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Commentary by Clyde M. Miller Questions by John C. Sewell, Ph.D.

God’s Glorious Word

Psalm 119:1-176

Landmark Publications, 1045 Maynor Street, Nashville, TN 37216, U.S.A., John C. Sewell, Ph.D., Editor



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God’s Glorious Word

Commentary

by

Clyde M. Miller

Text: Psalm 119:1-176, Aleph א 1. Blessed are they whose ways are blameless, who walk according to the law of the Lord. 2. Blessed are they who keep his statutes and seek him with all their heart. 3. They do nothing wrong; they walk in his ways. 4. You have laid down precepts that are to be fully obeyed. 5. Oh, that my ways were steadfast in obeying your decrees! 6. Then I would not be put to shame when I consider all your commands. 7. I will praise you with an upright heart as I learn your righteous laws. 8. I will obey your decrees; do not utterly forsake me. Beth ב 9. How can a young man keep his way pure? 10. I see you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands.




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11. I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you. 12. Praise be to you, O Lord; teach me your decrees. 13. With my lips I recount all the laws that come from your mouth. 14. I rejoice in following your statutes as one rejoices in great riches. 15. I meditate on your precepts and consider your ways. 16. I delight in your decrees; I will not neglect your word. Gimel ג 17. Do good to your servant, and I will live; I will obey your word. 18. Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law. 19. I am a stranger on earth; do not hide your commands from me. 20. My soul is consumed with longing for your laws at all times. 21. You rebuke the arrogant, who are cursed and who stray from your commands. 22. Remove from me scorn and contempt, for I keep your statutes. 23. Though princes sit together and slander me, your servant will meditate on your decrees. 24. Your statutes are my delight; they are my counselors. Daleth ד 25. I am laid low in the dust; renew my life according to your word. 26. I recounted my ways and you answered me; teach me your decrees.




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27. Let me understand the teaching of your precepts; then I will meditate on your wonders. 28. My soul is weary with sorrow; strengthen me according to your word. 29. Keep me from deceitful ways; be gracious to me through your law. 30. I have chosen the way of truth; I have set my heart on your laws. 31. I hold fast to your statutes, O lord; do not let me be put to shame. 32. I run in the path of your commands, for you have set my heart free. He ה 33. Teach me, O Lord, to follow your decrees; then I will keep them to the end. 34. Give me understanding, and I will 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; renew 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! Renew my life in your righteousness. Waw ו 41. May your unfailing love come to me, O Lord, your salvation according to your promise;




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42. Then I will answer the one who taunts me, for I trust in your word. 43. Do not snatch the 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 wll not be put to shame, 47. for I delight in your commandments because I love them. 48. I reach out my hands for your commandments, which I love, and I meditate on your decrees. Zayin ז 49. Remember your word to your servant, for you have given me hope. 50. My comfort in my suffering is this: Your promise renews my life. 51. The arrogant mock me without restraint, but I do not turn from your law. 52. I remember your ancient laws, O Lord, 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 I remember your name, O Lord, and I will keep your law. 56. This has been my practice: I obey your precepts. Heth ח 57. You are my portion, O Lord; I have promised to obey your words.




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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, O Lord; teach me your decrees. Teth ט 65. Do good to your servant according to your word, O Lord. 66. Teach me knowledge and good judgment, for I believe in 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. Yodh י




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73. Your hands made me and formed me; give me understanding to learn your commands. 74. May they who fear you rejoice when they see me, for I have put my hope in your word. 75. I know, O Lord, that your laws are righteous, and 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 my heart be blameless toward your decrees, that I may not be put to shame. Kaph כ 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 pitfalls for me, contrary to your law. 86. All your commands are trustworthy; help me, for men persecute me without cause. 87. They almost wiped me from the earth, but I have not forsaken your precepts, 88. Preserve my life according to your love, and I will obey the statutes of your mouth.




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Lamedh ל 89. Your word, O 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 renewed 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. Mem מ 97. Oh, how I love your law! I meditte on it all day long. 98. Your commands make me wiser than my enemies, for they are ever with me. 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 promises to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth! 104. I gain understanding from your precepts; therefore I hate every wrong path.




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Nun נ 105. Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path. 106. I have taken an oath and confirmed it, that I will follow your righteous laws. 107. I have suffered much; renew my life, O LORD, according to your word. 108. Accept, O 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. Samekh ס 113. I hate double-minded men, 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 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 deceitfulness is in vain. 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.




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Ayin ע 121. I have done what is righteous and just; do not leave me to my oppressors. 122. Ensure your servant’s well-being; let not 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, O 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. Pe פ 129. Your statutes are wonderful; therefore I obey them. 130. The entrance of your words gives light; it give 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 the oppression of men, that I may obey your precepts. 135. Make your face shine upon your servant and teach me your decrees. 136. Streams of tears flow from my eyes, for your law is not obeyed.




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Tsadhe צ 137. Righteous are you, O 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 are my delight. 144. Your statutes are forever right; give me understanding that I may live. Qoph ק 145. I call with all my heart; answer me, O 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; renew my life, O 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, O LORD, and all your commands are true. 152. Long ago I learned from your statutes that you established them to last forever.




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Resh ר 153. Look upon my suffering and deliver me, for I have not forgotten your law. 154. Defend my cause and redeem me; renew my life according to your promise. 155. Salvation is far from the wicked, for they do not seek out your decrees. 156. Your compassion is great, O LORD; renew 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, O Lord, according to your love. 160. All your words are true; all your righteous laws are eternal. Sin and Shin ש 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 abhor falsehood but I love your law. 164. Seven times a day I praise you for your righteous laws. 165. Great peace have they who love your law, and nothing can make them stumble. 166. I wait for your salvation, O 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. Taw ת




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169. May my cry come before you, O 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, O LORD, and your law is my 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 commandments. NIV Introduction: I. From the standpoint of poetic artistry, this psalm is truly amazing. It is an alphabetic psalm consisting of twenty-two stanzas corresponding in order to the letters of the Hebrew alphabet. Each paragraph has eight verses of two lines each and the first line of each verse begins with the particular Hebrew letter for that paragraph. All eight verses of the first paragraph begin with Aaleph, the eight verses of the second paragraph begin with beth, etc. This artificial poetic form may sometimes hinder the development of a well-ordered theme. There is much repetition in the psalm. II. The psalm is entirely composed of praise of God for His revelation to Israel. Eight synonyms for the divine revelation and two additional related words describing this revelation are interspersed throughout the psalm. “Law” is a general term that




