John Calvin Commentary Psalms 119:53

"Hot indignation hath taken hold upon me, Because of the wicked that forsake thy law." — Psalms 119:53 (ASV)

Terror seized me. This verse may be understood in two senses: either that the prophet was deeply distressed when he saw God’s law violated by the wicked, or that he was horror-struck at the thought of their destruction. Some would translate it as ardor, but this interpretation does not align as well with the passage's meaning. Therefore, I stand by the term fear. I believe this term indicates his fervent zeal, for he was not only deeply grieved by the transgressions of the law but also utterly detested the impious boldness of those who had little respect for the law of God.

At the same time, it should be noted that it is not a new cause of offense for the faithful if many people cast off God’s yoke and raise the banner of rebellion against Him. This, I repeat, must be carefully considered, because many derive flimsy and trivial excuses for it from the moral decline of the age, as if they feel compelled to howl while they live among wolves.

In David’s time, we see there were many who apostatized from the faith, yet he was so far from being discouraged or dismayed by these things that the fear of God instead ignited a holy indignation in his heart. What, then, are we to do when surrounded by bad examples, except to strive with one another in holding them in detestation?

Here a contrast, if not directly stated, is implied between the comforting self-deception we apply to ourselves—believing that whatever is common is therefore lawful—and the horror that the prophet tells us seized him.

If the wicked, haughtily and without restraint, set themselves against God because we are not alert to His judgments, we turn that into an occasion for perverse confidence and spiritual numbness.

On the contrary, the prophet asserts that he was seized with horror because, while he considered God’s patience on the one hand, on the other, he was fully persuaded that God must, sooner or later, inflict deserved punishment.