John Calvin Commentary Psalms 119:60

"I made haste, and delayed not, To observe thy commandments." — Psalms 119:60 (ASV)

I made haste. Although the words are in the past tense, they denote a continued action. The prophet declares with what promptness he dedicated himself to the service of God. Diligence and speed demonstrate the fervor of his zeal. Next, in saying that he delayed not, this, according to the Hebrew idiom, intensifies the idea conveyed by the phrase, I made haste. Just as among the Hebrews, to speak and not to keep silence is equivalent to speaking freely, unreservedly, and without pretense as the occasion demands, so to make haste and not delay is to run quickly without doubt or delay.

If we reflect on our own sluggishness and on the snares that Satan never fails to place in our way, we will immediately perceive that these words are not added without reason. For however desirous a person may be of dedicating himself truly and wholeheartedly to the righteousness of God, yet, according to Paul, we know that he does not the thing that he would, (Romans 7:15, 18, 19).

Although no outward obstacle may stand in our way, we are still so hindered by internal impediments that nothing is more difficult than to make haste to keep the law of God. At the same time, we must remember that the prophet is here speaking comparatively, in reference to those who are prone to procrastination for most of their lives. These individuals draw near to God not only hesitantly and slowly, but also purposely linger in their course, or else prevent themselves from coming by their winding paths.

The prophet did not display more eagerness in serving God than Paul; all he intends, therefore, is that, having overcome all obstacles that lay in his way, he pressed on his journey with speed. And by his example, he teaches us that the excuses we offer for our laziness, whether arising from the hindrances presented by the world or our own weakness, are empty and trivial.