Commentary on Psalms Volume 3 John Calvin (continued)
JOHN CALVIN
40. Behold, I have a desire to thy precepts This is a repetition of what he declared a little before, with regard to his pious affection, and his love of righteousness; and that nothing was wanting but God to complete the work which he had commenced. If this interpretation be admitted, then, to be quickened in the righteousness of God, will be tantamount to being quickened in the way. The term righteousness is often put in this psalm for the law of God, or the rule of a righteous life. This view tends to make the two parts of the verse accord with one another. "Lord, this is now a remarkable kindness thou hast done me, in having inspired me with a holy desire to keep thy law; one thing is still necessary, that this same virtue pervade my whole life." But as the word righteousness is ambiguous, my readers may, if they choose, understand it thus: Restore, defend, and maintain me for the sake of thy goodness, which thou art wont to show to all thy people. I have already pointed out the exposition which I prefer.
Psalm 119:41-48
ו41. And let thy mercies come to me, O Jehovah! and thy salvation, according to thy word.ו42. And I will answer a word to him who reproacheth me, because I have trusted in thy word.ו43. And take not the word of truth too long out, of my mouth, because I hope for thy judgments.ו44. And I will keep thy law always, even for ever and ever.ו45. And I will walk at ease; 413 because I have sought thy statutes.ו46. And I will speak of thy testimonies before kings, and will not be ashamed.ו47. And I will delight myself in thy commandments, which I have loved.ו48. And I will lift up my hands to thy statutes, which I have loved, and will meditate on thy precepts.
41. Let thy mercies come to me There can be no doubt, that, in mentioning the mercy of God first, and afterwards his salvation, the Psalmist, according to the natural order, puts the cause before the effect. By adopting this arrangement, he acknowledges that there is no salvation for him but in the pure mercy of God. And while he desires a gracious salvation, he, at the same time, relies on the promise, as we have already elsewhere seen.
In the second verse he boasts that he is furnished with the best defense against the calumnies of his enemies, arising from his trust in the word of God. We may resolve the future tense into the optative mood, as many do: O Lord, since I have trusted in thy word, grant that my mouth with all boldness may repel the slanders which they utter against me, and suffer me not to be silent when they load me with unmerited reproach." Whichever of these meanings we adopt, we are taught that there will always be evilspeakers, who will not cease to defame the children of God, though they
"Au large." — Fr.