Bible Verse Meaning: Psalms 119:49

Verse: "Remember the word unto thy servant, upon which thou hast caused me to hope."

This verse is part of the longest chapter in the Bible, Psalm 119, which is devoted to the theme of God’s law and its profound role in the life of a believer. Psalms 119:49 expresses a heartfelt plea to God, reflecting a profound personal relationship between the psalmist and the Divine.

Understanding Psalms 119:49

The psalmist appeals for remembrance of God's promises and guidance, which conveys deep reliance on the word of God. This plea illustrates a vital aspect of Bible verse meanings—the assurance of hope derived from God's promises.

Biblical Exegesis and Commentary

Commentators like Albert Barnes, Matthew Henry, and Adam Clarke have provided valuable insights into this passage, emphasizing various layers of meaning and application:

• Matthew Henry:

  Henry emphasizes the personal aspect of the appeal to God. He notes that the psalmist speaks of 'thy servant', indicating submission and devotion. The request to remember God's word suggests that believers should possess a confident expectation rooted in Scripture.

• Albert Barnes:

  Barnes further elaborates on the concept of hope based on God's promises. He indicates that recalling God's word fortifies the believer's faith, encouraging them to remain steadfast despite trials. Hope anchored in God's assurance leads to spiritual resilience.

• Adam Clarke:

  Clarke interprets this verse as a reflection of the believer's reliance on God’s word in times of distress. This dependence places the psalmist in a posture of humility, continuously seeking divine intervention and support through remembrance of the promises laid out in Scripture.

Key Themes and Insights

This verse touches upon several core themes in Scripture:

• The Power of God's Word: The request to God to remember His word highlights the transformative nature of Scripture, emphasizing its role as a source of comfort and instruction.
• Hope in Divine Promises: The phrase “upon which thou hast caused me to hope” indicates that God's promises are not mere words; they are the foundation of a believer's hope and faith.
• Call for Divine Remembrance: The psalmist's plea points to the relationship between God and humanity. It reflects a desire for God to actively engage in the life of believers, affirming the significance of prayer in spiritual life.

Application of Psalms 119:49

For contemporary believers, this verse serves as a reminder of the importance of engaging with Scripture. It encourages us to:

• Reflect on God's promises and allow them to be our hope in times of trouble.
• Pray earnestly for God to strengthen our faith and remind us of His truth.
• Engage in Bible study to deepen our understanding of Scripture.

Additional Cross References

This verse relates to several other passages that speak to the themes of hope and reliance on God’s word:

• Psalms 119:114: "Thou art my hiding place and my shield: I hope in thy word."
• Psalms 130:5: "I wait for the Lord, my soul doth wait, and in his word do I hope."
• Romans 15:4: "For whatsoever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope."

Conclusion

In summary, Psalms 119:49 encapsulates the essence of Bible verse study—the interplay of God's promises, the believer's hope, and the active engagement in prayer and Scripture. Grasping this passage through the lens of various Bible verse interpretations enriches our understanding and encourages us to apply these insights in our daily lives.