Psalms 119:156
Great are thy tender mercies, O LORD: quicken me according to thy judgments.
Psalms 119:156
“Great are thy tender mercies, O LORD: quicken me according to thy judgments.” This verse blends mercy with the life-giving effect of God’s judgments. The psalmist acknowledges God’s compassion as a large, sweeping attribute, while also recognizing that God’s judgments—though sometimes stern—are trustworthy and righteous. The call to “quicken me” again links vitality to alignment with divine decrees. In Hebrew poetry, mercy and truth often travel together; God’s tenderness does not negate judgment but grounds it in love. The juxtaposition invites readers to see God’s enforcement of justice as an act of mercy that preserves life and integrity. The psalmist’s humility before divine judgments expresses trust that God’s decisions are for the good of those who follow Him. This tension between mercy and judgment reflects the broader biblical portrait of a God who is both gracious and holy.
The theological significance lies in God’s mercies as the source of life, and His judgments as rightly ordered expressions of that mercy. It asserts that mercy is not opposed to justice but deeply connected to it. The verse also reinforces the idea that revival and vitality come through alignment with God’s decisions, which are rooted in love and fidelity to the covenant. This has implications for eschatology and daily living: God’s future judgments will uphold His merciful purposes and restore order.
When you feel spiritually flat or weary, recall that God’s tender mercies are vast and that He desires to revive you. Practical steps: pray through Psalm 23 or Psalm 103 to internalize God’s mercy. Make a weekly practice of confessing where you failed to reflect God’s judgments and seek His renewal. In family life, model mercy alongside justice: forgive when appropriate, set boundaries when needed, and speak truth with gentleness. Let mercy drive your decisions, especially in areas where you could withhold mercy to gain control. Ask God to quicken you according to His word so that choices align with His righteous judgments, bringing life to you and those around you.
Cross-References: Lamentations 3:22-23; Psalm 86:15; Isaiah 30:18; Titus 3:5; Hebrews 4:12