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
happy are abnormal. Apart from being instructed by God, human beings do not know how to achieve happiness. They think they will be happy if they can earn enough money, be respected by those with whom they work, acquire enough power to do whatever they like or to be free from all restraints, or discover someone who will love them without conditions. But these pursuits do not ensure happiness and sin always warps and destroys even the best achievements” (Boice pp. 971-972). But this verse tells us where happiness (blessedness) is found, in following the Word of God! Happiness is found in conforming to the Law of God. 119:1 Whose way is blameless”: The side reference is the word “blameless”, which means “complete; or having integrity”. Yes, any of us can become men and women of honor, dignity, morality, spirituality, maturity and integrity. Any one of us can become an example of spiritual leadership. The key is conformity with the Word of God. 119:1-4 “walk…seek…keep”: One must live by the Bible. “In other words, from the beginning we are to understand that this keeping of the law is a practical matter, a way of life and not merely a course of academic study” (Boice p. 972). On the other hand, we cannot live by the Bible unless we know it well (Hebrews 5:14). Note, it will take work and effort to see that we are practicing what the Bible says (verse 4) (2 Timothy 2:15). 119:5 “Oh that my ways may be established to keep Thy statutes!”: Here is the proper attitude needed when one approaches the study of the Word. There must be a burning desire to do what is right, and to be godly and faithful. It isn’t enough to merely know the Bible, but we must determine to live by it. The law is sought for the very purpose of being kept. This writer is just like many of us. He earnestly desired that He would become like the faithful before Him, that he too could be blameless and blessed. Do we wish to be more obedient or do we try to find excuses to rationalize our partial or incomplete obedience? Do we long to see the will of God carried out in our own lives? Do we long to do God’s will and please Him at every turn? Sadly, some people today, even religious people would say that this writer is too preoccupied with the Bible. 119:6 The result of such obedience would be confidence before God. The law of God is like a mirror, the law shows us our sin when we are disobedient. If we aren’t living right, then we need to feel ashamed when we read the Bible. Are you convinced by what the Bible says or are you becoming hardened and callused to its teachings? 119:7-8 Instruction from the Word is the proper preparation for praise and worship. It is possible to admit many things honestly and never go beyond the honesty, never making any progress toward a better or more obedient way of life. This writer is determined to make progress, he is determined to faithfully keep the will of God. The last phrase of verse 8 implies that the writer hasn’t always been so obedient, and pleads that God would give him time to improve and do better.
Stored Treasure 119:9 Yes, a young man can remain pure and there are young men who actually want to be pure in life and thought. The Word of God directs us concerning the sins which we are to forsake and or avoid and the righteousness which we are to pursue (Galatians 5:19-23). “From the heartfelt prayers of the surrounding verses it would seem that the young man is the psalmist himself” (Kidner p. 424). Sadly, we live in a cynical time in which people scoff at the idea that teenagers have any interest in moral and spiritual purity. The world says, “Have your fling when you are young and settle down to being religious when you get old”. “God’s answer is quite different. God says, If you are going to live for Me, you must begin at the earliest possible moment, without delay” (Boice p. 977). Point To Note: Sins which seem really hard to break are those which are started and practiced in our youth. Practices become habits and habits are hard to break. But if you practice purity, patience, joy, and self-control, when you are young, these habits will go with us through life and will make good choices later in life easier. 119:10-11 Here is the attitude which God loves, the person who wants to do everything right, please God in all respects, and remain faithful to every doctrine which God has revealed. In order to accomplish these goals, the writer has memorized Scripture. “The mind which stores up Scripture has its taste and judgment educated by God” (Colossians 3:16) (Kidner p. 424). Notice the fear of “wandering” from the commandments. This writer isn’t trying to get as close as he can to the line of sin without sinning. In addition, he doesn’t want to teach any error. He doesn’t have a casual attitude with doctrine. 