Albert Barnes Commentary Psalms 119:73

"Thy hands have made me and fashioned me: Give me understanding, that I may learn thy commandments." — Psalms 119:73 (ASV)

Your hands have made me – This commences a new division of the psalm, in which each verse begins with the Hebrew letter Jod (י y) – or “i” – the smallest letter in the Hebrew alphabet, called “jot” in (Matthew 5:18): one jot or tittle shall in no wise pass from the law. The words “your hands have made me” are expressive of the idea that he had been formed or molded by God – as the “hands” are the instruments by which we do anything. See the notes at (Job 10:8); compare Psalms 100:3.

And fashioned me – Fitted me; shaped me, formed me as I am. He had received both his existence and the particular form of his existence from God – as a man makes a statue or image. Compare Psalms 139:13-16.

Give me understanding ... – As I have derived my being from you, so I am wholly dependent on you to carry out the purpose for which I have been made. My Maker alone can give me understanding. I have no resources in myself. See (Psalms 119:34).