There are two important words in Psalm 119:81–88 that appear more than once. The first is the word “fail,” and the second is the word “persecute.”
“Fail” appears three times.
For your salvation my soul fails (v.81).
My eyes fail for your promulgation (v.82).
Almost they made me fail on the earth (v.86).
“Persecute” appears twice.
When will you execute judgment on those who persecute me (v.84)?
With falsehood they persecute me. Help me (v.86).
These two words show us precisely the nature of the psalmist’s trouble. Enemies persecute him with falsehood (v.86) to such an extent that his soul and his person almost fail altogether. In this trouble he has looked to the Lord’s promise so long and with such intensity that his eyes are failing. His spiritual vitality has dried up like a wineskin in the smoke (v.83), and his days are being shortened (v.84), but the Lord has not come for his help: “When will you execute judgment?”
Enemies oppress and the Lord delays help, but he has neither abandoned hope (v.81) nor forgotten nor forsaken the Lord’s statutes (vv. 83, 87). In fact, he seeks the Lord’s help (v.86) and revival so that he may continue to keep the Lord’s commandments (v.88). Obedience is the great goal of his life.
This is an unparalleled example of faithfulness. It is the standard set for us by our Lord Jesus Christ who, unjustly condemned by his enemies and forsaken by his God, was obedient unto death.
NOTE: Verses 81 and 82 use different words for “word,” but English does not have a good synonym for word as used in this context. In Psalm 119 it can mean either law or promise. Therefore, I’ve chosen the somewhat unfamiliar and clumsy “promulgation” for verse 82. It means “public announcement.”
81. For your salvation my soul fails. In your word I hope. 82. My eyes fail for your promulgation, Saying, “When will you comfort me?” 83. For I am like a wineskin in the smoke. Your statutes I do not forget. 84. How many are the days of your servant? When will you execute judgment on those who persecute me? 85. For me the presumptuous dig pits Which is not according to your law. 86. All your commandments are faithful. With falsehood they persecute me. Help me! 87. Almost they made me fail on the earth, And I do not forsake your precepts. 88. According to your lovingkindness revive me, And let me keep the testimony of your mouth.