and teach me Your statutes
The psalmist's request for teaching underscores a commitment to learning and obeying God's laws. In the historical context of ancient Israel, statutes were not merely legal decrees but were seen as divine instructions for living a life pleasing to God. The desire to be taught by God highlights the psalmist's humility and recognition of the need for divine wisdom. This echoes the sentiment found in Psalm 119:33-34, where the psalmist asks for understanding to keep God's law. The teaching of statutes is also a type of Christ, who is the ultimate teacher and embodiment of God's Word, as seen in the New Testament (John 1:14, Matthew 5:17-19).

• The phrase echoes Numbers 6:25: “The LORD cause His face to shine upon you and be gracious to you.” To ask for God’s face to shine is to ask for His unmistakable favor, warmth, and personal nearness.

• Psalm 31:16 pleads, “Make Your face shine on Your servant; save me in Your loving devotion,” showing that divine rescue and blessing flow from His shining face.

• When God’s face shines, darkness and confusion flee (Psalm 4:6), and believers walk in confident joy (2 Corinthians 4:6). The psalmist isn’t chasing a vague feeling; he is seeking the literal, covenantal favor God promises to His people.

• By calling himself “Your servant,” the writer confesses humble allegiance. Psalm 86:16 uses the same language: “Turn to me and have mercy; grant Your strength to Your servant.”

• Servanthood means belonging to the Master. The psalmist’s identity, purpose, and protection all come from God.

• This posture recognizes authority: the servant does not dictate terms but submits to the will and timing of the Lord (1 Kings 8:28).

• When God’s face shines “upon” a servant, it personalizes the blessing—divine favor is experienced not just generally but individually.

• The prayer moves from receiving favor to walking in obedience. God’s kindness is meant to lead to life-shaping instruction (Psalm 25:4-5; Titus 2:11-12).

• “Teach me” appears repeatedly in Psalm 119 (e.g., v. 12), stressing that learning God’s law is a lifelong pursuit.

• Statutes are fixed, reliable commands. By asking to be taught, the psalmist confesses that human reason alone is insufficient; revelation is required (Psalm 119:33).

• The linkage of shining face and teaching shows that true blessing includes illumination of the mind and transformation of the heart. John 14:26 affirms that the Spirit now continues this teaching ministry, always in harmony with Scripture.

Psalm 119:135 is a unified prayer: “Make Your face shine upon Your servant, and teach me Your statutes.” The writer longs for God’s personal favor, stands humbly as a servant, and seeks ongoing instruction in God’s unchanging Word. Divine blessing and obedient learning are inseparable; when the Lord’s face shines, He also equips His people to walk in the light of His statutes.