Psalm 119 – An Overview

Feature 2 – January 2023 — Grace & Truth Magazine

Psalm 119 – An Overview

Author
Psalm 119 is the longest chapter in the Bible and is written in a unique way. We are not sure who the writer is; some suggest the psalm is written by David or Ezra. From the psalm we can see the writer:

• Is a servant of the LORD (v.17).
• Considers himself a stranger in the land (v.19)
• Is oppressed and attacked by enemies (vv.158,134,161).
• Is tempted by covetousness within and vanity without (vv.36-37).

Throughout the psalm, we can see the Word of God is the writer’s companion.

Section Psalms Book of Moses Theme

1 1-41 Genesis Beginning

2 42-72 Exodus Redemption and Salvation

3 73-89 Leviticus Worship

4 90-106 Numbers Wilderness Journey

5 107-150 Deuteronomy Reminder of the
Children of Israel’s Journey
and of God’s Commandments

Context
The book of Psalms contains 150 psalms, and they can be divided into 5 books, or sections, that match the five books of Moses.Psalm 119 fits nicely in this last section as it presents the Word of God as the ultimate help to the godly when walking through tribulations.

Theme
It is not hard to notice that the theme of the psalm is the Word of God. The writer uses 10 Hebrew words to describe Scripture, and the Word of God is mentioned in almost every verse, except verses 90, 122 and 132. Prophetically, the psalm describes the exercise of a godly Israelite during the coming tribulation. Morally, it provides many instructions to the godly at all times, which we can benefit from even now. Also, almost all of its verses are addressed to God, which makes it a beautiful prayer.

Acrostic Psalm
The internal structure of Psalm 119 is written in a clever way. The psalm contains 176 verses arranged in 22 sections, matching the letters of the Hebrew alphabet. Each section contains eight stanzas, and each stanza begins with the same Hebrew letter used as the title of that section.

There are beautiful meanings in this arrangement. We can see that the writer is using all of his linguistic ability – all the letters – to express his love for the Word of God. Also, the Word of God addresses all the aspects of our lives – in every letter and every subject. The number eight in Hebrew is הֶנוֹמְֹש (she’mone), which is very similar to the word for “fat” or “overflow”: ןמש (shaman). In these things we see beauty, for the Word of God can talk about any subject in life, as represented by the 22 Hebrew letters. Also, God’s Word can give even more than the needed insight, which is pictured by the 8 stanzas of Psalm 119.

Other Acrostic ScripturesPsalm 9Psalm 10Psalm 25Psalm 34Psalm 111Psalm 112Psalm 145Proverbs 30Lamentations

Synonyms Of God’s Word
“Word” is the English translation of two different Hebrew words, with two different meanings. The first meaning represents the Word as an expression of thought, the focus being on the content. This Hebrew word is repeated 23 times in Psalm 119, and it talks about the Word as an expression of God’s thoughts or will. The initial time this Hebrew term is mentioned in the Bible is in Genesis 15:1, when God wanted to reveal His promise of blessing to Abraham. The first meaning of “word” reminds us of God’s good desire for our life.

The other meaning of “word” indicates something said, focusing on the communication or the person speaking. This Hebrew word is repeated 19 times in Psalm 119, and it relates the Word to God Himself (consider Jn. 1), the One who has all power and authority. The first time this word is mentioned is in Genesis 1:3, where God spoke the powerful word of creation. What a beautiful thought to know that the Scripture we have in our hands is powerful because of its powerful Author, God Himself.

“Law” is another word used in Psalm 119, found 25 times. It talks about directions. This is not just advice but divine instructions for life. The Lord had instructed the children of Israel that the king should have a copy of the law (Dt. 17:18) so he would know how to rule his people. The priests were to study and teach the law (Jer. 18:18). Today, all Christians are kings and priests (Rev. 1:6), and they should study and follow God’s instructions. In the future, God will put the law into their hearts, as He promised (Jer. 31:33).

Another word used in Psalm 119 is “commandment,” which is repeated 23 times. The Torah is filled with commandments that tell the Israelites what to “do” and “not do.” Those commandments relate to the religious principles of worship, not the everyday laws of life. Failure to do the commandments means breaking the covenant (Num. 15:31), committing transgression (2 Chr. 24:20), and a leading toward apostasy (1 Ki. 18:18). In our time of grace the Lord Jesus has liberated us from the law (Gal. 3:13) and brought to us a new commandment of love (Jn. 13:34; 1 Jn. 3:16).

Another word used to talk about the Word of God is “judgments,” or “ordinances.” This Hebrew word is repeated 22 times in Psalm 119 and refers to the rights belonging to someone else (Ex. 23:6). We are reminded that obeying the Word of God is the only way to guarantee having a healthy relationship with our Lord and one another.

“Statutes” is repeated 22 times in Psalm 119 and means “prescription, rule, law or regulation.” Like the laws of physics that control nature, God has established laws for His people. For example, we read about the law of reaping what we sow (Gal. 6:7-9) and the law of blessings to faithful servants (Mt. 25:29). The more we understand those “statutes,” the wiser we will become.

Finally, “precepts” is repeated 21 times in Psalm 119, and it gives the sense of an overseer giving instructions. It talks about man’s moral obligation as envisioned by God. After all, we are all under God’s authority and we need to submit in love to Him. If the godly saints of the Old Testament expressed reverence to God, we should combine this reverence with love in our time of grace.

By Shereen Ghobrial

From the beginning of His ways we see God’s value for His written Word. He made a hedge about it, and He bound it around the heart, before the eyes and on the hands of His people. It was to mingle itself with all the personal and social lives of His people, and shed its light on every path of their daily journey – however ordinary. Is it not blessed to see the Lord thus esteeming His own revelation and commending it to our esteem? The divine life of the saint heeds His Word. It is the food of the life of faith and hope, bears the soul to God, and keeps it near Him and with Him through the Spirit. The more the virtues and consolations of the new life are prized, so will the Word be. God’s Word answers that great question of Job 28:12 (JND): “But wisdom, where shall it be found? and where is the place of understanding?” He who alone knows the path of wisdom has made Scripture its dwelling place. May we hold it fast and use it skillfully in the light of the Holy Spirit in us. Let us use it with the reverent and worshiping mind of the servant of God described in this beautiful and most precious psalm. And, let us know something of the burnings of his heart over the holy oracles, saying, “I opened my mouth and panted; for I longed for Thy commandments” (Ps. 119:131). —J. G. Bellett, adapted from Short Meditations On The Psalms.