What Does Psalms 119:32 Mean?

I will run the way of thy commandments (דֶּֽרֶךְ־מִצְוֺתֶיךָ אָרוּץ)—Ruts (to run) replaces the earlier clinging and choosing with athletic vigor. The derek (way) of God's mitzvot (commandments) is not a trudging obligation but a race run with joy and energy. This anticipates Paul's metaphor of running the race (1 Corinthians 9:24). When thou shalt enlarge my heart (כִּי תַרְחִיב לִבִּי)—Rachab (to enlarge, make wide) describes expanding capacity. The lev (heart)—center of mind, will, and affections—must be supernaturally expanded to delight in God's commands.

The causal connection is crucial: running happens 'when' (כִּי, ki) God enlarges the heart. This is the New Covenant promise: "I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts" (Jeremiah 31:33). Apart from divine heart-expansion, commandments feel restrictive. With enlarged hearts, they become the joyful path we sprint down. This is sanctification: God changing our affections so obedience becomes delight, not duty.