The final octet shows us the Path to God’s Favor. We note that the psalmist is wholly confident in his requests because the promise is written into the revelation. Unlike many human rulers, Jehovah doesn’t create hurdles to His attention, but commands that we call upon Him for help obeying His Word.
The first couplet is a parallelism. We cry and supplicate; we long for our petitions to be heard. But notice that this equates moral discernment with rescue from adversity, because one leads to the other.
The second couplet in like manner is also lyrical repetition. Our mouths testify in glowing terms of God and the revelation of His divine moral character. The resounding theme is that His discipline and guidance is the definition of righteousness.
Again, the third couplet bears a parallel construction. We can anticipate joyfully God’s consistent response to our call to protect and deliver us from sin, because we are wholly committed to His revelation as the greatest possible good in this world.
If the Lord should prolong our days on the earth, it is just and right that we make a lot of noise so others will know whom we credit. We want everyone to know that the legacy of His judgment is the highest treasure. The psalmist confesses openly he is no more than a sheep that keeps wandering off into trouble. The Lord is our Good Shepherd who always comes looking for us. We might forget where we are or how to get back where we belong, but His Law is written on our hearts.
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