God’s people can be opposed by all kinds of people, some of whom are powerful and can speak with authority. Usually, their words are obeyed. But those who were opposing the psalmist did not cause much effect on him because he was aware of an infinitely higher Power who had spoken in his Word. God is the ultimate sovereign, and his word is that of the King. He is not only to be obeyed, but the authority and content of his Word is to be recognised as extraordinary (v. 161).
The psalmist likens God’s Word to a location with substantial amounts of spoil in it. He had come into a palace in which were found all kinds of pleasures and treasures (v. 162). Since he did not want anything to spoil his enjoyment of God’s Word, he hated all untruths since they are the opposite of his Word. His affection for God’s law showed itself also by what he despised (v. 163).
In a previous section, he had mentioned how he prayed at evening and in the morning. Now he says that he had arranged for seven daily periods in which he would draw near to God and praise him for his Word. The frequency revealed the intensity of his gratitude (v. 164).
His experience had been that great peace had been enjoyed when he obeyed God’s commandments. He had known the peace like a river that Isaiah had said would be given to those who listened to those commandments. Another blessing that he had experienced from such a way of life was protection from stumbling (v. 165). And he knew that this would be the experience of all who did the same.
The psalmist refers to his inner commitment to the Lord. He trusted in God for deliverance, and he showed his gratitude by obeying God’s commandments. He kept those commandments from his heart because he loved them deeply (vv. 166-67). He did so because he recognised that he was living in the presence of God (v. 168). That was a great privilege, but such access also had responsibilities.
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