John Calvin Commentary Psalms 119:12

"Blessed art thou, O Jehovah: Teach me thy statutes." — Psalms 119:12 (ASV)

Blessed art thou, O Jehovah! Such had been the prophet’s proficiency that he was not only one of God’s disciples but also a public teacher of the Church. Nevertheless, acknowledging himself and all the upright to be only on their journey until they arrive at the close of life, he does not fail to ask for the spirit of understanding.

This passage informs us generally that if God does not enlighten us with the spirit of discernment, we are not competent to behold the light that shines forth from his law, though it is constantly before us. And thus it happens that many are blind even when surrounded with the clear revelation of this doctrine, because, confident in their own perspicacity, they despise the internal illumination of the Holy Spirit.

Furthermore, let us learn from this passage that no one possesses such superiority of intellect as not to admit of constant increase. If the prophet, upon whom God had conferred so honorable an office as a teacher of the Church, confesses himself to be only a disciple or scholar, what madness is it for those who are greatly behind him in point of attainments not to strain every nerve to rise to higher excellence?

Nor does he depend upon his own merits to obtain his requests; he beseeches God to grant them out of regard for his own glory. This appears from the phraseology with which he introduces his request, Blessed art thou, O Jehovah!, intimating that his confidence of success originated in God being fully entitled to all praise on account of his unbounded goodness, justice, and mercy.