Psalms 119:55
I remember your name in the night, O LORD, and keep your law.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Psalms 119:55
I remember your name in the night, O LORD, and keep your law.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
Remembering God's name is presented not just as a comfort in difficult times, but as the direct catalyst for keeping His law. The verse links the act of recalling who God is with the active choice to obey Him, suggesting that a deep knowledge of God's character inherently motivates obedience, especially when facing the darkness of life's struggles.
In this section of Psalm 119, the psalmist is reflecting on the deep and persistent trouble he's facing from enemies and the temptation to stray from God's law. He contrasts his own struggles with the wicked actions of others, emphasizing how remembering God’s name and law brings solace and strength during dark times, whether literal night or the figurative darkness of affliction. He expresses a steadfast resolve to keep God's law, even when faced with mockery and danger, seeing it as the only true source of wisdom and joy.
Why does the psalmist specifically mention remembering God's name 'in the night'? What does this 'night' truly represent?
The 'night' here isn't just about the absence of sunlight. It's a powerful metaphor for times of trouble, distress, and spiritual darkness.
Times of Affliction
Scholars and commentators agree that 'night' often signifies periods of severe difficulty. This could be personal suffering, national crisis, or intense spiritual struggle.
A Time for God
Ironically, it's often in these darkest hours, when human strength fails and despair looms, that remembering God's character and promises becomes most vital. It's a deliberate act of turning to Him when other comforts fade.
What is the connection between recalling God's 'name' and the act of keeping His 'law'?
The psalmist doesn't just remember God's name passively. This remembrance is directly linked to his commitment to obey God's commands.
The Power of God's Identity
To 'remember God's name' means to recall who He is – His character, His attributes, His promises, and His mighty deeds. When we truly grasp who God is, it profoundly impacts our desire and ability to obey Him.
Motivation for the Law
Understanding God's faithfulness, love, and justice fuels our motivation to follow His ways. It’s not just a duty, but a response to His magnificent being. His name is the ultimate reason why we keep His law, especially when it's difficult.
Understand the original words
shem · Hebrew Noun
In biblical thought, the 'name' represents the entire character, reputation, authority, and essence of a person; to remember God's name is to call upon His very nature and all that He has revealed Himself to be.
This psalm, likely composed during the post-exilic period, reflects on the profound significance of God's Law after the trauma of exile. The psalmist's remembrance of God's name and commitment to His law in the 'night'—a time of distress, affliction, or even literal darkness—speaks to the enduring power of faith and obedience amidst challenging circumstances.
c. 722 BC
Fall of Samaria
The Northern Kingdom of Israel (Samaria) falls to the Assyrian Empire, leading to the exile of many Israelites. This event marked a significant loss of national identity and religious continuity for many.
586 BC
Fall of Jerusalem
The Babylonian Empire, under Nebuchadnezzar II, conquers Jerusalem and destroys Solomon's Temple. The Judean elite and many citizens are exiled to Babylon.
c. 539 BC
Cyrus Cylinder issued
Cyrus the Great of Persia conquers Babylon and issues a decree allowing exiled peoples to return to their homelands and rebuild their temples. This marked the beginning of the return from Babylonian exile.
c. 458 BC
Ezra's return to Jerusalem
The scribe Ezra returns to Jerusalem with a large group of exiles, focusing on re-establishing adherence to the Law of Moses amidst a community struggling with identity and assimilation.
This verse echoes the sentiment of remembering God's deeds and counseling oneself, even during the night, highlighting a deep, internal reflection on God's character and past actions when troubled.
Jeremiah 15:16Here, the prophet speaks of finding God's words and treasuring them, which became a source of joy and identity, mirroring the psalmist's commitment to God's law as a core part of his being.
Matthew 6:33Jesus teaches to 'seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness,' which resonates with the psalmist's dedication to remembering God's name and keeping His law above all else.
John 14:15Jesus states, 'If you love me, you will keep my commandments,' drawing a direct link between love for God (remembering His name) and obedience to His word, a connection central to this psalm.
1 John 5:3This verse explains that 'loving God means keeping his commandments,' directly correlating the act of remembering God with the practical outworking of that remembrance through obedience.
cambridgePsalms 119:55: "I have remembered thy name, O LORD, in the night, and have kept thy law."
55 . The constant recollection of the Lawgiver and all that He has revealed Himself to be, is the most powerful motive to observance of His laws. in the night ] Cp. Psalm 119:62 ; Psalm 1:2 .
clarkePsalms 119:55: "I have remembered thy name, O LORD, in the night, and have kept thy law."
I have remembered thy name - Thou art Jehovah; and as our God thou hast made thyself known unto us. In the deepest night of our affliction this has consoled me.
Remembering God's name is presented not just as a comfort in difficult times, but as the direct catalyst for keeping His law. The verse links the act of recalling who God is with the active choice to obey Him, suggesting that a deep knowledge of God's character inherently motivates obedience, especially when facing the darkness of life's struggles.
In this section of Psalm 119, the psalmist is reflecting on the deep and persistent trouble he's facing from enemies and the temptation to stray from God's law. He contrasts his own struggles with the wicked actions of others, emphasizing how remembering God’s name and law brings solace and strength during dark times, whether literal night or the figurative darkness of affliction. He expresses a steadfast resolve to keep God's law, even when faced with mockery and danger, seeing it as the only true source of wisdom and joy.
In this section of Psalm 119, the psalmist is reflecting on the deep and persistent trouble he's facing from enemies and the temptation to stray from God's law. He contrasts his own struggles with the wicked actions of others, emphasizing how remembering God’s name and law brings solace and strength during dark times, whether literal night or the figurative darkness of affliction. He expresses a steadfast resolve to keep God's law, even when faced with mockery and danger, seeing it as the only true source of wisdom and joy.
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c. 445 BC
Nehemiah's rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls
Governor Nehemiah leads the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls, facing significant opposition from surrounding peoples. This period emphasized communal identity and faithfulness to God's covenant.
Late Persian period or Early Hellenistic period (c. 4th-3rd century BC)— this verse
Likely composition of Psalm 119
While the exact date is debated, Psalm 119 is generally thought to have been composed during a time when the Law was being re-established and cherished, possibly after the exiles' return. The psalm's structure and content suggest a mature reflection on the Law's importance.
"I remember your name in the night, O LORD, and keep your law." — Remembering God's name is presented not just as a comfort in difficult times, but as the direct catalyst for keeping His law. The verse links the act of recalling who God is with the active choice…