Psalms 119:166 - Meaning and Application

This is the whole duty of a man, for it teaches us two things. First, we must keep our eyes on God’s favor as our goal: “Lord, I have hoped for your salvation.” This means not only rescue in this life, but eternal salvation. The psalmist has set his heart on that salvation as his true happiness, and he has stored up his treasure in it. He hopes for it as something that comes from God, something God prepared and promised, and something that is found in being with God. This hope has lifted him above the world and helped him bear every burden in it.

Second, we must keep our eyes on God’s word as our guide: “I have done your commandments.” That is, he has taken care to shape his life according to God’s will in everything. Notice how God has joined these two together, and no one should separate them. We cannot honestly hope for God’s salvation unless we are also set on obeying his commandments (Revelation 22:14). But those who truly try to do God’s commandments should keep a strong hope of salvation. That hope will both stir them up and strengthen their hearts in obedience. The more alive the hope is, the more alive the obedience will be.