Psalms 119:120
My flesh trembleth for feare of thee: and I am afraide of thy Iudgements. Psalms 119:120 (KJV)
Psalm 119 is the longest chapter in the book of Psalms and is a poetic celebration of God’s Word and its impact on the life of the psalmist. It is an acrostic psalm, consisting of twenty‑two sections, each beginning with a consecutive letter of the Hebrew alphabet.
In verse 120 the psalmist expresses a profound reverence and awe for God, revealing a dual response to God’s presence and His judgments.
Fear of God: The psalmist declares, “My flesh trembleth for fear of thee.” This fear is not a terrorizing fear but rather a reverential awe and deep respect for the divine presence of God. It acknowledges His holiness, majesty, and power, recognizing that God is the supreme authority who deserves our utmost respect and worship. This fear is not meant to paralyze or oppress us but to guide us in righteousness and wisdom, helping us understand our place as created beings before the Creator. Proverbs 9:10 states, “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of holy is understanding.”
Awe of God’s Judgments: The psalmist continues, “I am afraid of thy judgments.” God’s judgments refer to His righteous decrees, laws, and ways. The psalmist understands that God’s judgments are perfect and just, revealing His character and serving as guidelines for righteous living. The fear expressed here is not a fear of punishment but a recognition of the consequences of disobedience to God’s commands. This fear reflects a desire to align life with God’s will and to avoid anything that might displease Him, leading to obedience and a willingness to submit to God’s authority.
Overall, Psalm 119:120 reminds us of the importance of cultivating a healthy fear of God and a deep reverence for His judgments. This fear should not immobilize us in terror but rather motivate us to pursue righteousness and walk in obedience to His Word. It encourages us to approach God with humility, recognizing His holiness and our dependence on Him.
As believers, we can find comfort in knowing that while God is just and His judgments are righteous, He is also merciful, forgiving, and full of grace. Through Jesus Christ we can approach God with confidence, knowing that His love and forgiveness are available to us.
By studying and meditating on God’s Word we can gain a deeper understanding of His judgments and grow in our fear of Him, leading to a transformed life that honours and glorifies Him.
