Sin and Shin
161 Princes persecute me without cause,
but my heart stands in awe of your words.
162 I rejoice at your word
like one who finds great spoil.
163 I hate and abhor falsehood,
but I love your law.
164 Seven times a day I praise you
for your righteous rules.
165 Great peace have those who love your law;
nothing can make them stumble.
166 I hope for your salvation, O Lord,
and I do your commandments.
167 My soul keeps your testimonies;
I love them exceedingly.
168 I keep your precepts and testimonies,
for all my ways are before you.
The atmosphere of this section stands in striking contrast to that of the previous verses, and yet there seems to be a real connection between the two. The first verse (161) indicates that the situation is still what it was in 153-160, and the persecution is still there, as it was in 157. But what was true at the end of the last section, namely that the Psalmist himself was heard and answered before his petition was answered for deliverance, is shown to be very true here, for in face of the persecuting princes (161) and in spite of them, here is the Psalmist in a 'large place', in 'the secret place of the Most High' (cf Psalm 91, with the glorious assurance of protection and peace in the midst of the battle). The thought is well expressed in the words of the hymn, There is a place of quiet rest Near to the heart of God, A place where sin cannot molest, Near to the heart of God. A place where all is joy and peace, Near to the heart of God. Here is that place, in this section of the Psalm! It is surely the mark of victory for the Psalmist to have got there, in face of all that has beset him!