THE RICHES AND GLORIES OF GOD'S LAW, PSALM 119 – PART TWO

 "How sweet are thy words unto my taste! Yea, sweeter than honey to my mouth!  Through thy precepts I get understanding: Therefore I hate every false way."   

Psalm 119:103-104

Not everything that is sweet is good for us.  Even healthy sweet things have to be eaten in moderation, but the Law of God is a sweet thing that we can eat and enjoy to excess without harm.  Let us continue to sing with the Psalmist the lovely 119th Psalm.

• The Goodness of God Even in Correction.  (verses 67-68)

 "67 Before I was afflicted I went astray; But now I observe thy word.  68 Thou art good, and doest good; Teach me thy statutes."

"Before I was afflicted I went astray; But now I observe thy word."  God has brought the Psalmist back into a relationship with His Word by humbling him and setting him right after he had gone astray.  He had learned the hard way but now he wants to be devoted to God and His Word.  Often our trials and suffering keep us from being faithful to Him and His Word.  But this is when we must pray with confidence that God will set us right by teaching us good discernment in order to have a righteous disposition.  When we ask God to teach us through His Word, this will keep us from going astray.  It is during affliction and adversity that one must be the most devoted to His Word.  This will save our souls.  Afflictions and suffering are good for us because they make us stronger in our faith and our pursuit of God.  Let us be obedient to Him and His Word even during our times of affliction.  Let us not be moved because of our afflictions or trials but rather let us continue being faithful to Him and His Word.  It is necessary that we go through afflictions, I Thessalonians 3:3; 2 Corinthians 4:8-11; Psalm 34:19; I Peter 1:7; Revelation 2:10; I Peter 2:20; Hebrews 12:10-11.

"Thou art good, and doest good; Teach me thy statutes."  God's Law to the Psalmist was more precious to follow after he recognized that affliction had been good for him.  It shows that he was grateful rather than bitter or resentful toward God for all he had to endure during his affliction.   He recognized that affliction brought him closer in his walk with God with total obedience.  In the midst of the affliction he still proclaimed, "Thou art good, and doest good."  In fact, he even wanted to have more instruction and knowledge of God's Teachings in the Law, saying "Teach me thy statutes."  He was aware that this was going to bring perhaps more affliction.  Yet, it was his deep longing.  This shows confidence in God's goodness.  This is powerful!

• Delight in God's Law Despite Our Adversaries.  (verses 69-70)

 "69 The proud have forged a lie against me: With my whole heart will I keep thy precepts.  70 Their heart is as fat as grease; But I delight in thy law."

"The proud have forged a lie against me."  It is surprising to me that this humble and godly man has enemies who would falsely lie against him.  Yet, he expresses the reason behind all.  They were proud people who despised the humble, obedient, teachable children of God.  Does that sound familiar? 

"With my whole heart will I keep thy precepts."  The lies, slanders and scorning of the proud did not make him less faithful toward his God and His Word.  It did not distract him or discourage him.  Instead, it made him more obedient and honoring toward God's Law, pledging to obey Him with his whole heart.  The Psalmist found delight in God's Law.  Isn't it beautiful!

• Appreciation and Gratitude for God's Goodness in The Midst of Our Seasons of Affliction.  (verses 71-72)

 "71 It is good for me that I have been afflicted; That I may learn thy statutes.  72 The law of thy mouth is better unto me Than thousands of gold and silver."

"It is good for me that I have been afflicted; That I may learn thy statutes."  The Psalmist repeats the thought of verse 67 in this section.  He is obviously trying to make a point of emphasis.  Affliction has done him a lot of good.  God´s wisdom and the instruction of His Word had accomplished this good in his life.  Blessed be the LORD for His discipline toward us His children!  Sadly, there are those whose afflictions make them worse.  Why?  Because they fail to turn to God for guidance and wisdom during their times of affliction.  The Psalmist models for us his love and dedication to the Word of God.  This in fact helped him to endure hardship and was worthwhile for him.  There is so much that we need to learn from this Psalmist.

"The law of thy mouth is better unto me Than thousands of gold and silver."  As a logical extension to the previous verse, the Psalmist understood that even difficulties and troubles could be good if it drew him nearer to the Word of God and if he were taught by it.  To him, this was of more value than his own comfort and all riches.  He learned, loved and appreciated God's Word as a result of a life that had known affliction.

J.  YODH:  Trust in the Creator and His Word.

The Yodh stanza represents the small Hebrew letter that Jesus referred as "jot" in Matthew 5:18:  " For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass away from the law, till all things be accomplished."

• Surrendering to the Word of the Creator:  (verse 73)

 "73 Thy hands have made me and fashioned me: Give me understanding, that I may learn thy commandments."

"Thy hands have made me."  He proclaims that God is our Creator and that we are obligated to God as our Creator, the One who has fashioned us by His hands.

"Fashioned me."  Here he is echoing Genesis 2:7.  Although man might profoundly reject his Creator, he still has an obligation to His Maker.  Why?  Because God is the One who gives us life.  Therefore we must revere Him as the One Who is supreme and greater than anyone else, because He is our Designer knowing what is best for our soul.  He is the One Who has every right to end our life since He is our beginning.  He acknowledges that many would forget all this and deny their Creator.

"Give me understanding."  The Psalmist is praying to his Creator for understanding and the knowledge of His Word.

"That I may learn thy commandments."  Man must understand and admit his need to learn God's Word (commandments) as well as to receive His Word as commands from a wise, loving and righteous Creator.

• The Common Gladness of Those Who Fear God.  (verse 74)

 "74 They that fear thee shall see me and be glad, Because I have hoped in thy word."

 "They that fear thee shall see me and be glad."  The Psalmist wishes that all who fear God may see him as an example of obedience, encouragement, and trust in the Word of God.  

"Because I have hoped in thy word."   The Psalmist's life can surely give anyone encouragement and gladness to all who fear God because his hope and intentions were put upon the Word of God.

• Comfort From God's Word in Our Times of Trouble and Affliction.  (verses 75-77)

"75 I know, O Jehovah, that thy judgments are righteous, And that in faithfulness thou hast afflicted me. 76 Let, I pray thee, thy lovingkindness be for my comfort, According to thy word unto thy servant.  77 Let thy tender mercies come unto me, that I may live; For thy law is my delight."

