John Calvin Commentary Psalms 119:152

"Of old have I known from thy testimonies, That thou hast founded them for ever. RESH." — Psalms 119:152 (ASV)

I have known from your testimonies from the beginning. Others here translate, I have known long ago of your testimonies. This translation I would not directly reject; but I am more inclined to retain the sense which I have given: namely, that the Prophet not only knew the everlasting steadfastness which characterizes the testimonies of God, but also that he had derived this knowledge from the testimonies themselves.

When the Hebrews would express the meaning conveyed by the Latin preposition de, they frequently use the particle מן, or the letter ב, beth. He therefore says that he had learned from God’s testimonies, or had been taught by them, that they are established for ever.

This indeed is the chief point of faith: that the word of God is not only distinguished for fidelity and steadfastness for a time, but that it continues unchangeable for ever. Were it otherwise, it could not include within it the hope of eternal salvation.

For the assurance of this immutability of God’s word to be rooted in our minds, the inward revelation of the Holy Spirit is indeed necessary. For until God seals within us the certainty of his word, our belief in its certainty will be continually wavering.

Yet the Prophet, not without cause, affirms that he learned this truth from the word; for when God shines into us by his Spirit, he at the same time causes that sacred truth which endures for ever to shine forth in the mirror of his word.