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PSALM

CHAPTER 119

Psalm 119 is an amazing song. Each stanza is 8 verses in length. And each of the 22 stanzas begins with a different letter of the Hebrew alphabet, with each verse in the stanza beginning with that letter.

This song is almost totally about God's Word. Only 3 verses in the entire song do NOT refer to the Word of God.

1 Blessed are the undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the LORD. 2 Blessed are they that keep his testimonies, and that seek him with the whole heart. 3 They also do no iniquity: they walk in his ways. 4 Thou hast commanded us to keep thy precepts diligently. 5 O that my ways were directed to keep thy statutes! 6 Then shall I not be ashamed, when I have respect unto all thy commandments. 7 I will praise thee with uprightness of heart, when I shall have learned thy righteous judgments. 8 I will keep thy statutes: O forsake me not utterly.

The eight verses of the first stanza begin with the Hebrew letter A'LEPH.

First the psalmist speaks to mankind. If we will "keep His testimonies" we will "walk in His ways."

This is not a "legalist" way of attaining justification. The person must BEGIN following the Word of God as an "undefiled" person. That means we must have already come to God for forgiveness and have been justified in His sight.

God has commanded man to keep His laws (verse 5). And if we will do so, we will "not be ashamed" (verse 6).

As Christians, we should certainly make the commitments in verses 6-8 to do all we can to learn and keep God's Word.

9 Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word. 10 With my whole heart have I sought thee: O let me not wander from thy commandments. 11 Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee. 12 Blessed art thou, O LORD: teach me thy statutes. 13 With my lips have I declared all the judgments of thy mouth. 14 I have rejoiced in the way of thy testimonies, as much as in all riches. 15 I will meditate in thy precepts, and have respect unto thy ways. 16 I will delight myself in thy statutes: I will not forget thy word.

The second eight verses begin with the Hebrew letter BETH.

If a "young man" will determine to live by God's Word, he will live a "clean" life. Purity comes only from God. And a pure life will be lived only in respect toward God's Word.

The Word of God must be placed in the "heart" of man in order for us to follow it (verse 11). The heart is the seat of affections and determination. It is there that we make our decisions.

When we study God's Word, and ask Him to teach us, the result is:
1) we will rejoice,
2) we will meditate upon what God says with respect to His desires,
3) and we will delight in not forgetting the Word of God.

17 Deal bountifully with thy servant, that I may live, and keep thy word. 18 Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law. 19 I am a stranger in the earth: hide not thy commandments from me. 20 My soul breaketh for the longing that it hath unto thy judgments at all times. 21 Thou hast rebuked the proud that are cursed, which do err from thy commandments. 22 Remove from me reproach and contempt; for I have kept thy testimonies. 23 Princes also did sit and speak against me: but thy servant did meditate in thy statutes. 24 Thy testimonies also are my delight and my counsellors.

These eight verses begin with the Hebrew letter GI'MEL.

The request of the Christian should be that God will "deal bountifully" (verse 17) with us so that we can live by His Word. Only if God opens our eyes (verse 18) can we see the beauty of His Word.

The Christian is a "stranger" (verse 19) in the world, because the majority of the world does not live in desire to keep God's Word.

Notice the psalmist admits his heart "breaks" (verse 20) desiring to keep God's Word. We are all sinners, and even the saved do not constantly follow the will of God as we should. Breaking God's Word should cause us to have a repentant attitude and plead for God's forgiveness. We shold also recognize that we NEED God's HELP in order to keep His Word.

A prideful person (verse 21) will not submit to the authority of God and follow His will by learning and doing the Word of God. God "resists" that person and "reproaches" him (see James 4:6, and Galatians 3:10).

The Christian committed to living for God is often slandered or "reproached" and held in "contempt" by the world (verse 22). God will certainly remove that from His saved one day. Even though "princes" (chief leaders) (verse 23)speak against Christians today, tey still desire to live according to God's express will in the Word.

Indeed, there is little in this world in which we can find "delight" (verse 24) except that we live in God's will!