"I know, O Jehovah, that thy judgments are righteous, And that in faithfulness thou hast afflicted me"   He knew that God's judgments are pure and righteous.  His love for God's Law had given him wise and righteous perspective even during his season of suffering.  Without a doubt he can proclaim the righteousness of God's judgments even in the midst of his affliction.  Another example of this is Job who came to know that all of God's judgments are righteous. Job even understood God's faithfulness in his affliction.  He could say in his affliction, "blessed be the name of the LORD," Job 1:21.  Other examples are found in I Samuel 3:18; 2 Samuel 16:11; 2 Kings 4:26.

"Let, I pray thee, thy lovingkindness be for my comfort, According to thy word unto thy servant."  The Psalmist prays that he might receive God's promises that were written in His Word.  He then asks according to His promises for His tender mercies in his time of affliction that he might be comforted.  He knew well that God's tender mercies came to him through God's Word or Law.  He also knew that if he stayed closer to God's Word (Law) allowing it to live in him, he would find His tender mercies.

• A Contrast Between the Proud and Those Who Fear the LORD.  (verses 78-80)

 "78 Let the proud be put to shame; For they have overthrown me wrongfully: But I will meditate on thy precepts.  79 Let those that fear thee turn unto me; And they shall know thy testimonies.  80 Let my heart be perfect in thy statutes, That I be not put to shame."

"Let the proud be put to shame."  Since the proud had treated him wrongly with falsehood and ridicule, he wished that God would put them to shame.  And even though this prayer might not sound good, it is a prayer for their good so that they might seek Him, Psalm 83:16.

"But I will meditate on thy precepts."  The Psalmist loved to meditate on God's Word (Law).  How?  He would study the Law of God and not the law of retaliation.

"Let those that fear thee turn unto me."  Although he recognizes the presence of proud enemies, he did not believe that all were against him and God.  He admits there were some who feared God.  Therefore he could find friendship with them since they had much in common; they both had God's Word (Law),  those who knew and loved God's Testimonies.

"Let my heart be perfect in thy statutes."  The Psalmist recognizes his need for greater obedience to God´s Word.  He turns to God for knowledge and wisdom that he may be obedient, blameless in heart. 

"That I be not put to shame."  This is a reasonable desire.  He wants to live a righteous and holy life, a life that is blameless before the eyes of God.

K.  KAPH:  Fainting From Affliction, Revived by the Word of God.

• Seeking Comfort in the Word of God.  (verses 81-82)

 "81 My soul fainteth for thy salvation; But I hope in thy word.  82 Mine eyes fail for thy word, While I say, When wilt thou comfort me?"

"My soul fainteth for thy salvation."  The Psalmist seems to be desperate.  Apparently, his heart is aching for God's Word because he has hope in His Word.  Paul expresses this same feeling in 2 Corinthians 4:8-9, 13.

"But I hope in thy word."  The Psalmist found hope and strength in God's Word. This same endurance of hope is found in I Thess. 1:3; I Thess. 5:8

"Mine eyes fail for thy word."  This is to show how diligent the Psalmist is in reading and studying God's Word.  He knew God's Word was richer than any earthly riches.

"When wilt thou comfort me?"  The Psalmist is in distress and is in need of a greater motivation to study deeply and diligently than just mere theology.  It is a fact that comfort can only come when one puts away all unbelief, complaining, sin and fulfill our obligations as Christians.

• Valuing Weakness and Trusting in God's Word.  (verses 83-84)

 "83 For I am become like a wine-skin in the smoke; Yet do I not forget thy statutes. 84 How many are the days of thy servant? When wilt thou execute judgment on them that persecute me?"

"For I am become like a wine-skin in the smoke."  The Psalmist felt weak as a frail and weak wineskin that had turned dry and made black with smoke.  His spiritual life felt dry.  Don't we sometimes feel this way in the midst of our trials?  A wineskin in smoke was useless, shriveled and unappealing because of being blackened with soot. 

"Yet do I not forget thy statutes."  Despite his awareness of weakness, he was determined to not forget or forsake God's Statutes.  The Word of God was stronger than his weakness.  No trial, trouble, adversity.... would pull him away from his love of the TRUTH.

"How many are the days of thy servant? When wilt thou execute judgment on them that persecute me?"  The awareness of his weakness led him to despair into thinking that God was not going to execute judgment against those who persecuted him.  Something to notice in this verse is that the Psalmist does not mention the Word (Law) of God.  It makes us think that perhaps his despair had made him lose his focus on God's Word.

• A Cry for Help When Attacked and Persecuted.  (verses 85-86)

"85 The proud have digged pits for me, Who are not according to thy law.  86 All thy commandments are faithful: They persecute me wrongfully; help thou me."

"The proud have digged pits for me, Who are not according to thy law."  The snares that his enemies had set were a direct attack on the Law of God.  Exodus 21:33-34 gives us an example of this principle.  Although his enemies had almost destroyed him, his faith remained unshakable. 

"All thy commandments are faithful: They persecute me wrongfully, help thou me."  The Psalmist found refuge and faithfulness in God's commandments that were an apparent contrast to the persecution of his enemies.  Instead, he prays the logical:  Help me!

• Revived by God Unto Obedience.  (verses 87-88)

 "87 They had almost consumed me upon earth; But I forsook not thy precepts.  88 Quicken me after thy lovingkindness; So shall I observe the testimony of thy mouth."

"They had almost consumed me upon earth; But I forsook not thy precepts."  The Psalmist emphasizes over and over the fact that he is not going to forsake God's Word.  He is determined to adhere to God's Word in good and bad times.  This is remarkable to me!  There are so many things that can provoke us to forsake God's Word:  Sin, arrogance, persecution, indifference and coldness of heart, worldly distractions, love of material riches and busyness.  The Psalmist was almost dead and destroyed but would not forsake God's Precepts (Word).

"Quicken me after thy lovingkindness." The Psalmist is looking for a new life, revival.  Although he loved the Word of God so deeply and freely spoke of his love, yet he recognizes that his trust was in the goodness and mercy of God, not in his love for God's Word.  

"So shall I observe the testimony of thy mouth."  Here he understands well the purpose of a revived spirit within himself.  It was for a more faithful, obedient walk with God.   He also knew that the Word (Testimony) of God comes from the mouth of God.  We see this in the inspired writing that communicates  words from His mouth.  Words that are infallible, and not just ideas. 

