It is interesting that the etymology of the Hebrew nä·ar’ is rooted in the idea of a roaring lion (Jer. 31:58). The young man in Psalm 119 refers then to the genesis of the exploratory phase of his life. He is moving from infancy to adulthood. In this stage, his purity takes the center stage. His roaring becomes more evident. His presence is more noticeable. For the psalmist, this stage of life needs to be deeply rooted in the pure word of God (119:9), so that youthful roaring may not wander from Yahweh’s commandments (119:10).
