God’s graciousness empowers believers to live faithfully.
The psalmist humbly cries out to God by saying, “Deal bountifully with Your servant, That I may live and keep Your word.” (v.17) Here, the request is not simply for material abundance, but for God’s gracious favor. Although Psalm 119 is traditionally attributed to King David, who ruled Israel from around 1010 to 970 BC, the theme of reliance on divine provision transcends time. The word “servant” suggests a close relationship with God, recognizing His ultimate authority and the psalmist’s subservience under His care and commandments.
In asking the Lord to “deal bountifully,” the psalmist expresses faith that God’s grace and sustaining power will enable him to live in obedience. The life the psalmist desires is not a life of comfort alone; it is a life aligned with God’s righteous ways. There is an intrinsic link here to other parts of Scripture where God’s abundant provision is emphasized, such as when Jesus proclaims He came to give life “more abundantly” (John 10:10). Living in the fullness of God’s blessing positions the believer to uphold and treasure God’s Word.
The second half of the verse, “…that I may live and keep Your word,” (v.17) underscores that the purpose of God’s bounty is intimately tied to faithful obedience. In the New Testament, Jesus teaches that authentic love for God is shown through keeping His commandments (John 14:15). The psalmist’s plea affirms this principle: true devotion is displayed both in the appeal to encounter God’s goodness and in the determination to walk fully in His instructions.
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Psalms 119:17 meaning
The psalmist humbly cries out to God by saying, “Deal bountifully with Your servant, That I may live and keep Your word.” (v.17) Here, the request is not simply for material abundance, but for God’s gracious favor. Although Psalm 119 is traditionally attributed to King David, who ruled Israel from around 1010 to 970 BC, the theme of reliance on divine provision transcends time. The word “servant” suggests a close relationship with God, recognizing His ultimate authority and the psalmist’s subservience under His care and commandments.
In asking the Lord to “deal bountifully,” the psalmist expresses faith that God’s grace and sustaining power will enable him to live in obedience. The life the psalmist desires is not a life of comfort alone; it is a life aligned with God’s righteous ways. There is an intrinsic link here to other parts of Scripture where God’s abundant provision is emphasized, such as when Jesus proclaims He came to give life “more abundantly” (John 10:10). Living in the fullness of God’s blessing positions the believer to uphold and treasure God’s Word.
The second half of the verse, “…that I may live and keep Your word,” (v.17) underscores that the purpose of God’s bounty is intimately tied to faithful obedience. In the New Testament, Jesus teaches that authentic love for God is shown through keeping His commandments (John 14:15). The psalmist’s plea affirms this principle: true devotion is displayed both in the appeal to encounter God’s goodness and in the determination to walk fully in His instructions.