Albert Barnes Commentary Psalms 119:41

Albert Barnes Commentary

Psalms 119:41

1798–1870
Presbyterian
Albert Barnes
Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes Commentary

Psalms 119:41

1798–1870
Presbyterian
SCRIPTURE

"Let thy lovingkindnesses also come unto me, O Jehovah, Even thy salvation, according to thy word." — Psalms 119:41 (ASV)

Let thy mercies come also unto me, O Lord - This begins a new portion of the psalm, in which each verse begins with the letter Vau (ו v — or “v”). There are almost no words in Hebrew that begin with this letter, which is properly a conjunction. Therefore, in each of the verses in this section of the psalm (Psalms 119:41–48), the beginning of the verse is in the original a conjunction - ו. This does not here indicate a connection, as with us the conjunction “and” would naturally do, but is a mere artificial arrangement so that the verse may begin with that letter, and it in no way affects the sense.

The phrase “Let thy mercies come” is literally, “and your mercies shall come,” or “and let your mercies come.” That is, let your mercy be manifested to me; let me experience your mercy and your favor.

Even thy salvation - Mercy connected with salvation, or that leads to salvation.

According to thy word - According to the promises of your word; according to the arrangements which you have made and have revealed. The only hope of mercy is that which is held out in the word of God.