119:11 “That I may not sin against Thee”: What a wonderful attitude! Is this our goal? Or, have we basically downplayed our sins by saying, “Oh well, eventually everyone sins”. Do we feel “destined” to sin, or are we resolved to make every effort to stay away from sin? “What can preserve us from ruin? What can empower us to say no to temptation? What can enable us to live a holy life in the midst of our most wicked surroundings? Only the Word of God” (Boice p. 979). Jesus said the same thing (John 17:17). Point To Note: Which desire in your life is stronger, the desire for personal fulfillment, or the desire to keep from sinning? Brethren, if you set your sights on avoiding sin, you will find happiness and fulfillment! Religious groups and individuals who keep coming up with new theories about how you don’t have to keep God’s
commandments, are simply proving by such theories that they haven’t found the happiness or freedom which they are proclaiming. 119:12 When we are reading the Bible, God is teaching us. This isn’t something mystical or apart from the Word. God is the teacher, because the material is His! Do you have a teachable spirit? As you approach Bible study, do you cry out to God, “God, please teach me”? (John 6:44-45). 119:13 One of the best ways to commit the Word to memory is to verbalize it to others. This is why I tell Christians that their Bible knowledge will not increase as long as they are merely sitting in a class. Your Bible knowledge will skyrocket when you get into a teaching situation. 119:14-16 When is Bible Study a chore, and when are services boring? They are boring when we have the wrong attitude and when we are resenting what the Bible says. Humble yourself, and you will see the wisdom behind God’s truths. Do you rejoice as you read the Bible? Or, do you look for contradictions and mistakes? If we read a passage and resent what is stated, then our heart isn’t right. If given the choice would you choose material wealth, or a wealth of Bible knowledge? Have you realized that without God’s instructions, you will mess up anything given to you, including wealth, life, or relationships? 119:16 “I shall not forget”: The verse infers that forgetting is more than a memory lapse; it is failing to delight in what God has said. People who say, “I just can’t seem to remember what I have studied”, need to look at the condition of their heart. If you really delight in something—you will remember. Do we allow pressing secular matters to crowd out study of the Word? Is Bible Study the last thing on our daily list of priorities?
Solace in Loneliness 119:17-18 This writer wants to live, but he also wants to live a life that is worthy of the term “life”. The desire to have his eyes opened isn’t a prayer for some sort of mystical insight, rather, he doesn’t want to miss anything in God’s revelation. If our attitude isn’t right, we can read right over tremendous truths. We must have ears that hear (Matthew 13:16-23). Do you view the Bible as a gold-mine of truths that can transform your life? Do you view this book as having the key for reaching your emotional, relational, spiritual, and moral potential? Do you look to grasp the wonderful truths found in God’s revelation? 119:19 The writer realized that his life on earth was only temporary, like the patriarchs, he viewed himself as a pilgrim (Hebrews 11:16). In addition, he didn’t love the world (1 John 2:15-17). At times he found himself isolated, not fitting in, and ridiculed. Here is also a prayer that he would see and understand everything that he needs to know. Do we earnestly pray, “God, this world is not
my home, and this world has so many corrupting influences, so please God, help me to glean everything I can from your word, so I can overcome!”? 119:20 If you are going to follow God, then the world is going to treat you like an alien. (John 15:19-20). How do you feel when you neglect regular Bible study or when you miss Bible study at the building? 119:21-23 It is clear from these verses that our writer has been persecuted and ridiculed, even by those in positions of authority, for his trust is in the Word of God. Though the opposition of the community and her rulers may be great, the psalmist receives his joy, comfort, and guidance from God’s statutes. Are we willing to preach the truth, even when ridiculed by powerful and popular people? Point To Note: Which would you choose? Where would your loyalty lie if the secular person whom you respect most, ridiculed the Biblical doctrines which you believe? 119:24 But who needs such unbelieving human experts? We have all the experts we need, when we have the Bible. But how many professed Christians when faced with a personal problem, immediately turn to secular professionals instead of God?
