Psalms 119:135

Psalms 119:135

This cry is a request for God’s favorable presence and guidance: “Make thy face to shine upon thy servant; and teach me thy statutes.” The imagery of God’s face shining reflects blessing, approval, and intimate favor. In the ancient Near East, divine “favor” rested on the person as a sign of protection and blessing. The second half—“teach me thy statutes”—ties blessing to ongoing instruction. The psalmist desires not only to experience God’s goodwill but also to grow in understanding and applying God’s law. It is a posture of humility: seek blessing through learning and living out God’s commands. The verse also echoes the Aaronic blessing over the people: God’s face shining upon them as a sign of His presence.

Key themes include divine presence as the source of blessing, and the inseparability of blessing and guidance. God’s face shining upon a servant signals friendship, intimate relationship, and favor, which enables deeper reception of Scripture. The instruction emphasis reflects a theocentric anthropology: knowing God’s statutes is not mere cognitive achievement but relational obedience that shapes identity and community life. The verse invites believers into a posture of dependence—recognizing that blessing comes as God reveals and teaches His ways.

Practical steps:

- Start prayer with a request for God’s presence in your day—an awareness that He is with you.

- Set aside intentional time to study a Bible passage and then summarize what it teaches for life today.

- Seek mentors or study groups to help interpret hard passages and apply them.

- Let God teach you through your daily work, family responsibilities, and decisions—observe how His statutes shape your conduct.

- Regularly review progress in areas where you’ve sought to obey more fully.

Cross-References: Numbers 6:24-26; Psalm 31:16; Psalm 67:1; James 1:25; 2 Corinthians 3:18