Psalm 119

Interlineal Hebrew/English Texts

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David Suchet Reads Psalm 119 (NIV)

PSALMS 119

Meditations on the Excellencies of the Word of God NKJV

א Aleph
1 Blessed are the undefiled in the way,
Who walk in the law of the Lord!
2 Blessed  are those who keep His testimonies,
Who seek Him with the  whole heart!
3 They also do no iniquity;
They walk in His ways.
4 You have commanded us
To keep Your precepts diligently.
5 Oh, that my ways were directed
To keep Your statutes!
6 Then I would not be ashamed,
When I look into all Your commandments.
7 I will praise You with uprightness of heart,
When I learn Your righteous judgments.
8 I will keep Your statutes;
Oh, do not forsake me utterly!
ב Beth
9 How can a young man cleanse his way?
By taking heed according to Your word.
10 With my whole heart I have  sought You;
Oh, let me not wander from Your commandments!
11 Your word I have hidden in my heart,
That I might not sin against You.
12 Blessed are You, O Lord!
Teach me Your statutes.
13 With my lips I have  declared
All the judgments of Your mouth.
14 I have rejoiced in the way of Your testimonies,
As much  as in all riches.
15 I will meditate on Your precepts,
And contemplate Your ways.
16 I will  delight myself in Your statutes;
I will not forget Your word.
ג Gimel
17 Deal bountifully with Your servant,
That I may live and keep Your word.
18 Open my eyes, that I may see
Wondrous things from Your law.
19 I am a stranger in the earth;
Do not hide Your commandments from me.
20 My soul breaks with longing
For Your judgments at all times.
21You rebuke the proud—the cursed,
Who stray from Your commandments.
22 Remove from me reproach and contempt,
For I have kept Your testimonies.
23 Princes also sit and speak against me,
But Your servant meditates on Your statutes.
24 Your testimonies also are my delight
And my counselors.
ד Daleth
25 My soul clings to the dust;
Revive me according to Your word.
26 I have declared my ways, and You answered me;
Teach me Your statutes.
27 Make me understand the way of Your precepts;
So  shall I meditate on Your wonderful works.
28 My soul melts from heaviness;
Strengthen me according to Your word.
29 Remove from me the way of lying,
And grant me Your law graciously.
30 I have chosen the way of truth;
Your judgments I have laid before  me.
31 I cling to Your testimonies;
O Lord, do not put me to shame!
32 I will run the course of Your commandments,
For You shall  enlarge my heart.
ה He
33 Teach me, O Lord, the way of Your statutes,
And I shall keep it to the end.
34 Give me understanding, and I shall keep Your law;
Indeed, I shall observe it with my whole heart.
35 Make me walk in the path of Your commandments,
For I delight in it.
36 Incline my heart to Your testimonies,
And not to  covetousness.
37 Turn away my eyes from  looking at worthless things,
And revive me in Your way.
38 Establish Your word to Your servant,
Who is  devoted to fearing You.
39 Turn away my reproach which I dread,
For Your judgments are good.
40 Behold, I long for Your precepts;
Revive me in Your righteousness.
ו Waw
41 Let Your mercies come also to me, O Lord—
Your salvation according to Your word.
42 So shall I have an answer for him who reproaches me,
For I trust in Your word.
43 And take not the word of truth utterly out of my mouth,
For I have hoped in Your ordinances.
44 So shall I keep Your law continually,
Forever and ever.
45 And I will walk at  liberty,
For I seek Your precepts.
46 I will speak of Your testimonies also before kings,
And will not be ashamed.
47 And I will delight myself in Your commandments,
Which I love.
48 My hands also I will lift up to Your commandments,
Which I love,
And I will meditate on Your statutes.
ז Zayin
49 Remember the word to Your servant,
Upon which You have caused me to hope.
50 This is my  comfort in my affliction,
For Your word has given me life.
51 The proud have me in great derision,
Yet I do not turn aside from Your law.
52 I remembered Your judgments of old, O Lord,
And have comforted myself.
53 Indignation has taken hold of me
Because of the wicked, who forsake Your law.
54Your statutes have been my songs
In the house of my pilgrimage.
55 I remember Your name in the night, O Lord,
And I keep Your law.
56 This has become mine,
Because I kept Your precepts.
ח Heth
57 You  are my portion, O Lord;
I have said that I would keep Your words.
58 I entreated Your favor with my whole heart;
Be merciful to me according to Your word.
59 I  thought about my ways,
And turned my feet to Your testimonies.
60 I made haste, and did not delay
To keep Your commandments.
61 The cords of the wicked have bound me,
But I have not forgotten Your law.
62 At midnight I will rise to give thanks to You,
Because of Your righteous judgments.
63 I am a companion of all who fear You,
And of those who keep Your precepts.
64 The earth, O Lord, is full of Your mercy;
Teach me Your statutes.
ט Teth
65 You have dealt well with Your servant,
O Lord, according to Your word.
66 Teach me good judgment and  knowledge,
For I believe Your commandments.
67 Before I was  afflicted I went astray,
But now I keep Your word.
68 You are  good, and do good;
Teach me Your statutes.
69 The proud have  forged a lie against me,
But I will keep Your precepts with my whole heart.
70 Their heart is as fat as grease,
But I delight in Your law.
71 It  is good for me that I have been afflicted,
That I may learn Your statutes.
72 The law of Your mouth is better to me
Than thousands of coins  of gold and silver.
י Yod
73 Your hands have made me and fashioned me;
Give me understanding, that I may learn Your commandments.
74 Those who fear You will be glad when they see me,
Because I have hoped in Your word.
75 I know, O Lord,  that Your judgments are right,
And that in faithfulness You have afflicted me.
76 Let, I pray, Your merciful kindness be for my comfort,
According to Your word to Your servant.
77 Let Your tender mercies come to me, that I may live;
Let the proud be ashamed,
For they treated me wrongfully with falsehood;
But I will meditate on Your precepts.
79 Let those who fear You turn to me,
Those who know Your testimonies.
80 Let my heart be blameless regarding Your statutes,
That I may not be ashamed.

