Psalm 119

English Standard Version (ESV)

Your Word Is a Lamp to My Feet

161 Princes persecute me without cause,
but my heart stands in awe of your words.

Consider for a moment, authority; both legitimate and illegitimate. Government: leaders and those with power over other people. Explanation of “Princes,” used here holds complexity that could include many men and women of the world of many positions even in this day.

שַׂר – sar – 

prince, ruler, leader, chief, chieftain, official, captain

from the root: From שָׂרַר (H8323)

1. chieftain, leader
2. vassal, noble, official (under king)
3. captain, general, commander (military)
4. chief, head, overseer (of other official classes)
5. heads, princes (of religious office)
6. elders (of representative leaders of people)
7. merchant-princes (of rank and dignity)
8. patron-angel
9. Ruler of rulers (of God)
10. warden

Consider how many rule (lord it over) other men. What is the basis of their authority?

Is it God, our Creator and LORD of all? Or have they no legitimate cause to lord it over anyone, least of all a righteous man?

Further, consider the humility by which for your sin a righteous man would give the Princes and powers the authority to hang above His crucified body a sign proclaiming Him:

Jesus, King of the Jews

162 I rejoice at your word
like one who finds great spoil.
163 I hate and abhor falsehood,
but I love your law.

Surly the Princes are liars! Leaders who lie in wait to snare the righteous that they might reap the spoil of their meager wages.

The Lord God will avenge the faithful, those who love His law.

164 Seven times a day I praise you
for your righteous rules.
165 Great peace have those who love your law;
nothing can make them stumble.

Ezekiel 3:20 Again, if a righteous person turns from his righteousness and commits injustice, and I lay a stumbling block before him, he shall die.

The Hand of God shall place before the evil ones the stumbling block of their fall and the snare of their demise.

166 I hope for your salvation, O Lord,
and I do your commandments.

Yĕhovah sabar  yĕshuw`ah

KJV – LORD, I have hoped for thy salvation

167 My soul keeps your testimonies;
I love them exceedingly.
168 I keep your precepts and testimonies,
for all my ways are before you.