L.  LAMEDH:  Saved by the Word Settled in Heaven.

• A Faithful God and His Settled Word.  (verses 89-91)

 "89 For ever, O Jehovah, Thy word is settled in heaven.  90 Thy faithfulness is unto all generations: Thou hast established the earth, and it abideth.  91 They abide this day according to thine ordinances; For all things are thy servants."

"For ever, O Jehovah, Thy word is settled in heaven."  The Psalmist meditated on the unchanging nature of God's Word.  Because God's Word is settled in heaven, and it will not change on earth.  In contrast with man's teachings that often change and never have time to be settled.  But the Word of God remains forever the same.  The Word of God is composed of the very words of God and not man.  We believe this because the Word of God confirms this in 2 Timothy 3:16.  The Words that the inspired men wrote were breathed by God.  Jesus confirms this also in Matthew 5:8. Therefore, the Word of God is settled in heaven.

"Thy faithfulness is unto all generations."  The Psalmist believed that the settled Word of God was a proof of His faithfulness which extends across all generations.  We see this when we contemplate how God has preserved His Word throughout all generations.  The Bible not only survives, but it also flourishes.

"Thou hast established the earth, and it abideth.  They abide this day according to thine ordinances."  The spoken Word of God is certainly what created the earth and causes it to abide, Genesis 1.  The earth and all creation are sustained and endure according to the Word of God.  Isaiah 40:8 and Matthew 24:35 confirm all this.

"For all things are thy servants."  The Psalmist understands the created order that all creation serves God and His purpose.  The earth, which He established and which abides, obeys His Word.

• The Sustaining Power of God's Word (Law).  (verses 92-93)

 "92 Unless thy law had been my delight, I should then have perished in mine affliction.  93 I will never forget thy precepts; For with them thou hast quickened me."

"Unless thy law had been my delight."  It is evident that the Psalmist loved and rejoiced in God's Law(Word).  Reading and meditating on God's Law had not become a burdensome task, but a delight. 

"I should then have perished in mine affliction."  The Psalmist understood well that without a close relationship with God and His Law(Word), he would have not been comforted or encouraged, in his time of affliction.  I can relate to this well!  It is important to understand that delight in His Word does not come through just Bible knowledge but rather in our relationship with God and His Law (Word).  It is what gives us strength and spiritual sustenance.

"I will never forget thy precepts; For with them thou hast quickened (revived) me."  The Psalmist recalls that God’s Word (Precepts) is what gives him a life of sustenance and character.  It was this life that fortified him in his time of affliction.  God's Word (Precepts) is alive and gives us sustaining life.

• Protection, Shelter in Seeking God's Word (Precepts).  (verses 94-95)

 "94 I am thine, save me; For I have sought thy precepts.  95 The wicked have waited for me, to destroy me; But I will consider thy testimonies." 

"I am thine, save me."  This short phrase portrays a delightful and sublime relationship between him and His God, springing from the Word of God.  How can God save him through the Word?  First, he recognizes God as his God because we are His children, His creation.  Salvation is in seeking His Precepts (Law) and surrendering to His will; thus making us His election, redemption and acceptance.  God hears and answers the prayers of those who seek Him; and we acknowledge that God will save us in the end because we have sought and kept His Precepts, Word.

"For I have sought thy precepts."  A close relationship is built upon the Word (Precepts) of God.  It is not a relationship built upon feelings or personal experiences but upon the firm cornerstone of God's Word.

"The wicked have waited for me, to destroy me; But I will consider thy testimonies."  His enemies do evil against him.  They seek to destroy him, but he will not be anxious or alarmed.  He would rather find shelter, protection in God's Word (Testimonies). 

• The Perfection of God's Word (Commandments, Law).   (verse 96)

 "96 I have seen an end of all perfection; But thy commandment is exceeding broad."

"I have seen an end of all perfection."  The Psalmist examines those excellent things he has seen in his life; perhaps those of great beauty; the intricate, detailed things of God's creation, His love, and care.  Yet, when he contemplates all these wonderful things they all have their limits, and they come to an end.  But the Word (Commandments) of God has no end or boundaries.  It remains forever.

"But thy commandment is exceeding broad."   Despite all the extraordinary and delightful things he had seen, there was something of great value, the Commandments of God, His revealed Word to us.  There are no boundaries or end to His Law.  Why?  Because His Word is before creation.  It is the sustainer of creation.  It will endure forever, beyond all creation.

M.  MEM:  Loving the Sweetness of God's Law (Word)

•  The Love of God's Word Demonstrated Through Meditation.  (verse 97)

 "97 Oh how love I thy law! It is my meditation all the day." 

"Oh how love I thy law!"  Twice throughout this Psalm, the Psalmist has declared his love for God's Word (Law) (Psalm 119:47-48).  Yet in this text, the Psalmist is expressing an intense, fervent devotion to God's Word. He is proclaiming that he loves God's Word (Law) more than anything else in this life.  God's Word surpasses all things excellent. His is expressing his adoration of the Word of God.   It is precious to him because it makes him superior in wisdom, intelligence, and judgment toward his enemies, his teachers and the aged. He is also praising and speaking highly to others about God's Law, His Word.  The one who loves the Word of God would not just understand it but live it in total obedience.  It is his food, medicine, comfort and his path of light.  It is sustaining life.  He cannot live without His Law.  Oh, how I love this passage!

"It is my meditation all the day." The Psalmist ponders or considers God's Law all day long because he loves His Word.  It is as natural for him as breathing air.

• God's Word (Commandments) Provides us With Great Wisdom.  (verses 98-100)

 "98 Thy commandments make me wiser than mine enemies; For they are ever with me.  99 I have more understanding than all my teachers; For thy testimonies are my meditation.  100 I understand more than the aged, Because I have kept thy precepts."

"Thy commandments make me wiser than mine enemies."  The Psalmist has many enemies.  Some are proud and evil.  Yet, he is confident that God's Word (Commandments) has given him greater wisdom toward his teachers, his enemies and the aged one.  How?  Because of his diligent and earnest dedication to his study and meditation on God's Word. It shows us that we can gain much wisdom and understanding from God's Word from our own personal study and meditation, even more than from our teachers.  Teachers are useful but not always necessary.  It shows us that understanding is of much greater value than having teachers.  Jesus teaches that if the blind leads the blind, they both shall fall into the ditch.  The Lord requires us to try the spirits because there are many false teachers in the world.  Consider how the faithful men of God were often men of little education and yet they had great understanding and were effective in teaching God's Word.