ך Kaph
81 My soul faints for Your salvation,
But I hope in Your word
82 My eyes fail from searching Your word,
Saying, “When will You comfort me?”
83 For I have become like a wineskin in smoke,
Yet I do not forget Your statutes.
84 How many are the days of Your servant?
When will You execute judgment on those who persecute me?
85 The proud have dug pits for me,
Which is not according to Your law.
86 All Your commandments are faithful;
They persecute me wrongfully; Help me!
87 They almost made an end of me on earth,
But I did not forsake Your precepts.
88 Revive me according to Your lovingkindness,
So that I may keep the testimony of Your mouth.
ל Lamed
89 Forever, O Lord, Your word is settled in heaven.
90 Your faithfulness endures to all generations;
You established the earth, and it abides.
91 They continue this day according to Your ordinances,
For all are Your servants.
92 Unless Your law had been my delight, I
would then have perished in my affliction.
93 I will never forget Your precepts, F
or by them You have given me life.
94 I am Yours, save me; For I have sought Your precepts.
95 The wicked wait for me to destroy me,
but I will consider Your testimonies.
96 I have seen the consummation of all perfection,
But Your commandment is exceedingly broad.
ם Mem
97 Oh, how I love Your law! It is my meditation all the day.
98 You, through Your commandments,
make me wiser than my enemies;
For they are ever with me.
99 I have more understanding than all my teachers,
For Your testimonies are my meditation.
100 I understand more than the ancients,
Because I keep Your precepts.
101 I have restrained my feet from every evil way,
That I may keep Your word.
102 I have not departed from Your judgments,
For You Yourself have taught me.
103 How sweet are Your words to my taste,
Sweeter than honey to my mouth!
104 Through Your precepts I get understanding; T
herefore I hate every false way.
ן Nun
105 Your word is a lamp to my feet A
nd a light to my path.
106 I have sworn and confirmed
That I will keep Your righteous judgments.
107I am afflicted very much;
Revive me, O Lord, according to Your word.
108 Accept, I pray, the freewill offerings of my mouth, O Lord,
And teach me Your judgment
 109 My life is continually in my hand,
Yet I do not forget Your law.
110 The wicked have laid a snare for me,
Yet I have not strayed from Your precepts.
111 Your testimonies I have taken as a heritage forever,
For they are the rejoicing of my heart.
112 I have inclined my heart to perform Your statutes
Forever, to the very end.

