What does Psalms 119:73 Mean?

Context Summary

Before I was afflicted, I went astray; it is good for me that I have been afflicted; thou in faithfulness hast afflicted me. Here is the far-off interest of our tears. God measures out our sorrows and the trials which cause them. But our condition requires the stern and bitter regimen. The stone must be cut by the lapidary. The heavy clouds, with their drenching showers, must hang over the landscape. The fire must cleanse the metal. If need be, ye suffer heaviness through many temptations. Yes, there is a need-be, and only if need be, for He doth not afflict willingly nor grieve the children of men. It is His strange work, Isaiah 28:21. The very least and the very greatest sorrows that befall us are provided, or permitted, by his unspeakable love. If we be without chastisement, whereof all children are partakers, then are we bastard and not sons, Hebrews 12:8. But amid the affliction, his loving-kindness always waits upon our comfort, Psalms 119:76. "God, that comforteth those that are cast down," says the Apostle, "comforted us by the coming of Titus," 2 Corinthians 7:6. [source]

Chapter Summary: Psalms 119

¹  This psalm contains various prayers, praises, and professions of obedience
²  Aleph
⁹  Beth
¹⁷  Gimel
²⁵  Daleth
³³  He
⁴¹  Waw
⁴⁹  Zayin
⁵⁷  Heth
⁶⁵  Teth
⁷³  Yodh
⁸¹  Kaph
⁸⁹  Lamedh
⁹⁷  Mem
¹⁰⁵  Nun
¹¹³  Samekh
¹²¹  Ayin
¹²⁹  Pe
¹³⁷  Tsadhe
¹⁴⁵  Qoph
¹⁵³  Resh
¹⁶¹  Sin and Shin
¹⁶⁹  Taw