Matthew Henry's Commentary

Matthew Henry emphasizes that the tears of the psalmist reflect his deep concern for the holiness of God’s law. His sorrow is not self-centered; rather, it stems from a love for God's commandments and a desire to see them honored. According to Henry, the psalmist's tears are indicative of a *prophetic spirit*, mourning the spiritual condition of Israel.

Henry suggests that this verse illustrates the burden of a true believer who is grieved by the unrighteousness of others. This emotional response signifies not only personal anguish but also intercessory concern for the state of God's people. The rivers of tears symbolize a fervent desire for righteousness and a longing for God’s justice.

Albert Barnes' Commentary

Albert Barnes focuses on the implications of the psalmist's lamentations. He argues that the tears he experiences are a reflection of God’s own sorrow over the disobedience of His people. Barnes notes that the phrase “keep not thy law” indicates a willful rejection of divine guidance, leading to the psalmist's distress.

Moreover, Barnes connects this sorrow with the broader theme of the psalter—an emphasis on the law of God as a central aspect of spiritual life. He argues that when individuals turn away from God's commandments, they not only bring sorrow upon themselves but also reflect the heartache felt by those who remain faithful. This verse serves as a reminder of the communal aspect of sin and the resultant grief it brings to both God and His faithful followers.

Adam Clarke's Commentary

Adam Clarke articulates the psychological dimensions of the psalmist's grief. He notes that the psalmist’s emotional state is not merely an outpouring of personal viewing of sin but also signifies an acute awareness of the consequences of disobedience. Clarke suggests that the imagery of rivers encapsulates a flow of emotions that cannot be contained, spilling forth due to the weight of what is lost when God’s law is disregarded.

Clarke further remarks on the character of the law in the life of a believer, proposing that a commitment to God’s commandments should naturally evoke both joy in obedience and grief in observation of transgression. The psalmist’s tears reveal a heart that is genuinely aligned with God’s will and distressed by the ungodliness that surrounds him.