Meaning of Psalms 119:120

This verse, Psalm 119:120, expresses a profound and complex emotional response to the divine, characterized by both fear and awe, stemming from a deep reverence for God's law. The psalmist declares that his "flesh trembles in fear of you," indicating a visceral, physical reaction to the presence or the perceived judgment of God. This is not a paralyzing terror, but rather a trembling born of profound respect and recognition of God's absolute holiness and power. The second part of the verse, "I stand in awe of your laws," clarifies the source of this trembling: it is the overwhelming majesty and perfect righteousness of God's statutes that elicit this reverential fear. The awe arises from understanding the intrinsic value, truth, and immutability of God's commands, which are seen as reflections of His own character.

Context and Background

Psalm 119 is an extensive alphabetic acrostic psalm dedicated to celebrating the Law of God (Torah). Each of its 176 verses extols a different aspect of God's word, its benefits, and the psalmist's devotion to it. The psalm is a sustained meditation on the perfection, guidance, comfort, and life-giving power of God's commandments, testimonies, statutes, and precepts. Within this framework, verse 120 stands as a pivotal declaration of the psalmist's attitude towards this divine revelation. It is situated amidst verses that speak of the psalmist's suffering and persecution, suggesting that his deep respect for God's law is a source of stability and courage in the face of adversity.

Key Themes and Messages

The central themes are reverential fear and awe before God's law. The "fear of God" in the Old Testament is not typically a cowering dread but a deep respect, reverence, and acknowledgment of His sovereignty and power, leading to obedience. This fear is directly linked to the "awe of your laws." The laws are not perceived as burdensome rules, but as holy, perfect, and awe-inspiring expressions of God's will and character. The verse highlights the transformative power of God's word, which shapes not only the mind and spirit but also the very physical being of the believer.

Spiritual Significance and Application

Spiritually, this verse calls believers to cultivate a similar attitude towards God and His Word. It encourages a fear of God that is rooted in His holiness and a profound appreciation for the divine wisdom contained in Scripture. This is not a fear that paralyzes, but one that motivates obedience and draws one closer to God. It implies a recognition that God's standards are perfect and that deviating from them has serious consequences, thus inspiring a desire to live in accordance with His will. The "trembling flesh" can be seen as an analogy for the inner conviction and the deep-seated respect that true spiritual understanding brings, leading to a readiness to submit to God's authority.

Relation to the Broader Biblical Narrative

This verse aligns with the overarching biblical narrative of God's covenant relationship with His people, characterized by His revelation of Himself through His law. From the Ten Commandments given at Sinai to the teachings of Jesus, the importance of God's word as a guide for righteous living is consistently emphasized. The fear of the Lord is presented as the "beginning of wisdom" (Proverbs 9:10), a foundational principle for a life pleasing to God. The New Testament continues this theme, with Jesus emphasizing love for God and neighbor as the fulfillment of the law, and the Holy Spirit empowering believers to live according to God's precepts.

Analogies

One analogy for the "flesh trembling in fear of you" could be the reaction of a skilled craftsman encountering a masterwork of unparalleled precision and beauty. The sheer perfection evokes a sense of humility and awe, perhaps even a slight tremor of inadequacy, but also an immense desire to learn and emulate such excellence. Another analogy is a child's respectful awe of a wise and loving parent; the child may tremble slightly at the thought of disappointing the parent but is drawn to their wisdom and guidance. Similarly, the awe of God's laws can be likened to the profound respect and wonder one feels when contemplating the vastness of the cosmos or the intricate design of nature; it evokes a sense of insignificance yet inspires deep contemplation and reverence.

Relation to Other Verses

This verse resonates with numerous other passages in Scripture.

• Proverbs 1:7: "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction." This explicitly links the fear of God to wisdom, reinforcing the idea that the psalmist's trembling is a sign of profound insight.
• Deuteronomy 6:13: "It is the LORD your God you shall fear. Him you shall serve and by his name you shall swear." This verse emphasizes serving and fearing the Lord alone.
• Psalm 2:11: "Serve the LORD with fear, and rejoice with trembling." This echoes the dual emotion of reverence and joy found in Psalm 119:120.
• Hebrews 12:28-29: "Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our 'God is a consuming fire.'" This New Testament passage speaks of a similar reverential awe in approaching God.