John Calvin Commentary Psalms 119:62

"At midnight I will rise to give thanks unto thee Because of thy righteous ordinances." — Psalms 119:62 (ASV)

I will rise at midnight to praise you. In this verse, he shows not only that he approved and embraced with his whole heart whatever the Divine law contains, but that he also gave evidence of his gratitude to God for having made him a participant in so great a blessing.

It seems to be quite a common thing to outwardly agree with God when He teaches us by His law; for who would dare to lift up his voice against Him? But still, the world is very far from acknowledging that the truth which He has revealed is in all respects reasonable.

In the first place, such is the rebellion of our corrupt nature, that every person would have something either altered or taken away. Again, if people had their choice, they would rather be governed by their own will than by the word of God. In short, human reason, as well as human passions, is widely at odds with the Divine law.

Therefore, one who both obediently embraces revealed truth and, taking sweet delight in it, gives thanks to God for it, has greatly benefited.

The prophet, however, does not simply declare that he magnifies God’s righteous judgments; he also affirms that he rose at midnight to do so, by which he expresses the earnestness of his desire. For the studies and cares which break our sleep necessarily imply great earnestness of soul.

He also, at the same time, suggests that in bearing his testimony on behalf of the Divine law, he was far from being influenced by showiness, since in his secret retirement, when no human eye was upon him, he pronounced the highest praises for God’s righteous judgments.