Others here translate, I have known long ago of thy testimonies. 466 (continued)
COMMENTARY ON PSALMS - VOLUME 3
Were it otherwise, it could not include within it the hope of eternal salvation. That the assurance of this immutabiliy of God's word may be rooted in our minds, the inward revelation of the Holy Spirit is indeed necessary; for until God seal within us the certainty of his word, our belief of its certainty will be continually wavering. Yet the Prophet, not without cause, affirms, that he learned this truth from the word; for when God shines into us by his Spirit, he at the same time causes that sacred truth which endures for ever to shine forth in the mirror of his word.
Psalm 119:153-160
my affliction, and rescue me: for I have not forgotten thy law. 154.רDebate my cause, and redeem me: quicken thy according to thy word. 155.רSafety is far from the wicked; because they have not sought thy statutes. 156.רO Jehovah! Thy tender mercies are many: quicken me according to thy judgments. 157.ר My persecutors and oppressors are many: 468 I have not swerved from thy testimonies. 158.רI saw the perfidious, and chid them; because they have not kept thy word. 159.רBehold O Jehovah! how have loved thy commandments: quicken me according to thy loving kindness. 160.רThe beginning [literally, the head 469 ] of thy word is truth; and all the judgment of thy righteousness is everlasting.
153. Behold my affliction and rescue me. The Psalmist teaches by his own example that those who are devoted to the service and fear of God, must not be discouraged though they are not rewarded for it in this world. Their condition upon earth is one of warfare, and therefore they should not be dismayed by diversity, but rather rest satisfied with the consolatory consideration, that the gate of prayer is open to them. Yet the Prophet does not boast of his, endeavors to keep the law, as if he would have God to pay him wages for his service, but only to show that he was one of God's servants, just as he has spoken of his hope that he was so in other places. This reason, for I have not forgotten thy law, on account of which he beseeches God to consider his affliction and to rescue him, is peculiarly forcible in the present case; for it is an evidence of no ordinary courage when, instead of being led
"Ou, forts robustes " — Fr. "Or, very strong."
The word in the Hebrew text is,ראשrash. Dr. Adam Clarke suggests an explanation, which is at least ingenious. The first word in the book of Genesis is,בראשיתbereshith, "in the beginning;" which is derived from,ראשrash, or raash. He therefore asks whether
David in here calling theראשof God's word truth, may not refer to,בראשיתthe first word in the book of Genesis? If so, the meaning is, Every word thou hast spoken from ,בראשיתthe first in Genesis, to the end of the law and the prophets, and all that thou wilt yet speak, are true and shall have in due time their fulfillment.