Psalms 119:169

169 Let my cry come right into your presence, God; provide me with the insight that comes only from your Word.

Psalms 119:169 Meaning and Commentary

(t) , TAU.--The Twenty-second and last Part.

Psalms 119:169

TAU. Let my cry come near before thee, O Lord
Not "my praise", as the Syriac version; but "my prayer", put up in great distress, and with great vehemence and importunity; see ( Psalms 119:145 Psalms 119:146 ) ; and when it is desired it might "come near before" the Lord, it does not so much suppose distance of place between the petitioner and the petitioned as earth is from heaven, as Aben Ezra observes, as distance of state and condition; the petitioner being a creature, and a sinful creature, and whose sins had separated between God and him: and now the only way of access is by Christ; prayer can only pass to God through him, who is the only Mediator between God and man; by whom persons and services are brought near unto, him with acceptance. The sum of this request is, that his prayer might not be rejected and shut out; but that it might be admitted, might come up before God, and into his ears, and be regarded by him, and accepted with him;

give me understanding according to thy word;
meaning not natural, but spiritual understanding; not that he was without any, as natural men are, whose understandings are darkened; for he had a large share of understanding of spiritual things; but he wanted more, he desired to know more of himself, of his wants and weaknesses; to know more of God in Christ, and of Christ, his person, offices, and grace; to know more of the doctrines of the word, and of the duties of religion; and particularly that he might have a better understanding of the business of prayer, and might know both what to pray for, and how to pray as he ought; all which is a gift from God: and he desires in all to be directed "according to the word" of God, the means of enlightening the understanding, and of increasing spiritual knowledge; or else he means the promise of God, that he would give him more knowledge and understanding; that he might be taught of God, and follow on to know him, and increase in every branch of spiritual knowledge.

Psalms 119:169 In-Context

167 My soul guards and keeps all your instructions - oh, how much I love them!

168 I follow your directions, abide by your counsel; my life's an open book before you.

169 Let my cry come right into your presence, God; provide me with the insight that comes only from your Word.

170 Give my request your personal attention, rescue me on the terms of your promise.

171 Let praise cascade off my lips; after all, you've taught me the truth about life!