John Calvin Commentary Psalms 119:44

"So shall I observe thy law continually For ever and ever." — Psalms 119:44 (ASV)

I will keep thy law continually. He resolves to devote himself to the study of the law, not for a short time only, but even to the end of his life. The use of three synonymous words, תמיד (tamid), עולם (olam), and עד (ed), far from being seen as a superfluous accumulation of terms, contains an implied indication that, unless the faithful make a strenuous and steady opposition, the fear of God may be gradually erased from their minds by various temptations, and they will lose the affection they have for the law. Therefore, so that he may be better prepared for meeting these trials, he alludes to the difficulty and danger connected with them.

The next verse may be read as expressing a desire that he might walk. Be that as it may, we retain the commonly received reading that David exults at the thought of his path becoming plain and easy as a consequence of diligently seeking God’s precepts; that is, to walk at ease.

The paths of people are frequently rugged and obstructed because they themselves place various stumbling blocks in them or entangle themselves in many inextricable windings. Thus it happens that while no one submits to the word of God as their rule, everyone endures the punishment legitimately due to such arrogance. On all sides, God lays snares for us, puts pitfalls in our way, causes us to encounter broken and rugged paths, and at last shuts us up in a bottomless pit. And the more worldly-wise a person is, the more obstructions they will meet in their path.

This verse teaches us that if anyone yields implicit obedience to God, they will receive this as their reward: they will walk with a calm and composed mind. Should they meet with difficulties, they will find the means to overcome them.

The faithful, however readily and submissively they surrender themselves to God, may find themselves involved in perplexity. Nevertheless, the outcome Paul describes is achieved: though they are in trouble and toil, yet they do not continue in irremediable distress, because it is God’s duty (so to speak) to point out a way for them where there seems to be no way (2 Corinthians 4:8). Moreover, when grievously oppressed, they still walk at ease, for they commit the uncertain outcome of events to God in such a way that, having Him as their guide, they have no doubt they will emerge boldly from the depths of distress.