Commentary on Psalms 119:156

Verse: Psalms 119:156 - "Great are thy tender mercies, O Lord: quicken me according to thy judgments."

Introduction

The verse presented is an earnest cry for life and restoration, embedded within a prayerful context that highlights the psalmist's deep reliance on God's mercy and judgment. Psalms 119 is renowned for its structure and focus on the law of God, and this particular verse encapsulates the overall theme of seeking life through divine mercy.

Exegesis

This verse showcases two primary themes: the greatness of God’s mercies and the psalmist's plea for spiritual revitalization based on divine judgments.

Great Are Thy Tender Mercies

Matthew Henry comments on the boundless nature of God's mercies, encouraging the believer to understand that God's compassion far surpasses human understanding. His mercies are not just abundant; they are “great,” indicating a magnitude that is all-encompassing. Henry emphasizes that the psalmist recognizes God's mercy as both a source of comfort and a reason for his hope.

Quicken Me According to Thy Judgments

Albert Barnes notes that the term “quicken” signifies a request for revival or restoration to life. The psalmist's appeal indicates a spiritual lethargy or death that requires divine intervention. The plea for quickening “according to Thy judgments” reveals a consciousness of the need for alignment with God’s righteousness and standards. This demonstrates an understanding that revival comes not by personal merit but by adhering to God's decrees.

Theological Implications

The verse brings forth significant theological implications regarding the nature of God’s mercy and justice.

• Tender Mercies: The psalmist's acknowledgment of God's "tender mercies" highlights the relational aspect of God’s grace. Adam Clarke points out that God's mercy is not only fierce but infused with gentleness. This is vital for believers seeking solace in their struggles.
• Divine Judgments: The reference to judgments underscores God's role as the ultimate arbiter of what is right and just. It serves as a reminder that our restoration is closely tied to our understanding and obedience to divine statutes.

Pastoral Application

For pastors, this verse serves as a powerful reminder to encourage their congregations about the importance of God’s mercy and grace in the process of spiritual renewal.

• Encouragement in Trials: During times of distress, believers can find hope in God's vast mercies, knowing that they are never beyond reach.
• Calling for Renewed Commitment: Pastors can leverage this verse in sermons to call for a commitment to God's judgments, emphasizing that spiritual revitalization is contingent upon alignment with God's word.

Conclusion

Psalms 119:156 encapsulates the interplay between God’s mercy and the believer’s need for revival. It is a poignant reminder that to be quickened we must lean on the mercy of the Lord, and align ourselves with His righteous decrees. This brief meditation on the verse accentuates its relevance for personal and community faith journeys, inviting an earnest and reflective engagement with God’s nature as both merciful and just.