Previously on Bible Book Club
Psalm 107 opened Book 5 of the Psalms with the line the blog post was named for: “His love endures forever.” And that phrase carries through to the end of the episode. In Psalms 113-118, we discussed the Egyptian Hallel, a specific set of six Psalms that praise God for leading Israel out of Egypt. These are songs sung annually at Passover, and Jesus likely sang them at the Last Supper right before he died on the cross. Right before he fulfilled the prophecy in Psalm 118 that the stone the builders rejected would become the cornerstone.
Psalm 119 Introduction
Psalm 119 is unique in many ways. First, it has a unique structure as a very long alphabetical acrostic. Not only is it the longest Psalm with 176 verses, but it is also the longest chapter in the entire Bible in both number of verses and word count. The 176 verses are divided into 22 stanzas of eight verses each. Each stanza of eight corresponds to one of the 22 letters of the Hebrew Alphabet, and each of the eight verses in a stanza begins with that letter.
Why is Psalm 119 formatted as a Hebrew alphabet acrostic?
Whoever wrote Psalm 119 deeply appreciated symmetry and order. Psalm 119 is an ode to God’s Word, praising how it guides and sustains us. The theme is unique and repetitive. This author also had a deep love for God’s Word, and he wants to make sure we develop that same appreciation.
What are the 8 different words used for God’s Word in Psalm 119?
The Word of God is mentioned in different ways in almost every verse of the 176 verses. The author uses different words to describe God’s Word, and those are translated for us as:
- The word, of course
- Law
- And Laws
- Commands
- Statutes
- Decrees
- Precepts
- Promise
Of all the psalms in Book 5, this one best exemplifies the overall book theme of praise and the Word. In both terminology and theme, this psalm reflects the Book of Deuteronomy.
Fun Fact: The name “Deuteronomy” originated from a minor ancient translation choice. In Deuteronomy 17:18, Moses told future kings to write a “copy of this law.” When translated into Greek, “copy of the law” was rendered as Deuteronomion, or literally “second law,” which became the book’s title.
Why is Deuteronomy called the “second law” in Bible history?
The book of Deuteronomy is considered the “second law” because of why and when it was given, rather than being an entirely new set of rules.
- The “First Law” is Exodus, Leviticus, and Numbers: God originally gave the first Law (including the Ten Commandments) to Moses at Mount Sinai shortly after the Israelites escaped Egypt.
- The “Second Law” is Deuteronomy: 40 years later, after the original Exodus generation died during their wilderness wanderings, Moses stood with the new generation of Israelites on the edge of the Promised Land.
Deuteronomy records a series of final speeches by Moses where he restates, expands, and updates the original Law specifically for this new generation as they prepare to build a nation. It is not a replacement of the covenant given to Moses. It is a covenant renewal with one notable difference: Deuteronomy emphasizes love and obedience from the heart and not just as ritual rules. The emphasis can be found in the Shema:
Deuteronomy 6:5 5 Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.
In the Circumcision of the Heart (Deuteronomy 30:6), Moses calls for internal heart devotion over mere outward physical ritual.
Deuteronomy 30:6 6 The Lord your God will circumcise your hearts and the hearts of your descendants, so that you may love him with all your heart and with all your soul, and live.
I point all this out because, if you were with us when we did our Deuteronomy Bible study, you will recall that our summary for the book was:
Deuteronomy is the story of Moses’ final words to encourage the next generation to be faithful to God.
Deuteronomy is about faithfulness motivated by love, and this Psalm is a song for just that purpose. This unnamed psalmist loves God’s Word. His passion for the Word is an example to us. For 176 lines, he asks God to help him keep his Word. He praises God for his Word and chastises anyone who doesn’t.
Psalm 119:1-8, Aleph: Blessed and Blameless
Psalm 119:1-8
1 Blessed are those whose ways are blameless,
who walk according to the law of the Lord.
2 Blessed are those who keep his statutes
7 I will praise you with an upright heart
This psalm opens with the same sentiment as Psalm 1.
who does not walk in step with the wicked
2 but whose delight is in the law of the Lord,
and who meditates on his law day and night.
One day, when we are done with all the books of the Bible, we might just have to go back and do some word studies. Because there is so much wisdom to be gained by looking at phrases like “blessed are those” or “blessed is the one.” That will be your homework; Google or AI it. I found 22 verses in the Bible that address who is blessed. Reading them is a lesson in and of itself.
In this psalm and Psalm 1, the psalmists are calling the one blessed who walks according to the Law, seeks God with all their heart, and does no wrong. Could the same be true for us today? Jesus seemed to think so in Luke 11.
