Due to its length, I’ll be breaking this psalm out over four days (it’s the longest chapter in the Bible at 176 verses).
First, an overview. It contains an acrostic style different from some of the other psalms we’ve looked at. Those acrostic psalms had 22 lines, each starting with a letter of the Hebrew alphabet – this psalm has 22 sections of 8 verses each, and each of those sections starts with a different Hebrew letter. Scholars can’t seem to agree on who wrote or compiled this psalm, however, they do agree the “Word of God” is mentioned in at least 171 out of the 176 verses (some say 175/176), which means this psalm glorifies God in nearly every verse. How amazing is that?
Just a suggestion: on average, there are roughly 22 “working days” in a month – how about reading one of these sections every day before “work” (or whatever your day-to-day activity is)? You’d be praying Psalm 119 once per month – wouldn’t that be a good way to start the day?
“Blessed are those who keep his testimonies, who seek him with their whole heart, who also do no wrong, but walk in his ways! With my whole heart I seek you; let me not wander from your commandments! I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you. You rebuke the insolent, accursed ones, who wander from your commandments. Take away from me scorn and contempt, for I have kept your testimonies. My soul melts away for sorrow; strengthen me according to your word! Put false ways far from me and graciously teach me your law! Teach me, O Lord, the way of your statutes; and I will keep it to the end. Turn my eyes from looking at worthless things; and give me life in your ways.(v2-3,10-11,21-22,28-29,33,37)
There are ten verses, two from each of the first five sections – every single verse mentions “God’s Word” (parallel terms are also used: testimonies, ways, commandments, laws, and statutes).
I believe the Psalmist(s) truly wants us to walk according to God’s Word. If we look at people, at any point in history, would they not have been better off if they obeyed God? Right from the very beginning, Adam and Eve (and the entire human race) would have been better off if we had obeyed God’s commands.
Though it’s impossible for us to do this on our own strength, this psalm does offer us hope: “teach me, O Lord,” “put false ways far from me,” “turn my eyes from worthless things”, “let me not wander,” etc. The hope is that God will help us remain on the right path, if we partner with Him, and earnestly seek His aid with our whole heart.
Father God, please teach us, O Lord. Help us to keep Your testimonies and walk in Your ways. Let us not wander from Your commandments and strengthen us according to Your Word. Please put false ways and worthless things far from us and give us life in Your ways. Please help us to do no wrong as we seek You with our whole heart. Amen.
~ Conqueror in Training