Psalms 119:161

161 Influential people have persecuted me for no reason, but it is only your words that fill my heart with terror.

Psalms 119:161 Meaning and Commentary

(v) , SCHIN.--The Twenty-first Part.

Psalms 119:161

SCHIN. Princes have persecuted me without a cause
These were either the princes of the Philistines at the court of Achish; or the princes of Israel, who joined in the conspiracy with Absalom; or the princes in Saul's court, as Kimchi observes; who insinuated that David had evil designs against the king, drove him from abiding in the Lord's inheritance, and pursued him from place to place, as a partridge on the mountains, ( 1 Samuel 29:4 ) ( 24:9 ) ( 1 Samuel 26:19 1 Samuel 26:20 ) ; and all which was without any cause or reason on his part; and which, as it was an aggravation of the sin of his persecutors, so it was an alleviation of his affliction: in this he was, a type of Christ, against whom the kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers took counsel together; Herod, Pontius Pilate, and others, the princes of this world, who crucified the Lord of glory, and hated him without a cause; who was holy and harmless, and never did any injury to any man's person or property, ( Psalms 2:2 ) ( 69:4 ) ;

but my heart standeth in awe of thy word:
not in awe of the princes, but of the word of God; he had a greater regard to that than to them: when they in effect said, "go, serve other gods", ( 1 Samuel 26:19 ) ; he remembered what the word of God says, "thou shall have no other gods before me", ( Exodus 20:3 ) ; and this was a means of preserving him from sinning. Kimchi thinks some respect is had to the word of God by Nathan the prophet, "I will raise up evil against thee out of thine house", &c. ( 2 Samuel 12:11 ) ; and he was afraid, on account of this word, lest he should fall into the hands of the princes: but it seems not to be an excruciating tormenting fear that is here meant; but a high regard for, and a holy reverence of the word of God, or a reverential affection for it; such as is consistent with the highest joy on account of it, as follows.

Psalms 119:161 In-Context

159 See how I have loved your guiding principles! O LORD, in keeping with your mercy, give me a new life.

160 There is nothing but truth in your word, and all of your righteous regulations endure forever.

161 Influential people have persecuted me for no reason, but it is only your words that fill my heart with terror.

162 I find joy in your promise like someone who finds a priceless treasure.

163 I hate lying; I am disgusted with it. I love your teachings.