"I understand more than the aged, Because I have kept thy precepts."  God's Word had given him more education than his elders.  He understands more than the aged because he has kept God's Precepts even though they seem to have more experience than he.  He understood that our rule of faith, doctrine and living is the Word, the Bible, itself, not the understanding or interpretation of great men in history.  He acknowledges and respects the knowledge and wisdom of the ancients, but he also declares that we are not to be slaves to their counsel; only God's Word is worthy of slavish devotion.

• The Word of God Keeps us From All Evil.  (verses 101-102)

 "101 I have refrained my feet from every evil way, That I might observe thy word.  102 I have not turned aside from thine ordinances; For thou hast taught me."

"I have refrained my feet from every evil way, That I might observe thy word."  The Psalmist recognized the importance of restraining one from evil.  This would help him understand God's Word (Ordinances, Judgments) better.

"I have not turned aside from thine ordinances."  That personal connection he had with God through His Word helped him to walk faithfully. 

"For thou hast taught me."  God is the guarantor of all Biblical Truth.

• The Sweet Understanding of God's Word.  (verses 103-14)

 "103 How sweet are thy words unto my taste! Yea, sweeter than honey to my mouth!  104 Through thy precepts I get understanding: Therefore I hate every false way."

"How sweet are thy words unto my taste!"  The Psalmist is expressing how God's Words felt to him:  pleasant, smooth and sweet, even sweeter than honey!  When one spends time in God's Word, he finds a sweet acquaintance and thanksgiving.   Studying and meditating on God's Word provided him enormous delight and satisfaction.  God's Words are sweet to us when we love His whole Truth, His Doctrines, His Precepts. 

"Through thy precepts I get understanding: Therefore I hate every false way."  The Word of God (Precepts) gave him discernment and courage.  It made him able to discern wisdom and hate every false way.  And although we live in a world of darkness, bitterness, and ugliness, we can still have our sweet moments and see the beauty of God through His Word that aids us in hating all such evil and loving all righteousness.

N.  NUN:  The Unceasing Trust in Gods' Word.

• The Illuminating Enlightenment, Guidance of God's Word.  (verse 105)

"105 Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, And light unto my path." 

"Thy word is a lamp unto my feet."  The Psalmist understood that the Word of God was constant enlightenment, guidance which he trusted forever.  He also acknowledged that in order to walk with God, he needed the guidance of His Word.  Because God's Law was a lamp to his feet, it helped him walk the Way God wanted him to walk.  So how are Christians to walk?   

1. Worthy, Eph. 4:1.
2. Uprightly, Isaiah 57:2.
3. In the light, I John 1:7.
4. Humbly, Micah 6:8.   

Notice that none of these are possible without the enlightenment or guidance of God's Word in our walk.

"And light unto my path."  The Word of God guided his steps and showed him the path of righteousness.  A path he knew he needed to remain on.  The Word of God is light and gives light.  The Word of God can be clearly understood but one must avoid human opinions when studying it and teaching it for it to have its most beneficial effect on us and those who hear us.

• Trusting in the Life-giving Power of God's Word.  (verses 106-108)

 "106 I have sworn, and have confirmed it, That I will observe thy righteous ordinances.  107 I am afflicted very much: Quicken me, O Jehovah, according unto thy word.  108 Accept, I beseech thee, the freewill-offerings of my mouth, O Jehovah, And teach me thine ordinances."

"I have sworn, and have confirmed it, That I will observe thy righteous ordinances (Judgments)."  The Psalmist was indeed determined to keep and obey God's righteous Judgments, laws, and requirements. His Word dictated his life. 

"I am afflicted very much: Quicken me, O Jehovah, according unto thy word."  His determination to obey God's Law came from a season of affliction rather than comfort and ease.  Despite his many difficulties, pains and sufferings, he fixed his eyes on the Word of God.  He looked to His Word for revival and sought to live it according to His Word.

"Accept, I beseech thee, the freewill-offerings of my mouth, O Jehovah."  The Psalmist presented these words as a sacrifice brought to the altar of God.  They were his freewill offerings of love and devotion to His Word.  They were also sacrifices of prayer and praises, Psalm 50:14; Hosea 14:2.

"And teach me thine ordinances."  The Psalmist is acknowledging with humility his need for God's instruction, His Judgments. 

• Trusting in God's Word Despite Snares and Dangers.  (verses 109-110)

 "109 My soul is continually in my hand; Yet do I not forget thy law.  110 The wicked have laid a snare for me; Yet have I not gone astray from thy precepts."

"My soul is continually in my hand; Yet do I not forget thy law. "  Although the Psalmist was in constant danger, his devotion and connection to God's Word remained firm and unshakable. 

"The wicked have laid a snare for me; Yet have I not gone astray from thy precepts."  Even though his enemies endangered his life with their wickedness, he would not forsake the Precepts of God.  I think he is not just speaking of physical dangers but of spiritual dangers as well.  Dangers of falling into sin.

• A Long-Lasting Loyalty to God and His Word.  (verses 111-112)

"111 Thy testimonies have I taken as a heritage for ever; For they are the rejoicing of my heart.  112 I have inclined my heart to perform thy statutes For ever, even unto the end."

"Thy testimonies have I taken as a heritage for ever; For they are the rejoicing of my heart."  The Psalmist rejoiced in God's Testimonies (Word, Law) with a genuinely heartfelt joy.  Thus God's Law became his heritage forever. 

"I have inclined my heart to perform thy statutes For ever, even unto the end."  Again, the Psalmist would not forsake God's Statues, Word.  He would not stop studying, learning, meditating and mainly obeying God's Word to the end.

O.  SAMEKH:  Hold Up, Supported by God's Word.

• Protection, Shelter Found in God's Word.  (verses 113-114).

"113 I hate them that are of a double mind; But thy law do I love.  114 Thou art my hiding-place and my shield: I hope in thy word."

"I hate them that are of a double mind; But thy law do I love."  The Psalmist understood the frustration of the doubled minded man.  He is unpredictable and uncommitted in his lie.  And yet, the Law of God is sure and certain.  The double minded wants both God and the world.  He wants God but he wants to live in sin also.  The Psalmist rejects the mindset of the double minded man because he wants God´s Word to sustain him and uphold him when he is tempted to fall into sin.  "But thy law I love."  When one loves the Law of God it becomes the law of love toward His Word.  One does not waver or depart from God's Word.  He holds on to His Testimonies forever.