For Your law is my delight.
78 Let the proud  be ashamed,
For they treated me wrongfully with falsehood;
But I will meditate on Your precepts.
79 Let those who fear You turn to me,
Those who know Your testimonies.
80 Let my heart be blameless regarding Your statutes,
That I may not be ashamed.
ך Kaph
81 My soul faints for Your salvation,
But I hope in Your word.
82 My eyes fail from  searching Your word,
Saying, “When will You comfort me?”
83 For  I have become like a wineskin in smoke,
Yet I do not forget Your statutes.
84 How many are the days of Your servant?
When will You execute judgment on those who persecute me?
85 The proud have dug pits for me,
Which is not according to Your law.
86 All Your commandments are faithful;
They persecute me wrongfully; Help me!
87 They almost made an end of me on earth,
But I did not forsake Your precepts.
88 Revive me according to Your lovingkindness,
So that I may keep the testimony of Your mouth.
ל Lamed
89 Forever, O Lord,
Your word is settled in heaven.
90 Your faithfulness endures to all generations;
You established the earth, and it abides.
91 They continue this day according to  Your ordinances,
For all are Your servants.
92 Unless Your law had  been my delight,
I would then have perished in my affliction.
93 I will never forget Your precepts,
For by them You have given me life.
94 I am Yours, save me;
For I have sought Your precepts.
95 The wicked wait for me to destroy me,
But I will consider Your testimonies.
96 I have seen the consummation of all perfection,
But Your commandment is exceedingly broad.
ם Mem
97 Oh, how I love Your law!
It is my meditation all the day.
98 You, through Your commandments, make me  wiser than my enemies;
For they are ever with me.
99 I have more understanding than all my teachers,
For Your testimonies are my meditation.
100 I understand more than the ancients,
Because I keep Your precepts.
101 I have restrained my feet from every evil way,
That I may keep Your word.
102 I have not departed from Your judgments,
For You Yourself have taught me.
103 How sweet are Your words to my taste,
Sweeter than honey to my mouth!
104 Through Your precepts I get understanding;
Therefore I hate every false way.
ן Nun
105 Your word is a lamp to my feet
And a light to my path.
106 I have sworn and confirmed
That I will keep Your righteous judgments.
107 I am afflicted very much;
Revive me, O Lord, according to Your word.
108 Accept, I pray,  the freewill offerings of my mouth, O Lord,
And teach me Your judgments.
109 My life is continually in my hand,
Yet I do not forget Your law.
110 The wicked have laid a snare for me,
Yet I have not strayed from Your precepts.
111 Your testimonies I have taken as a heritage forever,
For they are the rejoicing of my heart.
112 I have inclined my heart to perform Your statutes
Forever, to the very end.
ס Samek
113 I hate the double-minded,
But I love Your law.
114 You are my hiding place and my shield;
I hope in Your word.
115 Depart from me, you evildoers,
For I will keep the commandments of my God!
116 Uphold me according to Your word, that I may live;
And do not let me  be ashamed of my hope.
117 Hold me up, and I shall be safe,
And I shall observe Your statutes continually.
118 You reject all those who stray from Your statutes,
For their deceit is falsehood.
119 You put away all the wicked of the earth  like dross;
Therefore I love Your testimonies.
120 My flesh trembles for fear of You,
And I am afraid of Your judgments.
ע Ayin
121 I have done justice and righteousness;
Do not leave me to my oppressors.
122 Be  surety for Your servant for good;
Do not let the proud oppress me.
123 My eyes fail from  seeking Your salvation
And Your righteous word.
124 Deal with Your servant according to Your mercy,
And teach me Your statutes.
125 I am Your servant;
Give me understanding,
That I may know Your testimonies.
126 It  is time for You to act, O Lord,
For they have regarded Your law as void.
127 Therefore I love Your commandments
More than gold, yes, than fine gold!
128 Therefore all Your precepts concerning all things
I consider to  be right;
I hate every false way.
פ Pe
129 Your testimonies are wonderful;
Therefore my soul keeps them.
130 The entrance of Your words gives light;
It gives understanding to the  simple.
131 I opened my mouth and  panted,
For I longed for Your commandments.
132 Look upon me and be merciful to me,
As Your custom is toward those who love Your name.
133 Direct my steps by Your word,
And  let no iniquity have dominion over me.
134 Redeem me from the oppression of man,
That I may keep Your precepts.
135 Make Your face shine upon Your servant,
And teach me Your statutes.
136 Rivers of water run down from my eyes,
Because men do not keep Your law.
ץ Tsadde
137 Righteous are You, O Lord,
And upright are Your judgments.
138 Your testimonies, which You have commanded,
Are righteous and very faithful.
139 My zeal has consumed me,
Because my enemies have forgotten Your words.
140 Your word is very pure;
Therefore Your servant loves it.
141 I am small and despised,
Yet I do not forget Your precepts.
142 Your righteousness is an everlasting righteousness,
And Your law is  truth.
143 Trouble and anguish have overtaken me,
Yet Your commandments are my delights.
144 The righteousness of Your testimonies is everlasting;
Give me understanding, and I shall live.
ק Qoph
145 I cry out with my whole heart;
Hear me, O Lord!
I will keep Your statutes.
146 I cry out to You;
Save me, and I will keep Your testimonies.
147 I rise before the dawning of the morning,
And cry for help;
I hope in Your word.
148 My eyes are awake through the night watches,
That I may meditate on Your word.
149 Hear my voice according to Your lovingkindness;
O Lord, revive me according to Your justice.
150 They draw near who follow after wickedness;
They are far from Your law.
151 You are  near, O Lord,
And all Your commandments are truth.
152 Concerning Your testimonies,
I have known of old that You have founded them  forever.
ר Resh
153 Consider my affliction and deliver me,
For I do not forget Your law.
154 Plead my cause and redeem me;
Revive me according to Your word.
155 Salvation is far from the wicked,
For they do not seek Your statutes.
156 Great are Your tender mercies, O Lord;
Revive me according to Your judgments.
157 Many are my persecutors and my enemies,
Yet I do not  turn from Your testimonies.
158 I see the treacherous, and  am disgusted,
Because they do not keep Your word.
159 Consider how I love Your precepts;
Revive me, O Lord, according to Your lovingkindness.
160 The entirety of Your word is truth,
And every one of Your righteous judgments endures forever.
שׁ Shin
161 Princes persecute me without a cause,
But my heart stands in awe of Your word.
162 I rejoice at Your word
As one who finds great treasure.
163 I hate and abhor lying,
But I love Your law.
164 Seven times a day I praise You,
Because of Your righteous judgments.
165 Great peace have those who love Your law,
And nothing causes them to stumble.
166 Lord, I hope for Your salvation,
And I do Your commandments.
167 My soul keeps Your testimonies,
And I love them exceedingly.
168 I keep Your precepts and Your testimonies,
For all my ways are before You.
ת Tau
169 Let my cry come before You, O Lord;
Give me understanding according to Your word.
170 Let my supplication come before You;
Deliver me according to Your word.
171 My lips shall utter praise,
For You teach me Your statutes.
172 My tongue shall speak of Your word,
For all Your commandments are righteousness.
173 Let Your hand become my help,
For I have chosen Your precepts.
174 I long for Your salvation, O Lord,
And  Your law is my delight.
175 Let my soul live, and it shall praise You;
And let Your judgments help me.
176 I have gone astray like a lost sheep;
Seek Your servant,
For I do not forget Your commandments.