Luke 11:27-28 27 As Jesus was saying these things, a woman in the crowd called out, “Blessed is the mother who gave you birth and nursed you.”
28 He replied, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it.”
There is a blessing in hearing the Word of God, the Bible, and obeying it. That is why we read every word. So you can hear it. And it is our hope that we learn to love and obey it, and that we are blessed!
Psalm 119:9-16, Beth: I Have Hidden Your Word in My Heart
The second letter of the Hebrew alphabet is beth, or bet. Fun Fact: combining the names of the first two Hebrew letters, Aleph + Bet, is where the term “Aleph-Bet” comes from, which is the Hebrew word for “alphabet.” It is also the origin of the ancient Phoenician and Greek letters Alpha (α) and Beta (β), which gave us the English word alphabet.
Psalm 119:9-16
9 How can a young person stay on the path of purity?
How can a young person keep their way pure according to Psalm 119:9?
In this stanza, the author opens with a great question. How can one stay on the right path? He answers: By living according to your word. And as James tells us in the New Testament, that means doing what it says.
James 1:22-25 22 Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. 23 Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror 24 and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. 25 But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do.
Just do it. That is how we stay on the path to purity. By doing what the Word says. And here again, as in the Psalm, we are told we will be blessed in what we do. Those are the first two stanzas for the first two letters of the Hebrew alphabet. With 20 letters to go, we will cover them in groups.
Psalm 119:17-80, Gimel to Yodh: Open My Eyes That I May See
Psalm 119:17-80
17 Be good to your servant while I live,
that I may obey your word.
18 Open my eyes that I may see
wonderful things in your law.
19 I am a stranger on earth;
for your laws at all times.
21 You rebuke the arrogant, who are accursed,
those who stray from your commands.
22 Remove from me their scorn and contempt,
for I keep your statutes.
23 Though rulers sit together and slander me,
your servant will meditate on your decrees.
24 Your statutes are my delight;
they are my counselors.
ד Daleth
25 I am laid low in the dust;
preserve my life according to your word.
26 I gave an account of my ways and you answered me;
teach me your decrees.
27 Cause me to understand the way of your precepts,
that I may meditate on your wonderful deeds.28 My soul is weary with sorrow;
strengthen me according to your word.
29 Keep me from deceitful ways;
be gracious to me and teach me your law.
30 I have chosen the way of faithfulness;
I have set my heart on your laws.
31 I hold fast to your statutes, Lord;
do not let me be put to shame.
32 I run in the path of your commands,
for you have broadened my understanding.
ה He
33 Teach me, Lord, the way of your decrees,
that I may follow it to the end.
34 Give me understanding, so that I may keep your law
and obey it with all my heart.
35 Direct me in the path of your commands,
for there I find delight.
36 Turn my heart toward your statutes
and not toward selfish gain.
37 Turn my eyes away from worthless things;
preserve my life according to your word.
38 Fulfill your promise to your servant,
so that you may be feared.
39 Take away the disgrace I dread,
for your laws are good.
40 How I long for your precepts!
In your righteousness preserve my life.
ו Waw
41 May your unfailing love come to me, Lord,
your salvation, according to your promise;
42 then I can answer anyone who taunts me,
for I trust in your word.
43 Never take your word of truth from my mouth,
for I have put my hope in your laws.
44 I will always obey your law,
for ever and ever.
45 I will walk about in freedom,
for I have sought out your precepts.
46 I will speak of your statutes before kings
and will not be put to shame,
47 for I delight in your commands
because I love them.
48 I reach out for your commands, which I love,
that I may meditate on your decrees.
ז Zayin
49 Remember your word to your servant,
for you have given me hope.
50 My comfort in my suffering is this:
Your promise preserves my life.
51 The arrogant mock me unmercifully,
but I do not turn from your law.
52 I remember, Lord, your ancient laws,
and I find comfort in them.
53 Indignation grips me because of the wicked,
who have forsaken your law.
54 Your decrees are the theme of my song
wherever I lodge.
55 In the night, Lord, I remember your name,
that I may keep your law.
56 This has been my practice:
I obey your precepts.
ח Heth
57 You are my portion, Lord;
I have promised to obey your words.
58 I have sought your face with all my heart;
be gracious to me according to your promise.
59 I have considered my ways
and have turned my steps to your statutes.
60 I will hasten and not delay
to obey your commands.
61 Though the wicked bind me with ropes,
I will not forget your law.
62 At midnight I rise to give you thanks
for your righteous laws.
