Question 1

What does “deal bountifully with thy servant” mean in this passage?

Accepted Answer

“Deal bountifully with thy servant” is a humble way of asking God to be generous and kind. The writer is not claiming that he deserves anything, but he knows that life and strength come from God’s mercy. He asks for God’s rich kindness so that he may live and keep God’s word, not just so he can be comfortable. This shows that the purpose of his life is to serve and obey God, and that even the ability to do that depends on God’s grace.

Question 2

What does it mean when the writer says, “Open thou mine eyes”?

Accepted Answer

When he says, “Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law,” he is admitting that he cannot truly see or grasp God’s word on his own. He knows the law is full of wonderful things, but they stay hidden unless God helps him understand. So he prays for spiritual sight, asking God to clear away his blindness so he can see the beauty, wisdom, and comfort in Scripture and not just read the words on the page.

Question 3

Why does the psalmist call himself “a stranger in the earth”?

Accepted Answer

Calling himself “a stranger in the earth” means he feels like a temporary resident, not fully at home in this world. He sees life here as a passing journey, not the final home for those who belong to God. Because of that, he needs God’s commandments to guide him, the way a traveler needs a map. He asks God not to hide those commands from him, since without God’s word, he would wander without clear direction in a world that does not share his values.

Question 4

What does “my soul breaketh for the longing” say about his desire for God’s word?

Accepted Answer

“My soul breaketh for the longing that it hath unto thy judgments at all times” shows a very strong, almost painful desire for God’s word. His heart is not half-interested; he feels torn up inside because he wants God’s judgments so much. This longing is constant, not just in special moments. It pictures God’s word like food to a starving person, something he cannot live without. True faith is shown here as a deep hunger for God’s commands and decisions.

Question 5

Who are the proud that are rebuked and cursed in this passage?

Accepted Answer

The proud in this passage are people who turn away from God’s commandments. Their pride shows in the way they ignore or oppose what God has said. The writer says God has rebuked them and calls them cursed, meaning they live under God’s displeasure rather than His favor. This is not just about mistakes, but about a stubborn heart that refuses God’s ways. Seeing how God treats the proud warns others and also comforts the faithful that God notices injustice.

Question 6

Why does the psalmist ask God to remove reproach and contempt from him?

Accepted Answer

He asks, “Remove from me reproach and contempt: for I have kept thy testimonies,” because he is being mocked or looked down on for following God’s word. This reproach is painful, especially when it comes even though he is trying to be faithful. He brings this hurt to God, not to give up on obedience, but asking God to clear his name in His time. It shows that believers may suffer shame for their obedience, yet they can trust God to see and to act.

Question 7

What is happening when princes sit and speak against the psalmist?

Accepted Answer

When he says, “Princes also did sit and speak against me,” he is describing powerful people, likely leaders or officials, who gather and talk against him, maybe plotting or judging him unfairly. Even while they do this, he chooses a different path: “thy servant did meditate in thy statutes.” Instead of fighting them in his own strength, he turns his mind to God’s word. Scripture becomes his guide and comfort when those with authority misuse their power over him.

Question 8

How are God’s testimonies both a delight and counsellors?

Accepted Answer

He says, “Thy testimonies also are my delight and my counsellors,” showing two sides of how he relates to God’s word. First, they are his delight, meaning he takes real joy and pleasure in reading and thinking about them. Second, they are his counsellors, like wise friends or advisers who tell him what to do. In hard times, instead of only seeking human advice, he turns to what God has spoken. God’s words cheer his heart and also guide his decisions.

Question 9

How can this passage help someone who feels like a stranger or is mocked for their faith?

Accepted Answer

These verses show that feeling like a stranger and facing contempt is not new. The writer feels out of place on earth and is spoken against, even by princes. Yet he clings to God’s word as his guide, joy, and counsel. For someone today in a similar place, this passage invites you to pray honestly for help, ask God to open your eyes to Scripture, and keep holding to His commands even when others do not understand. God sees both your longing and your pain.

Psalm 119:17

Deal bountifully with thy servant, that I may live, and keep thy word.

Your Word Is a Lamp to My Feet

ג - GIMEL

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Psalm 119:17

Deal bountifully with thy servant, that I may live, and keep thy word.

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Your Word Is a Lamp to My Feet

ג - GIMEL

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