Psalm 119:129 Your testimonies are wonderful: therefore does my soul keep them. I. WHY ARE THE DIVINE LAWS HERE CALLED "TESTIMONIES"? 1. Because they bear testimony to the goodness of God in condescending to guide men by His law. 2. Because they bear testimony to the holiness of God. 3. Because they bear testimony to the respect that God has for the happiness of His creatures. He has connected the highest pleasures with obedience. 4. Because they bear testimony to the wisdom and justice of God. They are adapted to the present imperfect state of man, going upon the principle, where little is given little will be required, and where much is given much will be required. II. THE CHARACTER OF THE DIVINE TESTIMONIES. "THEY ARE WONDERFUL." How? 1. In respect of the discoveries they make of God. Look to people without these testimonies. How ignorant of the Supreme! 2. In respect of the discoveries of God's providence. 3. In respect of the provision which the Scriptures discover for our repentance and pardon. 4. In respect of their universal application to us. 5. In respect of the assistance which they offer in the keeping of them. (1) A Divine Agent to strengthen, that is, the Holy Ghost. (2) Sublime motives to stimulate and encourage us. 6. In respect of their weight and importance. They determine the eternal conditions of men. III. THE PRACTICAL REGARD WHICH A GOOD MAN HAS FOR THE DIVINE TESTIMONIES. "Therefore doth my soul keep them." 1. As a precious treasure of knowledge. 2. As objects of affection and study. 3. As the rules — the guiding lights of my conduct. 4. As embodied in my daily life and practice. (J. Walker, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: PE. Thy testimonies are wonderful: therefore doth my soul keep them.WEB: Your testimonies are wonderful, therefore my soul keeps them. |
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