John Calvin Commentary Psalms 119:105

"Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, And light unto my path." — Psalms 119:105 (ASV)

Thy word is a lamp to my feet. In this verse the Psalmist testifies that the Divine Law was his schoolmaster and guide in leading a holy life. He thus, by his own example, prescribes the same rule to us all; and it is highly necessary to observe this rule, for while each of us follows what seems good in his own estimation, we become entangled in inextricable and frightful mazes.

To understand his intention more distinctly, it is to be noted that the word of God is set in opposition to all human counsels. What the world judges right is often crooked and perverse in the judgment of God, who approves of no other manner of living than that which is framed according to the rule of his law.

It is also to be observed that David could not have been guided by God’s word unless he had first renounced the wisdom of the flesh, for it is only when we are brought to do this that we begin to have a teachable disposition. But the metaphor he uses implies something more: namely, that unless the word of God enlightens our path, our whole life is enveloped in darkness and obscurity, so that we cannot do anything else than miserably wander from the right way; and again, that when we submit ourselves with docility to the teaching of God’s law, we are in no danger of going astray.

Were there such obscurity in God’s word as the Papists foolishly talk about, the commendation with which the prophet here honors the law would be altogether undeserved. Let us, then, be assured that an unerring light is to be found there, provided we open our eyes to behold it. The Apostle Peter (2 Peter 1:19) has more plainly expressed the same sentiment when he commends the faithful for taking heed to the word of prophecy, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place.