Good morning,
Psalm 119 is the longest chapter in the Bible. Every verse, except three, refer to the word of God. It is divided into 22 sections. Each section contains eight verses. Each section corresponds to one of the twenty-two letters in the Hebrew alphabet.
There are many references to the word of God in this chapter. Just in the first eight verses, there are six. As we study this chapter, write down or highlight each reference.
We will be studying Psalm 119 for the month of January.
This week we will examine the first six sections.
The goal is for each of us to have a greater appreciation for the word of God. Also, starting today, each of us would begin to read through the whole Bible, Genesis through Revelation, during this year. It is easy to do. It takes between fifteen and twenty minutes daily. A little longer when you get so engrossed with the passage that more study is required.
Psalm 119
Psalm 119:1-48
“Thy testimonies also are my delight and my counselors.” (Psalm 119:24)
1) The Lord’s judgments are righteous (1-8)
Blessed are the undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the Lord. 2 Blessed are they that keep his testimonies, and that seek him with the whole heart.3 They also do no iniquity: they walk in his ways.4 Thou hast commanded us to keep thy precepts diligently.5 O that my ways were directed to keep thy statutes!6 Then shall I not be ashamed, when I have respect unto all thy commandments.7 I will praise thee with uprightness of heart, when I shall have learned thy righteous judgments.8 I will keep thy statutes: O forsake me not utterly.
2) Thy word have I hid mine heart (9-16)
9 Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word.10 With my whole heart have I sought thee: O let me not wander from thy commandments.11 Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.12 Blessed art thou, O Lord: teach me thy statutes.13 With my lips have I declared all the judgments of thy mouth.14 I have rejoiced in the way of thy testimonies, as much as in all riches.15 I will meditate in thy precepts, and have respect unto thy ways.16 I will delight myself in thy statutes: I will not forget thy word.
3) Thy testimonies … are my delight (17-24)
17 Deal bountifully with thy servant, that I may live, and keep thy word.18 Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law.19 I am a stranger in the earth: hide not thy commandments from me.20 My soul breaketh for the longing that it hath unto thy judgments at all times.21 Thou hast rebuked the proud that are cursed, which do err from thy commandments.22 Remove from me reproach and contempt; for I have kept thy testimonies.23 Princes also did sit and speak against me: but thy servant did meditate in thy statutes.24 Thy testimonies also are my delight and my counselors.
4) Make me to understand thy way (25-32)
25 My soul cleaveth unto the dust: quicken thou me according to thy word.26 I have declared my ways, and thou heardest me: teach me thy statutes.27 Make me to understand the way of thy precepts: so shall I talk of thy wondrous works.28 My soul melteth for heaviness: strengthen thou me according unto thy word.29 Remove from me the way of lying: and grant me thy law graciously.30 I have chosen the way of truth: thy judgments have I laid before me.31 I have stuck unto thy testimonies: Lord, put me not to shame.32 I will run the way of thy commandments, when thou shalt enlarge my heart.
5) Give me understanding (33-40)
33 Teach me, O Lord, the way of thy statutes; and I shall keep it unto the end.34 Give me understanding, and I shall keep thy law; yea, I shall observe it with my whole heart.35 Make me to go in the path of thy commandments; for therein do I delight.36 Incline my heart unto thy testimonies, and not to covetousness.37 Turn away mine eyes from beholding vanity; and quicken thou me in thy way.38 Stablish thy word unto thy servant, who is devoted to thy fear.39 Turn away my reproach which I fear: for thy judgments are good.40 Behold, I have longed after thy precepts: quicken me in thy righteousness.
6) I trust in thy word (41-48)
41 Let thy mercies come also unto me, O Lord, even thy salvation, according to thy word.42 So shall I have wherewith to answer him that reproacheth me: for I trust in thy word.43 And take not the word of truth utterly out of my mouth; for I have hoped in thy judgments.44 So shall I keep thy law continually for ever and ever.45 And I will walk at liberty: for I seek thy precepts.46 I will speak of thy testimonies also before kings, and will not be ashamed.47 And I will delight myself in thy commandments, which I have loved.48 My hands also will I lift up unto thy commandments, which I have loved; and I will meditate in thy statutes.
***CHALLENGE***
Read the whole Bible, Genesis to Revelation, during 2021.
Conclusion
“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17 That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17)
Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com