psalmist

1) How can the psalmist possibly say, “I will always keep them”? Surely, even the psalmist couldn’t keep all of the God’s commands. 
Translating words from Hebrew (the original language of the Old Testament) to English is a challenging and critical task. The translations we use for study are extremely important (for more on why, check here!). At Gracefully Truthful, we study with the Christian Standard Bible, which holds tightly to the original words while also working to preserve the original intended meaning or idea. The original Hebrew for the phrase “I will always keep them” is not a direct word-for-word translation because doing so, would not have made grammatical sense. The word translated “keep” originally means “guard, protect, watch over, and preserve”. The word translated “always” originally had the context of a consequence for actions in a positive sense, as in earning a reward, or receiving a solid gain. In entirety, the original meaning would have meant something along the lines of “I will guard and protect them as my cherished reward or gain.” The psalmist most definitely didn’t mean he had the ability to follow every one of the Lord’s laws perfectly, rather that the Lord’s ways were precious and worth holding close, as a reward of extreme value and importance.  

2) What is significant about the structure of verses 33 and 34?
Both of these verses display a logical if A, then B scenario. If the Lord teaches the meaning (or the pathway, as in showing how to succeed) of His statutes (or ways), then I will cherish them as rich reward and will guard them closely. (verse 33) If the Lord helps me understand and know and experience and grasp His instructions, then I will obey and follow wholeheartedly. (verse 34) The psalmist sets up a natural overflow of what happens in our hearts when we are taught by the Lord and when He helps us understand His Word. The result is delight and a life that is solidly built from a heart that takes pleasure in following the right paths of the Lord.

3) What benefits does the psalmist list for following God’s ways?
The psalmist finds delightful pleasure in following God’s ways. (verse 35) He receives the deep, rich “life” found only in God and His pattern of living. (verse 37) Reverence, awe, glory to God, and a deepening of intimate relationship between the psalmist and God is built when he sees the glories of the Lord unfolded as a result of following Him. (verse 38) Those are rich rewards for following the way of the Lord, which is revealed through His Word. Studying it, holding it near, being teachable to His instruction, and reaching out for help from God and His Word are all necessary components of finding these sweet benefits.