October 16, 2024
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Psalm 119:1-88
Christiana Fubara
Big Book Idea
Thinking and feeling God's way.
Key Verse | Psalm 119: 9, 11
How can a young man keep his way pure?
By guarding it according to your word.
. . .
I have stored up your word in my heart,
that I might not sin against you.
Psalm 119:1-88
Your Word Is a Lamp to My Feet
Aleph
1
1
119:1
This psalm is an acrostic poem of twenty-two stanzas, following the letters of the Hebrew alphabet; within a stanza, each verse begins with the same Hebrew letter
Blessed are those whose way is blameless,
who walk in the law of the LORD!
2
Blessed are those who keep his testimonies,
who seek him with their whole heart,
3
who also do no wrong,
but walk in his ways!
4
You have commanded your precepts
to be kept diligently.
5
Oh that my ways may be steadfast
in keeping your statutes!
6
Then I shall not be put to shame,
having my eyes fixed on all your commandments.
7
I will praise you with an upright heart,
when I learn your righteous rules.
2
119:7
Or your just and righteous decrees; also verses 62, 106, 160, 164
8
I will keep your statutes;
do not utterly forsake me!
Beth
9
How can a young man keep his way pure?
By guarding it according to your word.
10
With my whole heart I seek you;
let me not wander from your commandments!
11
I have stored up your word 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 declare
all the rules
3
119:13
Or all the just decrees
of your mouth.
14
In the way of your testimonies I delight
as much as in all riches.
15
I will meditate on your precepts
and fix my eyes on your ways.
16
I will delight in your statutes;
I will not forget your word.
Gimel
17
Deal bountifully with your servant,
that I may live and keep your word.
18
Open my eyes, that I may behold
wondrous things out of your law.
19
I am a sojourner on the earth;
hide not your commandments from me!
20
My soul is consumed with longing
for your rules
4
119:20
Or your just decrees; also verses 30, 39, 43, 52, 75, 102, 108, 137, 156, 175
at all times.
21
You rebuke the insolent, accursed ones,
who wander from your commandments.
22
Take away from me scorn and contempt,
for I have kept your testimonies.
23
Even though princes sit plotting against me,
your servant will meditate on your statutes.
24
Your testimonies are my delight;
they are my counselors.
Daleth
25
My soul clings to the dust;
give me life according to your word!
26
When I told of my ways, you answered me;
teach me your statutes!
27
Make me understand the way of your precepts,
and I will meditate on your wondrous works.
28
My soul melts away for sorrow;
strengthen me according to your word!
29
Put false ways far from me
and graciously teach me your law!
30
I have chosen the way of faithfulness;
I set your rules before me.
31
I cling to your testimonies, O LORD;
let me not be put to shame!
32
I will run in the way of your commandments
when you enlarge my heart!
5
119:32
Or for you set my heart free
He
33
Teach me, O LORD, the way of your statutes;
and I will keep it to the end.
6
119:33
Or keep it as my reward
34
Give me understanding, that I may keep your law
and observe it with my whole heart.
35
Lead me in the path of your commandments,
for I delight in it.
36
Incline my heart to your testimonies,
and not to selfish gain!
37
Turn my eyes from looking at worthless things;
and give me life in your ways.
38
Confirm to your servant your promise,
that you may be feared.
39
Turn away the reproach that I dread,
for your rules are good.
40
Behold, I long for your precepts;
in your righteousness give me life!
Waw
41
Let your steadfast love come to me, O LORD,
your salvation according to your promise;
42
then shall I have an answer for him who taunts me,
for I trust in your word.
43
And take not the word of truth utterly out of my mouth,
for my hope is in your rules.
44
I will keep your law continually,
forever and ever,
45
and I shall walk in a wide place,
for I have sought your precepts.
46
I will also speak of your testimonies before kings
and shall not be put to shame,
47
for I find my delight in your commandments,
which I love.
48
I will lift up my hands toward your commandments, which I love,
and I will meditate on your statutes.
