Psalm 119:1-64/Commentary

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Psalm 119:1-64 “Delight In The Word Of God”

INTRODUCTION: This psalm could be viewed as a Divine commentary upon what it means to “delight in the law of God” (Psalm 1:2). In addition, it is a personal witness to the many-sided qualities of Scripture praised in Psalm 19:7ff. It is an acrostic psalm, an alphabet of prayers and reflections on the Word of God, giving each Hebrew letter its turn to introduce eight successive verses on the subject. Thus each of the first eight verses begins with the letter aleph, each of the next eight verses begins with the letter beth, and so on. Virtually every verse has something to say about the Word of God. In this psalm there are at least seven synonyms for Scripture: “Law”-It reminds us that revelation is not simply for interest but for obedience. “Testimonies”-The Bible is God’s personal testimony, He isn’t going to change His mind, what it says is the way that it really is. “Precepts”-So the word points to the particular instructions of the Lord, as of one who cares about detail. “Statutes”-These speak of the binding force and permanence of Scripture. “Commandments”-This word emphasizes the straight authority of what is said; not merely of the power to convince or persuade, but the right to give orders. “Ordinances”-The Word contains the decisions of the all-wise Judge. “Word”-What is Scripture? What is the Bible? It is the Word of God (2 Timothy 3:16). “This untiring emphasis has led some to accuse the psalmist of worshipping the Word rather than the Lord; but it has been well remarked that every reference here to Scripture, without exception, relates it explicitly to its Author; indeed every verse from 4 to the end is a prayer or affirmation addressed to Him. This is true piety: a love of God not desiccated (made dry) by study but refreshed, informed and nourished by it” (Kidner p. 419).

The Undivided Heart 119:1 “How blessed”: “Many writers acknowledge that to be happy is a universal goal of men and women. The only people who do not want to be


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