Verse 64. - The earth, O Lord, is full of thy mercy (comp. Psalm 33:5). God's mercy is "over all his works" (Psalm 145:9). The whole world is full of it. Pessimistic views are opposed to the entire tenor of Scripture. Teach me thy statutes (comp. vers. 12, 26, 33, 68, 108, 124, 135).
119:57-64 True believers take the Lord for the portion of their inheritance, and nothing less will satisfy them. The psalmist prayed with his whole heart, knowing how to value the blessing he prayed for: he desired the mercy promised, and depended on the promise for it. He turned from by-paths, and returned to God's testimonies. He delayed not. It behoves sinners to hasten to escape; and the believer will be equally in haste to glorify God. No care or grief should take away God's word out of our minds, or hinder the comfort it bestows. There is no situation on earth in which a believer has not cause to be thankful. Let us feel ashamed that others are more willing to keep from sleep to spend the time in sinful pleasures, than we are to praise God. And we should be more earnest in prayer, that our hearts may be filled with his mercy, grace, and peace.
The earth, O Lord, is full of thy mercy,.... "Goodness" or "grace" (o); both of the providential mercy and goodness of God, which extends to all his creatures; and of his special grace and goodness to his own people, held forth in his word and ordinances; see Psalm 33:5;
teach me thy statutes: as an instance of mercy, grace, and goodness; see Psalm 119:12.
teach me thy statutes: as an instance of mercy, grace, and goodness; see Psalm 119:12.
(o) "gratia tua", Cocceius, Gejerus.