Abundant peace belongs to those who love Your law;The phrase "abundant peace" suggests a profound sense of well-being and tranquility that surpasses mere absence of conflict. In the Hebrew context, "peace" (shalom) encompasses completeness, soundness, and welfare. This peace is not just internal but also relational, extending to one's community and relationship with God. The promise of peace is a recurring theme in the Old Testament, often associated with obedience to God's commandments (
Isaiah 26:3,
Proverbs 3:1-2). The "law" refers to the Torah, the first five books of the Bible, which were central to Jewish life and worship. Loving the law implies a deep reverence and commitment to God's instructions, reflecting a heart aligned with His will. This love for the law is not merely intellectual but involves a heartfelt devotion, as seen in
Psalm 1:2, where the righteous delight in the law of the Lord.
nothing can make them stumble.
The assurance that "nothing can make them stumble" indicates a spiritual stability and resilience. In biblical terms, to "stumble" often means to fall into sin or error (Proverbs 4:11-12). This promise suggests that those who love God's law are safeguarded against moral and spiritual pitfalls. The New Testament echoes this idea inJude 1:24, where God is described as able to keep believers from stumbling. The imagery of walking without stumbling is also found inPsalm 37:23-24, where the steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord. This stability is not due to human effort alone but is a result of divine guidance and protection. The concept of not stumbling can also be seen as a type of Christ, who is the ultimate fulfillment of the law and the one who empowers believers to walk in righteousness (Romans 8:3-4).
Persons / Places / Events
1.
PsalmistThe author of
Psalm 119, traditionally believed to be King David, who expresses a deep love for God's law and instruction.
2.
IsraelThe nation to whom the law was originally given, serving as the context for the Psalmist's reflections on God's Word.
3.
God's Law (Torah)The divine instruction and commandments given to the people of Israel, central to the Psalmist's meditation and love.
4.
Peace (Shalom)A state of wholeness and well-being that the Psalmist associates with loving God's instruction.
5.
StumblingA metaphor for falling into sin or error, which the Psalmist claims is avoided by those who love God's law.
Teaching Points
The Source of True PeaceTrue peace is found in a deep love and commitment to God's instruction. This peace is not dependent on external circumstances but is rooted in a relationship with God.
The Stability of the RighteousThose who love God's law are less likely to stumble because their lives are grounded in divine truth. This stability is a result of aligning one's life with God's will.
The Role of Love in ObedienceLoving God's instruction is more than mere duty; it is a heartfelt devotion that transforms how we live and interact with the world.
Avoiding Spiritual PitfallsBy immersing ourselves in God's Word, we are equipped to avoid the pitfalls of sin and error, leading to a life of integrity and righteousness.
Peace as a Fruit of the SpiritThe peace described in this verse is a reflection of the Holy Spirit's work in the believer's life, producing a calm assurance in God's promises.
Lists and Questions
Top 10 Lessons from Psalm 119
The psalm insists that following God’s laws brings peace and protection, yet other Bible passages show faithful people enduring suffering and persecution (Psalm 119:165).
What does the Bible say about peace of mind?
What defines having a calm spirit?
What does being vexed mean?(165)
Nothing shall offend them.--See margin. Perhaps the verse should take the form of a wish:
great peace to the lovers of Thy law; no stumbling-block to them.Or, it may be,
great peace have they who love Thy word and who find no hindrance.It was not the fact that the faithful did
notstumble.
Verse 165. -Great peace have they which love thy Law (comp.Proverbs 3:1, 2;Isaiah 32:17;James 3:18). There is always disquietude where there is sin. A sense of perfect peace and rest belongs to those who love and keep God's Law.And nothing shall offend them; rather,and they shall have no stumbling-block. Nothing shall cause them to stumble, much less to fall away from grace.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
Abundant
רָ֭ב(rāḇ)
Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 7227:Much, many, great
peace belongs
שָׁל֣וֹם(šā·lō·wm)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 7965:Safe, well, happy, friendly, welfare, health, prosperity, peace
to those who love
לְאֹהֲבֵ֣י(lə·’ō·hă·ḇê)
Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural construct
Strong's 157:To have affection f
Your instruction;
תוֹרָתֶ֑ךָ(ṯō·w·rā·ṯe·ḵā)
Noun - feminine singular construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 8451:Direction, instruction, law
nothing
וְאֵֽין־(wə·’ên-)
Conjunctive waw | Adverb
Strong's 369:A non-entity, a negative particle
can make them stumble.
מִכְשֽׁוֹל׃(miḵ·šō·wl)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4383:A stumbling, means or occasion of stumbling, a stumbling block
Links
Psalm 119:165 NIV
Psalm 119:165 NLT
Psalm 119:165 ESV
Psalm 119:165 NASB
Psalm 119:165 KJV
Psalm 119:165 BibleApps.com
Psalm 119:165 Biblia Paralela
Psalm 119:165 Chinese Bible
Psalm 119:165 French Bible
Psalm 119:165 Catholic Bible
OT Poetry: Psalm 119:165 Those who love your law have great (Psalm Ps Psa.)
