John Calvin Commentary Psalms 119:139

"My zeal hath consumed me, Because mine adversaries have forgotten thy words." — Psalms 119:139 (ASV)

My zeal hath consumed me. The Psalmist speaks of his persecutors, by whom, it is certain, he had been subjected to much trouble. But although they were virulent and cruel towards him, he avows that it was not so much his own private wrongs which offended him as the violation of God’s law; indeed, that he was so consumed with grief for that reason that he was not at all affected by his own individual troubles.

This is an example from which much benefit may be gained. We are too tender and delicate in bearing wrongs; and so it is that if we are merely touched with a finger, we are instantly inflamed with anger, while at the same time we are only coldly affected by the most grievous offenses committed against God. But if we are animated with the zeal that inspired the Prophet, it will carry us away to another kind of sorrow, which will take entire possession of our souls.