John Calvin Commentary Psalms 119:40

"Behold, I have longed after thy precepts: Quicken me in thy righteousness. VAV." — Psalms 119:40 (ASV)

Behold, I have a desire to your precepts. This is a repetition of what he declared a little earlier regarding his pious affection and his love of righteousness, and also that nothing was lacking but God to complete the work which He had begun. If this interpretation is admitted, then, to be made alive in the righteousness of God, will be equivalent to being made alive in the way. The term righteousness is often used in this psalm to mean the law of God, or the rule of a righteous life. This view tends to make the two parts of the verse agree with each other.

“Lord, this is now a remarkable kindness you have done for me, in having inspired me with a holy desire to keep your law; one thing is still necessary, that this same virtue pervade my whole life.”

But as the word righteousness is ambiguous, my readers may, if they choose, understand it in this way: Restore, defend, and maintain me for the sake of your goodness, which you are accustomed to show to all your people. I have already pointed out the interpretation which I prefer.