Bible Meditation: Psalm 119:19
Psalm 119:19—“I am a stranger in the earth; Do not hide Your commandments from me.”
David’s first statement, at first, seems peculiar. But the Bible teaches that we are all “strangers” and “pilgrims” on this earth. This globe is not our final home; we are only passing through. “For he [Abraham] waited for the city with has foundations, whose builder and maker is God... Therefore from one man, and him as good as dead, were born [as many] as the stars of the sky in multitude -- innumerable as the sand which is by the seashore. These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off were assured of them, embraced [them] and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth” (Hebrews 11:10, 12-13). That pretty much sums up what David is saying in the first part of Psalm 119:19.
We can only know how to reach that heavenly city if God doesn’t “hide” His commandments from us. And, of course, he doesn’t, He has made them very plain through His word. David is only expressing the hope that we all should have for a clear understanding of God’s message so that when our period of being a “stranger in the earth” ends, we can all enjoy that wonderful eternal city God has prepared for us. What a great day that will be!