Revive Me! 119:25 Persecution, criticism, loss of friends, etc…and can bring anyone very low. The writer feels about as low and depressed as one can get. Yet the writer realizes that the encouragement and motivation he needs will be found in the Word. Do we approach the Scriptures as having the answer to depression, apathy, and the blues? 119:26 Adversity can make us more teachable. The writer believes that God has answered his prayers 119:27 The person who earnestly desires to understand God’s precepts, will understand them (John 7:17). “The word opens up the greatness of God’s acts in creation and in redemption” (Gaebelein p. 743). “God is the instructor. The psalmist is the submissive student. His responsibility is to continually expose himself to God’s word” (Williams p. 361). 119:28 Various things can cause us sorrow: the lost condition of so many people, our own sins, the loss either through death or misunderstanding of a person who has been close to us. Here the writer seems to be overwhelmed because he has been rejected, slandered, and humiliated by other people (29). Point To Note:
There is nothing wrong with feeling down in and of itself. It is a natural response to the kind of trials the writer has been describing. “What is wrong, is allowing such feelings to turn us inward, or even worse, away from God. Instead of looking inward, the writer renews his determination to hold fast to the promises of God” (Boice p. 985). 119:29 The “false way”, may be the way of enemies who have done him in (those who reject God’s law), or it may be the way of falsehood in which he has been trapped. “To lose touch with God is to lose touch with reality” (Williams p. 362). 119:29 “Graciously grant me Thy law”: Righteous individuals realize that God’s law is for our protection, and that without it, we would become as bad as our accusers. “It is a happy reminder that God’s law is a good gift” (Kidner p. 424). 119:30-32 Note the determination, “I have chosen”, “I have placed”, “I cleave to”. “The three opening verbs, of choosing, cleaving, and running, make a fine summary of godliness” (Kidner p. 424). 119:31 “O Lord, do not put me to shame!”: By siding with God and His truth we face in this life opposition and ridicule. The writer prays that he would be vindicated and that God would act just like He has promised. 119:32 “For thou will enlarge my heart”: The word “heart” can also be rendered “mind” or “understanding”. As the writer absorbs God’s word and obeys it, both his comprehension and experience of divine truth and trustworthiness grow” (Williams p. 362).
Teach Me! 119:33 Again, the writer realizes that God is his teacher. Anytime we read the Scriptures, God is teaching us. Sadly, even Christians can become so preoccupied and impressed with secular professors that they fail to appreciate Bible study in which the Creator of the universe is teaching us. The writer is also prepared for the long haul. Too many people want some dramatic encounter with God, but they don’t want to live a life of faithfulness (Hebrews 12:1-3). 119:34 “’To the end’ means without time limit, and ‘with all my heart’ means without reservation’” (Boice p. 990). It is a waste of time to serve God if we are not willing to serve Him fully and faithfully (Luke 14:26ff). 119:35 Note the phrase “Make me”. Are you this determined to serve God? Are you willing to allow God to do whatever is necessary (trials, afflictions, etc..), to keep you on the right path?
Point To Note: Here is a man who earnestly desires to be as close to God as possible. But he realizes that he could fail if he becomes careless, preoccupied with other things, or lazy. Are you this concerned about being faithful to the word of God? God is not impressed with people who downplay the importance of obeying the truth. 119:36 One of the keys to faithfulness is wanting to walk in the truth. He wants to follow God yet he realizes the lure of serving wealth (Matthew 6:24). Are we this self-conscious of our potential weaknesses? Are we this honest with admitting our tendencies towards lust, greed, anger, etc..? People who end up serving wealth are often the same people who deny that they have a problem in this area. 119:37 Their are many worthless things which can occupy our attention and many of them are found on the television or in movies. How are we spending our time? Where is our attention focused, on temporary earthly things, or upon eternal realities? (2 Corinthians 4:16ff). 119:38 Time spent in the Word will produce a greater respect for God. So what is this saying about the person who can’t get motivated to study? The phrase, “establish Thy word”, probably means, “keep Your promises”. “In a sense, all God’s Word is promise—a promise of life to those who repent of sin and determine to go in God’s way, and a promise of death and judgment for those who reject the gospel message” (Boice p. 994). 119:39-40 The “reproach” mentioned here, could be the reproach and ridicule heaped upon the writer by sinful men. Eventually God will turn away this reproach, even in this life, Christians are often vindicated by how life turns out for them in contrast to the lives of unbelievers. “Are you tempted to drop out because of other people’s scorn?” (Boice p. 995).