25 My soul cleaveth unto the dust: quicken thou me according to thy word. 26 I have declared my ways, and thou heardest me: teach me thy statutes. 27 Make me to understand the way of thy precepts: so shall I talk of thy wondrous works. 28 My soul melteth for heaviness: strengthen thou me according unto thy word. 29 Remove from me the way of lying: and grant me thy law graciously. 30 I have chosen the way of truth: thy judgments have I laid before me. 31 I have stuck unto thy testimonies: O LORD, put me not to shame. 32 I will run the way of thy commandments, when thou shalt enlarge my heart.

These eight verses begin with the Hebrew letter DA'LETH.

Life is not always easy. Sometimes we feel "down and out" (verse 25). God's Word tells us that He "quickens" our spirits. He makes us ALIVE! He refreshes our souls!

God's Word helps us to understand His desire for us, and how we can share that with others (verses 26-27).

When "heaviness" is in our hearts, meditating upon God's Word will "revive" our spirits (verse 28).

The determination to follow God's will as expressed in His Word is a decision to follow "truth" (verses 29-31). And when a person determines to follow God's will, he desires to be truthful in all that he does.

The more we learn of God's Word, the more we will walk in TRUTH (verse 32).

33 Teach me, O LORD, the way of thy statutes; and I shall keep it unto the end. 34 Give me understanding, and I shall keep thy law; yea, I shall observe it with my whole heart. 35 Make me to go in the path of thy commandments; for therein do I delight. 36 Incline my heart unto thy testimonies, and not to covetousness. 37 Turn away mine eyes from beholding vanity; and quicken thou me in thy way. 38 Stablish thy word unto thy servant, who is devoted to thy fear. 39 Turn away my reproach which I fear: for thy judgments are good. 40 Behold, I have longed after thy precepts: quicken me in thy righteousness.

These eight verses begin with the Hebrew letter HE.

Genuine reverence for God and respect toward His express will is the "beginning of wisdom" (Proverbs 9:10). If we will allow God to "teach" us, then we will have "understanding" and a desire to do His will (verses 33-34).

To desire to live in God's will and according to His Word is not enough for us because we all "fall short" of doing His will. We must also have God's help. We need him to "make" us live righteously (verse 35).

Therefore, we need God to cause our hearts to desire His Word (verse 36) more than the things of the world.

We need God to "turn" our eyes from the temporary to the eternal (verse 37).

We need God to "establish" His Word in our hearts (verse 38).

All God's Word is "GOOD" (verse 39). And we need God to "quicken," or make us ALIVE to the desire to live by His Word.

41 Let thy mercies come also unto me, O LORD, even thy salvation, according to thy word. 42 So shall I have wherewith to answer him that reproacheth me: for I trust in thy word. 43 And take not the word of truth utterly out of my mouth; for I have hoped in thy judgments. 44 So shall I keep thy law continually for ever and ever. 45 And I will walk at liberty: for I seek thy precepts. 46 I will speak of thy testimonies also before kings, and will not be ashamed. 47 And I will delight myself in thy commandments, which I have loved. 48 My hands also will I lift up unto thy commandments, which I have loved; and I will meditate in thy statutes.

These eight verses begin with the Hebrew letter VAU.

When God saves us, He begins to pour out mercy "exceeding abundantly, above all that we ask or think" (Ephesians 3:20). Salvation is all about a relationship with God. That relationship includes His continual blessings of love upon the soul (verse 41).

BECAUSE God continues to work within our being when we are saved there are some wonderful results.
1) We have an "answer" for those who belittle Christ and His people (verse 42).
2) The "Word of truth" is continually in our mouths (verse 43).
3) We desire to "keep" God's Word (verse 44).
4) Perhaps one of the greatest joys of the Christian is that He walks in "LIBERTY!" (verse 45) ((see also Romans 8:1-2.)) Walking WITH God reminds us of our FREEDOM from the "law of sin and death."
5) The Christian is unafraid to speak of God's truths in any setting (verse 46).
6) The saved person takes JOY in God's Word (verse 47).
7) And, the Christian is constantly desiring to "reach for" God's Word and study it MORE! (verse 48)

49 Remember the word unto thy servant, upon which thou hast caused me to hope. 50 This is my comfort in my affliction: for thy word hath quickened me. 51 The proud have had me greatly in derision: yet have I not declined from thy law. 52 I remembered thy judgments of old, O LORD; and have comforted myself. 53 Horror hath taken hold upon me because of the wicked that forsake thy law. 54 Thy statutes have been my songs in the house of my pilgrimage. 55 I have remembered thy name, O LORD, in the night, and have kept thy law. 56 This I had, because I kept thy precepts.

