Contemplating God’s Commandments
The world that we live in today is no different than the world of the psalmist in its opposition to God’s will and His people. In these verses (17-24), the psalmist clings to God’s word in the midst of opposition and hardship.
The psalmist begins with a prayer asking God to deal bountifully with him so that he would continue to live and obey God’s word (17). He also prays that God would illuminate his mind that he would be able to gaze intently at the profound truths God revealed to His people (18). The same is true for us today. The Holy Spirit works to help believers to understand the proper interpretation of His word, and then be able to to appraise their circumstances in light of God’s truth (1 Cor 2:14-15).
In the midst of “soul crushing” opposition to God’s ordinances, the psalmist feels like a sojourner on the earth (19-20). He prays in desperation for God to continue to give him truth and wisdom. His soul longs for God’s instruction and encouragement. The truth gives believers hope.
The psalmist clings to God’s word asking God to remove the reproach that he has incurred from his enemies (21-24). God rebukes the activities of the arrogant who treat Him and His people with contempt (21). In contrast to believers, these arrogant men are under God’s curse. The psalmist prays for God to remove the difficult people that oppose him for his faithfulness to God’s word (22).
Even though the civil authorities conspire against him, he constantly meditates upon God’s word (23). He finds comfort and counsel in God’s testimonies (24).