What does Psalm 119:136 reveal about the psalmist's love for God's law? Verse at a Glance “My eyes stream with tears because people do not keep Your law.” (Psalm 119:136) Depth of Affection Shown in Tears • The psalmist’s love is so genuine that disobedience to God’s commands moves him to visible, uncontrollable weeping. • Tears reveal a heart that takes God’s word literally and personally; the law is not mere information but treasured truth (Psalm 119:97). • His sorrow underscores that God’s statutes are perfect and any rejection of them is tragic (Psalm 19:7–10). Reasons for the Psalmist’s Grief • Dishonor to God – Ignoring the law diminishes God’s glory in human eyes (Isaiah 42:8). • Harm to people – Disobedience brings judgment and loss of blessing (Deuteronomy 28:15). • Broken covenant relationship – Sin severs fellowship the psalmist longs to see restored (Jeremiah 2:11–13). • Personal empathy – Love for neighbor makes their rebellion feel like a personal wound (Romans 9:2–3). Cross-References Highlighting Similar Love • Psalm 119:53 – “Rage seizes me because of the wicked, who reject Your law.” • Psalm 119:158 – “I look on the faithless with loathing because they do not keep Your word.” • Ezekiel 9:4 – God marks those who “sigh and groan over all the abominations” in Jerusalem. • Philippians 3:18 – Paul weeps over “enemies of the cross of Christ.” Living Out This Kind of Love Today • Value Scripture as the flawless, binding word of God. • Let disobedience—our own and others’—break our hearts before it provokes our anger. • Intercede for those who stray, seeking their restoration to obedience (James 5:19–20). • Model joyful submission that shows God’s law is not burdensome but life-giving (1 John 5:3). |
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