Psalms 119:81

STROPHE 11

THE PROUD HAVE ALMOST TRIUMPHED OVER HIM; BUT HE TRUSTS IN THE LAW AND LONGS FOR SALVATION

Kaph

"My soul fainteth for thy salvation;

But I hope in thy word.

Mine eyes fail for thy word,

While I say, When wilt thou comfort me?

For I am become like a wine-skin in the smoke;

Yet do I not forget thy statutes.

How many are the days of thy servant?

When wilt thou execute judgment upon them that persecute me?

The proud have digged pits for me,

Who are not according to thy law.

All thy commandments are faithful:

They persecute me wrongfully; help thou me.

They had almost consumed me upon earth;

But I forsook not thy precepts.

Quicken me after thy lovingkindness;

So shall I observe the testimonies of thy mouth."

"Mine eyes fail for thy word" (Psalms 119:82). His studies of God's word have been so prolonged and intense that his eyesight has been impaired.

"Like a wine-skin in the smoke" (Psalms 119:83). The simile here is a comparison with, "A skin bottle dried and shriveled up in smoke, so is he withered by sorrow."[30]

The whole thought of this strophe was apparently captured by Delitzsch. "The psalmist stands in need of fresh grace in order that he may not, however, at last succumb."[31]