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means instruction or direction. It can refer to legal precepts, but can also indicate God’s promises, historical facts, and descriptions of God’s nature. Two Hebrew words are translated “word”, or “promise”, and either can be used in a general or specific sense. “Testimonies” refers to those affirmations that God has given of His nature and will through historical saving acts on behalf of Israel. Occasionally, the word refers to cultic acts that remind Israel of God’s activities within the nation or in the world. “Precepts”, “statutes” and “ordinances” are used with little, if any, distinction, to mean practically the same thing as “commandments”. III. The psalmist is no legalist who believes in the merit of law-keeping. Rather, he knows that God must supply the strength to enable him to keep the law. God’s Word provides life, light, confidence, peace, and freedom from anxiety. The two companion words used with th4e eight synonyms above emphasize the spiritual value of the Word. The Word enables one to walk in God’s way (or ways), the way of righteousness, justice, and uprightness. God’s faithfulness gives confidence and fills the faithful covenant person with delight in doing the will of God. God’s mercy, grace, and love provide the necessary guidance and discipline to keep the sincere follower in the right way. IV. This large psalm contains three categories of repetitions. First, the psalmist repeatedly declares his love for God’s word in at least nine verses 47-48; 97, 113, 119, 127, 163, 165 and 167. A. Verse 47, for I delight in your commandments because I love them. NIV B. Verse 48, I reach out my hands for your commandments because I love them. NIV




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C. Verse 97, Oh, how I love your law! I meditate on it all day long. NIV D. Verse 113, I hate double-minded men, but I love your law. NIV E. Verse 119, All the wicked of the earth you discard like dross; therefore I love your statutes. NIV F. Verse 127, Because I love your commands more than gold, more than pure gold; NIV G. Verse 163, I hate and abhor falsehood but I love your law. NIV H. Verse 165, Great peace have they who love your law, and nothing can make them stumble. NIV I. Verse 167, I obey your statutes, for I love them greatly. NIV V. The psalmist declares his delight in it in nine verses 16, 24, 35, 47, 70, 77, 92, 143 and 174. A. Verse 16, I delight in your decrees; I will not neglect your word. NIV B. Verse 24, Your statutes are my delight; they are my counselors. NIV C. Verse 35, Direct me in the path of your commands, for there I find delight. NIV D. Verse 47, for I delight in your commandments because I love them. NIV




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E. Verse 70, Their hearts are callous and unfeeling, but I delight in your law. NIV F. Verse 77, Let your compassion come to me that I may live, for your law is my delight. NIV G. Verse 92, If your law had not been my delight, I would have perished in my affliction. NIV H. Verse 143, Trouble and distress have come upon me, but your commands are my delight. NIV I. Verse 174, I long for your salvation, O LORD, and your law is my delight. NIV VI. Second, he longs to fully obey God’s laws in at least twenty-six verses 2, 4, 8-9; 17, 22, 29, 33-34; 44, 55-57; 60, 67, 69, 88, 100-101; 115, 129, 134, 145-146; 167-168. A. Verse 2, Blessed are they who keep his statutes and seek him with all their heart. NIV B. Verse 4, You have laid down precepts that are to be fully obeyed. NIV C. Verse 8, I will obey your decrees; do not utterly forsake me. NIV D. Verse 9, How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to your word. NIV E. Verse 17, Do good to your servant, and I will live; I will obey your word. NIV




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F. Verse 22, Remove from me scorn and contempt, for I keep your statutes. NIV G. Verse 29, Keep me from deceitful ways; be gracious to me through your law. NIV H. Verse 33, teach me, O LORD, to follow your decrees; then I will keep them to the end. NIV I. Verse 34, Give me understanding, and I will keep your law and obey it with all my heart. NIV J. Verse 44, I will always obey your law, for ever and ever. NIV K. Verse 55, In the night I remember your name, O LORD, and I will keep your law. NIV L. Verse 56, this has been my practice; I obey your precepts. NIV M. Verse 57, You are my portion, O LORD; I have promised to obey your words. NIV N. Verse 60, I will hasten and not delay to obey your commands. NIV O. Verse 67, Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I obey your word. NIV P. Verse 69, Though the arrogant have smeared me with lies, I keep your precepts with all my heart. NIV




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Q. Verse 88, Preserve my life according to your love, and I will obey the statutes of your mouth. NIV R. Verse 100, I have more understanding than the elders, or I obey your precepts. NIV S. Verse 101, I have kept my feet from every evil path so hat I might obey your word. NIV T. Verse 115, Away from me, you evildoers, that I may keep the commands of my God! NIV U. Verse 129, Your statutes are wonderful; therefore I obey them. NIV V. Verse 134, Redeem me from the oppression of men, that I may obey your precepts. NIV W. Verse 145, I call with all my heart; answer me, O LORD. NIV X. Verse 146, I call out to you; save me and I will keep your statutes. NIV Y. Verse 167, I obey your statutes, for I love them greatly. NIV Z. Verse 168, I obey your precepts and your statutes, for all my ways are known to you. NIV




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VII. Third, he prays God to give him strength to obey in at least twenty-seven verses (5, 10, 22, 27-28; 34-36; 39, 49, 66, 77, 88, 94, 108, 116-117; 124, 132-133; 135, 149, 169, 170-173). These are not vain repetitions but are evidences of the intensity of his feelings. A. Verse 5, Oh, that my ways were steadfast in obeying your decrees! NIV B. Verse 10, I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands. NIV C. Verse 22, Remove from me scorn and contempt, for I keep your statutes. NIV D. Verse 27, Let me understand the teaching of your precepts; then I will meditate on your wonders. NIV E. Verse 28, My soul is weary with sorrow; strengthen me according to your word. NIV F. Verse 34, Give me understanding, and I will keep your law and obey it with all my heart. NIV G. Verse 35, Direct me in the path of your commands, for there I find delight. NIV H. Verse 36, Turn my heart toward your statutes and not toward selfish gain. NIV I. Verse 39, Take away the disgrace I dread, for your laws are good. NIV




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J. Verse 49, Remember your word to your servant, for you have given me hope. NIV K. Verse 66, Teach me knowledge and good judgment, for I believe in your commands. NIV L. Verse 77, Let your compassion come to me that I may live, for your law is my delight. NIV M. Verse 88, Preserve my life according to your love, and I will obey the statutes of your mouth. NIV N. Verse 94, Save me, for I am yours; I have sought out your precepts. NIV O. Verse 108, Accept, O LORD, the willing praise of my mouth, and teach me your laws. NIV P. Verse 116, Sustain me according to your promise, and I will live; do not let my hopes be dashed. NIV Q. Verse 117, Uphold me, and I will be delivered; I will always have regard for your decrees. NIV R. Verse 124, Deal with your servant according to your love and teach me your decrees. NIV S. Verse 132, Turn to me and have mercy on me, as you always do to those who love your name. NIV




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T. Verse 133, Direct my footsteps according to your word; let no sin rule over me. NIV U. Verse 135, Make your face shine upon your servant and teach me your decrees. NIV