63 I am a friend to all who fear you,
to all who follow your precepts.
64 The earth is filled with your love, Lord;
teach me your decrees.
ט Teth
65 Do good to your servant
according to your word, Lord.
66 Teach me knowledge and good judgment,
for I trust your commands.
67 Before I was afflicted I went astray,
but now I obey your word.
68 You are good, and what you do is good;
teach me your decrees.
69 Though the arrogant have smeared me with lies,
I keep your precepts with all my heart.
70 Their hearts are callous and unfeeling,
but I delight in your law.
71 It was good for me to be afflicted
so that I might learn your decrees.
72 The law from your mouth is more precious to me
than thousands of pieces of silver and gold.
י Yodh
73 Your hands made me and formed me;
give me understanding to learn your commands.
74 May those who fear you rejoice when they see me,
for I have put my hope in your word.
75 I know, Lord, that your laws are righteous,
and that in faithfulness you have afflicted me.
76 May your unfailing love be my comfort,
according to your promise to your servant.
77 Let your compassion come to me that I may live,
for your law is my delight.
78 May the arrogant be put to shame for wronging me without cause;
but I will meditate on your precepts.
79 May those who fear you turn to me,
those who understand your statutes.
80 May I wholeheartedly follow your decrees,
that I may not be put to shame.
What does the psalmist desire?
The psalmist has a deep-seated desire to see or understand, and he begs multiple times for God to give it to him. He wants an understanding of:
- The wondrous things in God’s law: verse 18
- The ways of God’s precepts: verse 27
- God’s commandments: verse 73
- Wholehearted obedience: verse 34
- Protection from deceitful ways: verses 29, 80
- Hope and joy in suffering: verses 71-74
Psalm 119:81-104, Kaph to Mem: How Sweet Are Your Words, Sweeter Than Honey
Psalm 119:81-104
81 My soul faints with longing for your salvation,
but I have put my hope in your word.
82 My eyes fail, looking for your promise;
I say, “When will you comfort me?”
83 Though I am like a wineskin in the smoke,
I do not forget your decrees.
84 How long must your servant wait?
When will you punish my persecutors?
85 The arrogant dig pits to trap me,
contrary to your law.
86 All your commands are trustworthy;
help me, for I am being persecuted without cause.
87 They almost wiped me from the earth,
but I have not forsaken your precepts.
88 In your unfailing love preserve my life,
that I may obey the statutes of your mouth.
ל Lamedh
89 Your word, Lord, is eternal;
it stands firm in the heavens.
90 Your faithfulness continues through all generations;
you established the earth, and it endures.
91 Your laws endure to this day,
for all things serve you.
92 If your law had not been my delight,
I would have perished in my affliction.
93 I will never forget your precepts,
for by them you have preserved my life.
94 Save me, for I am yours;
I have sought out your precepts.
95 The wicked are waiting to destroy me,
but I will ponder your statutes.
96 To all perfection I see a limit,
but your commands are boundless.
מ Mem
97 Oh, how I love your law!
I meditate on it all day long.
98 Your commands are always with me
and make me wiser than my enemies.
99 I have more insight than all my teachers,
for I meditate on your statutes.
100 I have more understanding than the elders,
for I obey your precepts.
101 I have kept my feet from every evil path
so that I might obey your word.
102 I have not departed from your laws,
for you yourself have taught me.
103 How sweet are your words to my taste,
sweeter than honey to my mouth!
104 I gain understanding from your precepts;
therefore I hate every wrong path.
How does the sentiment change from Kaph to Mem?
These three stanzas start in desperation. The psalmist’s soul is faint with longing for salvation.
Then he remembers that God’s word is eternal. God’s faithfulness continues through all generations. He still begs “save me,” but he has hope, and that hope lies in God’s commands. The last stanza lands on joy in that hope.
Psalm 119:97 97 Oh, how I love your law!
I meditate on it all day long.Psalm 119:103 103 How sweet are your words to my taste,
sweeter than honey to my mouth!
Psalm 119:105-136, Nun to Pe: Your Word Is a Lamp for My Feet
Psalm 119:105-136
105 Your word is a lamp for my feet,
a light on my path.
106 I have taken an oath and confirmed it,
that I will follow your righteous laws.
107 I have suffered much;
preserve my life, Lord, according to your word.
108 Accept, Lord, the willing praise of my mouth,
and teach me your laws.
109 Though I constantly take my life in my hands,
I will not forget your law.
110 The wicked have set a snare for me,
but I have not strayed from your precepts.
111 Your statutes are my heritage forever;
they are the joy of my heart.
