Before I was afflicted I went astray: but now have I kept thy word.
Before I went through hardship, I wandered away from the right path, but now I follow your word.
The writer is acknowledging that suffering taught him to stay close to God's teachings, whereas before his troubles he had drifted away.
📚 Historical Context
Psalms 119 is a lengthy acrostic poem in the Old Testament, attributed to King David, that celebrates the beauty and guidance of God's law amid personal and national challenges. In this specific verse, the psalmist reflects on how affliction or hardship in his life led him to stray from God's path, but ultimately brought him back to obedience and faithfulness. This highlights the broader biblical theme in ancient Israel where trials were seen as divine corrections to foster spiritual growth.
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