V. Verse 149, Hear my voice in accordance with your love; renew my life, O LORD, according to your laws. NIV

W. Verse 169, May my cry come before you, O LORD; give me understanding according to your word. NIV X. Verse 170, May my supplication come before you; deliver me according to your promise. NIV Y. Verse 171, May my lips overflow with praise, for you teach me your decrees. NIV Z. Verse 172, May my tongue sing of your word, for all your commands are righteous. NIV AA. Verse 173, May your hand be ready to help me, for I have chosen your precepts. NIV VIII. The titles employed in the paragraph divisions are only to be used as a reference to indicate the central theme of each stanza. The entire paragraph may contain other elements as well. Since the word “way” is frequently employed in the psalm, the psalmist is emphasizing the way of life that the word directs one to follow, namely, the way of God. For this reason, we have emphasized this key word in the headings of the paragraphs. The word “way” often




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refers to a series of actions or sequence of events leading toward an objective (Webster’s Dictionary, 10th edition). This is the meaning of our usage of the word here. Commentary:

The Way of Blamelessness (Aleph)

Psalm 119:1-8, Blessed are they whose ways are blameless, who walk according to the law of the LORD. Blessed are they who keep his statutes and seek him with all their heart. They do nothing wrong; they walk in his ways. You have laid down precepts that are to be fully obeyed. Oh, that my ways were steadfast in obeying your decrees! Then I would not be put to shame when I consider all your commands. I will praise you with an upright heart as I learn your righteous laws. I will obey your decrees; do not utterly forsake me. NIV I. The beatitudes of verses 1-2 link the concept of blamelessness with a sincere life lived according to the law of God. These verses capsule the major emphasis of the entire psalm. Following God’s ways means not practicing wrong. It demands accepting the need to fully obey the precepts that God has laid down (verses 3-4). The psalmist longs to make his ways steadfast by obeying God’s decrees so that he might be kept from shame (verses 5-6). This longing reveals a consciousness of failing to live up perfectly to God’s standards. However, he vows to praise God for His righteous laws and to obey His decrees (verses 7-8a). He begs God not to forsake him in his struggle to learn and obey God’s commands (verse 8b).




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Application: I. In this paragraph, the psalmist confesses his moral frailty and he indicates his humility in stating his imperfection. His heart is right with God. The next paragraph takes up where this one ends by emphasizing the necessity of relying on God for strength in doing His will. These principles are meaningful for us today.

The Way of Purity (Beth)

Psalm 119:9-16, How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to your word. I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands. I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you. Praise be to you, O LORD; teach me your decrees. With my lips I recount all the laws that come from your mouth. I rejoice in following your statutes as one rejoices in great riches. I meditate on your precepts and consider your ways. I delight in your decrees; I will not neglect your word. NIV I. This paragraph begins with the psalmist expressing his exasperation over his failure to be able to keep God’s laws (verse 9a) but he knows what ought to be done (verse 9b). His feeling of human inadequacy (verses 9a, 10b, 11b) is ameliorated by his wholehearted effort to keep God’s word in his heart (verses 10a and 11a). He thus praises God and begs Him to teach him obedience (verse 12). He rejoices in reciting God’s laws and he acknowledges their ability to enrich his life (verses 13-14). He, therefore, delights in God’s decrees and promises to meditate on them in order not to neglect His word (verses 15-16).




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Application: I. In this paragraph, we recognize the struggle that we all have in neglecting to do the things we want to do in obedience, and in doing the things that we do not want to do in disobedience. Even the apostle Paul suffered from this dilemma. The apostle found deliverance in Christ (Romans 7:20-25) and so must we. A. Romans 7:20-25, Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me. I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me. For I delight in the law of God after the inward man: But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members. O wretched man that I am! Who shall deliver me from the body of this death? I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin. KJV

The Way of Divine Counsel (Gimel)

Psalm 119:17-24, Do good to your servant, and I will live; I will obey your word. Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law. I am a stronger on earth; do not hide your commands from me. My soul is consumed with longing for your laws at all times. You rebuke the arrogant, who are cursed and who stray from your commands. Remove from me scorn and contempt, for I keep your statutes. Though princes sit together and slander me, your servant will meditate on your decrees. Your statutes are my delight; they are my counselors. NIV




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I. The psalmist recognizes that he needs divine aid in keeping the Word, so he prays God to intervene on his behalf (verses 17a and 22a). He also needs God’s counsel in understanding and trusting God’s Word (verses 18-19). He desires to see wonderful things in God’s law (verse 18) so that he may observe the word (verse 17b) and so that God’s statutes will serve as his counselors (verse 24). He seeks comfort and consolation in God’s Word (verse 20). Arrogant, accursed ones who wander from God’s commands (verse 21) express their scorn and contempt (verse 22a) for the psalmist, and rulers sit together and slander him (verse 23a). Yet, he delights in God’s law (verse 24). His interest in the Word is not merely academic, but very practical. Application: I. The psalmist twelve times in the psalm humbly referred to himself as God’s servant (verses 17, 23, 38, 49, 65, 76, 84, 124-125, 135, 140 and 176). This expression indicates an absence of the arrogance of his enemies who strayed from God’s commands. This thought suggests that we should always seek to avoid arrogance in expressing our obedience. A. Verse 17, Do good to your servant, and I will live. I will obey your word. NIV B. Verse 23, Though princes sit together and slander me, your servant will meditate on your decrees. NIV C. Verse 38, Fulfill your promise to your servant, so that you may be feared. NIV D. Verse 49, Remember your word to your servant, for you have given me hope. NIV




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E. Verse 65, Do good to your servant according to your word, O LORD. NIV F. Verse 76, May your unfailing love be my comfort, according to your promise to your servant. NIV G. Verse 84, How long must your servant wait? When will you punish my persecutors? NIV H. Verse 124, Deal with your servant according to your love and teach me your decrees. NIV I. Verse 125, I am your servant; give me discernment that I may understand your statutes. NIV J. Verse 135, Make your face shine upon your servant and teach me your decrees. NIV K. Verse 140, Your promises have been thoroughly tested, and your servant loves them. NIV

L. Verse 176, I have strayed like a lost sheep. Seek your servant, for I have not forgotten your commandments. NIV

II. The psalmist’s expression (God’s servant) indicates an absence of the arrogance of his enemies who strayed form God’s commands. This thought suggests that we should always seek to avoid arrogance in expressing our obedience. We should rather practice humility as we recognize our deficiencies in serving God (Ephesians 4:2; Phillipians 2:3; and Colossians 3:12).