Words For Others 119:41-43 This man wanted to speak the word with boldness (Acts 4:29), and he wanted to have an answer for his opponents (1 Peter 3:15). Note, he believed that the Scriptures would give him the answers that he needed. The Bible has an answer for every argument that the mind of man can raise against God and His will. The Bible has an answer for every false teaching or human philosophy (2 Timothy 3:16-17). 119:44 “Does it seem surprising that one of the first results of coming to know God as a God of love is obedience? It does to many people, but the reason it does is that they have an inadequate, and even warped idea, of what love
means. We think of love as mere sentimentality, a feeling to be enjoyed and wallowed in. In the Bible, love is a relationship resulting in moral actions (John 14:15)” (Boice p. 998). 119:45 “And I will walk at liberty”: Sadly, so many people have accepted the myth that serving God means a loss of freedom. Actually, the opposite is true (John 8:31-32). Point To Note: The person following the Word of God has been liberated from: guilt, worry, anxiety, stress, ignorance, superstition, peer pressure, materialism, lust, greed, wrong priorities, miserable relationships, etc.. How free is the man who knows the truth! 119:46-48 Centuries later Paul would say, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel” (Romans 1:16). “It is certain that he is ready to confess God’s truth in the highest courts of human power and not be ashamed. Here is a free person indeed” (Williams p. 367). Do we delight in telling others about God’s truth? When he says, “And I shall lift up my hands to Thy commandments”, the writer is saying that he is completely devoted to God’s Word. If we really love God and stand in awe of His character, then we will stand in awe and virtually worship anything which He has revealed. “I revere is literally ‘I lift my hands to’, which is usually a term for praying; here, a bold expression of yearning for God’s revelation in Scripture” (Kidner p. 425).
Steadying Words 119:49-50 What keeps this man hopeful and encouraged is what God has said in the Bible. Sometimes even Christians complain that their brethren haven’t encouraged them enough, and yet they seem unaware that their major source of encouragement should always be the Word of God. How could people ever say anything more encouraging than God? 119:51 Those who oppose the faithful are typically arrogant. Or, put another way, “What do most unbelievers and skeptics have in common? Arrogance”. 119:52 Do you use the Scriptures to comfort yourself? 119:53 Does your study of the Scriptures bring out in you a greater abhorrence of evil? People who are really studying the Bible with a honest and good heart will naturally develop a greater zeal against error, false doctrine, sin, unbelief, selfishness, compromise with sin, and so on. If we truly love what God loves, then we must hate and oppose what God hates.
119:54-56 He appreciates God and His word so much that God’s commandments have become his song. This man didn’t complain about doctrine or the emphasis placed on doctrine, rather, he sang about God’s doctrines! The expression, “This has become mine”, means that he is obeying God because he wants to, and not because he is being compelled by others. Do we obey God because we want to, or, do we obey God because others expect it of us?
With All My Heart 119:57-60 This man doesn’t have to be bugged by others to serve God. He doesn’t procrastinate or look for a convenient excuse. He is ready and eager to obey. 119:61-62 “The cords of the wicked have bound me”, probably means that they have set a trap for him like hunters snare a wild animal. The wicked are deliberately trying to bring about his downfall or make him look inconsistent. Note, this writer gives thanks for God’s laws. “The writer of this psalm is no grim pedant, merely prodding after God’s Law with a dour determination to conform to it” (Boice p. 1002). Point To Note: What is our attitude towards Christians who are really trying to serve God? Do we try to undermine their efforts? Do we try to find an area in their life in which they are being inconsistent? Or, do we admire their efforts and try to be like them ourselves? 119:63-64 He immediately identified with others like himself. If you are really trying to serve God, then you will develop close friendships with others who value God and His Word.