Psalms 119:53

53 But when I see the wicked ignore your directions, I'm beside myself with anger.

Psalms 119:53 Meaning and Commentary

Psalms 119:53

Horror hath taken hold upon me
Trembling, sorrow, and distress, to a great degree, like a storm, or a blustering, scorching, burning wind, as the word ^F8 signifies, which is very terrible; because of the wicked that forsake thy law:
not only transgress the law of the Lord, as every man does, more or less; but wilfully and obstinately despise it, and cast it behind their backs, and live in a continued course of disobedience to it; or who apostatize from the doctrine of the word of God; wilfully deny the truth, after they have had a speculative knowledge of it, whose punishment is very grievous, ( Hebrews 10:26-29 ) ; and now partly on account of the daring impiety of wicked men, who stretch out their hands against God, and strengthen themselves against the Almighty, and run upon him, even on the thick bosses of his bucklers; because of the shocking nature of their sins, the sad examples thereby set to others, the detriment they are of to themselves, and dishonour they bring to God; and partly because of the dreadful punishment that shall be inflicted on them here, and especially hereafter, when a horrible tempest of wrath will come upon them. Hence such trembling seized the psalmist; and often so it is, that good men tremble more for the wicked than they do for themselves; see ( Psalms 119:120 ) .

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FOOTNOTES:

F8 (hpelz) "procella", Junius & Tremellius, Piscator, Schmidt; "horror tanquam procella", Cocceius.

Psalms 119:53 In-Context

51 The insolent ridicule me without mercy, but I don't budge from your revelation.

52 I watch for your ancient landmark words, and know I'm on the right track.

53 But when I see the wicked ignore your directions, I'm beside myself with anger.

54 I set your instructions to music and sing them as I walk this pilgrim way.

55 I meditate on your name all night, God, treasuring your revelation, O God.