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A. Ephesians 4:2, With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; KJV B. Phillipians 2:3, Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. KJV C. Colossians 3:12, Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; KJV III. In Psalm 119, the psalmist frequently refers to his enemies who oppress him (verses 23, 53, 61, 69-70; 78, 85-87; 95, 110, 115, 119, 122, 134, 155, 157-158 and 161). A. Verse 23, Though princes sit together and slander me, your servant will meditate on your decrees. NIV B. Verse 53, Indignation grips me because of the wicked, who have forsaken your law. NIV C. Verse 61, Though the wicked bind me with ropes, I will not forget your law. NIV D. Verse 69, Though the arrogant have smeared me with lies, I keep your precepts with all my heart. NIV E. Verse 70, Their hearts are callous and unfeeling, but I delight in your law. NIV




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F. Verse 78, May the arrogant be put to shame for wronging me without cause; but I will meditate on your precepts. NIV G. Verse 85, The arrogant dig pitfalls for me, contrary to your law. NIV H. Verse 87, They almost wiped me from the earth, but I have not forsaken your precepts. NIV I. Verse 95, The wicked are waiting to destroy me, but I will ponder your statutes. NIV J. Verse 110, The wicked have set a snare for me, but I have not strayed from your precepts. NIV K. Verse 115, Away from me, you evildoers, that I may keep the commands of my God! NIV L. Verse 119, All the wicked of the earth you discard like dross; therefore I love your statutes. NIV M. Verse 122, Ensure your servant’s well-being; let not the arrogant oppress me. NIV N. Verse 134, Redeem me from the oppresiion of men, that I may obey your precepts. NIV O. Verse 155, Salvation is far from the wicked, for they do not seek out your decrees. NIV




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P. Verse 157, Many are the foes who persecute me, but I have not turned from your statutes. NIV Q. Verse 158, I look on the faithless with loathing, for they do not obey your word. NIV R. Verse 161, Rulers persecute me without cause, but my heart trembles at your word. NIV

The Way of Truth (Daleth)

Psalm 119:25-32, I am laid low in the dust; renew my life according to your word. I recounted my ways and you answered me; teach me your decrees. Let me understand the teaching of your precepts; then I will meditate on your wonders. My soul is weary with sorrow; strengthen me according to your word. Keep me from deceitful ways; be gracious to me through your law. I have chosen the way of truth; I have set my heart on your laws. I hold fast to your statutes, O LORD; do not let me be put to shame. I run in the path of your commands, for you have set my heart free. NIV I. In the throes of death, he prays for revival of life (verse 25). His confidence is based on the fact that God has been faithful in answering him (verse 26a). He needs God’s help in understanding (verses 26b, 27a and 32b) and keeping (verses 25b, 28b and 32a) God’s law. In his state of sorrow (verse 28a) there is the temptation to turn to deceitful ways (verse 29a). He has chosen the way of truth or faithfulness (verse 30a). He runs in the path of God’s commands (verse 32a) which means he is diligent and zealous in obedience.




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Application: I. The mental conflict between the desire to keep God’s law and the consciousness of imperfection needs resolution. In a state of confusion, we may be tempted to give up the struggle. Diligent study and prayer, however, can help us win the battle over evil (1 Corinthians 10:13; 15:58; 16:13 and Ephesians 6:10-18). A. 1 Corinthians 10:13, There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it. KJV B. 1 Corinthians 15:58, Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord. KJV C. 1 Corinthians 16:13, Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong. KJV D. Ephesians 6:10-18, Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; and your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace. Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able




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to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints. KJV

The Way of Life (He)

Psalm 119:33-40, Teach me, O LORD, to follow your decrees; then I will keep them to the end. Give me understanding, and I will keep your law and obey it with all my heart. Direct me in the path of your commands, for there I find delight. Turn my heart toward your statutes and not toward selfish gain. Turn my eyes away from worthless things; renew my life according to your word. Fulfill your promise to your servant, so that you may be feared. Take away the disgrace I dread, for your laws are good. How I long for your precepts! Renew my life in your righteousness. I. Seven of the eight verses in this stanza begin with a causative verb that involves God as the outside agent who makes it possible for the psalmist to keep God’s Word. The alphabetic arrangement lends itself to these verb forms. The rest of the psalm reveals a studied effort to demonstrate reliance upon the God of the Word as well as the Word of God. He prays for understanding and direction in the observance of God’s commandments (verses 33-35). He also prays for a right heart that will enable him to keep these requirements (verses 36-67; Psalm 51:10-12). He prays further for divine deliverance that will confirm God’s promise (verses 38-39). Finally, he prays that God, in His righteousness (fairness and equity), will preserve his life (verse 40b). A. Psalm 51:10-12, Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me.




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Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me. NIV Application: I. Reliance on the God of the Word is essential to enable us to wholeheartedly keep the Word of God. God is able to make all necessary things abound for us if we trust Him (2 Corinthians 9:8). The repetition of this concept in Psalm 119 indicates the need for repeated prayer on our part for God to add his blessing to the reading and studying of His word (2 Timothy 2:15). A. 2 Corinthians 9:8, And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work; KJV B. 2 Timothy 2:15, Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. KJV II. Jesus warns against meaningless repetition in prayer (Matthew 6:7) Not all repetition, however, is meaningless. Jesus also teaches us to continue praying for our needs (Luke 18:1-8). Paul teaches us to pray without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17). Faith sometimes needs testing, and God may wait until we have developed the faithfulness that will enable us to use properly the blessings received. A. Matthew 6:7, But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do; for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking. KJV B. Luke 18:1-8, And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint; saying, there was in a city a judge, which feared not God,




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neither regarded man: and there was a widow in that city; and she came unto him, saying, Avenge me of mine adversary. And he would not for a while; but afterward he said within himself, Though I fear not God, nor regard man, yet because this widow troubleth me, I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me. And the Lord said, Hear what the unjust judge saith. And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them? I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth? KJV C. 1 Thessalonians 5:17, Pray without ceasing. KJV

The Way of Freedom (Waw)

Psalm 119:41-48, May your unfailing love come to me, O LORD, your salvation according to your promise; then I will answer the one who taunts me, for I trust in your word. Do not snatch the word of truth from my mouth, for I have put my hope in your laws. I will always obey your law, for ever and ever. I will walk about in freedom, for I have sought out your precepts. I will speak of your statutes before kings and will not be put to shame, for I delight in your commandments because I love them. I reach out my hands for your commandments, which I love, and I meditate on your decrees. I. The psalmist is aware that God’s unfailing love, chesedh, expressed in fulfillment of His covenant promise in the form of salvation (deliverance) must become effective if he is to succeed (verse 41). He is seeking relief from the one who taunts him (verse 41a). Through constant meditation upon God’s word (verses 45b and 48b), he has learned to trust it (verse 42b) and to hope in His laws (verse 43b). “Freedom” (verse 45a) means to be free from distress or anxiety. He knows that right attitude must be




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accompanied by right conduct (verse 44). He wishes to have the requisite confidence to stand before kings and speak God’s statutes (verse 46). He loves and reveres God’s commandments (verses 47-48). Application: I. True love is broader and deeper than mere emotional feeling. If we truly love Christ, we will obey His commands (John 14:15). His commands are not burdensome to a true believer (1 John 5:3). The author of Psalm 119 continually avows his love for God’s law (verses 47-48, 97, 113, 119, 127, 163 and 167). A. 1 John 5:3, For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments; and his commandments are not grievous. KJV

