Psalms 119:57

STROPHE 8

DESPITE THE ENCROACHMENT OF WICKEDNESS; THE PSALMIST MAINTAINS FELLOWSHIP WITH LAW OBSERVERS

Cheth

"Jehovah is my portion:

I have said that I would observe thy words.

I entreated thy favor with my whole heart:

Be merciful unto me according to thy word.

I thought on my ways,

And turned my feet unto thy testimonies.

I made haste, and delayed not,

To observe thy commandments.

The cords of the wicked have wrapped me around;

But I have not forgotten thy law.

At midnight I will rise to give thanks unto thee

Because of thy righteous ordinances.

I am a companion of all them that fear thee,

And of them that observe thy precepts.

The earth, O Jehovah, is full of thy lovingkindness."

"The cords of the wicked have wrapped me" (Psalms 119:61). Coupled with Psalms 119:110, this verse was interpreted by Delitzsch as meaning the psalmist was in prison.[25] However, the statement in Psalms 119:45 about his walking "in liberty," and the word in this strophe that "he is a companion" of the faithful seems to cast doubt upon that interpretation.