The psalmist expresses his gratitude to God for acting in providence for his benefit. This providence was a form of affliction that is not specified in detail. It may have been an illness or an injury, or it may have been an action or an attitude of hostility from opponents. The consequence was that the affliction led to the psalmist becoming devoted to keeping God’s Word (v. 67).
As he reflected on what had happened to him, the psalmist recognised that God is a good Master who had looked after his servant (v. 65). The Lord had acted according to his revealed character, a reminder that he is faithful to descriptions of him found in the Bible (v. 68). Because that is always true, the psalmist desired to be taught by the Lord (vv. 66, 68). When he asks for good judgement, he actually asks for a good taste, to choose what was good for his soul.
Even as a servant needs discernment and information regarding how to serve his master, so a believer needs to know how best to serve his God. The psalmist knew where the information was found – God’s commandments, but he also knew that he needed wisdom for how to practice them (v. 67).
In complete contrast to the goodness of God was the sinfulness of those who opposed the psalmist. They were callous liars, without normal feelings. The psalmist knew that he was also different from them, and that difference was the outcome of his devotion to keeping God’s law. His heart loved the things of God; the hearts of his opponents were against God and his ways (vv. 69-70).
Therefore, the psalmist recognised the divine favour revealed in providence. He had come through the experience of affliction with a determination to please God. The requirements of God were of much more value than financial assets. He knew that his riches were spiritual, and they gave him greater satisfaction and security than anything earthly could (vv. 71-72). God had spoken to him, and he had listened to the Lord and was determined to keep on listening to him.
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