“The Lord is my portion;
I have promised to keep Your words.
I sought Your favor with all my heart;
Be gracious to me according to Your word.”

“I considered my ways
And turned my feet to Your testimonies.
I hurried and did not delay
To keep Your commandments.”

“The snares of the wicked have surrounded me,
But I have not forgotten Your Law.
At midnight I will rise to give thanks to You
Because of Your righteous judgments.”

“I am a companion to all those who fear You,
And to those who keep Your precepts.
The earth is full of Your mercy, Lord;
Teach me Your statutes.”

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Context and Meaning

This stanza (Heth) highlights the psalmist’s deep commitment to God’s Word and to God Himself as his portion. Despite opposition, he resolves to obey quickly, rise at midnight to give thanks, and find fellowship with those who revere the Lord.

It closes with a recognition that God’s mercy fills the earth—a call to continually learn from His statutes.

Key Themes:

1. The Lord as Portion: God Himself is the believer’s greatest inheritance (v. 57).
2. Wholehearted Seeking: Pursuit of God’s favor flows from sincere devotion (v. 58).
3. Repentance and Resolve: Reflection leads to turning and obeying without delay (v. 59–60).
4. Faithfulness Amid Opposition: Even surrounded by wickedness, the psalmist clings to God’s Law (v. 61).
5. Nighttime Worship: Rising at midnight to give thanks shows devotion beyond convenience (v. 62).
6. Fellowship of the God-Fearing: True companionship is with those who honor God (v. 63).
7. Creation Testifies of God’s Mercy: The whole earth reflects His lovingkindness (v. 64).

Reflection and Impact

Psalm 119:57–64 teaches us that God Himself is our portion and His Word directs our walk:

• God is our portion and inheritance – “The Lord is my portion” (v. 57) echoes Lamentations 3:24: “The Lord is my portion… therefore I have hope in Him.”
• Obedience should not be delayed – “I hurried and did not delay” (v. 60) parallels James 1:22, which urges us to be doers of the Word, not hearers only.
• Faithfulness amid opposition – “The snares of the wicked have surrounded me” (v. 61) recalls 2 Timothy 3:12: all who desire to live godly lives will face persecution.
• Thanksgiving at all hours – “At midnight I will rise to give thanks” (v. 62) connects to Acts 16:25, where Paul and Silas prayed and sang hymns in prison at midnight.
• Fellowship with the faithful – “I am a companion of all who fear You” (v. 63) aligns with Hebrews 10:24–25, reminding us not to forsake gathering together.
• God’s mercy fills the earth – (v. 64) recalls Psalm 33:5: “The earth is full of the lovingkindness of the Lord.”

Application

• Treasure God as Your Portion: Let Him be your ultimate satisfaction above all else.
• Seek God Wholeheartedly: Pursue His favor with sincerity and humility.
• Turn Quickly to Obedience: Do not delay when God calls you to act.
• Worship Even in the Night: Make thanksgiving a habit, not dependent on circumstances.
• Walk with the God-Fearing: Surround yourself with companions who love and obey God.
• See His Mercy in Creation: Let the world around you remind you of God’s goodness.

Closing Thought

The believer’s portion is not possessions but the Lord Himself. His Word directs our steps, His mercy fills the earth, and His people walk together in obedience.
“The Lord is my portion; I have promised to keep Your words.”