"Thou art my hiding-place and my shield: I hope in thy word."  The God whom the Psalmist came to know and love through the Word, became his shelter in troubled times.  His hope was not just in knowledge but in a genuine relationship with God Himself (my hiding place and my shield) who protected him.  Our Lord Jesus is our safe hiding place.  When one loves the Truth the Lord becomes his Shield and Protector against anything that would lead us astray. 

• A Word to the Wicked.  (verse 115)

 "115 Depart from me, ye evil-doers, That I may keep the commandments of my God."

"Depart from me, ye evil-doers." Here the Psalmist is addressing the evil doers that caused him so much trouble.  He realized he needed to put distance between himself and the evil doers.  It means he was cautious about choosing his friends.

"That I may keep the commandments of my God."  This is the reason for the Psalmist wanting that distance mentioned previously.  He was committed to keeping and obeying God's Commandments.  He continually relied on God's Word.

• Upheld and Saved by the Word of God.  (verses 116-17)

 "116 Uphold me according unto thy word, that I may live; And let me not be ashamed of my hope.  117 Hold thou me up, and I shall be safe, And shall have respect unto thy statutes continually."

"Uphold me according unto thy word, that I may live."  The Psalmist knows that without God holding him up, he could not stand up against his enemies; without God's steadfast sustenance he could not live either physically or spiritually.  The idea of support (uphold me) would only occur according to God's Word.  It would be unchanging precisely because it finds its origin in God's Word.

"And let me not be ashamed of my hope."  The Psalmist's love, hope, and faith are devoted to God and His Word. (Psalm 110:43; 49, 74, 81, 114).  God will vindicate us and protect us when we set our hope in Him.

 "Hold thou me up, and I shall be safe, And shall have respect unto thy statutes continually."  He is requesting to be supported and upheld by the strength that comes from God and His Word.  It will help him use that strength to obey His Statutes, Word.

• The Righteous Judgments of God.  (verses 118-120)

 "118 Thou hast set at nought all them that err from thy statutes; For their deceit is falsehood.  119 Thou puttest away all the wicked of the earth like dross: Therefore I love thy testimonies.  120 My flesh trembleth for fear of thee; And I am afraid of thy judgments."

"Thou hast set at nought all them that err from thy statutes." The Psalmist speaks of the righteousness of God's Judgments.  He uses the word statutes as His standard for Judgment.  God rejects those who stray from His Word and the laws revealed therein.  God in His righteousness will purify the earth from the lawlessness of the wicked.  Isaiah 1:22; Ezekiel 22:18-19; Jeremiah 6:28-30.

"Therefore I love thy testimonies."  The Psalmist praises God for all His righteous Judgments.  He also praises God for His Testimonies as a measure of righteousness.

"My flesh trembleth for fear of thee; And I am afraid of thy judgments."  As the Psalmist reflects on the righteousness of God's Judgments, he examines his own life and acknowledges that his life has not been entirely righteous.  His awareness of fear and trembling made him rush to God for his atoning, covering sacrifice.  The Psalmist did not rejoice in the judgment of the wicked but rather trembled in holy fear himself. 

P.  AYIN:  The Servant Seeks After The Word of God.

• A Prayer of God's Protection Against the Proud.  (verses 121-122)

 "121 I have done justice and righteousness: Leave me not to mine oppressors.  122 Be surety for thy servant for good: Let not the proud oppress me."

"I have done justice and righteousness:  Leave me not to mine oppressors."  The Psalmist knew he was devoted to living a godly, holy and righteous life before God, in contrast to the life of his oppressors.

"Be surety for thy servant for good."  The Psalmist is praying to God to defend and stand up for him.  It was through God's defense that he was able to avoid the oppression of the proud.  The Psalmist cries out to God as Job did.  Job 17:3.  He also prayed that GOD would be to him what Jesus is to us, a surety of the covenant, Hebrew 7:22. One thing to notice is that verse 122 does not mention the Word of God.

"Let not the proud oppress me."  The Psalmist is expressing his deep anguish as a result of the oppression he had endured from wicked men.  He hopes that God will not leave him in the oppressive hands of his arbitrary enemies.

•  God's Servant Seeks Salvation in His Statutes.  (verses 123-125)

 "123 Mine eyes fail for thy salvation, And for thy righteous word.  124 Deal with thy servant according unto thy lovingkindness, And teach me thy statutes.  125 I am thy servant; give me understanding, That I may know thy testimonies."

"Mine eyes fail for thy salvation, And for thy righteous word."  This points out how devoted the Psalmist was to the Word of God and how much he valued the salvation he found from the Word.  The Psalmist shows how patiently he was to wait for God's salvation. 

"Deal with thy servant according unto thy lovingkindness, And teach me thy statutes."  He is acknowledging how God teaches His children.  Although God has no obligation to teach us, He does so anyway out of His great mercy toward us.  But as His children we have a duty to Him, the Master.  An obligation to learn His Law, Word, and obey it.

"I am thy servant; give me understanding, That I may know thy testimonies."  The Psalmist yearns for understanding that he may know the Testimonies of God better.  He knew that with God's help he could understand His Word better.  Understanding His Word was of significant importance to him.  Why?  Because that same Word would lead him into deeper understanding and wisdom of God's Word so he could walk in righteousness.

• A Plea For God to Act, Work.  (verse 126)

 "126 It is time for Jehovah to work; For they have made void thy law." 

"It is time for Jehovah to work."  Those who walk in God's laws understand the urgent need of the Psalmist.  His need for God to do what is right is so great that he dares to make this request to God.  We are often so ignorant of God's Ways and timing that we seem to be wrong on this matter.  We become anxious demanding God to act right away.

"For they have made void thy law."  The Psalmist is pointing out those who ignore the Word and Law of God.  And instead of pleading about his desperate condition, he calls on God since His Law is being broken.  His Law is made void by those who deny its authority and their obligation to it.

• The Word of God is Precious and Right.  (verses 127-128)

 "127 Therefore I love thy commandments Above gold, yea, above fine gold.  128 Therefore I esteem all thy precepts concerning all things to be right; And I hate every false way."