Thomas Constable Commentary


1. The blessing of obeying God’s Word 119:1-8

The writer rejoiced in the fact that people who obey God’s Word wholeheartedly enjoy His blessing (Psalms 119:1-3). Consequently he wanted to be more consistently obedient himself (Psalms 119:4-6). He promised to be more thankful as he continued to learn more about God’s Word (Psalms 119:7-8).

"The love for God receives expression in doing the will of God."

The anonymous psalmist who wrote this longest psalm sought refuge from his persecutors and found strength by meditating on the Word of God. This psalm, the longest chapter in the Bible, is largely a collection or anthology of prayers and thoughts about God’s Word. C. S. Lewis compared it to a piece of embroidery, done stitch by stitch in the quiet hours for the love of the subject and for the delight in leisurely, disciplined craftsmanship. [Note: Lewis, Reflections on . . ., pp. 58-59.] 

"The author of Psalms 119 exemplifies an attitude toward the Mosaic law which was the ideal for all Israel (cf. also Psalms 19:7-11)." [Note: Chisholm, "A Theology . . .," p. 263.] 

"It [this psalm] describes how the Word enables us to grow in holiness and handle the persecutions and pressures that always accompany an obedient walk of faith." [Note: Wiersbe, The . . . Wisdom . . ., p. 308.] 

This psalm contains a reference to God’s Word in almost every verse (except Psalms 119:84; Psalms 119:90; Psalms 119:121-122; Psalms 119:132). The psalmist used 10 synonyms for the Word of God, each of which conveys a slightly different emphasis.

"Way" and "ways" (Heb. derek) describes the pattern of life God’s revelation marks out. It occurs 13 times in the psalm (Psalms 119:1; Psalms 119:3; Psalms 119:5; Psalms 119:14; Psalms 119:26-27; Psalms 119:29-30; Psalms 119:32-33; Psalms 119:37; Psalms 119:59; Psalms 119:168).

2. The cleansing power of God’s Word 119:9-16

A person can cleanse his or her conduct by obeying the Word of God (Psalms 119:9). The writer testified that he had internalized and delighted in God’s Word to maintain moral purity (Psalms 119:10-14). He made it a practice to think about God’s revelation continually (Psalms 119:15-16).

"The act of ’hiding’ God’s word is not to be limited to the memorization of individual texts or even whole passages but extends to a holistic living in devotion to the Lord (cf. Deuteronomy 6:4-9; Deuteronomy 30:14; Jeremiah 31:33)." [Note: Ibid., p. 740.] 

"Clearly this psalm probes beyond the simplistic formulation of Psalms 1. A life of full obedience is not a conclusion of faith. It is a beginning point and an access to a life filled with many-sided communion with God." [Note: Brueggemann, p. 41.] 

The word "path" (Heb. ’orah) is a synonym for "way." It occurs five times in this psalm (Psalms 119:9; Psalms 119:15; Psalms 119:101; Psalms 119:104; Psalms 119:128).

