John Calvin Commentary Psalms 119:106

"I have sworn, and have confirmed it, That I will observe thy righteous ordinances." — Psalms 119:106 (ASV)

I have sworn, and will perform—here the Psalmist speaks of his own constancy. He had declared a little earlier that, during the whole course of his life, he had not turned away from God’s law, and now he speaks of the purpose of his mind. By the word swear, he intimates that he had solemnly pledged himself to God not to alter his determination.

The true way of keeping God’s law is to receive and embrace what He commands wholeheartedly and, at the same time, consistently, so that our zeal may not immediately diminish, as is often the case. This also is the proper rule of vowing: that we offer ourselves to God and dedicate our life to Him.

It may, however, be asked whether the prophet’s oath might not be condemned as rash, since he presumed to commit to doing far more than human ability is capable of. For who is able to keep the law? Then, it may be alleged, a person vows rashly who promises to God something that is beyond their power to accomplish.

The answer is obvious: Whenever the faithful vow to Him, they do not look to what they are able to do by themselves. Instead, they depend upon the grace of God, for it is God who accomplishes what He requires of them by supplying them with strength through His Holy Spirit.

When the question concerns service to be rendered to God, they cannot vow anything without the Holy Spirit, for, as Paul says (2 Corinthians 3:5):

“Not that are sufficient of ourselves to think anything
as of ourselves.”

But when God stretches forth His hand to us, He tells us to be of good courage and promises that He will never fail us; and this is the source from which the boldness to swear, mentioned here, proceeds.

Nor is it any rashness at all when, confiding in His promises, by which He goes before us, we, on our part, offer ourselves to His service.

The question, however, still remains unsolved. For although the children of God are ultimately victorious over all temptations by the grace of the Holy Spirit, yet there is always some infirmity in them.

But it is to be observed that the faithful, in making vows and promises, look not only to that article of the covenant by which God has promised that He will cause us to walk in His commandments, but also to that other article, added at the same time, concerning the free forgiveness of their sins (Ezekiel 11:20; Ezekiel 36:27; Psalms 103:13).

David, therefore, according to the measure of grace given him, bound himself by oath to keep God’s law, encouraged by these words of the prophet:

“I will spare them, as a man spareth his own son that serveth him,” (Malachi 3:17).