BIBLE STUDIES ARCHIVE

Psalm 119, Part One

This begins a series of studies on Psalm 119, a wonderful Psalm filled with powerful truths. It is the longest Psalm in the Bible. We will use the Complete Jewish Bible for the translation. This month, we will explore the first three sections, marked in most Bibles by “Aleph”, “Bet,” and “Gimel.” These are the first three letters in the Hebrew alphabet. This is an important Psalm for followers of Christ to read, study and absorb. The law has been written upon our hearts and the spirit of the law brings life: “For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death.” Rom. 8:2.

Aleph

“How happy are those whose way of life is blameless, who live by the Torah of Adonai! How happy are those who observe his instruction, who seek him wholeheartedly! They do nothing wrong but live by his ways. You laid down your precepts for us to observe with care. May my ways be steady in observing your laws. Then I will not be put to shame, since I will have fixed my sight on all your mitzvot. I thank you with a sincere heart as I learn your righteous rulings. I will observe your laws; don’t completely abandon me!

The reader will notice that the words “blessed” and “happy” are interchangeable. It is also noteworthy the use of the word “Torah” as more expansive (as it covers the first five books of Scripture) and can refer to “teachings” of Adonai. This is broader than the rather constricted interpretation of the word “laws.” The first verse also speaks of the one who is blameless. That does not mean one who is without sin, for there was only one who was without sin – Jesus Christ. Blameless refers to integrity and sincerity of heart to the Lord. Rather than the word commandment(s), this version uses the Hebrew word mitzvot.

The first verse gives us some insights: we recognize that Jesus Christ is the Way, according to John’s gospel. He is also known as the Word, found in the same gospel. The Torah is the written word; Jesus is the Living Word. The Living Word came to teach, proclaim, and demonstrate the spiritual reality of the written word – the Torah.

Throughout the Bible we will find commandments, instructions, and precepts or truths from the Lord. They are designed for our benefit. As we read, meditate, and obey the Lord’s teachings, we are thankful, happy, blessed! Note how the writer ends this section: don’t completely abandon me! Over and over again in this Psalm (and others) we find one of the keys to a successful Christian life: getting back up again after we’ve fallen down. As humans, we will all make mistakes and fall short. The key is a repentant heart and ability to return to the Lord our God.

Bet

How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to your word. I seek you with all my heart; don’t let me stray from your mitzvot. I treasure your word in my heart, so that I won’t sin against you. Blessed are you, Adonai! Teach me your laws. I proclaim with my mouth all the rulings you have spoken. I rejoice in the way of your instruction more than in any kind of wealth. I will meditate on your precepts and keep my eyes on your ways. I will find my delight in your regulations. I will not forget your word.This next section provides us with some wonderful prayers! Father, guard my way according to your word, so that I am kept pure. Father, do not let me stray from your commandments. Father, teach me your laws. There is also a powerful statement: “I treasure your word in my heart, so that I won’t sin against you.” Its one thing to read the word, another thing altogether to have God’s word hidden away and treasured in our hearts and minds.

We also find a statement reminiscent of Solomon, who did not ask for riches, but for wisdom. The writer rejoices in God’s instructions more than in wealth. The writer indicates a promise to ”proclaim with my mouth all the rulings you have spoken.” This means more than reading and meditating on the word, and asking the Holy Spirit to reveal truth to us. It means sharing it! It implies talking with others about the marvelous things the Lord has done for us, sharing our testimonies, and “proclaiming the praises of Him who called us out of darkness into His marvelous light.” 1 Peter 2:9.

Gimel

Deal generously with your servant; then I will live and observe your word. Open my eyes, so that I will see wonders from your Torah. Though I’m just a wanderer on the earth, don’t hide your mitzvot from me. I am continually consumed with longing for your rulings. You rebuke the proud, the cursed, who stray from your mitzvot. Remove scorn and contempt from me, because I observe your instruction. Even when princes sit and plot against me, your servant meditates on your laws. Also your instructions are my delight; they are my counselors.

Again we find a common prayer in “open my eyes, so that I will see wonders from your Torah.” That is followed by, “remove scorn and contempt from me.” The writer identifies himself as a servant and a wanderer (or strangers, sojourners). Both are important. We should identify with being the Lord’s servant, desiring to serve Him as He instructs. The Lord has gifted each person and given us a calling and purpose. We are His servants when we find out the call, the gifting, and the service He wants us to provide.

Yet, we are wanderers in this temporary place. Phil. 3:20 states: “For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ…” The closer we draw the Lord and the more we soak in His word, the more effective we will be in advancing the kingdom. This section also describes the evil plots devised against the writer, who remains faithful in focusing upon the Lord and the instructions He has given. We find that the instructions and guidance of the Lord are great delight and act as wise counsel, especially in times of difficulty and adversity.