Albert Barnes Commentary Psalms 119:17

"Deal bountifully with thy servant, that I may live; So will I observe thy word." — Psalms 119:17 (ASV)

Deal bountifully ... - This begins the next portion of the psalm, indicated by the letter Gimel (ג g), the third letter of the Hebrew alphabet, corresponding to our letter “g.” Each verse of this portion (Psalms 119:17–24) begins with this letter. There is a resemblance between the first word of this verse, גמל gemol, and the letter “Gimel,” which begins the eight verses of this part of the psalm.

The noun (derived from the verb), גמל gâmâl, means a camel, and the letter gimel is thought to have derived its name from its original resemblance to the camel’s neck. In some of the Phoenician inscriptions, and in the Ethiopic alphabet, it has this form (Gesenius, “Lex”). The verb used here means to do, or show, or cause good or evil to anyone, and then to reward or recompense, either good or evil.

Here it seems to be used in a general sense of doing good or showing favor, as in Psalm 13:6; Psalms 116:7; and Psalm 142:7 . It does not necessarily imply that the author of the psalm had any claim, or demanded this on the ground of merit. He begged for the favor, the friendship, and the interposition of God on his behalf.

That I may live - The continuance of life was dependent on the favor of God.

And keep thy word - For grace to do this he was equally dependent on God, and he asked that life might be continued so that he might honor the word of God by obeying it.