Psalm 119:25 - Your Word is a Lamp to My Feet
My soul cleaves to the dust;
This phrase reflects a deep sense of despair and humility. In biblical times, dust symbolizes mortality and lowliness, as seen in Genesis 3:19, where humanity is reminded, "for dust you are and to dust you will return." The psalmist's soul "cleaving" to the dust suggests a profound connection to human frailty and a state of spiritual or emotional exhaustion. This imagery is consistent with other biblical expressions of lament, such as Job 30:19, where Job describes himself as being cast into the mire and reduced to dust and ashes. The psalmist's condition may also reflect the cultural practice of mourning, where individuals would sit in dust and ashes to express grief or repentance, as seen in Job 2:8 and Jonah 3:6.
revive me according to Your word.
The plea for revival indicates a desire for spiritual renewal and strength. The psalmist seeks restoration not through personal effort but through the divine intervention promised in God's word. This reflects a reliance on the promises and truths found in Scripture, which are seen as life-giving and sustaining. The concept of revival is echoed in other parts of the Bible, such as in Ezekiel 37, where the dry bones are brought to life by God's breath, symbolizing the restoration of Israel. The phrase "according to Your word" underscores the belief in the power and authority of God's word to bring about change and renewal. This aligns with the New Testament understanding of the Word as living and active, as described in Hebrews 4:12, and points to the ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ, who is identified as the Word made flesh in John 1:14.
Persons / Places / Events
1. The Psalmist
The author of Psalm 119, traditionally believed to be King David, who expresses a deep longing for spiritual revival and guidance through God's Word.
2. The Soul
Represents the innermost being of the Psalmist, indicating a state of deep distress or humility.
3. The Dust
Symbolizes mortality, humility, or a state of despair, reflecting the Psalmist's lowly condition and need for divine intervention.
Teaching Points
The Reality of Human Frailty
Recognize our own limitations and need for God's strength and guidance.
Understand that feeling low or in despair is a common human experience, but God offers hope.
The Power of God's Word
God's Word is a source of life and revival for our souls.
Regular engagement with Scripture can renew our spirits and provide direction.
The Importance of Prayer
Like the Psalmist, we should bring our struggles and needs before God in prayer.
Prayer is a means of seeking God's intervention and revival in our lives.
Spiritual Revival
Seek personal revival through a deeper relationship with God and His Word.
Encourage others in their spiritual journeys by sharing the life-giving power of Scripture.
DALETH.
(25) Cleaveth to the dust.--The same figure is used in Psalm 22:29; Psalm 44:25, in the former of death, in the latter of deep degradation and dishonour.
The prayer, "make me live," suggests that the dust of death is here prominently in view, as in Tennyson's "Thou wilt not leave us in the dust." Else we might rather think of the dryness of summer dust as a type of despondency and spiritual depression.
"A wicked whisper came, and made
My heart as dry as dust."--COLERIDGE.
It was this verse which the Emperor Theodosius recited when doing penance at the door of Milan Cathedral for the massacre of Thessalonica (Theodoret, v., 18).
Quicken thou me according to thy word.--See Psalm 119:88; Psalm 119:107; Psalm 119:145; Psalm 119:154; Psalm 119:156. This reiterated prayer, with its varied appeal to the Divine truth, lovingkindness, constancy, must certainly be regarded as the petition of Israel for revived covenant glory, though, at the same time, it offers a wide and rich field of application to individual needs. . . .
Verse 25. - My soul cleaveth unto the dust. My soul is greatly depressed - lies, as it were, in the dust of death (comp. Psalm 44:25). Quicken thou me according to thy Word. Raise me up to life and health and vigor. Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
My soul
נַפְשִׁ֑י (nap̄·šî)
Noun - feminine singular construct | first person common singular
Strong's 5315: A soul, living being, life, self, person, desire, passion, appetite, emotion
cleaves
דָּֽבְקָ֣ה (dā·ḇə·qāh)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person feminine singular
Strong's 1692: To impinge, cling, adhere, to catch by pursuit
to the dust;
לֶעָפָ֣ר (le·‘ā·p̄ār)
Preposition-l, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 6083: Dust, clay, earth, mud
revive me
חַ֝יֵּ֗נִי (ḥay·yê·nî)
Verb - Piel - Imperative - masculine singular | first person common singular
Strong's 2421: To live, to revive
according to Your word.
כִּדְבָרֶֽךָ׃ (kiḏ·ḇā·re·ḵā)
Preposition-k | Noun - masculine singular construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 1697: A word, a matter, thing, a cause
Links
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Psalm 119:25 Catholic BibleOT Poetry: Psalm 119:25 My soul is laid low (Psalm Ps Psa.)