B. Verse 47, For I delight in your commandments because I love them. NIV C. Verse 48, I reach out my hands for your commandments, which I love, and I meditate on your decrees. NIV D. Verse 97, Oh, how I love your law! I meditate on it all day long. NIV E. Verse 113, I hate double-minded men, but I love your law. NIV F. Verse 119, All the wicked of the earth you discard like dross therefore I love your statutes. NIV G. Verse 127, Because I love your commands more than gold, more than pure gold. NIV




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H. Verse 163, I hate and abhor falsehood but I love your law. NIV I. Verse 167, I obey your statutes, for I love them greatly. NIV II. The antagonism between his desire and his inability to keep God’s laws perfectly is assuaged by the reassurance of God’s love (verses 41, 64, 76, 88, 124, 149 and 159b). Meditation on God’s word coupled with a fervent desire to obey Him brings satisfaction into the student’s life. A. Verse 41, May your unfailing love come to me, O LORD, your salvation according to your promise. NIV B. Verse 64, The earth is filled with your love, O LORD; teach me your decrees. NIV C. Verse 76, May your unfailing love be my comfort, according to your promise to your servant. NIV D. Verse 88, Preserve my life according to your love, and I will obey the statutes of your mouth. NIV E. Verse 124, Deal with your servant according to your love and teach me your decrees. NIV

F. Verse 149, Hear my voice in accordance with your love; renew my life, O LORD, according to your laws. NIV

G. Verse 159(b), Preserve my life, O LORD, according to your love. NIV




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The Way of Obedience (Zayin)

Psalm 119:49-56, Remember your word to your servant, for you have given me hope. My comfort in my suffering is this: Your promise renews my life. The arrogant mock me without restraint, but I do not turn from your law. I remember your ancient laws, O LORD, and I find comfort in them. Indignation grips me because of the wicked, who have forsaken your law. Your decrees are the theme of my song wherever I lodge. In the night I remember your name, O LORD, and I will keep your law. This has been my practice: I obey your precepts. NIV I. His prayer (verse 49) shows that his trust is in God rather than in himself. He is filled with comfort in his suffering because he knows he is a recipient of God’s promise (verses 50 and 52). Recognition of divine blessing resulting from keeping God’s laws (verses 51 and 56) produces a double reaction. He is filled with indignation toward the wicked that forsake God’s law (verse 53) and he is filled with praise for God who protects and preserves him (verses 54-55). Application: I. The spiritual song, “Trust and Obey”, beautifully describes the sentiment of this paragraph. “There is no other way to be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey”. These two elements form a pair of necessities that must not be separated. In fact, genuine trust leads one to obey. Attitudes carry certain consequences that cannot be avoided.

The Way of Discipline (Teth)

Psalm 119:65-72, Do good to your servant according to your word, O LORD. Teach me knowledge and good judgment, for




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I believe in your commands. Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I obey your word. You are good and what you do is good; teach me your decrees. Though the arrogant have smeared me with lies, I keep your precepts with all my heart. Their hearts are callous and unfeeling, but I delight in your law. It was good for me to be afflicted so that I might learn your decrees. The law from your mouth is more precious to me than thousands of pieces of silver and gold. NIV I. He prays God to do good to him according to his word (verse 65) and he knows that God is good in character and in action (verse 68). Affliction has brought him back from a wayward life (verses 67 and 71). He is confident that the godless will not destroy him with their arrogant lies against him (verse 69a). Nor will their callous unfeeling attitude toward him (verse 70a) hurt him, for his obedience will preserve him (verse 69b). Rather than being bitter about God’s discipline, he considers God’s laws as more precious than much gold and silver (verse 72). Application: I. Our priorities in life determine our attitudes and consequent actions. These determine our joy or depression. Moaning over mistreatment reveals a lack of understanding of God’s plans and purposes for our lives. Jesus teaches us that we are blessed when we are persecuted because we are righteous and that we should rejoice in our promised reward in heaven (Matthew 5:10-12). We are taught to pray for those who persecute us, for God provides physical blessings on the good and the evil, on the righteous and the unrighteous (Matthew 5:44-45). Like the psalmist, we should realize that discipline through suffering strengthens us and provides spiritual maturity (James 1:2-4). A. Matthew 5:10-12, Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the




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kingdom of heaven. Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you. KJV B. Matthew 5:44-45, But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you: KJV C. James 1:2-4, James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad, greeting. My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations. Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. KJV

The Way of Compassion (Yodh)

Psalm 119:73-80, Your hands made me and formed me; give me understanding to learn your commands. May they who fear you rejoice when they see me, for I have put my hope in your word. I know, O LORD, that your laws are righteous, and in faithfulness you have afflicted me. May your unfailing love be my comfort, according to your promise to your servant. Let your compassion come to me that I may live, for your law is my delight. May the arrogant be put to shame for wronging me without cause; but I will meditate on your precepts. May those who fear you turn to me, those who understand your statutes. May my heart be blameless toward your decrees, that I may not be put to shame. NIV




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I. The psalmist recognizes that God’s discipline is righteous (verse 75b) but he also needs God’s “unfailing love”, chesedh, covenant loyalty (verses 76 and verse 41) and “compassion” (verse 77a) for he knows his failings. The arrogant that unjustly wrong him without cause, however, should be put to shame (verse 78a). His constancy will be manifest in his meditation on god’s precepts (verse 78b). He wishes to share with others the lessons learned from experiencing God’s discipline (verse 74 and 79). He wants those who fear God to see in him the fruit of relying on God’s statutes (verse 79a). He reiterates his desire to be blameless in his effort to keep God’s “decrees” (verse 80). Application: I. It is much easier to teach others to be patient in suffering unjustly than it is for the teacher to put this principle into practice in his or her own life. Like the psalmist, we need to pray for God’s love and compassion in our effort to live what we teach. The apostle Paul enjoins the teacher to practice what he preaches (Romans 2:1-4). A. Romans 2:1-4, Therefore thou art inexcusable, O man, whosoever thou art that judgest: for wherein thou judgest another, thou condemnest thyself; for thou that judgest doest the same things. But we are sure that the judgment of God is according to truth against them which commit such things. And thinkest thou this, O man, that judgest them which do such things, and doest the same, that thou shalt escape the judgment of God? Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the good ness of God leadeth thee to repentance? KJV




