Psalms 119:136
Riuers of waters runne downe mine eyes: because they keepe not thy Law. Psalms 119:136 (KJV)
Psalm 119 is the longest chapter in Scripture and is celebrated for its relentless focus on the value of God’s law and the psalmist’s heartfelt commitment to it. Throughout the chapter the writer repeatedly declares love for the divine statutes, presenting them as the source of guidance, blessing, and true righteousness. In verse 136 the psalmist turns his attention to the tragic reality that many reject these holy instructions, and his response is one of profound sorrow.
The striking phrase “Rivers of waters run down mine eyes” vividly portrays the psalmist’s intense weeping. It conveys deep emotional pain and grief that arise from witnessing the disregard of God’s law. The image of flowing rivers of tears underscores the magnitude of his compassion for those who are turning away from divine truth.
The law, as described in the surrounding verses, represents God’s divine instructions, moral guidance, and principles for righteous living. It reveals the character of the Almighty, helps believers understand His will, and provides a secure path that leads to blessing and obedience. Because the law is the foundation of spiritual health, its neglect brings serious consequences.
The psalmist’s tears are not merely personal frustration; they are a godly, righteous grief over the spiritual condition of others. He mourns the harm that results when people deviate from God’s statutes, recognizing that such deviation brings damage both to individuals and to the community at large. This righteous sorrow invites each believer to examine his own heart and to cultivate a similar compassion for the lost.
Finally, the verse teaches the importance of interceding for those who do not keep the law. The psalmist encourages prayer on behalf of the wayward, asking God to open their hearts, grant them repentance, and lead them toward a life of obedience and righteousness. In doing so, believers join the psalmist’s compassionate lament with active, prayerful concern for the spiritual well‑being of others.