These eight verses begin with the Hebrew letter ZAIN.

The reminder of God's love and eternal salvation gives comfort to the Christian when he is derided and ridiculed by the proud (verses 49-51).

Even in the "horror" of life, God's gift of eternal salvation is a comfort to our souls (verses 52-53).

The Word of God has been the subject for many a song (verse 54).

A person who walks with God, has no fear in the "night;" nor does he fear the darkness of sin. For the saved person can call upon God's Name at any time for help (verses 55-56).

57 Thou art my portion, O LORD: I have said that I would keep thy words. 58 I intreated thy favour with my whole heart: be merciful unto me according to thy word. 59 I thought on my ways, and turned my feet unto thy testimonies. 60 I made haste, and delayed not to keep thy commandments. 61 The bands of the wicked have robbed me: but I have not forgotten thy law. 62 At midnight I will rise to give thanks unto thee because of thy righteous judgments. 63 I am a companion of all them that fear thee, and of them that keep thy precepts. 64 The earth, O LORD, is full of thy mercy: teach me thy statutes.

These eight verses begin with the Hebrew letter CHETH.

What shall I desire to inherit besides the "portion" (verse 57) of the Lord Himself? He is ENOUGH!

Every day the Christian should "entreat," or beg God for favor, and seek His mercy (verse 58). We should continually meditate upon God's Word (verse 59), determine to QUICKLY follow that Word (verse 60).

The devil seeks to "steal" our joy (John 10:10), but He cannot override God's LAW if it is in our hearts (verse 61).

Therefore, let us "give thanks" to God for His Word! (verse 62)

The "paths of righteousness" are filled with "companions" who also desire to live for God (verses 63-64). Companions strengthen and encourage one another.

65 Thou hast dealt well with thy servant, O LORD, according unto thy word. 66 Teach me good judgment and knowledge: for I have believed thy commandments. 67 Before I was afflicted I went astray: but now have I kept thy word. 68 Thou art good, and doest good; teach me thy statutes. 69 The proud have forged a lie against me: but I will keep thy precepts with my whole heart. 70 Their heart is as fat as grease; but I delight in thy law. 71 It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn thy statutes. 72 The law of thy mouth is better unto me than thousands of gold and silver.

These eight verses begin with the Hebrew letter TETH.

God always deals with His people according to His Word (verse 65). And God is GOOD and always DOES good (verse 68).

Believing God is believing His Word (verse 66). Because to have God, we must first come to Him BELIEVING His Word! It is only AFTER we heard the gospel of Jesus Christ that we believed and were saved (Romans 10:17).

BEFORE we were saved, we went "astray;" but AFTER we are saved, we desire to keep God's Word (verse 67).

No matter how the world may speak against the Christian, he will still desire to keep God's Word (verses 69-70).

I simply MUST interject more exposition upon these last two verses. Very often I visit with people who have once made a profession of faith, been baptized, and then for some reason quit going to church. Usually they will tell me of some conflict or problem that they had with another person, and give that as a reason for not attending church. I usually find that they also quit studying their Bible and don't pray everyday.

But, friends, a SAVED person will CONTINUE to love God and serve God in the place of His choosing! That place is in Bible study, prayer and church! A person who has been "washed in the blood" and "sealed in the Spirit" of God cannot be away from God's Word and people very long!

And "affliction" by conflict with others is actually GOOD for the Christian (verse 71). It causes us to dig DEEPER into the Word of God!

