Psalms 119:120
My flesh trembles for fear of you, and I am afraid of your judgments. Ayin
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The psalmist's "trembling flesh" isn't just a generic fear of God; it's a visceral reaction to the implications of God's judgments. This isn't about dreading personal damnation, but a profound awe that recognizes the sheer holiness of God and the terrifying reality of sin, causing a shudder at what happens to the wicked.
This psalm's speaker, deeply devoted to God's law, has just expressed hatred for vain thoughts and fear of the wicked. Now, they acknowledge a deep, physical reaction—a trembling—not from personal punishment, but from the awe-inspiring reality of God's justice and judgments against sin. This fear is tied to the contemplation of God's righteous decrees and the consequences for those who disregard them.
Ever feel a deep, physical reaction to the holiness of God? The Psalmist describes a visceral response that goes beyond simple fear.
The Hebrew word used here for 'tremble' doesn't just mean to be nervous; it evokes a physical reaction, like the hair on your skin standing on end. It's a profound awe that shakes you to your core.
A Godly Dread
This isn't the cowering fear of an abuser, but the respectful dread of someone who understands God's absolute holiness and justice. It’s a recognition of His power and our smallness in comparison.
More Than Just Emotion
This trembling isn't just a fleeting feeling. It's a deep-seated reverence that acknowledges God's righteous judgments – the ways He upholds justice and deals with sin.
The Psalmist is afraid of God's judgments, but who are these judgments for? The answer might surprise you.
While the verse mentions being afraid of God's judgments, the context and the scholars suggest this fear isn't solely about personal damnation. It's deeply intertwined with observing God's justice applied to others.
Empathy for Justice
Goodness compels us to be disturbed by evil and to recognize the necessity of God's righteous judgments against it. This fear is a form of empathy – a dread of what happens when God's perfect justice is executed, especially on those who reject Him.
The Danger of Complacency
This fear also serves as a powerful warning against complacency. Knowing God's judgment is real, the Psalmist (and we) must remain vigilant, fearing not only God's wrath on others but also the possibility of falling into sin ourselves and thus deserving judgment. It fuels a desire to stay close to God and His Word, rather than straying into paths that lead to destruction.
Understand the original words
basar · Hebrew Noun
The physical body or human nature; in this context, it highlights the total physical reaction to the holiness and power of God.
pachad · Hebrew Noun
A deep, reverent awe or terror before God; it is the appropriate human response to His majesty, power, and holiness.
mishpat · Hebrew Noun
God's decisions, rulings, or legal verdicts; these are the expressions of His righteous justice and moral governance.
Just like Isaiah's reaction when encountering God's holiness, the psalmist's flesh trembles, highlighting a visceral response to the divine presence and its judgments.
Habakkuk 3:16This passage echoes the psalmist's fear, describing a deep trembling and dread in the face of God's power and impending judgment, even while holding onto hope.
Hebrews 4:1The psalmist's fear of God's judgments, coupled with a desire to follow God's law, connects to the warning in Hebrews about falling short of God's promised rest due to disobedience.
Proverbs 28:14This verse offers a parallel to the psalmist's fear, stating that those who fear the Lord are blessed, implying that this reverent fear is a sign of wisdom and security in God.
pulpitPsalms 119:120: "My flesh trembleth for fear of thee; and I am afraid of thy judgments."
Verse 120. - My flesh trembleth for fear of thee (comp. Isaiah 6:5; Jeremiah 23:9; Habakkuk 3:16), And I am afraid of thy judgments. Thy "judgments" upon the wicked cause me to shudder with fear.
gillPsalms 119:120: "My flesh trembleth for fear of thee; and I am afraid of thy judgments."
My flesh trembleth for fear of thee,.... Not for fear of the wrath of God coming down upon himself, nor for fear of eternal damnation; but for fear of what was coming upon the wicked, for their sins and transgressions. The word (n) used signifies such a dread and horror, which seizes a man to such a degree, that it makes the hair of his flesh to stand up; as Jarchi and Kimchi observe; see Psalm 119:53 , Job…
The psalmist's "trembling flesh" isn't just a generic fear of God; it's a visceral reaction to the implications of God's judgments. This isn't about dreading personal damnation, but a profound awe that recognizes the sheer holiness of God and the terrifying reality of sin, causing a shudder at what happens to the wicked.
This psalm's speaker, deeply devoted to God's law, has just expressed hatred for vain thoughts and fear of the wicked. Now, they acknowledge a deep, physical reaction—a trembling—not from personal punishment, but from the awe-inspiring reality of God's justice and judgments against sin. This fear is tied to the contemplation of God's righteous decrees and the consequences for those who disregard them.
This psalm's speaker, deeply devoted to God's law, has just expressed hatred for vain thoughts and fear of the wicked. Now, they acknowledge a deep, physical reaction—a trembling—not from personal punishment, but from the awe-inspiring reality of God's justice and judgments against sin. This fear is tied to the contemplation of God's righteous decrees and the consequences for those who disregard them.
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"My flesh trembles for fear of you, and I am afraid of your judgments.
Ayin" — The psalmist's "trembling flesh" isn't just a generic fear of God; it's a visceral reaction to the *implications* of God's judgments. This isn't about dreading personal damnation, but a profound awe…