Zayin
49
Remember your word to your servant,
in which you have made me hope.
50
This is my comfort in my affliction,
that your promise gives me life.
51
The insolent utterly deride me,
but I do not turn away from your law.
52
When I think of your rules from of old,
I take comfort, O LORD.
53
Hot indignation seizes me because of the wicked,
who forsake your law.
54
Your statutes have been my songs
in the house of my sojourning.
55
I remember your name in the night, O LORD,
and keep your law.
56
This blessing has fallen to me,
that I have kept your precepts.
Heth
57
The LORD is my portion;
I promise to keep your words.
58
I entreat your favor with all my heart;
be gracious to me according to your promise.
59
When I think on my ways,
I turn my feet to your testimonies;
60
I hasten and do not delay
to keep your commandments.
61
Though the cords of the wicked ensnare me,
I do not forget your law.
62
At midnight I rise to praise you,
because of your righteous rules.
63
I am a companion of all who fear you,
of those who keep your precepts.
64
The earth, O LORD, is full of your steadfast love;
teach me your statutes!
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 in 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 insolent smear me with lies,
but with my whole heart I keep your precepts;
70
their heart is unfeeling like fat,
but I delight in your law.
71
It is good for me that I was afflicted,
that I might learn your statutes.
72
The law of your mouth is better to me
than thousands of gold and silver pieces.
Yodh
73
Your hands have made and fashioned me;
give me understanding that I may learn your commandments.
74
Those who fear you shall see me and rejoice,
because I have hoped in your word.
75
I know, O LORD, that your rules are righteous,
and that in faithfulness you have afflicted me.
76
Let your steadfast love comfort me
according to your promise to your servant.
77
Let your mercy come to me, that I may live;
for your law is my delight.
78
Let the insolent be put to shame,
because they have wronged me with falsehood;
as for me, I will meditate on your precepts.
79
Let those who fear you turn to me,
that they may know your testimonies.
80
May my heart be blameless in your statutes,
that I may not be put to shame!
Kaph
81
My soul longs for your salvation;
I hope in your word.
82
My eyes long for your promise;
I ask, “When will you comfort me?”
83
For I have become like a wineskin in the smoke,
yet I have not forgotten your statutes.
84
How long must your servant endure?
7
119:84
Hebrew How many are the days of your servant?
When will you judge those who persecute me?
85
The insolent have dug pitfalls for me;
they do not live according to your law.
86
All your commandments are sure;
they persecute me with falsehood; help me!
87
They have almost made an end of me on earth,
but I have not forsaken your precepts.
88
In your steadfast love give me life,
that I may keep the testimonies of your mouth.
Footnotes
[1] 119:1 This psalm is an acrostic poem of twenty-two stanzas, following the letters of the Hebrew alphabet; within a stanza, each verse begins with the same Hebrew letter[2] 119:7 Or your just and righteous decrees; also verses 62, 106, 160, 164
[3] 119:13 Or all the just decrees
[4] 119:20 Or your just decrees; also verses 30, 39, 43, 52, 75, 102, 108, 137, 156, 175
[5] 119:32 Or for you set my heart free
[6] 119:33 Or keep it as my reward
[7] 119:84 Hebrew How many are the days of your servant?
Table of Contents
Introduction to The Psalms
Timeline
Author and Date
Individual psalms come from diverse periods of Israel’s history, but at every stage they served as the songbook of God’s people. David wrote about half of the Psalms. His role as king was more than that of a ruler. He was to represent and even embody the people, and their well-being was tied to his faithfulness. David, then, writes as a representative, and the readers must discern whether the emphasis of a psalm is more on his role as ruler or more on his role as ideal Israelite, in which he is an example for all. The historical occasions mentioned in the psalm titles help the reader see how faith applies to real-life situations.
Key Themes
The Psalter is fundamentally the hymnbook of God’s people. It takes the basic themes of OT theology and turns them into song:
- Monotheism. The one God, Maker and Ruler of all, will vindicate his goodness and justice in his own time. Everyone must know and love this God, whose purity, power, wisdom, faithfulness, and unceasing love are breathtakingly beautiful.