73 Thy hands have made me and fashioned me: give me understanding, that I may learn thy commandments. 74 They that fear thee will be glad when they see me; because I have hoped in thy word. 75 I know, O LORD, that thy judgments are right, and that thou in faithfulness hast afflicted me. 76 Let, I pray thee, thy merciful kindness be for my comfort, according to thy word unto thy servant. 77 Let thy tender mercies come unto me, that I may live: for thy law is my delight. 78 Let the proud be ashamed; for they dealt perversely with me without a cause: but I will meditate in thy precepts. 79 Let those that fear thee turn unto me, and those that have known thy testimonies. 80 Let my heart be sound in thy statutes; that I be not ashamed.

These eight verses begin with the Hebrew letter JOD.

God has created us (verse 73) and only God can give us true "understanding." If we ask God to teach us wisdom from his Word, he will certainly do that (John 14:26).

Those who really love the Lord are GLAD to see another Christian (Verse 74).

God's determination of our lives is ALWAYS "right" (verse 75). Even when He allows us to be afflicted, it is because of His "faithfulness" to TEACH us from the difficulty.

God also pours our "mercies" continually to encourage and strengthen His people (verses 76-77).

Again, let me say that what the world does to the Christian cannot keep him from desiring God's Word and living accordingly (verse 78).

Christians join together in fellowship with one another (verse 79).

Being "sound" in God's Word keeps the Christian from being "ashamed" (verse 80).

81 My soul fainteth for thy salvation: but I hope in thy word. 82 Mine eyes fail for thy word, saying, When wilt thou comfort me? 83 For I am become like a bottle in the smoke; yet do I not forget thy statutes. 84 How many are the days of thy servant? when wilt thou execute judgment on them that persecute me? 85 The proud have digged pits for me, which are not after thy law. 86 All thy commandments are faithful: they persecute me wrongfully; help thou me. 87 They had almost consumed me upon earth; but I forsook not thy precepts. 88 Quicken me after thy lovingkindness; so shall I keep the testimony of thy mouth.

These eight verses begin with the Hebrew letter CAPH.

While we have God's assurance of salvation in this physical life, we do YEARN for His COMPLETE ETERNAL salvation. Our HOPE of that eternal salvation lies in the fact of God's WORD of PROMISE (verse 81).

In verses 82-87, the psalmist speaks of the difficulties of living in a world full of sin. However, if God "quickens" (verse 88) us with His Holy Spirit, we are able to live according to His will.

89 For ever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven. 90 Thy faithfulness is unto all generations: thou hast established the earth, and it abideth. 91 They continue this day according to thine ordinances: for all are thy servants. 92 Unless thy law had been my delights, I should then have perished in mine affliction. 93 I will never forget thy precepts: for with them thou hast quickened me. 94 I am thine, save me; for I have sought thy precepts. 95 The wicked have waited for me to destroy me: but I will consider thy testimonies. 96 I have seen an end of all perfection: but thy commandment is exceeding broad.

These eight verses begin with the Hebrew letter LA'MED.

I love verse 89. The Word of God, the promises of God, the instruction of God is ETERNALLY SETTLED! God's truths are FOREVER!

And God's Word is the same to ALL "generations" (verse 90). The earth and all the universe was created by the very WORD of God (verse 91). It CONTINUES this day because His Word SUSTAINS it!

And except the Christian ABIDES in the Word of God, he is not SUSTAINED! He will falter and fail (verse 92).

God's Word ENLIVENS the saved person (verse 93).

Belonging to God, we desire His Word (verse 94) and He will certainly SAVE us from the evils of this world. Even though wicked men try to destroy the Christian, God will preserve Him (verse 95).

The Word of God is EXCEEDING BROAD (verse 96). Everything else FAILS in reaching perfection. But God's Word is SUFFICIENT for all our instructional needs.

97 O how love I thy law! it is my meditation all the day. 98 Thou through thy commandments hast made me wiser than mine enemies: for they are ever with me. 99 I have more understanding than all my teachers: for thy testimonies are my meditation. 100 I understand more than the ancients, because I keep thy precepts. 101 I have refrained my feet from every evil way, that I might keep thy word. 102 I have not departed from thy judgments: for thou hast taught me. 103 How sweet are thy words unto my taste! yea, sweeter than honey to my mouth! 104 Through thy precepts I get understanding: therefore I hate every false way.

