What is the meaning of Psalm 119:120? My flesh trembles in awe of You • “My flesh trembles in awe of You” (Psalm 119:120a) pictures a whole-body response to God’s majesty. The psalmist is not merely intellectually impressed; his very body shudders at the thought of standing before the Almighty. • Scripture shows others reacting this way: – Exodus 3:6: “Moses hid his face, for he was afraid to look at God.” – Job 42:5-6: Job says, “Now my eyes have seen You. Therefore I retract my words, and I repent in dust and ashes.” – Isaiah 6:5: “Woe to me,” Isaiah cries, overwhelmed by God’s holiness. • Such trembling is healthy; it anchors reverence in the body as well as the mind, reminding us that God is not a concept but the living, holy Lord (Psalm 2:11). • When we feel small before Him, we also feel safe, because the One who evokes awe is the same One whose steadfast love never fails (Psalm 33:18-19). I stand in fear of Your judgments • “I stand in fear of Your judgments” (Psalm 119:120b) moves from physical trembling to a settled stance of reverent fear toward God’s decisions, laws, and verdicts. • The word “stand” suggests resolve: the psalmist plants himself firmly in respect for whatever God says is right. • Cross-references underscore this posture: – Psalm 19:9: “The fear of the LORD is pure, enduring forever; the judgments of the LORD are true, being altogether righteous.” – Ecclesiastes 12:13-14: “Fear God and keep His commandments… For God will bring every deed into judgment.” – Hebrews 10:30-31: “The Lord will judge His people… It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.” • Reverent fear is not paralyzing dread but a motivator to obedience. Knowing that God’s judgments are perfect and final keeps us from casual sin (Psalm 119:11) and fuels a life that seeks His approval over human applause (Acts 5:29). • Standing in fear also means trusting His verdicts when life seems unfair; if His judgments are true, then His timing and purposes are too (Romans 11:33). summary Psalm 119:120 paints a balanced portrait of godly fear: our bodies tremble at His overwhelming holiness, and our wills take a firm stand under His righteous judgments. Such fear is neither superstition nor insecurity; it is the wholehearted reverence that flows from knowing the living God whose power humbles us and whose statutes guide us into life. |
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