The qof section of Psalm 119, vv. 145-152, explores the psalmist's call to God. The psalmist, once again in a condition of being hunted down like an animal (v. 150), cries out to God. And along with his cry is a corollary.
The psalmist cries to God -- and he asks God to answer him (145) and to save him (146). These two verses are parallels to one another.
Along with this cry to God to hear his prayer (of deliverance) and to save him (from his enemies no doubt), he makes a commitment: "I will keep your statutes" (145) and "that I may observe your decrees" (146).
I don't think it would be right to see this simply as a bargain with God, though I should not think it inappropriate for the psalmist, but more of an opportunity: he wants deliverance so he can obey God longer. I doubt it is simply that he wants deliverance and, if God delivers him, he'll be obedient.
No one who has worked through this psalms thus far would think the psalmist is simply bargaining with God; what strikes the reader of this psalm is his utter and relentless declarations that he will obey the Torah (or the various words he uses for God's Torah).
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Scot, Interesting thoughts.
Yes. The heart of his call is a heart of wanting to obey God. Not simply wanting deliverance. Certainly both. But not for one moment is the psalmist wavering in his commitment to obey. I think his call is within the bounds of unwavering commitment, as far as his heart's intent is concerned.
As we inevitably pray big and little prayers for help to God during our days, is our desire simply to be delivered? Or to live always in his will, and obey? (The cross is never dispensed of in this life.)
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