INTRODUCTION TO PSALM 119
Psalm 119 is the longest psalm (and chapter) in the Bible. It's all about the word of God and the character of God. The author repeatedly uses 8 Hebrew words translated into English in the NIV as follows, with their definitions:
Law: instruction
Laws: what the Judge rules to be right
Statute: what God testifies is his will
Precept: what God appoints to be done
Decree: what the Lawgiver lays down
Command: what God commands
Word: what God speaks
Promise: what God will faithfully bring to pass
Psalm 119 is an acrostic poem and prayer. The psalm has 8 verses all beginning with the same letter, through the 22 letters of the Hebrew alphabet (like going from A to Z in English). For example, the first 8 verses would all begin with the letter A and the last 8 verses with the letter Z. Try to praise God for his word or character with every English letter: All your words are true…Zeal for your promises delights me. It's a powerful way to prayerfully meditate on God and his word.
(1-8) Psalm 119 begins, like Psalm 1, speaking of who is blessed. They are blameless and walk according to the LORD's law. They keep his statutes (what God testifies is his will) and seek him with all their heart. They avoid doing wrong, but rather follow God's ways. The LORD has laid down precepts (covenant regulations) to be fully obeyed. See the psalmist's prayer (5)! He wants to live unashamed, praising and obeying God with an upright heart.
(9-16) How can anyone live a pure life in this chaotic, sin sick world? By living according to God's word. Seek God with all your heart (2,10). Hide his word in your heart. Praise God. Learn his decrees. Recite God's word. Rejoice in pursuing truth as great riches. Meditate on, delight in, and don't neglect God's word. Those who do these things are indeed blessed.
Application: Father, thank you for your holy word. May I seek you with all my heart, and may I rejoice and delight in your life-giving words, as if I won a lottery. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
One Word: Seek God wholeheartedly; delight in his precious word