Make clear to me the way of Your precepts;
This phrase is a plea for understanding and guidance in God's laws and commandments. The psalmist seeks divine illumination, recognizing human limitations in comprehending spiritual truths. This request echoes the biblical theme of seeking wisdom from God, as seen in Proverbs 2:6, where it states that the Lord gives wisdom. The "way of Your precepts" suggests a path or lifestyle aligned with God's instructions, emphasizing the importance of living according to divine principles. Historically, the Israelites were given the Law through Moses, which served as a guide for righteous living. The psalmist's desire for clarity reflects a heart committed to obedience and a recognition of the need for God's help in understanding His will.

then I will meditate on Your wonders.
Meditation here implies deep, thoughtful reflection on God's works and deeds. The psalmist promises to focus on God's wonders, which can include His creation, miracles, and acts of deliverance throughout history. This practice of meditation is a spiritual discipline that involves pondering God's attributes and actions, leading to greater faith and understanding. The wonders of God are often highlighted in the Psalms, such as in Psalm 77:11-12, where the psalmist recalls the mighty deeds of the Lord. This meditation is not merely intellectual but is intended to transform the heart and mind, drawing the believer closer to God. The connection between understanding God's precepts and meditating on His wonders suggests that a deeper knowledge of God's laws enhances appreciation and awe of His mighty works.

1. The Psalmist
The author of Psalm 119, traditionally believed to be King David, who is expressing a deep desire for understanding and guidance from God.

2. God
The divine being to whom the Psalmist is praying, seeking clarity and understanding of His laws and wonders.

3. The Precepts
Refers to God's commandments and teachings, which the Psalmist desires to understand more fully.

4. The Wonders
The marvelous works and acts of God, which the Psalmist intends to meditate upon once he gains understanding.Desire for Understanding
The Psalmist's request for clarity underscores the importance of seeking God's guidance in understanding His Word. As believers, we should cultivate a similar desire to comprehend God's teachings.

Meditation on God's Wonders
Once understanding is gained, the Psalmist commits to meditating on God's wonders. This teaches us the value of reflecting on God's works and how they reveal His character and power.

Prayer for Insight
The verse exemplifies a prayerful approach to studying Scripture. We should regularly ask God to illuminate our understanding as we read His Word.

Commitment to God's Precepts
The Psalmist's dedication to God's precepts serves as a model for us to prioritize God's commandments in our daily lives.

Transformation through Understanding
Understanding God's precepts leads to a deeper appreciation of His wonders, which can transform our perspective and strengthen our faith.(27) Make me to understand.--Only the Israelite truly loyal to the covenant was considered worthy to enquire into the marvels of the dealings of God. (See Psalm 106:2, Note.) Perhaps we might extend the thought so far as to say that a true historical insight is possible only to one whose moral sense is rightly trained and directed.

Verse 27. - Make me to understand the way of thy precepts. Exegetical of the last clause of ver. 26. What the psalmist longs for is to have a perfect knowledge of God's Law in all its breadth (ver. 96) and depth (Psalm 92:5) and fullness. So shall I talk of thy wondrous works; rather, so will I muse upon thy marvels (so Kay, Cheyne, and the Revised Version). The "marvels" spoken of are "the wondrous things of God's Law" (ver. 18).

Parallel Commentaries ...


Make clear to me
הֲבִינֵ֑נִי (hă·ḇî·nê·nî)
Verb - Hifil - Imperative - masculine singular | first person common singular
Strong's 995: To separate mentally, understand

the way
דֶּֽרֶךְ־ (de·reḵ-)
Noun - common singular construct
Strong's 1870: A road, a course of life, mode of action

of Your precepts;
פִּקּוּדֶ֥יךָ (piq·qū·ḏe·ḵā)
Noun - masculine plural construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 6490: Appointed, a mandate

then I will meditate
וְ֝אָשִׂ֗יחָה (wə·’ā·śî·ḥāh)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive imperfect Cohortative - first person common singular
Strong's 7878: To muse, complain, talk (of)

on Your wonders.
בְּנִפְלְאוֹתֶֽיךָ׃ (bə·nip̄·lə·’ō·w·ṯe·ḵā)
Preposition-b | Verb - Nifal - Participle - feminine plural construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 6381: To separate, distinguish, to be, great, difficult, wonderful


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OT Poetry: Psalm 119:27 Let me understand the teaching of your (Psalm Ps Psa.)