Psalms 119:171 Commentary

Verse: "My lips shall utter praise, when thou hast taught me thy statutes."

Overview

Psalms 119 is known for its extensive meditation on the nature of God's law and the psalmist's deep appreciation for divine instruction. This particular verse, 171, encapsulates the relationship between divine teaching and the resulting praise that flows from the lips of the believer. Both the act of learning God’s statutes and the expression of praise are intertwined, reflecting a profound understanding of the relationship between knowledge and worship.

Insights from Commentaries

Matthew Henry's Commentary

Matthew Henry emphasizes that the lips being mentioned are not merely instruments of speech but rather channels through which the heart’s gratitude flows. The act of praising God is portrayed as a natural response to receiving wisdom and understanding of His statutes. In Henry's view, true praise arises from an appreciation of God’s teachings, indicating that without this learning, genuine worship may be lacking.

He indicates that it is essential for believers to recognize that all true praise comes from understanding. Henry states, “If we would have our lips to be filled with praises, our hearts must first be filled with divine knowledge." This illustrates that the source of praise is knowledge, and knowledge comes from God's instruction.

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Bible

Albert Barnes offers a detailed observation on the cause and effect relationship presented in the verse. He highlights that the ‘praise’ signifies an external expression of internal joy and gratitude. Barnes stresses that comprehension of God’s statutes invokes an overflow of worship from the believer. He writes, “They will praise Him, not merely because they have received His statutes, but because they have experienced the transformative power of His truth in their lives.”

Furthermore, Barnes notes that the psalmist demonstrates a direct correlation between divine revelation and personal testimony. He argues that every act of praise should reflect the learning process that has occurred in the heart, with every utterance of praise being a response to the revelation of God’s character and His Word.

Adam Clarke's Commentary

Adam Clarke sheds light on the grammatical structure of the verse, noting that the term 'utmost praise' implies a completeness in the act of praise. Clarke suggests that this proactive choice to praise God once His statutes are taught signifies an obedient and humble heart ready to respond to divine instruction. He states, “The heart filled with God's word is never barren, but it produces the fruits of praise.”

Clarke also highlights the importance of the timing of praise. He points out that the psalmist recognizes the conditional aspect of praise—"when thou hast taught me." This indicates a readiness to worship that is deeply rooted in the guidance and enlightenment received through God’s statutes, encouraging believers to remain open and responsive to divine teaching.

Theological Implications

The verse underlines a fundamental theological truth: understanding God leads to effective worship. This principle, drawn from the insights of these commentators, emphasizes the necessity for a believer to engage deeply with the Scriptures, not merely for academic knowledge but to foster authentic worship experiences.

Furthermore, the relationship between knowledge and worship is a recurring theme throughout biblical literature. The psalmist here suggests that instruction leads to transformed lives that are responsive to God's nature, promoting a cycle of learning, understanding, and praise.

Application for Believers

• Engage with Scripture: Believers are encouraged to immerse themselves in the study of God's Word to enrich their spiritual lives and grow in understanding.
• Worship as Response: The act of worship should be a celebratory response stemming from a heart transformed by understanding God's principles and teachings.
• Share Knowledge: As believers grow in grace and knowledge, they have a responsibility to share their insights with others, fostering a community of praise that echoes with the truths of Scripture.

Conclusion

This verse serves as a profound reminder of the intrinsic link between learning from God and the subsequent eruption of praise that follows. The insights gathered from the public domain commentaries of Matthew Henry, Albert Barnes, and Adam Clarke deepen our understanding and appreciation for this passage. It compels pastors, students, theologians, and scholars alike to acknowledge the vital connection between divine instruction and heartfelt worship, ultimately leading to a more enriched and meaningful spiritual life.