- Creation and fall. Though God made man with dignity and purpose, all people since the fall are beset with sins and weaknesses that only God’s grace can heal.
- Election and covenant. The one true God chose a people for himself and bound himself to them by his covenant. This covenant expressed God’s intention to save his people, and through them to bring light to the world.
- Covenant membership. In his covenant, God offers grace to his people: forgiveness of their sins, the shaping of their lives to reflect his own glory, and a part to play as light to the Gentiles. Each member of God’s people is responsible to believe God’s promises and to grow in obeying his commands. Those who do this enjoy the full benefits of God’s love and find delight in knowing him. The well-being of God’s people as a whole affects the well-being of each member. Each one shares the joys and sorrows of the others. When believers suffer, they should not seek revenge but should pray. They can be confident that God will make all things right in his own time.
- Eschatology. The story of God’s people is headed toward a glorious future, in which all kinds of people will come to know the Lord. The personal faithfulness of God’s people contributes to his ultimate purpose. The Messiah, the ultimate heir of David, will lead his people in the great task of bringing light to the Gentiles.
Types of Psalms
The Psalms can be identified according to some basic categories:
Laments, which lay a troubled situation before the Lord, asking him for help. There are community (Psalm 12) and individual (Psalm 13) laments. This category is the largest by far, including up to a third of all Psalms.
Hymns of praise, which call God’s people to admire his great attributes and deeds. Examples include Psalms 8; 93; and 145.
Hymns of thanksgiving. As with laments, there are community (Psalm 9) and individual (Psalm 30) thanksgiving psalms.
Hymns celebrating God’s law (Psalm 119).
Wisdom psalms (Psalms 1; 37), which reflect themes from the Wisdom Books (Job, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Solomon).
Songs of confidence, which enable worshipers to deepen their trust in God amid difficult circumstances (Psalm 23).
Royal psalms, which present the Davidic monarchy as the vehicle of blessing for God’s people. Some of these are prayers (Psalm 20), some are thanksgivings (Psalm 21). All relate to the Messiah, the ultimate heir of David, either by setting a pattern (Psalms 20–21) or by portraying the king’s reign in such a way that only the Messiah can completely fulfill it (Psalms 2; 72), or by focusing on the future (Psalm 110).
Historical psalms, which take lessons from the history of God’s dealings with his people (Psalm 78).
Prophetic hymns, which echo the Prophets, calling people to covenant faithfulness (Psalm 81).
Structure
The standard Hebrew text divides the Psalms into five “books,” perhaps in imitation of the five books of the Pentateuch.
| Book 1 | Psalms 1–41 | Psalms 1–2 provide an introduction to the Psalms as a whole. Except for Psalms 10 and 33, the remaining psalms of Book 1 are psalms of David. Most of them are prayers of distress. Others are statements of confidence in the God who alone can save (e.g., 9; 11; 16; 18), striking the note that concludes the book (40–41). Reflections on ethics and worship are found in Psalms 1; 14–15; 19; 24; and 26. |
| Book 2 | Psalms 42–72 | Book 2 introduces the first group of psalms by the “sons of Korah” (42; 44–49; 50). There are also more psalms of David (51–65; 68–69), including most of the “historical” psalms (51–52; 54; 56–57; 59–60; 63). Once again, lament and distress dominate these prayers, which now also include a communal voice (e.g., 44; compare 67; 68). The lone psalm attributed to Solomon concludes Book 2 with a look at God’s ideal for Israel’s kings—ultimately pointing to Christ as the final great King of God’s people. |
| Book 3 | Psalms 73–89 | The tone darkens further in Book 3. The opening Psalm 73 starkly questions the justice of God before seeing light in God’s presence. That light has almost escaped the psalmist in Psalm 88, the bleakest of all psalms. Book 2 ended with the high point of royal aspirations; Book 3 concludes in Psalm 89 with these expectations badly threatened. Sharp rays of hope occasionally pierce the darkness (e.g., 75; 85; 87). The brief third book contains most of the psalms of Asaph (73–83), as well as another set of Korah psalms (84–85; 87–88). |
| Book 4 | Psalms 90–106 | Psalm 90 opens the fourth book of the psalms. It may be seen as the first response to the problems raised by Book 3. Psalm 90, attributed to Moses, reminds the worshiper that God was active on Israel’s behalf long before David. This theme is taken up in Psalms 103–106, which summarize God’s dealings with his people before any kings reigned. In between there is a group of psalms (93–100) characterized by the refrain “The LORD reigns.” This truth refutes the doubts of Psalm 89. |
| Book 5 | Psalms 107–150 | The structure of Book 5 reflects the closing petition of Book 4 in 106:47. It declares that God does answer prayer (107) and concludes with five Hallelujah psalms (146–150). In between there are several psalms affirming the validity of the promises to David (110; 132; 144), two collections of Davidic psalms (108–110; 138–145); the longest psalm, celebrating the value of God’s law (119); and 15 psalms of ascent for use by pilgrims to Jerusalem (120–134). |
Fact: What was the main purpose of the Psalms for the people of God?