"Therefore I love thy commandments Above gold, yea, above fine gold."  Even though others regarded the Word of God as void and despised, the Psalmist resolved to love and keep His Commandments instead.  To him the Word, Law, was of more value than gold.  When he considered how much the Word was voided and despised, he decided to love it even more. 

"Therefore I esteem all thy precepts concerning all things to be right."  He regarded God's Precepts to be right with great confidence.  He proclaimed the infallibility of God's Word.  Because the Law, Word of God is perfect concerning all matters.   The Word is perfect in matters of history, poetry, prophecy, instruction, right and wrong. 

"And I hate every false way."  He abhorred every false way since he loved the Word of God so intensely.  He loved the Truth , therefore he hated falsehood.  This is what Jesus said in Matthew 6:24 about serving two masters.  It is impossible to love the path of righteousness without hating the wrong one, the unrighteous one. 

We have arrived about two-thirds of the way in our stroll through the meditations of Psalm 119.  I hope that you are enjoying these beautiful thoughts as much as I am.  Lord willing I would post the last part of this study in the next few days.

Luci

THE RICHES AND GLORIES OF GOD'S LAW, PSALM 119 - PART ONE

 "Oh how love I thy law! It is my meditation all the day."  

Psalm 119:97

I have wanted for a long time to write about this beautiful and magnificent Psalm 119.  This Psalm is very special and close to my heart because I yearn to love, to seek, to learn, to live, to praise and lean upon God's Law, His Word.  Nothing can satisfy my yearning heart like the Word of God.  He is my Portion.  It is my utmost goal as I walk my path here on earth to live my life according to the Word of God in order that I may glorify Him.

"Thy word have I laid up in my heart, That I might not sin against thee."  Psalm 119:11

Psalm 119 is one of the longest Psalms in the Bible.  It glorifies God and His Word and as one reads through the Psalm, one discovers that it mentions the written Word of God in one way or another over and over in nearly every verse.   The Psalm is laid out in an acrostic pattern, divided into twenty-two sections of eight verses each, according to the letters of the Hebrew alphabet.  Each of these twenty-two sections is headed by a letter of the Hebrew alphabet.  Each line of a section begins with that letter.  The closest pattern to this is found in Lamentations 3.

Consider how the Psalmist relates to the Law of God in eight descriptive words:

1. "Law"  is used 25 times in the Psalm.  It refers to God's Divine and direct revelation to us as the whole body of "law."
2. "Word"  is used 24 times as God's revealed Word as addressed to man.
3. "Judgments"  is used 23 times to demonstrate God's rules that judge, discern, determine, regulate and order our thoughts and deeds in order that we may discern what is right and wrong, determined according to His Law.
4. "Testimonies"  is used 23 times in relation to obeying His testimonies.  It means loyalty from our part to His Word.  This is our covenant between Him and us, His creatures - mankind.  
5. "Commandments"  is used 22 times to emphasize His upright authority in what He dictates.
6. "Statutes"  is used 21 times to declare His authority and power through the written Word, His laws.
7. "Precepts" is used 21 times to point out His specific decrees or edicts.
8. "Word"  is used 19 times to indicate all that God has spoken, commanded or promised to us.

Without a doubt, throughout this Psalm, the glory of God's revealed Word is examined in connection with Him alone.  As I dig deeply into the Psalm, I discover the immensity, variety, beauty, delicacy and intensity of God's Word to man.  It is much to fathom!

Consider the precious riches and glories of God's Word, the Law, throughout this Psalm:

A. ALEPH:  The Blessings of Those Who Walk in God's Laws and the Yearning to do His will.

• Blessing declared.  (verses 1-2)

"1  Blessed are they that are perfect in the way, Who walk in the law of Jehovah.  2 Blessed are they that keep his testimonies, That seek him with the whole heart."

The Psalmist starts out by describing how a man can be blessed.  How?  By walking upright in God's Way, His Law, His Word and being undefiled by sin.  It means living the pure life that teaches us true blessedness and joy.  It is sharing His blessedness.  He is the only One who can show us what living a pure life is about, and He shows us as we walk in His Law.  It is vital that we make this walk a daily habit, because this is how we understand His Precepts and put them into practice.  How can one treasure His testimonies?  By studying or meditating on His Word with a sincere heart.

• Blessing pronounced for those who walk upright.  (verse 3)

"3 Yea, they do no unrighteousness; They walk in his ways."

Those who do no unrighteousness is repeated from the 2 previous verses.  This refers to those who keep His Commandments, His Law.  Those who walk undefiled, living in purity; loving His Way.

• A yearning to be blessed and approved by His Lawgiver, His God.  (verses 4-8)

"4 Thou hast commanded us thy precepts, That we should observe them diligently.  5 Oh that my ways were established To observe thy statutes!  6 Then shall I not be put to shame, When I have respect unto all thy commandments.  7 I will give thanks unto thee with uprightness of heart, When I learn thy righteous judgments.  8 I will observe thy statutes: Oh forsake me not utterly."

"Thou hast commanded us thy precepts, that we should observe them diligently."  Here, the Psalmist links commanded obedience with the hope of being blessed.  It honors Him, and it is the straight path to being blessed.

The Psalmist starts out by addressing God in praying "Oh that my ways were established To observe thy statutes!" This is to show that he was a man of prayer, as well as a student of the written Word.  We see this pattern in his thinking repeatedly.

God commands us to diligently keep His precepts without making our own new rules.  The aim is to be complete in Him and His rule.

"Oh that my ways were established to observe thy statutes!"   This is a godly plea or prayer that he might obey God’s Word.  He is aware of his helplessness to keep His Law apart from His revealed Word.  The Psalmist longs to be like Him but realizes that he has not reached that goal.  Does that sound familiar?  How many times do we feel frustrated because we are still weak rather than strengthened and established in His Word? 

"Then shall I not be put to shame, When I have respect unto all thy commandments."  The Psalmist felt the shame.  Why?  Because when we don't walk according to God's standards of living, we feel shame.  He prayed to live a life of purity, not defiled.  It is in living upright that one can live with confidence.  My obedience must never be partial, allowing sin to enter into my heart.  This is terrible!   Why?  Because it neglects the soul.  It is my duty to keep my soul pure, undefiled.

"I will give thanks unto thee with uprightness of heart."  The Psalmist not only praises God but thinks strongly that he must do it with an upright heart.  There is no reverence in praising Him when one's life is not upright.

