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. 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 sections 18-22. We will discover characteristics of God’s word.
The goal is for each of us to have a greater appreciation for the word of God.
Psalm 119
Psalm 119:137-152
18) The word is very pure (137-144)
Righteous art thou, O Lord, and upright are thy judgments.138 Thy testimonies that thou hast commanded are righteous and very faithful.139 My zeal hath consumed me, because mine enemies have forgotten thy words.140 Thy word is very pure: therefore thy servant loveth it.141 I am small and despised: yet do not I forget thy precepts. 142 Thy righteousness is an everlasting righteousness, and thy law is the truth.143 Trouble and anguish have taken hold on me: yet thy commandments are my delights.144 The righteousness of thy testimonies is everlasting: give me understanding, and I shall live.
The psalmist acknowledges that God is righteous.
Then he gives six characteristics of God’s word. The word of God is upright, righteous, faithful, very pure, truth, and everlasting. This causes the psalmist to affirm God’s righteousness, be concerned that his enemies had forgotten God’s word, love God’s word, delight in God’s word, and a desire to understand God’s word.
As believers in Christ, it is our privilege to have all of God’s word, old and new testaments. We can know the very heart of God, if we desire.
Will we avail ourselves of that opportunity?
19) Thy commandments are truth (145-152)
145 I cried with my whole heart; hear me, O Lord: I will keep thy statutes.146 I cried unto thee; save me, and I shall keep thy testimonies.147 I prevented the dawning of the morning, and cried: I hoped in thy word.148 Mine eyes prevent the night watches, that I might meditate in thy word.149 Hear my voice according unto thy lovingkindness: O Lord, quicken me according to thy judgment.150 They draw nigh that follow after mischief: they are far from thy law.151 Thou art near, O Lord; and all thy commandments are truth. 152 Concerning thy testimonies, I have known of old that thou hast founded them for ever.
The psalmist cries to God that he will keep the statutes and testimonies of God. He hopes in thy word. He chose to meditate on God’s word even at night.
That causes the psalmist to request that God quicken him. He knows that the wicked are not trusting God’s word. He states the character of God’s word is truth. Then he acknowledges that the testimonies come from God.
Today, there are a lot of Christians who challenge that God wrote the Bible. They do not believe in the inspiration of God, His holiness, or His devine being.
The Bible is God’s truth handed down to men for the purpose of knowing God, the sinfulness of men, the history of Israel, salvation through Christ Jesus, and how to live the victorious Christian life. All we have to do is read and obey.
Will we choose to follow God and His word?
Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com
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