What was the main purpose of the Psalms for the people of God? The Psalms were the songbook of the people of God when they gathered for worship.
Fact: What is a psalm of lament?
What is a psalm of lament? The main purpose of a psalm of lament is to tell the Lord about a difficult situation, to ask him for his help, and to praise him for helping. Some laments are community, congregational psalms. Others are individual, personal laments. One third of all the Psalms are psalms of lament.
Fact: What defined someone as an “enemy” of the people of Israel?
What defined someone as an “enemy” of the people of Israel? The “enemies” mentioned in the Psalms (e.g., 18:17) were people hostile to the faith of God’s people. Sometimes they expressed their hatred by physically attacking the people of Israel, while other times they merely rejoiced when Israel faced misfortunes.
Fact: Selah
What does Selah mean? Although the word Selah is found 39 times in the book of Psalms, its exact meaning is uncertain. Most scholars believe it is a musical term or a term to be used by a worship leader, possibly to mark a pause.
Fact: Snares
Snares (38:12) were traps used to catch birds and animals. Some snares used ropes or nets that would be triggered as soon as the bait was touched. Pits disguised with sticks and leaves were also used as snares. In the Psalms, snares serve as symbols of danger or death at the hands of the wicked.
Fact: A helpful guide
A helpful guide. The writers of the Psalms understood the importance of constant communication with God. They knew that God would hear their prayers, and they trusted him to act on their behalf. Believers today can benefit greatly by patterning their prayers after specific psalms.
Fact: The longest psalm
Aside from being the longest psalm, Psalm 119 is also the longest and most carefully structured chapter in the Bible. The psalm is an acrostic poem of 22 stanzas, following the 22 letters of the Hebrew alphabet. Within each stanza, each verse begins with the same Hebrew letter.
Fact: Unique verses
Unique verses. Out of the 176 verses in Psalm 119, only seven lack an explicit mention of God’s Word: vv. 84, 90–91, 120, 122, 132, and 149.
Fact: Lamentations
Lamentations contains five poems that mourn the fall of Judah and the sin that caused it. Chapters 1–3 and 4 are acrostic poems. This means that each verse starts with a different letter of the Hebrew alphabet, in alphabetical order. Psalm 119 is another example of an acrostic poem.
Structure of Psalms
The standard Hebrew text divides the Psalms into five “books,” perhaps in imitation of the five books of the Pentateuch.
