Psalms 119:158

158 I look at ¹the faithless with ²disgust, because they do not keep your commands.

Psalms 119:158 Meaning and Commentary

Psalms 119:158

I beheld the transgressors, and was grieved
Transgressors of the law of God, profane sinners; such as among whom he dwelt in Mesech and Kedar; it grieved him when he beheld their wicked life and conversation; as Lot in Sodom; and Isaiah and Jeremiah, among persons of unclean lips, and an assembly of treacherous men: and the word here used signifies "treacherous" ^F7 persons; and may design not the profane only, but professors also; that dealt treacherously with God and men, made a profession of religion, but walked not agreeably to it, which is matter of grief to good men; see ( Philippians 3:18 Philippians 3:19 ) ; as well as the conduct of abandoned sinners; with whom the psalmist was grieved, not so much on his own account, being hated and persecuted by them, as on their account, because of the ruin they brought upon themselves; but chiefly because of the dishonour of God, and their disregard to his righteous law. Joseph Kimchi paraphrases it,

``I saw them prosper, and was weary of my life;''

and refers for the sense of the word to ( Job 10:1 ) ; as does also Aben Ezra; but David Kimchi and the Targum interpret it "I strove", or "contended" with them; that is, with the transgressors;

because they kept not thy word:
did not regard the doctrines, nor observe the precepts of it; but despised, rejected, and cast them away from them.

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FOOTNOTES:

F7 (Mydgwb) "perfidos", Vatablus, Cocceius, Michaelis; "perfide agentes", Junius & Tremellius, Piscator.

Psalms 119:158 In-Context

156 Great is your mercy, O LORD; give me life according to your rules.

157 Many are my persecutors and my adversaries, but I do not swerve from your testimonies.

158 I look at the faithless with disgust, because they do not keep your commands.

159 Consider how I love your precepts! Give me life according to your steadfast love.

160 The sum of your word is truth, and every one of your righteous rules endures forever.

Cross References

• 1. [Jeremiah 3:20]
• 2. Psalms 139:21; [ver. 136]