Psalm 119:53

Horror hath taken hold upon me because of the wicked that forsake thy law.
~ Psalm 119:53

The Psalmist is gripped by horror at this prospect. He shows here that he has no vengeful spirit. He does not take delight in the destruction of the wicked. He is terrified by it.

He experiences horror on two fronts. First, he is horrified at the forsaking of God’s law. It is extreme hubris to forsake the law of the all-wise, sovereign Creator of the universe. To forsake His law is to presume to know better, to sit in judgment on the law and the lawgiver. It is to make oneself higher than God.

Second, he is horrified at the prospect of the end of all those who forsake God’s law. Their end is only destruction no matter how oft they’ve been reproved. The judgment merited by transgressing God’s law is a fearsome prospect. His horror is all the more intense because he has tasted the good of things of the Lord and knows His service to be true and right.

Listen to Psalm 119 Sermon Series