Psalms 119:170 - Summary of Meaning

Verse: "Let my supplication come before thee: deliver me according to thy word."

The verse from Psalms 119:170 reflects a heartfelt plea for divine intervention alongside a recognition of the authority and reliability of God's word. It showcases the psalmist's trust in the promises of God while emphasizing the importance of prayer and supplication.

Interpretation Insights from Commentaries

• Matthew Henry:

  Henry emphasizes the earnestness of the psalmist's supplication, indicating a deep need for God’s mercy and the hope of deliverance through His promises. The trust in God's word suggests a strong reliance on scripture as a means of assurance, showing that faith in divine promises can lead to comfort in times of distress.

• Albert Barnes:

  Barnes reflects on the concept that the supply of spiritual needs is grounded in the believer's relationship with God. He notes that true supplication requires an approach laid with humility, while also indicating that God's covenant and promises serve as the foundation for that deliverance. The urgency in the request demonstrates the importance of immediate recourse to God in difficult circumstances.

• Adam Clarke:

  Clarke points out that the plea involves both acknowledgment of personal inadequacies and a claim to the divine promises. He notes that the appeal to God's word not only illustrates reliance on divine communication but also the necessity of God's action in the life of the believer. Clarke suggests a link between the understanding of God's promises and the believer’s faith and perseverance in supplication.

Connections to Other Bible Verses

This verse establishes significant thematic connections with various other scripture passages, enhancing the understanding of deliverance and reliance on God’s word:

• Psalms 34:17: "The righteous cry, and the LORD hears, and delivers them out of all their troubles." - Emphasizes God's faithfulness in responding to the prayers of the righteous.
• Psalms 91:15: "He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honor him." - Highlights God's promise to deliver those who earnestly seek Him in times of trouble.
• Psalms 55:16-17: "As for me, I will call upon God; and the LORD shall save me. Evening, and morning, and at noon, will I pray, and cry aloud: and he shall hear my voice." - Reflects the ongoing supplication and assurance of being heard by God.
• Isaiah 65:24: "And it shall come to pass, that before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear." - Reinforces the idea of God’s readiness to respond even before prayers are uttered.
• Jeremiah 33:3: "Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and show thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not." - Encourages believers to seek God fervently with the assurance of His guidance and deliverance.
• Matthew 7:7: "Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you." - Jesus highlights the importance of persistent prayer and the assurance of God's responses to genuine requests.
• Romans 10:13: "For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved." - Points to the universal promise that all who seek God in faith will find salvation and deliverance.
• 1 John 5:14: "And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us." - Affirms the confidence believers have in God hearing their prayers.

Thematic Bible Verse Connections

Understanding Psalms 119:170 in the context of other scriptures provides deeper insights into the nature of prayer and divine intervention:

• The Importance of Prayer: The act of supplication signifies a robust prayer life, as mirrored in Philippians 4:6 ("Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God").
• God's Faithfulness: The assurance of God’s deliverance is a recurring theme, echoed in Psalm 37:39-40 which talks about the Lord delivering the righteous in times of trouble.
• Reliance on God's Word: Jesus Himself affirmed this theme, noting in Matthew 4:4 that "Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God," highlighting the sustenance found in God’s promises.
• Rescue and Salvation: The consistent motif of seeking God for rescue is seen in Psalm 18:6, "In my distress I called upon the LORD, and cried unto my God: he heard my voice out of his temple, and my cry came before him, even into his ears."

Tools for Bible Cross-Referencing

For those seeking to deepen their study, utilizing tools for cross-referencing can enhance the understanding of scripture. Consider the following:

• Bible Concordance: A comprehensive index that allows for easy navigation of themes and ideas throughout the Bible.
• Bible Cross-Reference Guide: Resources that link related verses provide a clearer picture of Biblical teachings across different books.
• Cross-Reference Bible Study Techniques: Engage in thematic studies which connect scripture passages to enable a holistic understanding of Biblical messages.

Conclusion

Psalms 119:170 encapsulates the essence of seeking God's help in supplication while standing firm on His promises. By cross-referencing this verse with others, believers can find greater depth in their understanding of prayer, deliverance, and the significance of God’s word in their lives.