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The Way of Endurance (Kaph) Psalm 119:81-88, My soul faints with longing for your salvation, but I have put my hope in your word. My eyes fail, looking for your promise; I say, “When will you comfort me?” Though I am like a wineskin in the smoke, I do not forget your decrees. How long must your servant wait? When will you punish my persecutors? The arrogant dig pitfalls for me, contrary to your law. All your commands are trustworthy; help me, for men persecute me without cause. They almost wiped me from the earth, but I have not forsaken your precepts. Preserve my life according to your love, and I will obey the statutes of your mouth. NIV I. Too many expressions of confidence are used in this stanza for one to conclude that the psalmist is about to lose faith. He hopes in God’s word (verse 81b) and has not forgotten his statutes (verse 83b). He knows that God’s commandments are trustworthy (verse 86a), so he has not forsaken God’s precepts (verse 87b). He does not despair in his prayer (verses 87a and 88a). Godless men, proud and arrogant (verses 85a and 78), persecute him without cause (verse 86b). He is “worn out” (the literal meaning of the Hebrew, verse 81a) with waiting for God’s deliverance (verse 81-84). “A wineskin in the smoke” (verse 83a) probably refers to a skin hung up to dry. Smoke from the room, since it has no chimney by which to escape, is absorbed into the skin. The psalmist’s eyes burn and smart under his emotional strain as if he were in a smoke-filled room (verse 82-83). The questions of verse 84 should not be interpreted as evidence of lack of faith in or reverence for God. II. They represent frequent idioms to express the intensity of one’s longing for deliverance (Psalm 6:3; 13:1-2; 35:17; 74:10; 79-5; 80:4; 89:46; 90:13; and 94:3).




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A. Psalm 6:3, My soul is in anguish. How long, O LORD, how long? NIV

B. Psalm 13:1-2, How long, O LORD? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me? NIV

C. Psalm 35:17, O LORD, how long will you look on? Rescue my life from their ravages, my precious life from these lions. NIV D. Psalm 74:10, How long will the enemy mock you, O God? Will the foe revile your name forever? NIV E. Psalm 79:5, How long, O LORD? Will you be angry forever? How long will your jealousy burn like fire? NIV F. Psalm 80:4, O Lord God Almighty, how long will your anger smolder against the prayers of your people? NIV G. Psalm 89:46, what man can live and not see death, or save himself from the power of the grave? NIV H. Psalm 90:13, Relent, O LORD! How long will it be? Have compassion on your servants. NIV I. Psalm 94:3, How long will the wicked, O LORD, how long will the wicked be jubilant? NIV III. When God addresses Himself to obstinate sinners, He also employs his plaintive cry, “How long?” (Exodus 10:3; 16:28; Numbers 14:11 and 27; Joshua 18:3, 1 Kings 18:21; Psalm 4:2; Psalms 82:2; Proverbs 1:22 and 6:9). The psalmist is not such an obstinate sinner, nor is he an unbeliever. Since he knows God’s commandments are trustworthy (verse 86a), he can pray with




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confidence for God to exercise His love toward him, so that he will be able to keep God’s testimonies (verse 88). A. Exodus 10:3, So Moses and Aaron went to Pharaoh and said to him, “This is what the LORD, the God of the Hebrews, says: ‘How long will you refuse to humble yourself before me? Let my people go, so that they may worship me.” NIV B. Exodus 16:28 then the LORD said to Moses, “How long will you refuse to keep my commands and my instructions?” NIV C. Numbers 14:11, the LORD said to Moses, “How long will these people treat me with contempt? How long will they refuse to believe in me, in spite of all the miraculous signs I have performed among them?” NIV D. Numbers 14:27, “How long will this wicked community grumble against me? I have heard the complaints of these grumbling Israelites.” NIV E. Joshua 18:3, So Joshua said to the Israelites: “How long will you wait before you begin to take possession of the land that the LORD, the God of your fathers, has given you?” NIV F. 1 Kings 18:21, Elijah went before the people and said, “How long will you waver between two opinions: If the LORD is God, follow him; but if Baal is God, follow him.” NIV G. Psalm 4:2, How long, O men, will you turn my glory into shame? How long will you love delusions and seek false gods? NIV




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H. Psalm 82:2, “How long will you defend the unjust and show partiality to the wicked?” NIV I. Proverbs 1:22, “How long will you simple ones love your simple ways? How long will mockers delight in mockery and fools hate knowledge?” NIV J. Proverbs 6:9, How long will you lie there, you sluggard? When will you get up from your sleep? NIV Application: I. Skepticism and frustration are vastly different. The former stems from a hardened or misinformed heart; the latter from confusion over difficult circumstances. The psalmist in Psalm 119 frequently expresses confusion but just as quickly expresses his faith in God’s commands. He also lets us know that his frustration stems from his inability to do God’s will as fully as desired. Such frustration will always plague the sincere seeker for spiritual fulfillment. The struggle will provide incentive for one to keep trying to please God always, and the effort will produce spiritual growth on the part of the believer.

The Way of Certainty (Lamedh)

Psalm 119:89-96, Your word, O LORD, is eternal; it stands firm in the heavens. Your faithfulness continues through all generations; you established the earth, and it endures. Your laws endure to this day, for all things serve you. If your law had not been my delight, I would have perished in my affliction. I will never forget your precepts, for by them you have renewed my life. Save me, for I am yours; I have sought out your precepts. The wicked are waiting to destroy me, but I




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will ponder your statutes. To all perfection I see a limit; but your commands are boundless. I. From God’s seat of government, His immutable Word goes forth (verse 89). God’s faithfulness applies to the physical world order as well as to human beings made in His image (verse 90). Inanimate creation (“things”) obeys His established laws (verse 91). His confidence in God’s Word is bolstered by the fact that god has kept His promise to protect him (verses 92-93). He knows the positive effect of prayer, so he prays for deliverance because he is God’s and he has sought to keep His precepts (verse 94). Though the wicked do not willingly submit to the divine directive, the psalmist is confident that God will overrule their wicked intentions to destroy him (verse 95). II. There is a limit to all things temporal, but God’s Word is boundless (verse 96). “Perfection” means that which is complete, accomplished, brought to an end. The Word can be used in an ethical sense, referring here to the limits of man’s efforts to achieve his goals. This limitation is a common theme in Psalm 119. The Lord’s commands are exalted as God’s instrument by which he meets the needs of His creation. Application: I. In the midst of continuing change in man’s environment and life, it is good to know that there are some constants. God’s physical laws should lead us to recognize His moral and spiritual laws. James, the Lord’s brother, tells us in James 1:17-18, “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom can be no variation, neither shadow that is cast by turning. Of his own will, he brought us forth by the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures”. James, and companion scriptures, informs us in three ways: (1) God is unchangeable and therefore, dependable




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(Malachi 3:6). (2) God’s will is powerful enough to create man anew (John 3:3-8); (3) God’s Word can prepare obedient believers to become firstfruits who bear fruit by teaching others to obey the Word (John 15:5-8). We need to be faithful in doing God’s will. A. Malachi 3:6, “I the LORD do not change. So you, O descendants of Jacob, are not destroyed.” NIV B. John 3:3-8, Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter the second time into his mother’s womb, and be born? Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee. Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Marvel not that I said unto thee, ye must be born again. The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit. KJV C. John 15:5-8, I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned. If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. KJV




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The Way of Wisdom (Mem)