112 My heart is set on keeping your decrees
to the very end.
ס Samekh
113 I hate double-minded people,
but I love your law.
114 You are my refuge and my shield;
I have put my hope in your word.
115 Away from me, you evildoers,
that I may keep the commands of my God!
116 Sustain me, my God, according to your promise, and I will live;
do not let my hopes be dashed.
117 Uphold me, and I will be delivered;
I will always have regard for your decrees.
118 You reject all who stray from your decrees,
for their delusions come to nothing.
119 All the wicked of the earth you discard like dross;
therefore I love your statutes.
120 My flesh trembles in fear of you;
I stand in awe of your laws.
ע Ayin
121 I have done what is righteous and just;
do not leave me to my oppressors.
122 Ensure your servant’s well-being;
do not let the arrogant oppress me.
123 My eyes fail, looking for your salvation,
looking for your righteous promise.
124 Deal with your servant according to your love
and teach me your decrees.
125 I am your servant; give me discernment
that I may understand your statutes.
126 It is time for you to act, Lord;
your law is being broken.
127 Because I love your commands
more than gold, more than pure gold,
128 and because I consider all your precepts right,
I hate every wrong path.
פ Pe
129 Your statutes are wonderful;
therefore I obey them.
130 The unfolding of your words gives light;
it gives understanding to the simple.
131 I open my mouth and pant,
longing for your commands.
132 Turn to me and have mercy on me,
as you always do to those who love your name.
133 Direct my footsteps according to your word;
let no sin rule over me.
134 Redeem me from human oppression,
that I may obey your precepts.
135 Make your face shine on your servant
and teach me your decrees.
136 Streams of tears flow from my eyes,
for your law is not obeyed.
What is the meaning of “your Word is a lamp unto my feet” in Psalm 119:105?
This group of stanzas opens with the psalmist navigating darkness with the light of the lamp of God to guide him. However, in the next stanza, he complains that the wicked have set a snare for him. From there, it goes downhill until he begs God to turn to him and have mercy on him.
In the last stanza, he is weeping for others who are still in the dark and have not obeyed. The first phrase, though, is the famous one. It is a comfort to many and the focus of Amy Grant’s and Michael W. Smith’s psalm from Psalm 119, which came out in 1984: Thy Word is a Lamp Unto My Feet. We have added it to the Psalms Playlist.
Psalm 119:137-176, Tsadhe to Taw: I Have Strayed Like a Lost Sheep
Psalm 119:137-176
צ Tsadhe
137 You are righteous, Lord,
and your laws are right.
138 The statutes you have laid down are righteous;
they are fully trustworthy.
139 My zeal wears me out,
for my enemies ignore your words.
140 Your promises have been thoroughly tested,
and your servant loves them.
141 Though I am lowly and despised,
I do not forget your precepts.
142 Your righteousness is everlasting
and your law is true.
143 Trouble and distress have come upon me,
but your commands give me delight.
144 Your statutes are always righteous;
give me understanding that I may live.
ק Qoph
145 I call with all my heart; answer me, Lord,
and I will obey your decrees.
146 I call out to you; save me
and I will keep your statutes.
147 I rise before dawn and cry for help;
I have put my hope in your word.
148 My eyes stay open through the watches of the night,
that I may meditate on your promises.
149 Hear my voice in accordance with your love;
preserve my life, Lord, according to your laws.
150 Those who devise wicked schemes are near,
but they are far from your law.
151 Yet you are near, Lord,
and all your commands are true.
152 Long ago I learned from your statutes
that you established them to last forever.
ר Resh
153 Look on my suffering and deliver me,
for I have not forgotten your law.
154 Defend my cause and redeem me;
preserve my life according to your promise.
155 Salvation is far from the wicked,
for they do not seek out your decrees.
156 Your compassion, Lord, is great;
preserve my life according to your laws.
157 Many are the foes who persecute me,
but I have not turned from your statutes.
158 I look on the faithless with loathing,
for they do not obey your word.
159 See how I love your precepts;
preserve my life, Lord, in accordance with your love.
160 All your words are true;
all your righteous laws are eternal.
ש Sin and Shin
161 Rulers persecute me without cause,
but my heart trembles at your word.
162 I rejoice in your promise
like one who finds great spoil.
163 I hate and detest falsehood
but I love your law.
164 Seven times a day I praise you
for your righteous laws.
165 Great peace have those who love your law,
and nothing can make them stumble.
166 I wait for your salvation, Lord,
and I follow your commands.
167 I obey your statutes,
for I love them greatly.
