Division 1 (Aleph)
The blessedness of the undefiled in the way.
(vv. 1-3) The opening verses present the theme of the whole psalm—the blessedness of those who walk through this world in “the way” marked out by the Lord in His law, who “keep” His testimonies, and seek Him with the whole heart.
The law cherished in the heart leads to a practical walk in which iniquity is refused. Thus the godly are delivered from their own wills to do God’s will.
(vv. 4-8) With the blessedness of God’s way before his soul, the psalmist turns to God in prayer, admitting the authority of God to “command,” and our responsibility “to keep” His precepts. Moreover, there is the longing desire that the responsibility should be met; and, conscious of human weakness, the godly man looks to God to so direct his ways that God’s statutes may be kept (vs. 5). Thus walking, a good conscience will be maintained (vs. 6); and, when the conscience is good, praise flows, not from formal lips, but from an upright heart (vs. 7).
Having cast himself upon God, the psalmist can say with confidence, “I will keep thy statutes,” though recognizing past failure, which leads to the cry, “O forsake me not utterly.”