Psalm 119:135 in the King James Version of the Bible reads, "Make thy face to shine upon thy servant; and teach me thy statutes." This verse is part of the longest chapter in the Bible, which is dedicated to praising the word of God and reflecting on its significance in the life of the believer.

The phrase "Make thy face to shine upon thy servant" is a plea for God's favor and blessing. In the ancient Near East, the shining of a person's face was often seen as a sign of joy, favor, or approval. When the psalmist asks for God's face to shine upon him, he is asking for God to show him kindness and to bestow his favor upon him. This imagery is used elsewhere in the Bible to express the idea of God's presence and blessing, such as in the Priestly Blessing in Numbers 6:24-26: "The Lord bless thee, and keep thee: The Lord make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee: The Lord lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace."

The second part of the verse, "and teach me thy statutes," reflects the psalmist's desire to be instructed by God and to live according to his commandments. Throughout Psalm 119, the psalmist expresses his love for God's law and his commitment to following it. He understands that true blessing and favor come from living in obedience to God's word. This is a recurring theme in the psalm, as the psalmist repeatedly declares his devotion to God's decrees and seeks understanding and guidance in following them.

The context of Psalm 119 is important for understanding the significance of this verse. The psalm is an acrostic poem consisting of 22 stanzas, one for each letter of the Hebrew alphabet. Within each stanza, every verse begins with the corresponding letter of the alphabet, making it a highly structured and poetic expression of devotion to God's law. The psalmist uses various synonyms for the law, such as "word," "statutes," "precepts," "commandments," and "judgments," to emphasize the multifaceted nature of God's guidance and instruction.

The overarching theme of Psalm 119 is the beauty and value of God's word. The psalmist's love for God's law is evident throughout, as he expresses his desire to meditate on it day and night, to hide it in his heart, and to live in accordance with its precepts. The psalmist recognizes that God's word is a source of wisdom, guidance, and blessing, and he seeks to align his life with its principles.

The symbolism in this verse is rich and profound. The image of God's face shining upon his servant signifies his favor and presence, conveying a sense of intimacy and communion with God. It reflects the psalmist's longing for a personal relationship with God, in which he is the object of God's loving attention and care. The second part of the verse, "and teach me thy statutes," represents the psalmist's humility and willingness to be instructed by God. It conveys a sense of dependence on God's wisdom and a desire to walk in obedience to his commands.

In conclusion, Psalm 119:135 is a heartfelt plea for God's favor and blessing, as well as a commitment to living in obedience to his word. It encapsulates the psalmist's deep reverence for God's law and his longing to be guided and instructed by it. The verse highlights the psalmist's desire for intimacy with God and his recognition of the transformative power of God's word in the life of the believer. It serves as a poignant expression of devotion to God and a reminder of the profound significance of his word in the life of the faithful.