What does Psalms 119:6 mean?

Then shall I not be ashamed, when I have respect unto all thy commandments. Psalms 119:6

Explanation

Psalm 119:6 reflects the writer’s deep desire to live a life completely aligned with God’s commandments. The verse expresses a determination to avoid shame by ensuring that one’s behavior and decisions are in harmony with divine teachings. It acknowledges that respecting, understanding, and adhering to God’s laws is a source of moral strength and confidence. The Psalmist’s use of the word “ashamed” implies the disgrace that comes from moral failure, which can be avoided by a wholehearted obedience to God’s commandments.

Historical Context

Psalm 119 is the longest chapter in the Book of Psalms and the Bible, composed of 176 verses. It is an acrostic poem, with each stanza beginning with a successive letter of the Hebrew alphabet. The historical context of this Psalm is not explicitly stated, but it is generally thought to have been composed during the post-exilic period, a time when the Jewish community was struggling to rebuild their identity according to the laws and teachings of their faith after their return from Babylonian exile.

Theological Insights

From a theological standpoint, Psalm 119:6 demonstrates the belief in a moral and legal framework set by God for humanity. Different theological views might interpret this verse through the lens of God’s grace, the necessity for legalistic adherence to commandments, or the balance between law and love in Christian or Jewish thought. For some, this might highlight a legalistic approach, while for others, it represents the joy and wisdom found in God’s laws as guidance for a good life.

Practical Applications

The teachings of this verse can have several applications in daily life. It encourages individuals to engage deeply with their faith’s teachings and moral guidance, promoting a lifestyle that reflects genuine commitment to those principles. This might involve studying scripture, acting with integrity, making ethical choices, and cultivating a sense of accountability to a higher moral authority that mitigates the fear of social shame.

Cross-References

• Psalms 119:80: “Let my heart be sound in thy statutes; that I be not ashamed.”
• Romans 10:11: “For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.”
• 1 John 2:28: “And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming.”

Language Study

The phrase “have respect unto” translates from the Hebrew word “נבט,” (nabat), which means to regard or consider with attention. This implies a deliberate and attentive focus on God’s commandments. “Commandments” (Hebrew: מצוה, “mitzvah”) refers to the divine rules given for righteous living.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In other religious and ancient cultures, there is a common theme of avoiding shame through adherence to societal or divine laws. In ancient Greek thought, for instance, there was a concept of “aidos,” which is a sense of shame that restrains one from wrongdoing. Similarly, in many Eastern religions, such as Hinduism and Buddhism, there are ethical laws that guide followers to live honorably, such as the ‘yamas’ and ‘niyamas’ in Yoga philosophy.

Scientific Perspectives

Modern psychological sciences support the concept that clear moral standards and ethical practices contribute to an individual’s sense of well-being and self-esteem. The positive effects of living in accordance with one’s moral values, much like what is being asserted in Psalm 119:6, are widely documented. Adherence to a moral code can lead to greater societal harmony and individual psychological health.

Commentaries

Many biblical scholars and experts perceive Psalm 119 as the ultimate hymn to divine law, a thorough meditation on the beauty of God’s commandments and their role in guiding human behavior. Biblical commentators like Matthew Henry have noted that the psalmist emphasizes both the necessity of keeping God’s laws and the personal reward of integrity and confidence that comes with obedience. Some commentators also suggest that this Psalm reflects the internal struggle of the faithful to maintain righteousness in a world filled with temptations and challenges.