Psalm 119:97-104, Oh, how I love your law! I meditate on it all day long. Your commands make me wiser than my enemies, for they are ever with me. I have more insight than all my teachers, for I meditate on your statutes. I have more understanding than the elders, for I obey your precepts. I have kept my feet from every evil path so that I might obey your word. I have not departed from your laws, for you yourself have taught me. How sweet are your promises to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth! I gain understanding from your precepts; therefore I hate every wrong path. NIV I. Hate is the antithesis of love, so the one who loves God’s truth hates “every wrong path” (verses 97 and 104). This thought brackets this paragraph. Love of the Word prompts one to meditate on it constantly (verse 97 and Psalm 1:2). Understanding that is derived from God’s Word makes one wiser than all those who depend on human wisdom (Psalm 119:98-100). This divinely ordained wisdom is more than academic. It guides life aright (verses 101-102 and Psalm 19:11). The word of God is even sweeter to the obedient believer’s taste than honey (verse 103). A. Psalm 1:2, But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night. NIV B. Psalm 119:98-100, Your commands make me wiser than my enemies, for they are ever with me. I have more insight than all my t4achers, for I meditate on your statutes. I have more understanding than the elders, for I obey your precepts. NIV C. Psalm 19:11, By them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward. NIV




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Application: I. The Bible describes two kinds of wisdom. The wisdom that is earthly and unspiritual is of the devil. It produces envy, selfish ambition and disorder (James 3:14-16). The wisdom that comes from heaven, on the other hand, produces a good life and humble deeds, for it is in harmony with the wisdom of God that is peace-loving and submissive to God’s will (James 3:13; 17-18). Earthly wisdom is vain but heavenly wisdom is enduring. The former should be shunned and the latter should be embraced. A. James 3:14-16, But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth. This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish. For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work. KJV B. James 3:13, Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? Let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom. KJV C. James 3:17-18, But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. KJV

The Way of Light (Nun)

Psalm 119:105-112, Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path. I have taken an oath and confirmed it, that I will follow your righteous laws. I have suffered much; renew my life, O LORD, according to your word. Accept, O LORD, the willing praise of my mouth, and teach me your laws. Though I constantly take my life in my hands, I will not forget your law. The wicked have set a snare for me, but I have not strayed




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from your precepts. Your statutes are my heritage forever; they are the joy of my heart. My heart is set on keeping your decrees to the very end. I. The psalmist thinks of the person traveling by foot at night with a lamp attached to his ankles or feet to show him the way (verse 105 and Proverbs 6:23). Though he is in great danger (verses 107, 109-110), he even dares to take an oath to confirm his intention to keep God’s commandments (verse 106). “I constantly take my life in my hands” (verse 109) suggests the taking of great risk (Judges 12:3; 1 Samuel 19:5; 28-21 and Job 13:14). This would seem to imply that he is afflicted by his enemies because of his religious devotion (Psalm 69:9-12). His primary objective, however, is to make God’s Word his “heritage forever” (verses 111-112). The verb used in Hebrew means to take as one’s possession or heritage (the KJV. God offers this priceless treasure and it is merely left for man to incline his heart to make this prize his own. He prays God to accept his praise and to teach him His laws (verse 108). A. Proverbs 6:23, For these commands are a lamp, this teaching is a light, and the corrections of discipline are the way to life. NIV

B. Judges 12:3, When I saw that you wouldn’t help, I took my life in my hands and crossed over to fight the Ammonites, and the LORD gave me the victory over them. Now why have you come up today to fight me? NIV

C. 1 Samuel 19:5, He took his life in his hands when he killed the Philistine. The LORD won a great victory for all Israel, and you saw it and were glad. Why then would you do wrong to an innocent man like David by killing him for no reason? NIV




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D. 1 Samuel 28:21, When the woman came to Saul and saw that he was greatly shaken, she said, “Look, your maidservant has obeyed you. I took my life in my hands and did what you told me to do.” NIV E. Job 13:14, Why do I put myself in jeopardy and take my life in my hands? NIV

F. Psalm 69:9-12, for zeal for your house consumes me, and the insults of those who insult you fall on me. When I weep and fast, I must endure scorn; when I put on sackcloth, people make sport of me. Those who sit at the gate mock me, and I am the song of the drunkards. NIV

Application: I. One of the key words in the gospel according to John is the word “light”. He uses the word 24 times in 16 Bible verses. One of the features of John’s gospel is the use of appellations or name descriptions. Christ is described as the light of the world. He declared, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life”. Christ’s light illuminates our minds and hearts so that, like the psalmist, we can live in accordance with His character and teaching. He provides the correctives needed to give us salvation and the knowledge and wisdom to do the will of God (John 1:3 and 8:12). We need to accept that light and to dispel the darkness of sin from our lives. A. John 1:3, All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. KJV B. John 8:12, Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life. KJV




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The Way of Reverence (Samekh)

Psalm 119:113-120), I hate double-minded men, but I love your law. You are my refuge and my shield; I have put my hope in your word. Away from me, you evildoers, that I may keep the commands of my God! Sustain me according to your promise, and I will live; do not let my hopes be dashed. Uphold me, and I will be delivered. I will always have regard for your decrees. You reject all who stray from your decrees, for their deceitfulness is in vain. All the wicked of the earth you discard like dross; therefore I love your statutes. My flesh trembles in fear of you; I stand in awe of your laws. NIV I. The concept of the fear of the Lord is prevalent in the Old Testament. The fear of the Lord, or its equivalent, may refer to having reverence and awe toward God (Psalm 33:8), to trusting in God’s covenant loyalty (Psalm 33:18), to acknowledging God’s nature and will (Proverbs 1:7 and Psalm 111:10), to the life of reverent obedience (Psalm 112:1), and to being afraid of the wrath of God (Psalm 90:7-12). In short, the fear of the Lord is the essence of religion. Such godly fear helps one to keep a proper balance between confidence in God and the human tendency to be arrogant and self-righteous. A. Psalm 33:8, Let all the earth fear the LORD; let all the people of the world revere him. NIV

B. Psalm 33:18, But the eyes of the LORD are on those who fear him, on those whose hope is in his unfailing love. NIV

C. Proverbs 1:7, The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline. NIV




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D. Psalm 111:10, The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow his precepts have good understanding. To him belongs eternal praise. NIV E. Psalm 112:1, Praise the LORD. Blessed is the man who fears the LORD, who finds great delight in his commands. NIV F. Psalm 90:7-12, We are consumed by your anger and terrified by your indignation. You have set our iniquities before you, our secret sins in the light of your presence. All our days pass away under your wrath; we finish our years with a moan. The length of our days is seventy years-or eighty, if we have the strength; yet their span is but trouble and sorrow, for they quickly pass, and we fly away. Who knows the power of your anger? For your wrath is as great as the fear that is due you. Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom. NIV II. This paragraph provides the first of two contrasts between love and hate in Psalm 119 (verses 113 and 163). He hates double-minded persons that cannot be trusted but he trusts God’s law because it is dependable. The God of the law is his refuge and shield (verse 114). These two terms are used profusely in the Psalms. A refuge is a place of shelter that separates him from his enemies, and a shield is that which protects him from an assaulting foe. These provide the cause for hope He commands evildoers to keep away from him but he submits to the commands of his God (verse 115). He recognizes his dependence upon God to enable him to keep His Word (verses 116-117). He believes God will remove the obstacles in his path so that he can do right (verse 118-119). Verse 120 is written in synonymous parallelism. “Fear” and




