I wait for Your salvation, O LORD
The psalmist expresses a deep longing and anticipation for divine deliverance. This phrase reflects a posture of hope and trust in God's promise of salvation. The concept of "waiting" in the Hebrew context often implies an active, expectant patience, rather than passive idleness. This mirrors the faith of the patriarchs, such as Abraham, who "waited" for the fulfillment of God's promises (Hebrews 11:9-10). The term "salvation" here can be understood both in a temporal sense, referring to deliverance from immediate troubles, and in an eschatological sense, pointing to the ultimate salvation through the Messiah. The use of "O LORD" (YHWH) emphasizes a personal relationship with God, invoking His covenant name, which is central to Israel's identity and faith. This phrase also connects to the broader biblical narrative of redemption, culminating in the New Testament revelation of Jesus Christ as the Savior (Luke 2:30).

and I carry out Your commandments
The psalmist's commitment to obedience underscores the inseparable link between faith and action. In the Hebrew tradition, the "commandments" (mitzvot) are not merely legalistic requirements but are seen as expressions of God's will and character. This reflects the covenantal relationship between God and His people, where obedience is a response to God's grace and a means of maintaining fellowship with Him. The psalmist's dedication to carrying out God's commandments aligns with the teachings of Jesus, who emphasized the importance of obeying God's word (John 14:15). This phrase also highlights the theme of righteousness, which is a recurring motif in Psalm 119, portraying the law as a guide for living a life pleasing to God. The psalmist's resolve to follow God's commandments, even while waiting for salvation, illustrates a life of faithfulness and integrity, serving as a model for believers.

1. The Psalmist
The author of Psalm 119, traditionally believed to be King David, who expresses a deep longing for God's salvation and a commitment to His commandments.

2. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant name of God, emphasizing His eternal, self-existent nature and His relationship with His people.

3. Salvation
In the Hebrew context, "salvation" (yeshu'ah) refers to deliverance, safety, and welfare, often implying both physical and spiritual rescue.

4. Commandments
The laws and decrees given by God, which the Psalmist is committed to following as a response to God's covenant faithfulness.Hope in God's Salvation
The Psalmist's declaration of waiting for God's salvation teaches us to place our hope and trust in God's ultimate deliverance, both in this life and eternally.

Obedience as a Response to Faith
The commitment to carry out God's commandments highlights that true faith is demonstrated through obedience. Our actions should reflect our trust in God's promises.

Patience in the Waiting
Waiting for God's salvation requires patience and perseverance. This teaches us to remain steadfast in our faith, even when immediate answers or deliverance are not visible.

The Interconnection of Faith and Works
The verse illustrates the biblical principle that faith and works are interconnected. Our waiting on God is active, involving obedience and adherence to His Word.

Covenant Relationship with God
The Psalmist's relationship with God is covenantal, emphasizing loyalty and faithfulness. We are called to live in a similar covenant relationship, marked by trust and obedience.1. What is the meaning of Psalm 119:166?

2. How does Psalm 119:166 inspire us to actively seek God's salvation daily?

3. What does "I have done Your commandments" reveal about obedience in faith?

4. How does Psalm 119:166 connect with Jesus' teachings on obedience in John 14:15?

5. In what ways can we demonstrate our hope in God's promises today?

6. How can Psalm 119:166 guide our daily commitment to God's commandments?

7. What does Psalm 119:166 reveal about the nature of hope in God's salvation?

8. How does Psalm 119:166 connect obedience to God's commandments with faith?

9. In what ways does Psalm 119:166 challenge modern views on salvation?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Psalm 119?

11. What are Weapons of Righteousness?

12. What are the key themes of the Book of Psalms?

13. Psalm 20:7 - Does this portrayal of military reliance contradict biblical accounts where God commands battle preparations?

14. Can humans command angels?I wait

Waiting in Scripture is never passive loitering. It is a posture of hopeful anticipation rooted in God’s proven character.

• Psalm 27:14 says, “Wait patiently for the LORD; be strong and courageous.”

• Isaiah 40:31 promises renewed strength for those who wait on Him.

The psalmist chooses trust over panic. He stakes the present moment on God’s future action, demonstrating faith that God will act at the right time.

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for Your salvation

The word “salvation” embraces both immediate rescue and ultimate redemption.

• Psalm 62:1: “My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from Him.”

• Jonah 2:9: “Salvation comes from the LORD.”

The writer looks beyond human solutions, confessing that deliverance—whether from personal trouble, national threat, or the final judgment—belongs solely to God. This reliance keeps the heart anchored when circumstances shift.

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O LORD

Employing God’s covenant name (YHWH) recalls His unchanging promises.

• Exodus 3:15 ties the name to God’s faithfulness across generations.

• Psalm 100:5 affirms, “For the LORD is good; His loving devotion endures forever.”

By invoking the name, the psalmist leans on the covenant love that cannot fail, reinforcing confidence while waiting.

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and I carry out

Waiting does not suspend obedience. Faith expresses itself in action even while outcomes remain unseen.

• James 2:17 parallels this truth: faith without works is dead.

• Philippians 2:12 encourages believers to “work out your salvation with fear and trembling,” showing that obedient effort stands alongside dependent trust.

The psalmist pairs expectation with responsibility, refusing to let hope become idleness.

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Your commandments

Obedience centers on God’s revealed will, not personal preference.

• Psalm 119:105 declares, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”

• John 14:15 adds, “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.”

Living by God’s commands while awaiting His salvation demonstrates wholehearted devotion and authentic love. It aligns the believer’s life with the very character of the God being trusted.

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summary

Psalm 119:166 marries confident waiting with active obedience. The psalmist entrusts future rescue entirely to the LORD while faithfully walking in His present commands. This verse urges believers to combine steadfast hope in God’s promised deliverance with diligent adherence to His Word, proving that true faith waits and works at the same time.

Verse 166. - Lord, I have hoped for thy salvation (comp. vers. 81, 123). I have waited for thee, continually expecting thee to come to my aid, and save me from my enemies. And done thy commandments; kept them, i.e., as far as human frailty would allow.

Parallel Commentaries ...


I wait
שִׂבַּ֣רְתִּי (śib·bar·tî)
Verb - Piel - Perfect - first person common singular
Strong's 7663: To scrutinize, to expect

for Your salvation,
לִֽישׁוּעָתְךָ֣ (lî·šū·‘ā·ṯə·ḵā)
Preposition-l | Noun - feminine singular construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 3444: Something saved, deliverance, aid, victory, prosperity

O LORD,
יְהוָ֑ה (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3069: YHWH

and I carry out
עָשִֽׂיתִי׃ (‘ā·śî·ṯî)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common singular
Strong's 6213: To do, make

Your commandments.
וּֽמִצְוֺתֶ֥יךָ (ū·miṣ·wō·ṯe·ḵā)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine plural construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 4687: Commandment


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OT Poetry: Psalm 119:166 I have hoped for your salvation Yahweh (Psalm Ps Psa.)