Psalms 119:33

33 Teach me, O LORD, the way of thy statutes; and I will keep it to the end.

Psalms 119:33 Meaning and Commentary

(h) , HE.--The Fifth Part.

Psalms 119:33

HE. Teach me, O Lord, the way of thy statutes
Which they point unto, and direct to walk in; not only the statutes and ordinances themselves, the theory of them, but the practice of them. This is taught in the word, and by the ministers of it; but none so effectually teach as the Lord himself, ( Isaiah 2:3 ) ( Matthew 22:16 ) ( 28:20 ) ;

and I shall keep it [unto] the end;
keep the way unto the end of it: or rather to the end of life, all my days, and never depart out of it, or turn to the right hand or the left; but walk on in it as long as I live: or, "I shall observe it, [even] the end" F3; the end of the way of thy statutes or commandments. Now the end of the commandment is charity or love, which is the fulfilling of it: though that is perfectly fulfilled by none but by Christ, the end of the law for righteousness, ( 1 Thessalonians 1:5 ) ( Romans 10:4 ) . The word for "end" signifies a "reward"; so Aben Ezra interprets it, and refers to ( Psalms 19:11 ) ; but Kimchi denies the law is to be kept for the sake of reward; which is right: rather the sense is, I will keep it by way of retribution, or in gratitude for teaching the way. The Targum is,

``and I will keep unto perfection;''

which cannot be done by sinful man.


FOOTNOTES:

F3 (bqe hnrua) "et custodiam finem"; so some in Gejerus.

Psalms 119:33 In-Context

31 I cleave to thy testimonies, O LORD; let me not be put to shame!
32 I will run in the way of thy commandments when thou enlargest my understanding!
33 Teach me, O LORD, the way of thy statutes; and I will keep it to the end.
34 Give me understanding, that I may keep thy law and observe it with my whole heart.
35 Lead me in the path of thy commandments, for I delight in it.
Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright 1952 [2nd edition, 1971] by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.