Psalms 119:57

The eightfold Heth. To understand and to keep God's word is his portion, the object of his incessant praying and thanksgiving, the highest grace or favour that can come to him. According to Psa 16:5; Psa 73:26, the words חלקי ה belong together. Psa 119:57 is an inference drawn from it (אמר ל as in Exo 2:14, and frequently), and the existing division of the verse is verified. חלּה פּני, as in Psa 45:13, is an expression of caressing, flattering entreaty; in Latin, caput mulcere (demulcere). His turning to the word of God the poet describes in Psa 119:59 as a result of a careful trying of his actions. After that he quickly and cheerfully, Psa 119:60, determined to keep it without any long deliberation with flesh and blood, although the snares of wicked men surround him. The meaning of חבלי is determined according to Psa 119:110 : the pointing does not distinguish so sharply as one might have expected between חבלי, ὠδῖνας, and חבלי, snares, bonds (vid., Psa 18:5.); but the plural nowhere, according to the usage of the language as we now have it, signifies bands (companies), from the singular in Sa1 10:5 (Bttcher, 800). Thankfulness urges him to get up at midnight (acc. temp. as in Job 34:20) to prostrate himself before God and to pray. Accordingly he is on friendly terms with, he is closely connected with (Pro 28:24), all who fear God. Out of the fulness of the loving-kindness of God, which is nowhere unattested upon earth (Psa 119:64 = Psa 33:5), he implores for himself the inward teaching concerning His word as the highest and most cherished of mercies.

We may hence gather the character of a godly man. 1. He makes the favour of God his felicity: Thou art my portion, O Lord! Others place their happiness in the wealth and honours of this world. Their portion is in this life; they look no further; they desire no more; these are their good things, Luk 16:25. But all that are sanctified take the Lord for the portion of their inheritance and their cup, and nothing less will satisfy them. David can appeal to God in this matter: "Lord, thou knowest that I have chosen thee for my portion, and depend upon thee to make me happy." 2. He makes the law of God his rule: "I have said that I would keep thy words; and what I have said by thy grace I will do, and will abide by it to the end." Note, Those that take God for their portion must take him for their prince, and swear allegiance to him; and, having promised to keep his word, we must often put ourselves in mind of our promise, Psa 39:1.

119:57-64 Heth (ח): The psalmist seeks God’s favor and unfailing love. Although surrounded by evildoers, he remains a loyal servant of the Lord.