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“awe” are synonyms. He trembles in awe at the wonderful results obtained from God’s laws. A. Psalm 119:113, I hate double-minded men, but I love your law. NIV B. Psalm 119:163, I hate and abhor falsehood but I love your law. NIV Application: I. The expression, “the fear of the Lord”, is found 18 times in the Wisdom Literature of the Old Testament. “Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom; and to depart from evil is understanding” (Job 28:28). Reverence for God induces abhorrence of evil. This concept is also stated in Proverbs 8:13 and Proverbs 16:6. Another familiar expression concerning the fear of the Lord is the synonymous expression, “the fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding (Proverbs 9:10). Wisdom and knowledge, with understanding, are natural fruits of the fear of the Lord. How we should strive to attain and maintain it!

A. Proverbs 8:13, To fear the LORD is to hate evil; I hate pride and arrogance, evil behavior and perverse speech. NIV

B. Proverbs 16:6, Through love and faithfulness sin is atoned for; through the fear of the LORD a man avoids evil. NIV C. Proverbs 9:10, The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. NIV




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The Way of Justice (Ayin)

Psalm 119:121-128, I have done what is righteous and just; do not leave me to my oppressors. Ensure your servant’s well-being; let not the arrogant oppress me. My eyes fail, looking for your salvation, looking for your righteous promise. Deal with your servant according to your love and teach me your decrees. I am your servant; give me discernment that I may understand your statutes. It is time for you to act, O LORD; your law is being broken. Because I love your commands more than gold, more than pure gold, and because I consider all your precepts right, I hate every wrong path. NIV I. The flow of thought is more awkward than in most of the other paragraphs of this psalm, being hindered by the sparse number of Hebrew words beginning with the letter עayin. II. Since the psalmist has done what is righteous and just, he feels he has a right to expect the Lord to protect him against his oppressors (verse 121). He asks God to be the surety, or guarantor, for his welfare (verse 122). This concept is freely rendered by the word “ensure”. He wearily waits for God to act on his behalf (verses 123 and 126). As a faithful servant, he begs for understanding (verses 124-125). This absolute devotion to the uprightness of the Word causes him to hate every wrong path (verse 128b and 104). Verses 127-128a state the reason for his hating every wrong path (verse 128b). The Hebrew phrase, עal-kin, can legitimately mean “because” in addition to “therefore”. The paragraph ends in thought as it began, with a strong desire that justice be done. He is concerned because God’s law is being broken (verse 126b). In contrast, he delineates his own sense of justice in the first, as well as in the last two verses of the paragraph (verses 121 and 127-128). This thought provides an inclusion for the paragraph.




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A. Psalm 119:104, I gain understanding from your precepts; therefore I hate every wrong path. NIV Application: I. Righteousness and justice are companions of a well-ordered society. When these are absent, all kinds of upheavals run rampant. One psalm inquires. “When the foundations are destroyed, what can the righteous do?” (Psalm 11:3). Another declares, “All the foundations of the earth are shaken” (Psalm 82:5). The author of Psalm 119 is also disturbed that he must live in a disordered environment in spite of the fact that he has taken heed to God’s word that directs him in a right way. Many a faithful follower of God has had occasion to be thus distraught. The Christian can align himself with Christ who left us an example that we should follow in his steps who did not retaliate but “entrusted himself to him who judges justly” (1 Peter 5:21b and 23). We must adorn ourselves with the mind of our Savior. A. Psalm 11:3, When the foundations are being destroyed, what can the righteous do? NIV B. Psalm 82:5, They know nothing, they understand nothing. They walk about in darkness; all the foundations of the earth are shaken. NIV

The Way of Longing (PE)

Psalm 119:129-136, Your statutes are wonderful; therefore I obey them. The entrance of your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple. I open my mouth and pant, longing for your commands. Turn to me and have mercy on me, as you always do to those who love your name. Direct my footsteps according to your word; let no sin rule over me. Redeem me from the oppression of men, that I may obey your




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precepts. Make your face shine upon your servant and teach me your decrees. Steams of tears flow from my eyes, for your law is not obeyed. NIV I. The psalmist knows that God’s statutes “are wonderful”; that is, they inspire awe and reverence; therefore, he is prompted to obey them (verse 129). The unfolding of God’s words must be met with deep desire or longing on man’s part (verses 130-131). “Unfolding” could be read “entrance” (KJV) with the change of one vowel. The RSV text interprets the word to refer to the revealing of God’s Word; “entrance” takes it to refer to the reception of the word. The Word imparts understanding (verse 130b) only to those who are willing to receive it. “Simple” refers to the humble person who is single-minded in his willingness to be taught (Psalm 116:6). Like a hungry animal panting with open mouth, he longs for God’s Word (verse 131). A. Psalm 116:6, the LORD protects the simplehearted; when I was in great need, he saved me. NIV II. He begs for mercy with the full confidence that it will be forthcoming since he loves God’s name, that is, his personality and character (verse 132). In Hebrew thought, the word “name” often refers to the person who bears the name. He prays for direction and redemption, that is, deliverance from oppression, so that he may obey God’s precepts (verses 133-134). He needs God’s help in overcoming the temptation to give up in time of trouble. III. The psalmist prays God’s face to shine upon him in delightful blessing and satisfaction (verse 135 and Numbers 6:24-26). Violation of God’s law on the part of others causes the psalmist to shed “streams of tears (verse 136). The satisfaction he longs for includes the removal of anxiety over the unfaithful (2 Corinthians 11:28-29).




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A. Numbers 6:24-26, The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace. NIV B. 2 Corinthians 11:28-29, Beside those things that are without, that which cometh upon me daily, the care of all the churches. Who is weak, and I am not weak? Who is offended, and I burn not? KJV Application: I. The longing of the heart determines in large measure the course that life will take. It is well in one’s meditations to ask oneself the question, “For what do I long most of all?” The repetitions in Psalm 119 clearly reveal the longing of the psalmist’s heart to be able to keep God’s commands. Further repetitions indicate his recognition of his inability to adequately perform according to his longing, so he prays God to lend His aid in his obedience. He further prays God’s mercy to forgive his failures to live up to his longings. Psalm 39:1-13, is replete with such longings and petitions. We have much to learn from the longings recited in the Psalms. A. Psalm 39:1-13, I said, “I will watch my ways and keep my tongue from sin; I will put a muzzle on

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