Book of Psalms - Chapter 119 - Verse 19

When the psalmist declares "I am a stranger in the earth: hide not thy commandments from me," they are expressing a profound sense of feeling lost and out of place in the world. As a stranger in a foreign land, they are seeking guidance and direction from God's commandments to navigate through the challenges and uncertainties they face. The plea to not hide God's commandments emphasizes the importance of seeking spiritual guidance and wisdom in times of confusion and hardship. By acknowledging their status as a stranger and turning to God for help, the psalmist demonstrates a humble recognition of their dependence on divine guidance to find their way in the world. This verse serves as a reminder for readers to seek God's wisdom and guidance in all aspects of their lives, especially during times of uncertainty or when feeling disconnected from the world around them.

In this verse, the psalmist expresses a sense of alienation and displacement in the world, describing himself as a stranger. This feeling of being a stranger or foreigner can be interpreted in different ways: it may refer to the general transience and impermanence of life on earth, the believer's sense of not fully belonging to this world due to their citizenship being in heaven (Philippians 3:20), or as a recognition that the values and principles of God's kingdom are radically different from those of the world. The psalmist then pleads with God not to hide His commandments from him, emphasizing the importance of knowing and following God's instructions to navigate through the challenges and uncertainties of life. Through theological interpretation, we can see this verse as a reminder of our need for God's guidance and wisdom as we journey through this world that is not our ultimate home, relying on His word to light our path and guide our steps.