Psalms 119:161

“Princes have persecuted me without a cause - This commences a new division of the psalm, indicated by the Hebrew letter Schin (שׂ ś, and שׁ sh) - corresponding to our “s,” or “sh.” On the meaning of the expression here, see Psalms 119:23, note; Psalms 119:76, note. But my heart standeth in awe of thy word - I still reverence thy word. I am not deterred from keeping thy law by any threats or intimidations. This is in accordance with the uniform statements in the psalm, that nothing deterred him from manifesting his adherence to the law of God. return to 'Top of Page'”

“But - But I feared thine offence and displeasure more than their wrath. Psalms 119:164”

“119:161-168 Shin (ש): The psalmist looks beyond his adversaries to the peace of God. This perspective allows him to praise God throughout the day. 119:161-164 my heart trembles . . . I rejoice: Fear, trembling, and joy mark the psalmist’s devotion to God. • God’s word is a treasure. • In the Old Testament, seven signifies wholeness.”

“Princes: Psa 119:23, Psa 119:157; Sa1 21:15, Sa1 24:9-15, Sa1 26:18; Joh 15:25 my heart: Psa 4:4; Gen 39:9, Gen 42:18; Kg2 22:19; Neh 5:15; Job 31:23; Isa 66:2; Jer 36:23-25 Psalms 119:162”

“The eightfold ש (both Shin and Sin) (Note: Whilst even in the oldest alphabetical Pijutim the Sin perhaps represents the Samech as well, but never the Shin, it is the reverse in the Biblical alphabetical pieces. Here Sin and Shin coincide, and Samech is specially represented.)). In the midst of persecution God's word was still his fear, his joy, and his love, the object of his thanksgiving, and the ground of his hope. Princes persecute him without adequate cause, but his heart does not fear before them, but before God's words (the Ker likes the singular, as in Psa 119:147), to deny which would be to him the greatest possible evil. It is, however, a fear that is associated with heartfelt joy…”