Division 16 (Am)
In the midst of evil, ripe for judgment, the upright soul looks to God to secure its good.
(vv. 121-122) Conscious of his own uprightness, the psalmist can, with a good conscience, look to God not to be forsaken, “Leave me not to my oppressors.” But while appealing to God on the ground of his own integrity, it is to God, Himself, the servant looks to vindicate him against pride and oppression, and not to his own estimate of his righteousness (cf. 1 Cor. 4:4-5).
(vv. 123-125) Having turned to God, he waits for God’s Word of “righteousness” to deliver him from his enemies, and God’s “mercy” to deal with himself. As God’s servant he desires, not only deliverance from evil, but, to be instructed in the truth, to have his understanding opened that he may know God’s testimonies, and thus learn God’s mind.
(vs. 126) Further the servant of the Lord discerns the time (cf. Luke 12:54-59). He sees that God’s authority must be maintained, and that evil is ripe for judgment; so that the extreme of evil gives the assurance that deliverance is at hand.
(vv. 127-128) The knowledge that God is about to act in judgment only makes the true soul increasingly value God’s Word. Its value is esteemed far above the gold that man values so highly. God’s precepts about “all things” are seen to be right. All is measured by the Word, and all that is false is refused.