| Book 1 | Psalms 1–41 | Psalms 1–2 provide an introduction to the Psalms as a whole. Except for Psalms 10 and 33, the remaining psalms of Book 1 are psalms of David. Most of them are prayers of distress. Others are statements of confidence in the God who alone can save (e.g., 9; 11; 16; 18), striking the note that concludes the book (40–41). Reflections on ethics and worship are found in Psalms 1; 14–15; 19; 24; and 26. |
| Book 2 | Psalms 42–72 | Book 2 introduces the first group of psalms by the “sons of Korah” (42; 44–49; 50). There are also more psalms of David (51–65; 68–69), including most of the “historical” psalms (51–52; 54; 56–57; 59–60; 63). Once again, lament and distress dominate these prayers, which now also include a communal voice (e.g., 44; compare 67; 68). The lone psalm attributed to Solomon concludes Book 2 with a look at God’s ideal for Israel’s kings—ultimately pointing to Christ as the final great King of God’s people. |
| Book 3 | Psalms 73–89 | The tone darkens further in Book 3. The opening Psalm 73 starkly questions the justice of God before seeing light in God’s presence. That light has almost escaped the psalmist in Psalm 88, the bleakest of all psalms. Book 2 ended with the high point of royal aspirations; Book 3 concludes in Psalm 89 with these expectations badly threatened. Sharp rays of hope occasionally pierce the darkness (e.g., 75; 85; 87). The brief third book contains most of the psalms of Asaph (73–83), as well as another set of Korah psalms (84–85; 87–88). |
| Book 4 | Psalms 90–106 | Psalm 90 opens the fourth book of the psalms. It may be seen as the first response to the problems raised by Book 3. Psalm 90, attributed to Moses, reminds the worshiper that God was active on Israel’s behalf long before David. This theme is taken up in Psalms 103–106, which summarize God’s dealings with his people before any kings reigned. In between there is a group of psalms (93–100) characterized by the refrain “The LORD reigns.” This truth refutes the doubts of Psalm 89. |
| Book 5 | Psalms 107–150 | The structure of Book 5 reflects the closing petition of Book 4 in 106:47. It declares that God does answer prayer (107) and concludes with five Hallelujah psalms (146–150). In between there are several psalms affirming the validity of the promises to David (110; 132; 144), two collections of Davidic psalms (108–110; 138–145); the longest psalm, celebrating the value of God’s law (119); and 15 psalms of ascent for use by pilgrims to Jerusalem (120–134). |
Terms in Psalm 119 for God’s Covenant Revelation
| English | Hebrew | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| law | torah | instruction |
| testimonies | ‘edot | what God solemnly testifies to be his will |
| precepts | piqqudim | what God has appointed to be done |
| statutes | khuqqim; khuqqot | what the divine Lawgiver has laid down |
| commandments | mitswot | what God has commanded |
| rules | mishpatim | what the divine Judge has ruled to be right |
| word | ’imrah; dabar | what God has spoken |
OT Testimony that All Are under Sin (3:9)
| Romans 3 | OT Reference |
|---|---|
| Sinful Condition | |
| v. 10, none is righteous | Ps. 14:3/53:3; Eccles. 7:20 |
| v. 11a, no one understands | Ps. 14:2/53:2 |
| v. 11b, no one seeks for God | Ps. 14:2/53:2 |
| v. 12, all have turned aside; together they have become worthless; no one does good, not even one | Ps. 14:3/53:3 |
| Sinful Speech (note progression from throat to tongue to lips) | |
| v. 13a, b, their throat is an open grave; they use their tongues to deceive | Ps. 5:10, Septuagint (English, 5:9) |
| v. 13c, the venom of asps is under their lips | Ps. 140:3 |
| v. 14, their mouth is full of curses and bitterness | Ps. 10:7 |
| Sinful Action | |
| v. 15, their feet are swift to shed blood | Prov. 1:16/Isa. 59:7 |
| v. 16, in their paths are ruin and misery | Isa. 59:7 |
| v. 17, and the way of peace they have not known | Isa. 59:8 |
| Summary Statement | |
| v. 18, there is no fear of God before their eyes | Ps. 36:1 |
Ps. 119:2 seek. See vv. 10, 45, 94, 155. with their whole heart. See v. 10 and Deut. 4:29.
Ps. 119:5 The goal of the whole psalm is that each member of the congregation would share in this desire.
