John Calvin Commentary Psalms 119:33

"Teach me, O Jehovah, the way of thy statutes; And I shall keep it unto the end." — Psalms 119:33 (ASV)

Teach me, O Jehovah/the way of your statutes. He again presents the same prayer which he has already frequently done in this psalm, as it is of the utmost importance for us to know that the main thing in our life consists in having God as our governor. The majority of people think of anything rather than this, which they ought to ask from God. The Holy Spirit, therefore, often instills this desire, and we should always keep it in mind, so that not only the inexperienced and unlearned, but also those who have made great progress, may not stop aspiring to further advancement. And since the Spirit of understanding comes from above, they should seek to be guided by His invisible agency to the proper knowledge of the law.

In the second clause of the verse, the prophet points out the particular kind of doctrine he discusses: that which truly and effectively tends to renew the human heart. Interpreters explain the word עקב, ekeb, in two ways. Some would have it mean wages or reward, and then the Psalmist’s meaning would be: After I have been well instructed, then I will know that those who apply themselves to the observance of your law will not labor in vain; and, therefore, for the sake of the reward, I will keep your commandments, persuaded that You will never disappoint Your servants.

Others render it, until the end, because those whom God teaches, He teaches successfully. At the same time, He strengthens them for continuing their journey without feeling weariness or fatigue along the way, and enables them to persevere steadfastly until they reach the end of their course. I am far from supposing that he has no reference to the grace of perseverance.

Let my readers, however, consider whether this verse may not be taken simply as the words stand in the original. The preposition until is not expressed by the prophet, who merely says, I will keep the end. “Lord, I have need of constant teaching, so that I may not fall short, but keep my eye continually on my mark; for You command me to run in Your course, on the condition that death alone should be the goal. Unless You teach me daily, this perseverance will not be found in me. But if You guide me, I will be constantly on the watch, and will never turn my eyes away from my end, or aim.” In my version, I have inserted the commonly received reading.