What is the meaning of Psalm 119:108?

Accept

The psalmist begins with humility, asking God to welcome what he brings. From Genesis 4:4 to Psalm 51:19 we learn that an offering matters only when God receives it. The request blends confidence that God hears (1 John 5:14) with reverence for His holiness (Hebrews 12:28).

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the freewill offerings

Unlike mandated sacrifices, these gifts rise from voluntary love (Leviticus 22:18-23). Psalm 54:6 echoes: “I will sacrifice a freewill offering to You.” The New Testament keeps the theme: “Each one should give as he has decided in his heart” (2 Corinthians 9:7). God delights in willing devotion.

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of my mouth

No animals are placed on the altar—only words. Hosea 14:2 calls them “the fruit of our lips,” and Hebrews 13:15 urges, “let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise.” Spoken worship, testimony, and singing are spiritual sacrifices that please Him (1 Peter 2:5), transforming a tongue once used to curse (James 3:9-10).

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O LORD

The covenant name recalls God’s faithful relationship with His people (Exodus 3:15). Worship is directed to the One who redeemed them (Deuteronomy 7:8) and remains “compassionate and gracious” (Psalm 86:15).

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and teach me

Praise naturally leads to petition. After giving what he can, the psalmist seeks what only God can supply—instruction. Psalm 25:4-5 asks, “Show me Your ways… teach me Your paths,” and Jesus promises the Spirit will teach us all things (John 14:26). A teachable heart marks true worship (1 Peter 2:2).

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Your judgments

He longs to learn God’s unchanging standards (Psalm 19:9). Scripture’s judgments are “holy, just, and good” (Romans 7:12) and enduringly true (Psalm 119:160). Knowing them guards against sin and guides into freedom (Psalm 119:133).

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summary

Psalm 119:108 portrays worship as an exchange: we freely offer heartfelt praise, and God graciously imparts His righteous instruction. Acceptable worship flows from willing hearts, expressed through thankful lips, aimed at the covenant LORD, and coupled with a desire to live by His flawless judgments.