Psalms 119:17 - Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible

Bible Comments

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

Deal bountifully - literally, 'reward;' namely, not as a matter of debt, but of grace, according to thy promise to them that seek thee. Already the Lord had "dealt bountifully with" the Psalmist (Psalms 116:7); he prays Him to continue to do so.

That I may live, and keep thy word. He seeks life, not for gratification of the flesh, but that he may serve the Lord in keeping His Word. As Saint Paul, "to me to live is Christ" (Philippians 1:21-22; Philippians 1:24). The preservation of Israel's national life is primarily meant. Compare Psalms 119:25; Psalms 119:77. Already he had expressed confidence of it (Psalms 118:17); now he prays for it. Confidence should be tempered with humble prayer.

Psalms 119:17

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