Another important synonym for God’s law is "word" (Heb. dabar) that I have found 23 times (Psalms 119:9; Psalms 119:16-17; Psalms 119:25; Psalms 119:28; Psalms 119:42-43; Psalms 119:49; Psalms 119:57; Psalms 119:65; Psalms 119:74; Psalms 119:81; Psalms 119:89; Psalms 119:101; Psalms 119:105; Psalms 119:107; Psalms 119:114; Psalms 119:130; Psalms 119:139; Psalms 119:147; Psalms 119:160-161; Psalms 119:169). It is a general term for God’s revelation that proceeds from His mouth.

A poetical synonym for "word" is "saying" (Heb. ’imrah) that the translators have sometimes rendered "promise." It occurs 19 times (Psalms 119:11; Psalms 119:38; Psalms 119:41; Psalms 119:50; Psalms 119:58; Psalms 119:67; Psalms 119:76; Psalms 119:82; Psalms 119:103; Psalms 119:116; Psalms 119:123; Psalms 119:133; Psalms 119:140; Psalms 119:148; Psalms 119:154; Psalms 119:158; Psalms 119:162; Psalms 119:170; Psalms 119:172).

Other responses to God’s Word that the writer mentioned and that occur first in this section are "rejoicing" (Psalms 119:14; Psalms 119:74; Psalms 119:162), "meditating" (Psalms 119:15; Psalms 119:23; Psalms 119:27; Psalms 119:48; Psalms 119:78; Psalms 119:97; Psalms 119:99; Psalms 119:148), and "delighting" (Psalms 119:16; Psalms 119:24; Psalms 119:35; Psalms 119:47; Psalms 119:70; Psalms 119:77; Psalms 119:92; Psalms 119:143; Psalms 119:174).

3. An appreciation for God’s Word 119:17-24

The psalmist’s prayer for God to illuminate his understanding concerning His Word is one that all God’s people need to pray (Psalms 119:17-18). Psalms 119:19-20 reflect the writer’s great appetite for the Word. In contrast to the wicked, whom the psalmist asked God to remove, he delighted in God’s Word (Psalms 119:21-24). The wicked who oppress those who love the Scriptures come into view quite often in this psalm (Psalms 119:23; Psalms 119:53; Psalms 119:61; Psalms 119:69-70; Psalms 119:78; Psalms 119:85-87; Psalms 119:95; Psalms 119:110; Psalms 119:115; Psalms 119:119; Psalms 119:122; Psalms 119:134; Psalms 119:155; Psalms 119:157-158; Psalms 119:161).

One of the writer’s favorite titles for himself in this psalm was God’s "servant" (Psalms 119:17; Psalms 119:23; Psalms 119:38; Psalms 119:49; Psalms 119:65; Psalms 119:76; Psalms 119:84; Psalms 119:124-125; Psalms 119:135; Psalms 119:140; Psalms 119:176).


The most frequently used term is "law" (Heb. torah, lit. teaching) that occurs 25 times (Psalms 119:1; Psalms 119:18; Psalms 119:29; Psalms 119:34; Psalms 119:44; Psalms 119:51; Psalms 119:53; Psalms 119:55; Psalms 119:61; Psalms 119:70; Psalms 119:72; Psalms 119:77; Psalms 119:85; Psalms 119:92; Psalms 119:97; Psalms 119:109; Psalms 119:113; Psalms 119:126; Psalms 119:136; Psalms 119:142; Psalms 119:150; Psalms 119:153; Psalms 119:163; Psalms 119:165; Psalms 119:174). It denotes direction or instruction and usually refers to a body of teaching such as the Pentateuch or the Book of Deuteronomy. Jesus used this term to describe the whole Old Testament (John 10:34).

The word "testimony" (Heb. ’edah) occurs 23 times, all but one time in the plural (Psalms 119:2; Psalms 119:14; Psalms 119:22; Psalms 119:24; Psalms 119:31; Psalms 119:36; Psalms 119:46; Psalms 119:59; Psalms 119:79; Psalms 119:88 [sing.], 95, 99,111, 119, 125, 129, 138, 144, 146, 152, 157, 167, 168). It refers to the ordinances that became God’s standard of conduct. Its particular shade of meaning is the solemnity of what God has spoken as His will. The English translations sometimes have "decrees" for this Hebrew word.

"Precepts" (Heb. piqqudim), a synonym for "injunctions" that occurs only in the psalms in the Old Testament, appears 21 times in this psalm (Psalms 119:4; Psalms 119:15; Psalms 119:27; Psalms 119:40; Psalms 119:45; Psalms 119:56; Psalms 119:63; Psalms 119:69; Psalms 119:78; Psalms 119:87; Psalms 119:93-94; Psalms 119:100; Psalms 119:104; Psalms 119:110; Psalms 119:128; Psalms 119:134; Psalms 119:141; Psalms 119:159; Psalms 119:168; Psalms 119:173). It always occurs in the plural.

