If I had cherished iniquity in my heart, the Lord would not have listened. If I had cherishedThe phrase "If I had cherished" suggests a deliberate and ongoing action. The Hebrew root word here is "ra'ah," which means to see, consider, or regard. This implies an intentional holding onto or valuing of something. In the context of this verse, it speaks to the conscious decision to hold onto sin. The psalmist is reflecting on the importance of self-examination and the need to let go of anything that separates us from God. This is a call to purity of heart, emphasizing that our inner thoughts and attitudes are as significant as our outward actions. iniquity
The term "iniquity" comes from the Hebrew word "aven," which denotes trouble, wickedness, or sorrow. It is not merely a single act of sin but a pattern or state of moral corruption. Iniquity represents a deviation from what is right and just, a willful rebellion against God's laws. The psalmist acknowledges that harboring such iniquity is a barrier to communion with God. This highlights the biblical principle that sin is not just an external act but an internal condition that must be addressed. in my heart
The "heart" in Hebrew is "leb," which refers to the inner man, mind, will, and emotions. It is the seat of one's thoughts and intentions. The heart is central to one's spiritual life, and its condition reflects one's true relationship with God. The psalmist is emphasizing that God is concerned with the internal state of a person, not just their external actions. This aligns with the broader biblical teaching that God desires truth in the inward being (Psalm 51:6). the Lord
"The Lord" here is "Yahweh," the covenant name of God, which signifies His eternal, self-existent nature and His faithfulness to His promises. This name reminds the reader of God's holiness and His requirement for His people to be holy as He is holy. It underscores the personal relationship between the psalmist and God, highlighting that God is not a distant deity but a personal Lord who desires a pure relationship with His followers. would not have listened
The phrase "would not have listened" indicates a conditional response from God based on the state of the psalmist's heart. The Hebrew word "shama" means to hear, listen, or obey. It suggests that God's responsiveness to prayer is contingent upon the moral and spiritual condition of the petitioner. This reflects a consistent biblical theme that God is attentive to the prayers of the righteous but turns away from those who cling to sin (Proverbs 15:29). It serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of repentance and the pursuit of holiness in maintaining a vibrant prayer life. Persons / Places / Events 1. PsalmistThe author of Psalm 66, traditionally attributed to David, who is expressing a personal reflection on the relationship between sin and answered prayer. 2. The LordRefers to Yahweh, the God of Israel, who is portrayed as attentive to the prayers of the righteous. 3. HeartIn Hebrew thought, the heart ("lev") is the center of one's inner life, encompassing thoughts, emotions, and will. 4. IniquityRefers to sin or moral wrongdoing, which in this context is something that can be "cherished" or held onto internally. 5. PrayerThe act of communicating with God, which is central to the psalmist's reflection on the conditions for divine response. Teaching Points The Condition of the Heart MattersThe psalmist emphasizes that cherishing sin in the heart hinders our prayers. We must examine our hearts and confess any hidden sins to maintain open communication with God. God's Holiness and Our SinUnderstanding God's holiness helps us recognize the seriousness of sin. We are called to live in a way that reflects His holiness, which includes addressing sin in our lives. The Importance of RepentanceRepentance is not just a one-time act but a continual posture of the heart. Regular self-examination and confession are vital for a healthy spiritual life. The Power of a Pure HeartA heart free from cherished sin is powerful in prayer. Striving for purity in heart aligns us with God's will and opens the way for His blessings. Encouragement in God's GraceWhile the verse warns against cherishing sin, it also points to the grace available through confession and repentance. God's willingness to listen is a testament to His mercy and love. Bible Study Questions 1. What does it mean to "cherish iniquity" in one's heart, and how can we identify if we are doing so? 2. How does the condition of our heart affect our relationship with God and our prayer life? 3. In what ways can we practice regular self-examination and repentance to ensure our hearts are aligned with God's will? 4. How do other scriptures, such as Isaiah 59:2 and 1 John 1:9, reinforce the message of Psalm 66:18 regarding sin and prayer? 5. What steps can we take to cultivate a heart that is pure and receptive to God's voice and guidance? Connections to Other Scriptures Psalm 51David's prayer of repentance, highlighting the importance of a contrite heart and God's desire for truth in the inward being. Isaiah 59:2Discusses how sin creates a separation between individuals and God, affecting communication and relationship. James 5:16Emphasizes the power of a righteous person's prayer, suggesting that righteousness is key to effective prayer. 1 John 1:9Offers assurance of forgiveness and cleansing from sin when we confess, aligning with the theme of purity in heart for answered prayer. People PsalmistPlaces JerusalemTopics Cherished, Ear, Heart, Iniquity, Listened, Regard, Regarded, Sin, Wickedness, Wouldn'tDictionary of Bible Themes Psalm 66:18 4817 drought, spiritual
5159 hearing
5909 motives, importance
6040 sinners
6109 alienation
6156 fall, of humanity
6201 imperfection, and God's purposes
8245 ethics, incentives
8330 receptiveness
8605 prayer, and God's will
8617 prayer, effective
8627 worship, elements
8628 worship, hindrances Psalm 66:16-20 8352 thankfulness Psalm 66:18-19 6606 access to God Library Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners:
A BRIEF AND FAITHFUL RELATION OF THE EXCEEDING MERCY OF GOD IN CHRIST TO HIS POOR SERVANT, JOHN BUNYAN; WHEREIN IS PARTICULARLY SHOWED THE MANNER OF HIS CONVERSION, HIS SIGHT AND TROUBLE FOR SIN, HIS DREADFUL TEMPTATIONS, ALSO HOW HE DESPAIRED OF GOD'S MERCY, AND HOW THE LORD AT LENGTH THROUGH CHRIST DID DELIVER HIM FROM ALL THE GUILT AND TERROR THAT LAY UPON HIM. Whereunto is added a brief relation of his call to the work of the ministry, of his temptations therein, as also what he hath met with …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3But, after that He had Made Mention of These Evils...
