life.
d) To practise giving of thanks amidst the darkness of midnight.