John Calvin Commentary Psalms 119:160

"The sum of thy word is truth; And every one of thy righteous ordinances [endureth] for ever. SHIN." — Psalms 119:160 (ASV)

The beginning of thy word is truth. The Prophet's design is not difficult to perceive; but the words can be understood in two ways. Some interpret the noun beginning as indicating that the truth of God shines forth clearly in his word, immediately when we first begin to study it, so that this initial engagement may rightly be called the beginning of the word.

This sentence contains the profitable doctrine that if we are endowed with eyes of understanding, we will no sooner cast our eyes upon heavenly doctrine than its truth will meet our view. Others, however, give a different explanation, perhaps just as appropriately, suggesting this meaning: that the word of God has been certain and infallible truth from the beginning, and will continue to be so until the very end.

These two clauses fit very well together—that God has been true to his word from the beginning, and that he will continue to be so, everlastingly and unchangeably. The interpretation which refers the word judgment to the works of God and not to his doctrine, I would not entirely condemn, yet it is not in harmony with the context.

Let us then hold to this meaning: that from the time God began to speak he has always been faithful to his promises, and has never disappointed the hope of his people; and that the course of this faithfulness has been so consistent, that from the beginning until the very end his word is true and faithful.