168 I obey your precepts and your statutes,
for all my ways are known to you.
ת Taw
169 May my cry come before you, Lord;
give me understanding according to your word.
170 May my supplication come before you;
deliver me according to your promise.
171 May my lips overflow with praise,
for you teach me your decrees.
172 May my tongue sing of your word,
for all your commands are righteous.
173 May your hand be ready to help me,
for I have chosen your precepts.
174 I long for your salvation, Lord,
and your law gives me delight.
175 Let me live that I may praise you,
and may your laws sustain me.
176 I have strayed like a lost sheep.
Seek your servant,
for I have not forgotten your commands.
The Sentiment of These Stanzas
In the first four stanzas of this section, the psalmist is surrounded by enemies who have no love for truth or the commands that he delights in. He cries for help all night till morning, all the while meditating on God’s promises. Despite the constant attack, he refuses to give in to fear. Instead, he praises God for his righteous law seven times a day. Lastly, after 175 verses vehemently declaring his love for God’s word, the entire psalm concludes with an unexpected, humble confession.
Psalm 119:176 176 I have strayed like a lost sheep.
Why does Psalm 119 end with “I have strayed like a lost sheep” in verse 176?
Despite the author’s passion for obedience, he is sometimes lost. Even the most dedicated of believers will experience dark nights. Nights when we need a shepherd to save us. This psalmist has the humility to ask God to come find him, which is the lesson for us. God will pursue his sheep, but He won’t force the sheep to be happy about it.
Like this psalmist, we must not become so stuck in our pride that we won’t run to God when He calls. We have to cultivate a heart willing to say, “I’m lost, come find me.”
Psalm 119 is an ode to God’s Word, praising how it guides and sustains us. This is a psalm you can return to again and again in life. Walking in faith with God is a long game, like this long psalm! The longer it goes on, the more confidence you have in the road ahead because of the experience you have had on the road behind. The ups and downs are familiar. You learn to look to the Word for the light needed to see the path forward.
Lean into the comforting knowledge that the Word is always available to you. Like this psalmist, we can meditate on its precepts, study its commands, and hope in its promises. The more you immerse yourself, the more comfort there is. Even when you stumble, you realize the Book is always open to you. The Shepherd always rejoices, and the Word turns to praise.
That is why we read every word in this podcast. The discussion is secondary. The act of obedience on your part to listen to every word of the Word will be a blessing to you. We know this full circle from the very first promise in this very long psalm:
Psalm 119:1-3 1 Blessed are those whose ways are blameless,
who walk according to the law of the Lord.
2 Blessed are those who keep his statutes
and seek him with all their heart—
3 they do no wrong
but follow his ways.
You cannot walk according to the law, and you cannot keep His statutes unless you seek Him with all your heart in the Word.
A Prayer from Psalm 119 to Love God’s Word
105 Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.
18 Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law.
11 I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.
10 I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands.
36 Turn my heart toward your statutes and not toward selfish gain.
33 Teach me, Lord, the way of your decrees, that I may follow it to the end
27 Cause me to understand the way of your precepts, that I may meditate on your wonderful deeds.
149 Hear my voice in accordance with your love; preserve my life, Lord, according to your laws.
133 Direct my footsteps according to your word; let no sin rule over me.
50 My comfort in my suffering is this: Your promise preserves my life.
114 You are my refuge and my shield; I have put my hope in your word.
165 Great peace have those who love your law, and nothing can make them stumble.
How can you pray Psalm 119 as a daily Scripture prayer?
I mentioned at the beginning of this episode that there are 176 verses and eight descriptions of God’s Word in almost every verse. This condensed prayer of Psalm 119 has every one of them: Word, Law, Laws, Commands, Statutes, Decrees, Precepts, and Promise. If you don’t have time to pray the 176 verses of Psalm 119, this is your shortcut.
New Psalms Playlist Song
- “Thy Word” by Amy Grant and Michael W Smith (Psalm 119)
Listen to the entire Psalms Playlist on Apple Music or Spotify.
Group Discussion Questions for Psalm 119
- The psalmist begs God to give him understanding in six specific areas. What is one mystery of God that you wish you understood better? What do you think might happen if you begged God for understanding the way our psalmist did?
- The psalmist prays, “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.” Is there a specific passage in the Bible you turn to when you need Scripture to guide you through a season of uncertainty or loss?
- Psalm 119 ends with the humble confession, “I have strayed like a lost sheep.” Have you ever felt like a lost sheep who wanted to come home but didn’t know the way? Does the psalmist’s prayer, “Seek your servant,” resonate with you?
