Psalms 119:121 - Meaning and Application

David here appeals to God in two ways. First, he calls God his witness that he has not done wrong. He can truly say, “I have done judgment and justice,” meaning that he has tried to give everyone what they are due and has not used force or trickery to keep anyone from their rights. If we think of him as a king, he gave justice to all his people (2 Samuel 8:15). If we think of him as a private man, he could even say to Saul that there was no evil or rebellion in his hand (1 Samuel 24:11). Honesty is the best course, and it will be our joy in a time of trouble.

Second, David calls on God as his Judge, asking not to be wronged. Since he had done justice for others who were oppressed, he asks God to do justice for him and to rescue him from his enemies. “Be surety for your servant for good” means, “Take responsibility for me and stand against those who want to tear me down and ruin me.” He knows he cannot defend himself well enough, so he asks God to appear for him. Christ is our surety with God, that is, the one who stands in our place before God, and if he is for us, then God’s providence will protect us against the whole world.

Who or what can harm us if God’s power and goodness are committed to our protection and rescue? David does not tell God exactly how to help him. He only asks that it be for good, in the way and at the time God’s infinite wisdom thinks best. “Only let me not be left to my oppressors.” Though David had done judgment and justice, he still had many enemies. Yet because God was his friend, he hoped his enemies would not succeed. So he prays again, “Let not the proud oppress me.” David, one of the best of men, was oppressed by proud people whom God sees from far away. So the condition of the persecuted is better than the condition of the persecutors, and in the end that will be clear.