Psalms 119:35
Make me to go in the path of thy commandments; for therein do I delight.
Psalms 119:35 (KJV)
Context
Psalm 119 is the longest chapter in the Bible, with 176 verses. It is an acrostic psalm, meaning each section of eight verses begins with a consecutive letter of the Hebrew alphabet. This verse is in the “He” section, where every verse starts with the Hebrew letter “He.” The surrounding verses (Psalm 119:33-36) form a cluster of requests: the psalmist asks God to teach him His statutes, give him understanding, lead him in the path of commandments, and incline his heart to God’s testimonies rather than selfish gain.
Meaning
The prayer “Make me to go” shows humble dependence. The psalmist knows he cannot find or walk the right path by his own wisdom or strength. He asks God to direct his steps and grant the spiritual strength to obey. The request is not for mere information about the commandments but for practical, ongoing direction in living them out.
The second half gives the motive: “for therein do I delight.” The word “therein” points back to the path of God’s commandments. The psalmist finds joy and pleasure in walking according to God’s instructions. Obedience is not a burden but a source of delight and fulfillment. His love for God’s ways drives his desire to follow them more fully.
Biblical connections
This plea for God to “make” him walk echoes a broader biblical truth: God Himself enables obedience. In Ezekiel 36:27, God promises to put His Spirit within His people and cause them to walk in His statutes. That connection shows that the psalmist’s request is answered by the New Covenant work of the Spirit. Obedience is ultimately a work of God’s grace in the believer’s life, not mere human resolve.
Application
We can cultivate a heart that seeks God’s guidance through prayer, studying His Word, and receiving wise counsel from fellow believers. When facing decisions, we can ask God to make us aware of His commandments and give us the desire to follow them. As we align our lives with His Word, we experience the joy that comes from walking in obedience.
Delight in God’s commandments is a recurring theme in Psalm 119 (for example, verses 16, 24, 47, 70, 77, 92, 143, 174). True obedience flows from a heart that delights in God’s ways. Such delight is both a gift from God and a motive for prayer. We can ask God to increase our love for His Word so that following Him becomes our joy.
Reflection
Psalm 119:35 encourages us to depend on God for direction and to find joy in His commandments. When we humbly submit to His guidance, He leads us on the right path and grants wisdom to discern His will. Obedience becomes a delight when we recognize the goodness of God’s commands and align our lives with His purposes. Let us pray this verse as our own, asking God to make us walk in His path because we truly delight in it.
