On Wednesday during Evensong, we read together the Kaph stanza of Psalm 119 (vv.81-88). In verse 83 we came across that curious expression: For I have become like a wineskin in smoke, Yet I do not forget Your statutes. As we read it aloud, I wondered if someone would ask about it later during the study time, but then I comforted myself that this was highly unlikely since we were studying the Larger Catechism. I was wrong. When it came time for questions, one of our elders called me out and asked what the reference to “a wineskin in smoke” meant. I had to admit, I did not know.
It turns out, many commentators have wrestled with the phrase as well. It is not immediately obvious what the expression refers to, even if the general idea in the context is clear. The Septuagint translation changed the phrase considerably, substituting frost for smoke, which significantly changes the meaning and affected at least Augustine’s interpretation of it, but most commentators since have accepted the Hebrew text and the reference to smoke. The Greek text is interesting, but I will not attempt to deal with it here. The Hebrew reading seems better suited to the context.
Two interpretations, or perhaps two aspects, have been emphasized by most who have commented on the passage. First, it is likely a reference to the way in which smoke (and heat) would dry out wineskins which were made of animal hide or bladders, eventually rendering them stiff and useless. In the context, David is noting how afflictions have weighed him down, they are drying him out, yet he remains loyal to God’s Law and continues to be sustained by the Lord’s word. Calvin takes this view in his commentary on the passage:
“The obvious design of the Psalmist is to teach us, that, although he had been proved by severe trials, and wounded to the quick, he yet had not been withdrawn from the fear of God. In comparing himself to a bottle or bladder, he intimates that he was, as it were, parched by the continual heat of adversities. Whence we learn, that that sorrow must have been intense which reduced him to such a state of wretchedness and emaciation, that like a shrivelled bottle he was almost dried up. It, however, appears that he intends to point out, not only the severity of his affliction, but also its lingering nature—that he was tormented, as it were, at a slow fire; even as the smoke which proceeds from heat dries bladders by slow degrees. The prophet experienced a long series of griefs, which might have consumed him a hundred times, and that, by their protracted and lingering nature, had he not been sustained by the word of God. In short, it is a genuine evidence of true godliness, when, although plunged into the deepest afflictions, we yet cease not to submit ourselves to God.”
Second, some have noted another possibility claiming that wineskins would be hung in the tent in the midst of heat and smoke in order to warm, mature, and further “season” the wine inside them. The heat of affliction would have a refining and improving effect on the beverage that was later to be enjoyed. We have to be careful making definitive claims about historical and cultural background—commentators often appear very confident in assertions that are not really documented or provable—but this would fit the overall context and tenor of Psalm 119 very well. The afflictions Yahweh has laid upon the psalmist are “drying him out,” yet he knows that it will have a sanctifying effect because the Lord works all things together for the good of those who love him (Rom. 8:28).
I am inclined to the first view, that the “wineskin in smoke” is a picture of slow affliction. It is not a sudden crisis, but a prolonged weight of suffering that dries up our strength and makes our soul brittle. This seems to fit the context best. But we do not necessarily have to choose between these interpretations. The same heat that “dries us out” will also be used by God to “refine and improve us.” The question is whether we will be loyal to the Lord in that process or not. Look again at the stanza.
KAPH
81 My soul faints for Your salvation, But I hope in Your word.
82 My eyes fail from searching Your word, Saying, “When will You comfort me?”
83 For I have become like a wineskin in smoke, Yet I do not forget Your statutes.
84 How many are the days of Your servant? When will You execute judgment on those who persecute me?
85 The proud have dug pits for me, Which is not according to Your law.
86 All Your commandments are faithful; They persecute me wrongfully; Help me!
87 They almost made an end of me on earth, But I did not forsake Your precepts.
88 Revive me according to Your lovingkindness, So that I may keep the testimony of Your mouth.
His soul faints, his eyes fail, he despairs of life, he is surrounded by traps, but the King remains loyal to Yahweh. He hopes in God’s word, remembers it, and resolves to continue to obey it.
Not every trial is an earthquake: sudden, violent, and finished quickly. Much of our suffering is like a drought, like a long sauna session that makes us weak and faint, sapping our energy and making our faith feeble. It may be multi-faceted: fears within, dangers without, an overwhelming experience that wears us down and tempts us to quit, to give up on life and God. But in the midst of the smoke and heat, God calls to us through his word. He promises never to leave us. He will not forsake his people. He will turn the heat and smoke into a refiner’s fire for our spiritual and everlasting good. He will protect us from our enemies. He will revive us by his covenant mercies. We rest in God’s promises. We rely on his grace. We resolve to do his commandments and to remain steadfast and loyal to his law.
You may feel like a wineskin in smoke right now, dry and brittle, without any strength. Pray Psalm 119. Remember God’s word and promises and his covenant faithfulness. Lift your eyes to the crucified and resurrected Savior who bore our sins and triumphed over the curse and Death. Place your hope in him, and do not despair of life. Cling to him in faith. He will not disappoint you.