Psalm 119 - Thy Word

Psalm 119:1-8 ESV

Blessed are those whose way is blameless, who walk in the law of the Lord ! Blessed are those who keep his testimonies, who seek him with their whole heart, who also do no wrong, but walk in his ways! You have commanded your precepts to be kept diligently. Oh that my ways may be steadfast in keeping your statutes! Then I shall not be put to shame, having my eyes fixed on all your commandments. I will praise you with an upright heart, when I learn your righteous rules. I will keep your statutes; do not utterly forsake me!

Psalm 119 is the longest chapter in the entire bible with a total of 176 verses! It is the longest of all the psalms. Basically it's an ode celebrating the law of God. This work is lengthy because it's a poetic method that uses each letter in the Hebrew alphabet. Each 8 verse stanza begins with a word that begins with a letter in the alphabet.

If this psalm were written in English the first stanza would begin with a word that starts with a letter A. The next stanza starts with a word that begins with the letter B, and so on through the entire alphabet. That would mean 27 different stanzas with 8 verses each, totaling 216 verses. The Hebrew alphabet has 22 letters.

The psalm not only praises the law, it praises God for various attributes at times, it highlights the benefits of keeping the law, it makes distinctions between those who keep the law and those who do not, but the psalmist also makes intercession for himself for God's help in teaching him and protecting him from his enemies.

Psalm 119 has inspired a beloved praise song called "Thy Word". The 105th verse is the source of the chorus.

Psalm 119:105 ESV

Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.

Few times have I sat and read through the psalm in its entirety. Reading it today the overwhelming sense I get is one of beckoning. The psalmist beckons God to teach him, keep him faithful, and almost seems to try and convince God that this man is faithful. Is there repentance implied here?

Psalm 119:174-176 ESV

I long for your salvation, O Lord , and your law is my delight. Let my soul live and praise you, and let your rules help me. I have gone astray like a lost sheep; seek your servant, for I do not forget your commandments.

Psalm 119:120 ESV

My flesh trembles for fear of you, and I am afraid of your judgments.

Psalm 119:65-67 ESV

You have dealt well with your servant, O Lord , according to your word. Teach me good judgment and knowledge, for I believe in your commandments. Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I keep your word.

These select passages give clues that this person may have been rebellious at one time, but now he has come to the wisdom of obedience. It's clear that he has enemies who are persecuting him. He's entreating God to help him, making his case that he is now obedient and deserving The Lord's assistance.

Psalm 119:82-88 ESV

My eyes long for your promise; I ask, “When will you comfort me?” For I have become like a wineskin in the smoke, yet I have not forgotten your statutes. How long must your servant endure? When will you judge those who persecute me? The insolent have dug pitfalls for me; they do not live according to your law. All your commandments are sure; they persecute me with falsehood; help me! They have almost made an end of me on earth, but I have not forsaken your precepts. In your steadfast love give me life, that I may keep the testimonies of your mouth.

The benefits of those who keep the law includes guidance, life and peace. The words of God bring vitality and renewal. Peace fills the soul of those who fill their hearts with God's promises. Wisdom blesses those who commit God's word to memory.

Psalm 119 is a beautiful ode to the word of God. Though it's specific to the Law of Moses, every reader of the bible who loves the Lord will find this psalm renewing their hearts and filling them with thanksgiving and hope.

May the word of God always bless you and keep you even as you keep it.