Another common synonym in this psalm is "statutes" (Heb. huqqim, lit. things inscribed). It refers to enacted laws. The translators sometimes rendered the Hebrew word "decrees." It occurs 21 times (Psalms 119:5; Psalms 119:8; Psalms 119:12; Psalms 119:23; Psalms 119:26; Psalms 119:33; Psalms 119:48; Psalms 119:54; Psalms 119:64; Psalms 119:68; Psalms 119:71; Psalms 119:80; Psalms 119:83; Psalms 119:112; Psalms 119:117-118; Psalms 119:124; Psalms 119:135; Psalms 119:145; Psalms 119:155; Psalms 119:171).

"Commandments" (Heb. miswah) denotes a definite authoritative command. The writer used this word 22 times in Psalms 119, usually in the plural but once as a collective singular (Psalms 119:6; Psalms 119:10; Psalms 119:19; Psalms 119:21; Psalms 119:32; Psalms 119:35; Psalms 119:47-48; Psalms 119:60; Psalms 119:66; Psalms 119:73; Psalms 119:86; Psalms 119:96 [sing.], 98, 115, 127, 131, 143, 151, 166, 172, 176).

"Judgment" or "ordinance" (Heb. mishpot) refers to a judicial decision that establishes precedent and constitutes binding law. Often the English translators rendered this Hebrew word "laws." It sometimes means God’s acts of judgment on the wicked. In this psalm it occurs 19 times in the plural and four times in the singular (Psalms 119:7; Psalms 119:13; Psalms 119:20; Psalms 119:30; Psalms 119:39; Psalms 119:43; Psalms 119:52; Psalms 119:62; Psalms 119:75; Psalms 119:84 [sing.], 91, 102, 106, 108, 120, 121 [sing.], 132 [sing.], 137, 149 [sing.], 156, 160, 164, 175). In Psalms 119:84 it does not refer to the Word of God, however.

The psalmist also identified many different responses he made to God’s Word. One of these was keeping or obeying it (Psalms 119:4-5; Psalms 119:8; Psalms 119:17; Psalms 119:34; Psalms 119:44; Psalms 119:56-57; Psalms 119:60; Psalms 119:67; Psalms 119:88; Psalms 119:100-101; Psalms 119:129; Psalms 119:134; Psalms 119:136; Psalms 119:145; Psalms 119:158; Psalms 119:167-168).

"This untiring emphasis has led some to accuse the psalmist of worshiping 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 by study but refreshed, informed and nourished by it." [Note: Kidner, Psalms 73-150, p. 419.] 

"The longest psalm in the Psalter, Psalms 119, is well known for its teaching on God’s law. Yet the beauty of this psalm lies, not only in the recitation of devotion to the law, but in the psalmist’s absolute devotion to the Lord." [Note: VanGemeren, p. 736.] 

In all but 14 verses, the psalmist addressed his words to the Lord personally. [Note: Wiersbe, The . . . Wisdom . . ., p. 308.] 

This is one of the alphabetic acrostic psalms (cf. Psalms 111, 112). In each strophe of eight verses, each verse begins with the same letter of the Hebrew alphabet. In Psalms 119:1-8 each line begins with the first Hebrew letter, in Psalms 119:9-16 each line begins with the second Hebrew letter, and so on. In some English versions, the translators have printed or transliterated the Hebrew letter that begins each line in the strophe at the beginning of that strophe.

"Even the literary qualities of the 119th Psalm contribute to the development of its major theme-the Word of God in the child of God." [Note: George J. Zemek Jr., "The Word of God in the Child of God: Psalms 119," Spire 10:2 (1982):8.] 

Psalms 145 is another acrostic psalm. In that psalm the intent of the acrostic structure seems to have been to encourage full praise of God. In this one, the intent seems to have been to encourage full obedience to God. [Note: Brueggemann, p. 39.] 

The genre of the psalm is primarily wisdom, though there are also elements of lament, thanksgiving, praise, and confidence in it.

As you read this psalm, note the consequences of obeying God’s Word that the writer enumerated. These include being unashamed (Psalms 119:6) and giving thanks (Psalms 119:7).

"The basic theme of Psalms 119 is the practical use of the Word of God in the life of the believer." [Note: Wiersbe, The . . . Wisdom . . ., p. 309.] 

"The lesson to be learned above all others is that knowledge and practical application of the Word will keep one from sin and thus enable him to know and serve God appropriately (Psalms 119:9; Psalms 119:11; Psalms 119:92; Psalms 119:98; Psalms 119:105; Psalms 119:130; Psalms 119:133; Psalms 119:176)." [Note: Merrill, "Psalms," p. 466.] 


