John Calvin Commentary Psalms 119:87

"They had almost consumed me upon earth; But I forsook not thy precepts. LAMEDH." — Psalms 119:87 (ASV)

They have almost consumed me upon the earth. He repeats, in somewhat different words, what he had said a little before: that although he had been severely tempted, he had nevertheless kept his footing, because he had not given up on true religion. A single declaration of this fact would have been enough for those who are perfect; but if we recall our own weakness, we will readily confess that it was not unworthy of being repeatedly stated.

We not only forget the law of God when we are shaken by extreme conflicts, but most people lose their courage even before they engage in the conflict. For this reason, this wonderful strength of the prophet is especially noteworthy: though almost reduced to death, he never ceased to revive his courage by continual meditation on the law.

Nor is it in vain that he adds that it was upon the earth that his enemies had almost consumed him, conveying the idea that when the fears of death confronted him from all sides in this world, he elevated his mind above the world. If faith reaches to heaven, it will be an easy matter to emerge from despair.