These eight verses begin with the Hebrew letter MEM.

THIS is the key to having understanding and gaining wisdom -- LOVING the WORD of God! (verse 97) If we LOVE God's Word, we will make it we will THINK about it all the time, and APPLY it to every situation of life.

God's Word makes men WISE (verse 98 - 99). A child can become wiser than his teachers; and a Christian can be wiser than his enemies!

Keeping God's Word keeps us out of sinfulness (veses 100-102).

God's Word should be like sweetness to our souls (verse 103) because through His Word we learn to despise sinfulness (verse 104).

105 Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. 106 I have sworn, and I will perform it, that I will keep thy righteous judgments. 107 I am afflicted very much: quicken me, O LORD, according unto thy word. 108 Accept, I beseech thee, the freewill offerings of my mouth, O LORD, and teach me thy judgments. 109 My soul is continually in my hand: yet do I not forget thy law. 110 The wicked have laid a snare for me: yet I erred not from thy precepts. 111 Thy testimonies have I taken as an heritage for ever: for they are the rejoicing of my heart. 112 I have inclined mine heart to perform thy statutes alway, even unto the end.

These eight verses begin with the Hebrew letter NUN.

God's Word is WARMTH and LIGHT to our souls (verse 105). Through determining to follow God's express will (verse 106), we endure affliction (verse 107) and offer God praise (verse 108).

Thought the Christian has liberty to do as he desires, his greatest desire is to follow God's WORD (verse 109).

Even though people will try to divert the Christian, following God's Word will preserve him (verse 110) because that is his greates determination (verse 112).

It is the joy of KNOWING that God's Word is true forever that brings rejoicing to the Christian's heart (verse 111).

113 I hate vain thoughts: but thy law do I love. 114 Thou art my hiding place and my shield: I hope in thy word. 115 Depart from me, ye evildoers: for I will keep the commandments of my God. 116 Uphold me according unto thy word, that I may live: and let me not be ashamed of my hope. 117 Hold thou me up, and I shall be safe: and I will have respect unto thy statutes continually. 118 Thou hast trodden down all them that err from thy statutes: for their deceit is falsehood. 119 Thou puttest away all the wicked of the earth like dross: therefore I love thy testimonies. 120 My flesh trembleth for fear of thee; and I am afraid of thy judgments.

These eight verses begin with the Hebrew letter SA'MECH.

Vain thoughts cause a person to hide in dark corners, but the love of God's law puts the Christian in the light (verses 113-114).

If the Christian will maintain a certain separateness from those who purport evil, God will "uphold" him in righteousness (verses 115-116). The Christian should not fail to WITNESS to unbelievers, but he should not be in FELLOWSHIP with them.

God is one day going to put away all evil, and we should "tremble" at the thought of it (verse 120). We should also work to TELL everyone about God's love and His desire for them to be saved.

121 I have done judgment and justice: leave me not to mine oppressors. 122 Be surety for thy servant for good: let not the proud oppress me. 123 Mine eyes fail for thy salvation, and for the word of thy righteousness. 124 Deal with thy servant according unto thy mercy, and teach me thy statutes. 125 I am thy servant; give me understanding, that I may know thy testimonies. 126 It is time for thee, LORD, to work: for they have made void thy law. 127 Therefore I love thy commandments above gold; yea, above fine gold. 128 Therefore I esteem all thy precepts concerning all things to be right; and I hate every false way.

These eight verses begin with the Hebrew letter AIN.

The disobedience of Israel caused God to allow "oppression" to their nation. The call of the psalmist here in verse 121 is to obedience!

If we "esteem" God's Word to be right above all else, and try to abide by it (verse 127-128), then God will work FOR us and not against us (verses 122-126).

When King Asa experienced trouble, he relied on the physical help of the king of Syria rather than call upon God. This was DISobedience to the Word of faith. And the prophet Hanani was sent to declare this statement to King Asa:

"For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him. Herein thou hast done foolishly: therefore from henceforth thou shalt have wars." (2Chronicles 16:9)