30. But, after that he had made mention of these evils, he added and said, "On account of which cometh the wrath of God on the sons of unbelief." [1923] Surely it was a wholesome alarm that believers might not think that they could be saved on account of their faith alone, even although they should live in these evils: the Apostle James with most clear speech crying out against that notion, and saying, "If any say that he have faith, and have not works, shall his faith be able to save him?" [1924] …
St. Augustine—On Continence The History of the Psalter
[Sidenote: Nature of the Psalter] Corresponding to the book of Proverbs, itself a select library containing Israel's best gnomic literature, is the Psalter, the compendium of the nation's lyrical songs and hymns and prayers. It is the record of the soul experiences of the race. Its language is that of the heart, and its thoughts of common interest to worshipful humanity. It reflects almost every phase of religious feeling: penitence, doubt, remorse, confession, fear, faith, hope, adoration, and …
Charles Foster Kent—The Origin & Permanent Value of the Old Testament The Heart's Desire Given to Help Mission Work in China.
"Sept. 30 [1869].--From Yorkshire L50.--Received also One Thousand Pounds to-day for the Lord's work in China. About this donation it is especially to be noticed, that for months it had been my earnest desire to do more than ever for Mission Work in China, and I had already taken steps to carry out this desire, when this donation of One Thousand Pounds came to hand. This precious answer to prayer for means should be a particular encouragement to all who are engaged in the Lord's work, and who may …
George Müller—Answers to Prayer In Death and after Death
A sadder picture could scarcely be drawn than that of the dying Rabbi Jochanan ben Saccai, that "light of Israel" immediately before and after the destruction of the Temple, and for two years the president of the Sanhedrim. We read in the Talmud (Ber. 28 b) that, when his disciples came to see him on his death-bed, he burst into tears. To their astonished inquiry why he, "the light of Israel, the right pillar of the Temple, and its mighty hammer," betrayed such signs of fear, he replied: "If I were …
Alfred Edersheim—Sketches of Jewish Social Life Shewing Wherein all Saving Grace Does Summarily Consist"
The next thing that arises for consideration is, What is the nature of this Divine principle in the soul that is so entirely diverse from all that is naturally in the soul? Here I would observe,-- 1. That that saving grace that is in the hearts if the saints, that within them [which is] above nature, and entirely distinguishes 'em from all unconverted men, is radically but one -- i.e., however various its exercises are, yet it is but one in its root; 'tis one individual principle in the heart. 'Tis …
Jonathan Edwards—Treatise on Grace I Will Pray with the Spirit and with the Understanding Also-
OR, A DISCOURSE TOUCHING PRAYER; WHEREIN IS BRIEFLY DISCOVERED, 1. WHAT PRAYER IS. 2. WHAT IT IS TO PRAY WITH THE SPIRIT. 3. WHAT IT IS TO PRAY WITH THE SPIRIT AND WITH THE UNDERSTANDING ALSO. WRITTEN IN PRISON, 1662. PUBLISHED, 1663. "For we know not what we should pray for as we ought:--the Spirit--helpeth our infirmities" (Rom 8:26). ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. There is no subject of more solemn importance to human happiness than prayer. It is the only medium of intercourse with heaven. "It is …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3 Jesus Heals on the Sabbath Day and Defends his Act.
(at Feast-Time at Jerusalem, Probably the Passover.) ^D John V. 1-47. ^d 1 After these things there was a feast of the Jews; and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. [Though every feast in the Jewish calendar has found some one to advocate its claim to be this unnamed feast, yet the vast majority of commentators choose either the feast of Purim, which came in March, or the Passover, which came in April. Older commentators pretty unanimously regarded it as the Passover, while the later school favor the feast …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel Why all Things Work for Good
1. The grand reason why all things work for good, is the near and dear interest which God has in His people. The Lord has made a covenant with them. "They shall be my people, and I will be their God" (Jer. xxxii. 38). By virtue of this compact, all things do, and must work, for good to them. "I am God, even thy God" (Psalm l. 7). This word, Thy God,' is the sweetest word in the Bible, it implies the best relations; and it is impossible there should be these relations between God and His people, and …
Thomas Watson—A Divine Cordial Question Lxxxiii of Prayer
I. Is Prayer an Act of the Appetitive Powers? Cardinal Cajetan, On Prayer based on Friendship II. Is it Fitting to Pray? Cardinal Cajetan, On Prayer as a True Cause S. Augustine, On the Sermon on the Mount, II. iii. 14 " On the Gift of Perseverance, vii. 15 III. Is Prayer an Act of the Virtue of Religion? Cardinal Cajetan, On the Humility of Prayer S. Augustine, On Psalm cii. 10 " Of the Gift of Perseverance, xvi. 39 IV. Ought We to Pray to God Alone? S. Augustine, Sermon, cxxvii. 2 V. …
St. Thomas Aquinas—On Prayer and The Contemplative Life Psalms
The piety of the Old Testament Church is reflected with more clearness and variety in the Psalter than in any other book of the Old Testament. It constitutes the response of the Church to the divine demands of prophecy, and, in a less degree, of law; or, rather, it expresses those emotions and aspirations of the universal heart which lie deeper than any formal demand. It is the speech of the soul face to face with God. Its words are as simple and unaffected as human words can be, for it is the genius …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Psalm 66:18 NIVPsalm 66:18 NLTPsalm 66:18 ESVPsalm 66:18 NASBPsalm 66:18 KJV
Psalm 66:18 Commentaries
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