Psalms 119:131

“I opened my mouth, and panted, etc.] As a person out of breath does, through walking or running; he stops and pants, and opens his mouth, to draw in air to his relief: or as hungry and thirsty persons pant for food and drink, and open their mouths to receive it, before it can well be brought to them. So the psalmist panted after God, and communion with him; desired the sincere milk of the word; longed for the breasts of ordinances, and even fainted for the courts of the Lord, (<194201>Psalm 42:1 84:2); for I longed for thy commandments; for an opportunity of waiting upon God in the way of his duty; to hear his word, and attend his worship.”

“I opened my mouth and panted - All this is the language of deep emotion. We breathe hard under the influence of such emotion; we open the mouth wide, and pant, as the ordinary passage for the air through the nostrils is not sufficient to meet the needs of the lungs in their increased action. The idea is, that his heart was full; that he had such an intense desire as to produce deep and rapid breathing; that he was like one who was exhausted, and who “panted” for breath. Compare the notes at Psalms 42:1. For I longed for thy commandments - The word here rendered “longed” occurs nowhere else. It means to desire earnestly. See the notes at Psalms 119:20. return to 'Top of Page'”

“Panted - I thirst after thy precepts, and pursue them eagerly. Psalms 119:133”

“opened: Psa 119:20, Psa 42:1; Isa 26:8, Isa 26:9; Pe1 2:2 I longed: Psa 119:40, Psa 119:162, Psa 119:174; Heb 12:14 Psalms 119:132”