4. A prayer for greater understanding 119:25-32

The writer felt the need of the refreshment that God’s Word can provide (Psalms 119:25; cf. Psalms 119:37; Psalms 119:40; Psalms 119:50; Psalms 119:93; Psalms 119:107; Psalms 119:149; Psalms 119:154; Psalms 119:156). He then called on the Lord for understanding, strength, and security (Psalms 119:26-29). He promised to obey God when he received greater understanding because he valued the law highly (Psalms 119:30-32).

5. Loyal commitment to God’s Word 119:33-40

The psalmist professed wholehearted loyalty to God’s statutes (Psalms 119:33-35). He asked Yahweh to keep him from covetousness and vanity (Psalms 119:36-37). He wanted God to root the Word deeply in his life (Psalms 119:38-40).

6. God’s Word and salvation 119:41-48

The writer called for God to deliver him by His love and in fulfillment of His promise (Psalms 119:41). This would give him an answer for his adversary (Psalms 119:42). Then he prayed and promised that the Lord’s Word would continue to direct him (Psalms 119:43-46). He said he loved God’s commandments (Psalms 119:47-48). Loving the Word of God is another frequently expressed response to it in this psalm (Psalms 119:47-48; Psalms 119:97; Psalms 119:113; Psalms 119:119; Psalms 119:127; Psalms 119:132; Psalms 119:159; Psalms 119:163; Psalms 119:165; Psalms 119:167).

7. God’s Word as a source of hope 119:49-56

The poet next expressed his hope in God’s Word (Psalms 119:49). He said it renews life (Psalms 119:50). He despised the proud who scorn faith in God and have no use for His law (Psalms 119:51-53; cf. Psalms 119:69; Psalms 119:78; Psalms 119:85). In contrast, he sang and thought about God’s precepts even at night (Psalms 119:54-56).

"Remembering [Psalms 119:49] is not recalling, for God never forgets; it is relating to His people in a special way." [Note: Wiersbe, The . . . Wisdom . . ., p. 317.] 

8. Strong commitment to God’s Word 119:57-64

The psalmist called on God for mercy because God was his chosen portion in life (Psalms 119:57-58). He professed having lived in keeping with what God had commanded (Psalms 119:58-60), even when his enemies intimidated him (Psalms 119:61-62). He had made others his companions, who followed God’s law as he did (Psalms 119:63-64).

9. Confidence in the Word of God 119:65-72

The writer relied on the fact that God would deal with him according to what He had revealed (Psalms 119:65). However, he felt the need for further instruction to prevent him from wandering away from God’s will (Psalms 119:66-68). He would trust in God even though other people slandered Him (Psalms 119:69-70). Affliction had taught him to appreciate God’s statutes more than he had previously done (Psalms 119:71-72).

10. God’s Word as an object of hope 119:73-80

God had fashioned the psalmist, who now called on the Lord to use him to encourage other godly people (Psalms 119:73-74). He needed comfort, and asked God to frustrate the arrogant who opposed him (Psalms 119:75-78). He prayed that other godly people would encourage him, and that he would continue to walk in God’s ways (Psalms 119:79-80).

 

11. The reliability of God’s Word 119:81-88

The poet had almost given up as he waited for God to save him from his enemies, but he found God’s revelation to be a reliable source of strength (Psalms 119:81-82). Feeling similar to a wineskin shriveled up by the smoke of a fire, he asked God how much longer he would have to wait for salvation (Psalms 119:83-86). In spite of severe attacks by his enemies, he had remained true to God’s ways and requested safe keeping (Psalms 119:87-88; cf. Psalms 119:159).

"When the Father allows His children to go into the furnace of affliction, He keeps His eye on the clock and His hand on the thermostat." [Note: Ibid., p. 322.] 

12. The permanence of God’s Word 119:89-96

The permanence of God’s Word is evident in that God has preserved it in heaven and faithfully keeps it secure there (Psalms 119:89-91). Because the writer delighted in this firm Word, he could gain the victory over his affliction (Psalms 119:92-95). Everything else that is good has limitations, but the Word of God is boundless in its value (Psalms 119:96).

In 1542, Martin Luther wrote the words of Psalms 119:92 on his Bible with his own hand. [Note: Ker, p. 148.] At this time much of his reforming work was behind him, and he lived only four more years.

13. The sweetness of God’s Word 119:97-104

The psalmist loved God’s law because it gave him more wisdom than his enemies, his teachers, and the elderly sages who did not have it (Psalms 119:97-100). It had enabled him to maintain his personal purity (Psalms 119:101-102, cf. Psalms 119:9; Psalms 119:104). God’s promises were particularly sweet to him (Psalms 119:103).

