Psalms 119:120 – “My flesh trembles in fear of you; I stand in awe of your laws.”
Extended Explanation of the Verse
In Psalm 119:120, the psalmist expresses a deep, reverent fear of God. The statement “my flesh trembles” conveys a physical response to the profound sense of God’s holiness and power. This isn’t a fear rooted in terror but in reverence. The psalmist acknowledges God’s supreme authority, recognizing that God’s laws are not just rules to follow but reflections of His righteous character. By saying “I stand in awe of your laws,” the psalmist demonstrates his deep respect for God’s commandments, understanding that they are expressions of God’s will and wisdom. This verse reflects a profound humility before God, recognizing His greatness and majesty.
Historical Context
In the time this psalm was written, the Israelites understood God as a holy and powerful being who was not to be taken lightly. Throughout the Old Testament, God’s presence often caused people to tremble—whether at Mount Sinai when God gave the Ten Commandments or in the temple when His glory was revealed. The psalmist’s trembling reflects the same awe and respect that people felt when encountering God’s presence. For the Israelites, God’s laws were not just guidelines for living but were seen as holy decrees that revealed God’s character. This deep reverence for God’s word was foundational to their faith.
Theological Implications
Theologically, this verse highlights the importance of the “fear of the Lord” in a believer’s life. The Bible speaks of this kind of fear as the beginning of wisdom (Proverbs 9:10). It’s not about being afraid of God in the sense of terror but about recognizing His greatness, holiness, and authority. The psalmist’s trembling shows that a true understanding of God’s holiness should inspire deep respect and reverence. This fear is intertwined with love because it acknowledges God’s power while also appreciating His mercy and grace. The verse teaches that reverence for God’s laws is an essential part of a genuine relationship with Him.
Literary Analysis
Psalm 119 is structured as an acrostic poem that highlights the beauty of God’s word. In verse 120, the language is intense and personal. Words like “trembles” and “awe” evoke strong emotions, emphasizing the psalmist’s deep reverence for God. The contrast between the physical reaction (“my flesh trembles”) and the spiritual response (“I stand in awe”) highlights the all-encompassing nature of the psalmist’s devotion. This verse stands out as a powerful reminder that reverence for God’s laws is not merely intellectual but should affect us deeply, even physically.
Biblical Cross-References
- Proverbs 9:10: “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.”
- Isaiah 66:2: “These are the ones I look on with favor: those who are humble and contrite in spirit, and who tremble at my word.”
- 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.’”
- Philippians 2:12: “Continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling.”
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, Psalm 119:120 reminds us of the importance of maintaining a healthy reverence for God. In a world where it’s easy to become casual about faith, this verse challenges us to remember the holiness and authority of God. It calls us to approach God’s word with the same awe and respect that the psalmist did. This means taking God’s commands seriously, not out of fear of punishment but out of a deep respect for who God is. It’s a call to live with humility, recognizing that God’s wisdom far surpasses our own.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
This verse may seem intimidating, but it actually reflects God’s love for us. God’s commandments are given not to burden us but to guide us into a life that is good and fulfilling. The psalmist’s awe is not just fear but admiration for God’s perfect laws. By fearing the Lord and standing in awe of His word, we acknowledge that God’s ways are higher than ours and that He truly knows what’s best for us. This reverence is rooted in the understanding that God’s laws are expressions of His love, designed to protect and bless His people.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Jesus perfectly exemplified a life lived in reverence to God. In the Gospels, we see Jesus often going to solitary places to pray, showing His deep respect and dependence on the Father. In Matthew 5:17, Jesus declared that He came to fulfill the Law, not abolish it, showing His deep regard for God’s commandments. Jesus also taught His followers to approach God with both love and reverence, as seen in the Lord’s Prayer where we are taught to honor God’s name. Through Jesus, we see the balance of love, obedience, and reverence that this verse calls for.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How do you respond to God’s word? Do you approach it with the same awe that the psalmist describes?
- Are there areas of your life where you might be taking God’s commands too lightly?
- How can you cultivate a deeper reverence for God’s laws in your daily life?
- What does the “fear of the Lord” mean to you, and how does it impact your relationship with God?
- In what ways can Jesus’ example of reverence for God inspire you to live more faithfully?
Psalm 119:120 calls us to remember that God is holy and that His word deserves our deepest respect. Let this verse challenge you to approach God with humility and awe, recognizing that His commandments are not just rules but gifts that lead to a fulfilled life. By honoring God’s word, we draw closer to Him and experience the blessings that come from living according to His ways.