36:4 He plans ways to sin while he lies in bed;
he is committed to a sinful lifestyle; 1
he does not reject what is evil. 2
78:8 Then they will not be like their ancestors,
who were a stubborn and rebellious generation,
a generation that was not committed
and faithful to God. 3
86:11 O Lord, teach me how you want me to live! 4
Then I will obey your commands. 5
Make me wholeheartedly committed to you! 6
1 tn Heb “he takes a stand in a way [that is] not good.” The word “way” here refers metaphorically to behavior or life style.
2 tn The three imperfect verbal forms in v. 4 highlight the characteristic behavior of the typical evildoer.
3 tn Heb “a generation that did not make firm its heart and whose spirit was not faithful with God.” The expression “make firm the heart” means “to be committed, devoted” (see 1 Sam 7:3).
4 tn Heb “teach me your way.” The
5 tn Heb “I will walk in your truth.” The
6 tn Heb “Bind my heart to the fearing of your name.” The verb translated “bind” occurs only here in the Piel stem. It appears twice in the Qal, meaning “be joined” in both cases (Gen 49:6; Isa 14:20). To “fear” God’s name means to have a healthy respect for him which in turn motivates one to obey his commands (see Pss 61:5; 102:15).