"While God’s truth is food for our souls, it is not a ’buffet’ from which we select only the things we like." [Note: Wiersbe, The . . . Wisdom . . ., p. 324.] 

14. The illumination God’s Word provides 119:105-112

God’s revelation is a light that illuminates the path of life, and for this reason the poet determined to follow it (Psalms 119:105-106; cf. Psalms 119:130; Proverbs 6:23). The Scriptures give us the information we need to determine God’s will. The writer had called on God for help while meditating on His Word (Psalms 119:107-110), and he would continue to follow it forever (Psalms 119:111-112).

15. The reverence God’s Word inspires 119:113-120

Double-minded people disregard God’s revelation (Psalms 119:113), but those who value it make God their refuge and defense (Psalms 119:114). The writer wanted evildoers to depart from him so he could keep God’s commandments (Psalms 119:115). He called on the Lord to sustain and deliver him (Psalms 119:116-117), because He would judge those who despised His Word (Psalms 119:118-119). God’s judgments made him tremble because they are sure (Psalms 119:120)

.

16. The vindication of those who keep God’s Word 119:121-128

The first four verses of this pericope are a strong plea for protection from the antagonism of people who do not follow God’s Word (Psalms 119:121-124). The psalmist appealed to God for safety because he had faithfully observed His will (Psalms 119:125-126). He claimed to value God’s laws more highly than gold and to hate every false way (Psalms 119:127-128).

17. The wonder of God’s Word 119:129-136

The testimonies of the Lord are wonderful because they illuminate the understanding of the simple (Psalms 119:129-130). The psalmist felt a great need for them (Psalms 119:131). He asked God to favor him graciously by strengthening him in the Word and by redeeming him from his oppressors (Psalms 119:132-135). The disobedience of his enemies caused him to weep (Psalms 119:136).

18. The righteous character of God’s Word 119:137-144

The righteous God has given us a righteous Word (Psalms 119:137-138). The psalmist had a pure zeal for God’s revelation, even though his enemies looked down on him for his commitment to it (Psalms 119:139-142).

"The world may look upon God’s people as ’small and despised,’ but when you stand on God’s promises, you are a giant." [Note: Ibid., p. 329.] 

The writer found comfort in God’s righteous testimonies when troubles overwhelmed him (Psalms 119:143-144).

19. The truth of God’s Word 119:145-152

The psalmist called on God to deliver him because he promised to keep His commandments (Psalms 119:145-149). He contrasted his condition with that of his enemies (Psalms 119:150). He knew God was near him since His testimonies were true (Psalms 119:151-152).

20. Love for God’s Word 119:153-160

Again the writer prayed for deliverance, appealing to his commitment to God’s law (Psalms 119:153-154). The wicked have little hope of salvation because they disregard God’s Word (Psalms 119:155). However, the psalmist could have hope because He valued it (Psalms 119:156). The righteous have many enemies who despise God’s revelation (Psalms 119:157-158). The poet appealed for personal restoration because he loved the righteous law (Psalms 119:159-160).

21. Joy in God’s Word 119:161-168

The opposition of powerful individuals did not intimidate the writer (Psalms 119:161). He continued to love God’s Word and to find it a ceaseless source of joy, but he hated falsehood (Psalms 119:162-164). Great peace (Heb. shalom, the fullness of God’s blessings) is the portion of those who love God’s law and hope in His salvation (Psalms 119:165-166). Love had motivated the writer to keep the Lord’s commandments and to live openly before God (Psalms 119:167-168).

"The joy, devotion, and benefits of a godly life radiate through this strophe." [Note: VanGemeren, p. 762.] 

22. Salvation in God’s Word 119:169-176

The psalmist called to the Lord again to hear his supplication and to save him (Psalms 119:169-170). He wanted to praise God for His righteous commandments (Psalms 119:171-172). He requested continued life because he loved God’s law (Psalms 119:173-175). Finally, he confessed to wandering away from God, but he asked the Lord to seek him and bring him back to the fold, since he had not abandoned God’s Word.

This great and unique psalm should impress the importance of the Word of God on every reader. Apparently the writer worked his way through the Hebrew alphabet selecting key words that express the various aspects of human life. He then related each one to the Word of God and so showed how it touches every area of life and is essential to all of life. He did not just give us a catalogue of the values of Scripture. Instead he showed us how the Word is relevant and invaluable in all types of situations that the godly face. The frequent references to enemies, affliction, persecution, and adversaries keep us in touch with real life as we read this psalm. In this way, the psalmist illustrated the absolute importance of what God has revealed as an adequate resource and indispensable guide through life. This psalm is not only a record of praise for God’s revelation, but it is also a revelation of the importance of God’s Word (cf. Psalms 138:2, NIV).


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July 27, 2023.