Ps. 119:18 Open my eyes. Give me insight beyond my abilities. wondrous things out of your law. Probably the great deeds recorded there and what they reveal of God himself (see v. 27; Ex. 3:20; Josh. 3:5; Ps. 78:32; 145:5).
Ps. 119:21 insolent, accursed ones. In the psalm, these are Israelites who reject the covenant, who wander from God’s commandments. See vv. 51, 69, 78, 85, 122; 86:14.
Ps. 119:23 princes. In this psalm, these are rulers among God’s people. They might use their power to control the faithful. See vv. 84, 86–87, 121–122, 134, 150, 157, 161.
Ps. 119:32 enlarge my heart. Or “make my heart broad.” See 1 Kings 4:29, where “breadth of heart or mind” is an expanded ability to understand God’s truth.
Ps. 119:36 Incline my heart. As in v. 5, the singer knows that God must supply the deepest motivation; see v. 112; also 141:4; 1 Kings 8:58.
Ps. 119:41 steadfast love. A recurring theme of the psalm (vv. 64, 76, 88, 124, 149, 159). It is the genuine experience of God’s grace and mercy that inspires the faithful to seek his moral guidance (see notes on 25:6–7; 25:8–11). salvation. See note on 3:2.
Ps. 119:57 my portion. See note on 16:5–6.
Ps. 119:59–60 When I think on my ways. The believer considers his own character and conduct, in order to bring them into greater obedience to God’s commandments.
Ps. 119:76–77 steadfast love . . . mercy. See Ex. 34:6.
Ps. 119:83 like a wineskin in the smoke. An unused wineskin, hanging in the rafters, becomes shriveled by the smoke. It is an image of one’s health “drying up.”
S3:204 Psalm 119:1-88
Listen NowDive Deeper | Psalm 119:1-88
I picked this psalm about God's Word because, in this season of raising young children, I have found prioritizing meditation on and memorization of God's Word more difficult for me than ever before despite my awareness of my deep need for it.
What I love about this psalm is that it tells us both why God's Word is important and how we are to engage with it. God's Word leads us to Him. We must remember that knowing, loving, and obeying God is the goal. As Psalm 119:9 and 11 remind us, obedience from a pure heart begins with God's Word. This psalm gives us five categories of engaging with God's Word to help us know, love, and obey Him. We are to: 1) know, 2) delight in, 3) do, 4) benefit from, and 5) share God's Word.
According to this psalm, to truly know God's Word includes fixing our eyes on it, learning it, storing it up (memorizing it), understanding it, clinging to it, seeking it, thinking on it, and remembering it. As we know God's Word more deeply, we delight in it. We delight in God's Word through meditating on it, beholding wondrous things from it, longing for it, inclining our hearts to it, believing it is good, praising God for it, and ascribing it value. Once we know and delight in God's Word, we are to do God's Word. Doing it includes observing it, walking in it, keeping it with our whole hearts, and following it fully. As we do God's Word, we benefit from God's Word, including being blessed by it, receiving life from it, receiving strength from it, trusting in it, hoping in it, and being comforted by it. And finally, the benefits we receive from God's Word remind us to share it with others as we declare it, speak of it, and are unashamed of it.
My hope and prayer for you today is that this psalm encourages you, as it did me, to love God more through knowing, delighting in, doing, benefiting from, and sharing God's Word!
This month's memory verse
Whoever walks in integrity walks securely,
but he who makes his ways crooked will be found out.
– Proverbs 10:9
Discussion Questions
1. Which of these five categories of engaging with God's Word (knowing it, delighting in it, doing it, benefiting from it, and sharing it) do you find the easiest? Which do you find the most difficult? Why?
2. God gives us His Word because He loves us and desires for us to know Him. What practices do you have (or could you develop) that help you to engage with God's Word in a way that causes you to know, love, and obey God more?
3. How have you seen God's Word help you to flee from sin and honor God?
4. If you are in a busy season of life right now, how can you prioritize God's Word in the midst of that busyness? If you are in a slower season, how can you prioritize God's Word to help prepare you for seasons when there are more demands on your time?
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