What does it mean to "stray from Your commandments" in Psalm 119:21? Why This Phrase Matters • Psalm 119:21 reads, “You rebuke the arrogant—the cursed, who stray from Your commandments.” • The psalmist takes God’s directions literally; to “stray” is not a minor slip but a serious, willful departure from revealed truth. What “Stray” Conveys • Hebrew idea: to wander off a marked path. • Implies active movement—choosing another route rather than accidental drift. • Signifies both outward disobedience and inward rejection of God’s authority. Heart Roots Behind Straying • Pride: “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” (James 4:6) • Self-reliance: deciding one’s own morality instead of submitting to Scripture. • Forgetfulness: neglecting daily meditation on the Word (cf. Psalm 119:10). Practical Expressions Today • Ignoring clear moral commands (e.g., truth-telling, sexual purity, justice). • Selective obedience—keeping “comfortable” verses while discarding others. • Redefining sin to match cultural trends rather than God’s standards. Consequences Highlighted • Divine rebuke: God confronts those who leave His path (Psalm 119:21). • Loss of blessing: “Do not turn… that you may prosper.” (Joshua 1:7) • Exposure to curse: Deuteronomy’s warnings attach curses to disobedience (Deuteronomy 5:32; 28). Staying on Course • Whole-hearted pursuit: “With all my heart I have sought You; do not let me stray…” (Psalm 119:10). • Straight-line obedience: “Do not swerve to the right or to the left.” (Proverbs 4:27). • Ongoing examination: measure every belief and action against Scripture. • Community accountability: fellowship that lovingly corrects and restores. The Bottom Line To “stray from Your commandments” means deliberately abandoning the clear, literal path God has marked in Scripture. It springs from pride, leads to God’s rebuke and loss of blessing, and is avoided by humble, whole-hearted submission to every word He has spoken. |
    |