Psalms 119:81-88

Psalms 119:81-88

[81] CAPH. My soul  fainteth  for thy salvation:  but I hope  in thy word.  [82] Mine eyes  fail  for thy word,  saying,  When wilt thou comfort  [83] For I am become like a bottle  in the smoke;  yet do I not forget  thy statutes.  [84] How many are the days  of thy servant?  when wilt thou execute  judgment  on them that persecute  [85] The proud  have digged  pits  for me, which are not after thy law.  [86] All thy commandments  are faithful:  they persecute  me wrongfully;  help  [87] They had almost  consumed  me upon earth;  but I forsook  not thy precepts.  [88] Quicken  me after thy lovingkindness;  so shall I keep  the testimony  of thy mouth. 

What does Psalms 119:81-88 Mean?

Contextual Meaning

The poet had almost given up as he waited for God to save him from his enemies, but he found God"s revelation to be a reliable source of strength ( Psalm 119:81-82). Feeling similar to a wineskin shriveled up by the smoke of a fire, he asked God how much longer he would have to wait for salvation ( Psalm 119:83-86). In spite of severe attacks by his enemies, he had remained true to God"s ways and requested safe keeping ( Psalm 119:87-88; cf. Psalm 119:159).
"When the Father allows His children to go into the furnace of affliction, He keeps His eye on the clock and His hand on the thermostat." [1]