"I will observe thy statutes."  He promises God to keep and guard His statutes.  His written Word.

"Oh forsake me not utterly."  The Psalmist seems to be in distress.  He loves God's Word and yet he is conscious that he is not able to do it apart from God's help in his life.  He is aware he is lost without Him and His Word.  He is mindful of the fact that man can't have fellowship with God apart from obeying His Word.

B.  BETA:  A Pure life and Meditation on God's Word.

We begin the second section of the Psalm.  Each line starts with the Hebrew letter beth which means "a house."  Our heart is a home for God's Word.

• A young man cleanses his life through God's Word.  (verse 9)

"9 Wherewith shall a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed thereto according to thy word."

Our song, “How shall the young secure their hearts and guard their lives from sin?  Thy Word …”

"Wherewith shall a young man cleanse his way?"  This is not a difficult question to answer.  Why?  Because this young man is concerned with living a pure life.  He knows he has many challenges to overcome but he is determined in his heart to pursue it.  Sadly, many Christians never consider living a life of purity.  They prefer to do it only when it is convenient.  They prefer to enjoy the lusts of the flesh instead of living for Him.  As the Psalmist says, this is a journey that must start when one is young and not later.  The question is, why is the young man called to cleanse his way?  Because God demands the first and the best.  Also, because God wants to spare all man, especially the young from the slavery of sin.  Because when one starts young surrendering to His will rather than sin, it becomes much easier in the future.  Because habits are harder to break with the passing of time since they are being replaced with more bad habits.  Needless to say this is not just for the young man but for all, young and old.  Why?  

1. Because we all have our challenges and bad habits that we must break in order to live pure lives.  But we must take heed and obey His Word. 
2. Because His Word is the standard of purity.  
3. Because His Word demands that we live pure.  
4. Because His Word makes us conscious of how difficult it is to live pure, reminding us to be on guard.  
5. Because His Word shows us the blessings of being pure.  It motivates us to live our life as a living sacrifice. 
6. Because His Word converts our heart so that our inner man may be transformed into His likeness, His holiness, His purity. 
7. Because His Word shows us the Way to live godly and holy.  
8. Because His Word is our refuge against temptation.  It gives us a way of escape when we are tempted. 
9. Because His Word commands us to flee from all lusts.  2 Timothy 2:22.  
10. Because His Word cleanses us from all impurity, Eph. 5:26; John 15:3.  
11. Because His Word renews our mind and heart that we may be transformed, Rom. 12:1-2. 
12. Because His Word saves us from eternal damnation by showing us how to be saved from sin.  
13. Because His Word shows us how to conduct our life in a worthy and pure way.

Jesus, our Lord, spoke of the power that there is in His Word that we may be cleansed and keep our heart pure.  John 5:3.  John 17:17.  But one must study His Word in order to walk the straight Way and not fall into sin.

• Taking heed to His Word.  (verses 10-11)

"10 With my whole heart have I sought thee: Oh let me not wander from thy commandments.  11 Thy word have I laid up in my heart, That I might not sin against thee."

"With my whole heart have I sought thee."  The Psalmist is declaring his devotion to God.  He is also admitting his failure to maintain such commitment by saying, "Oh let me not wander from thy commandments."  The Psalmist is stating his desire to seek Him.  His heart's desire was to obey God Himself and all His Laws in order to have a close relationship with Him.

When the Psalmist declares, "let me not wander,"  he is claiming purity and devotion.  He knows he needs to lean on God and His Word in order to accomplish this.  He knows this is the path to purity.  It is in following God and His Word that one is not going to wander from His Way of purity.

"Thy word have I laid up in my heart."  The Psalmist is aware of the value of God's Word.  He knows God's Word is to be kept in one's heart that no one might take it away.  He had determined to place it and keep it in his heart and mind.

"That I might not sin against thee."  The Psalmist is firmly declaring the goodness of keeping God's Word hidden in one's heart.  It is our defense weapon against sin.

• A prayer for God's direction, guidance.  (verse 12)

"12 Blessed art thou, O Jehovah: Teach me thy statutes."

"Blessed art thou, O Jehovah:  Teach me thy statutes." Here the Psalmist seems to connect God's Word with a desire to live a pure life.  He is conscious of his constant need for direction, guidance from God.  He is pleading God to teach him in order that he may not sin.  Why?  Because he knows that sin will keep one's heart away from God's Word.  We must have this yearning heart whose primary desire is to learn from his Teacher.

• A declaration of loyalty, faithfulness, commitment.   (verses 13-16)

"13 With my lips have I declared All the ordinances of thy mouth.  14 I have rejoiced in the way of thy testimonies, As much as in all riches.  15 I will meditate on thy precepts, And have respect unto thy ways.  16 I will delight myself in thy statutes: I will not forget thy word."

"With my lips have I declared All the ordinances of thy mouth."  Here, the Psalmist is acknowledging the importance of declaring God's Word, ordinances or laws with his lips.  It is in speaking God's laws that we are going to glorify God.  His Law not only perfect us but will edify others.

"I have rejoiced in the way of thy testimonies, As much as in all riches."  The Psalmist is indeed acknowledging the value of God's Word.  The Word gives him as much joy as all riches.

"I will meditate on thy precepts, And have respect unto thy ways."  Obeying God's Laws is not a burden but rather a delight.

"I will delight myself in thy statutes: I will not forget thy word."  He has resolved  to never forget His Law.  He wants his life to be filled with His Word.  How?  In his heart, his mind, and in his habits in order that he may honor Him.

C.  GIMEL:  The Word of God And The Trials, Tribulations of  Life.

• A prayer of blessing to keep His Law.  (verse 17)

"17 Deal bountifully with thy servant, that I may live; So will I observe thy word."

"Deal bountifully with thy servant."  What a beautiful request!  The Psalmist is asking for blessing (deal bountifully) as he humbly approaches the throne of God (thy servant) begging for mercy.  He is showing his dependency upon His Master for bounty.

"that I may live; So will I observe thy word."  This is his petition to God, God's blessing.  He desires to honor God by living a life worthy of Him in order for him to have fellowship with God.

• A Prayer for discernment to understand His Law, His Word.  (verse 18).

"18 Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold Wondrous things out of thy law."

"Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold Wondrous things out of thy law."   The Psalmist recognizes that without God's discernment of His Law, man cannot see what he ought to from God's Law.  This is a powerful reminder to us.  Why?   Because although the Law, His Word, does not need any change, our hearts indeed do need to change.  The eyes of Paul's were unveiled, they were open when Jesus spoke to him.  That was before Ananias healed his physical blindness and baptized him, Acts 9:18.  The Psalmist is definitely showing us that he did not need a revelation of any kind in order to see and understand what God’s Law revealed.  In Matthew 25, Jesus rejoiced that God had revealed His wisdom, "At that season Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that thou didst hide these things from the wise and understanding, and didst reveal them unto babes."  The Word of God is filled with all of God's glories that we often forget to see.  It is a shame!  His Word is full of treasures that we neglect to see because our eyes are just not open to discernment and understanding.  This is why it is vital to study and meditate on God's Word which is His Law, so that we may see with the heart.

• A Prayer and longing for God's Revealed Word.  (verses 19-20)

"19 I am a sojourner in the earth: Hide not thy commandments from me.  20 My soul breaketh for the longing That it hath unto thine ordinances at all times."

"I am a sojourner in the earth: Hide not thy commandments from me."  The Psalmist is making the same request as in the prior verse but for a different reason.  He yearns to know God’s Law and keep it.  That is why he fervently prays for it to be so.  He also acknowledges that this world is not his home and that he is a sojourner.  He recognizes the need for his true home, which is heaven.

"My soul breaketh for the longing That it hath unto thine ordinances at all times."  His soul long for God's Law because he is a stranger on earth.  Heaven and Gods Law is what he truly treasures and lives for.  When he says "my soul breaketh," we hear an extreme longing, perhaps in the midst of disappointments, hopelessness and sorrow.  But he is hungering and thirsting after righteousness. 

• A Prayer for Refuge in God's Law.  (verses 21-24)

"21 Thou hast rebuked the proud that are cursed, That do wander from thy commandments.  22 Take away from me reproach and contempt; For I have kept thy testimonies.  23 Princes also sat and talked against me; But thy servant did meditate on thy statutes.  24 Thy testimonies also are my delight And my counsellors."

"Thou hast rebuked the proud, That do wander from thy commandments."  Those who reject God's Law go astray and are cursed.  They are also proud and disobedient.  Think of the Bible account of such men as Cain, Pharaoh, Nebuchadnezzar, and Herod.

"Take away from me reproach and contempt."  The Psalmists recognizes that turning away from the meditation on God's Law leads one into behavior that causes reproach and contempt.  On the other hand, he asks God's help in dealing with any reproach or contempt princes or leaders might lay on him for speaking His Word.  Apparently he had been slandered (sat and talked against me).

"But thy servant did meditate on thy statutes."  Here the Psalmist shows us that the best way to deal with slander is to pray to God about it.  God will help us heal the wound.

"Thy testimonies also are my delight And my counsellors."  It is evident that the Psalmist delighted and trusted in God's Law much more than the higher classes of people on this earth such as princes.  When he says, "my counselors," he is acknowledging the need for divine direction rather than our own counsel.  There are many things that can hinder our reception of God's Word and our fellowship with Him.  That is why he prays.  He sees the dangers of a dead soul, a darkened heart lacking in understanding, of living as a stranger in a foreign home.  He saw his failures and weaknesses, the danger of pride, the reproach and contempt and rulers plotting against him, therefore he prayed for all.

D. DALETH:  Revived From The Dust.

• A Prayer for revival from a dead soul.  (verse 25) 

"25 My soul cleaveth unto the dust: Quicken thou me according to thy word."

"My soul cleaveth unto the dust."  The Psalmist declares that he is near death.  Dust is the place of death and humiliation.  It seems that his concern was more spiritual than physical.

"Quicken thou me according to thy word."  He is praying for revival (quicken).  He felt the shame of sin and his need for brokenness and his urgency to confess his sin and find the remedy in order to do things right before God.  This is true revival in a Biblical sense.  He indeed knew what his soul needed.  He was aware that only God's Law, His Word can bring restoration to one's soul when he is dying in sin.  Romans 6:1-8.

• Teach me, make me understand.  (verses 26-27)

 "I declared my ways, and thou answeredst me: Teach me thy statutes.  27 Make me to understand the way of thy precepts: So shall I meditate on thy wondrous works."

"I declared my ways, and thou answeredst me: Teach me thy statutes."  The Psalmist had told God everything that there was in his heart.  He had confessed fully and freely everything to God.  "My ways" is an implication of a humble petition to God with regard to his sins, his cares, his fears, his troubles, sorrows and concerns.  He opened his heart to God as a dear Friend who dearly wanted to learn all His Laws.

"Make me to understand the way of thy precepts: So shall I meditate on thy wondrous works."   He knew his need for wisdom and understanding of God's Law. He was aware that by having both he was able to meditate on God's Law. 

• A Plea for God's strength for a dying soul.  (verse 28)

"28 My soul melteth for heaviness: Strengthen thou me according unto thy word."

"My soul melteth for heaviness."  His previous circumstances had made his soul heavy.  He felt as if his soul was melting, lacking in strength and steadiness, lacking in faith.

"Strengthen thou me according unto thy word."  Indeed, he prayed for strength according to God's Word, His Law.

• Choosing God's Truth.  (verses 29-30)

29 Remove from me the way of falsehood; And grant me thy law graciously.  30 I have chosen the way of faithfulness: Thine ordinances have I set before me."

"Remove from me the way of falsehood."  The Psalmist chose the Way of Truth rather than falsehood.  We are often tempted to lie.  But like him, we must determine in our heart to choose the way of Truth from God's Law.

"And grant me thy law graciously.  I have chosen the way of faithfulness."  He wants to keep us from sin.  God's Law will teach him how to live godly, righteously and holy in order to receive salvation.  This is what God's grace teaches us.  "For the grace of God hath appeared, bringing salvation to all men, 12 instructing us, to the intent that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly and righteously and godly in this present world..."  Titus 2:11-14.

"Thine ordinances have I set before me."  By loving the Truth and abiding in it, we are able to choose the way of Truth and have a relationship with His Word and the Father.

• Rescue me.  Enlarge my heart.  (verses 31-32)

"31 I cleave unto thy testimonies: O Jehovah, put me not to shame.  32 I will run the way of thy commandments, When thou shalt enlarge my heart."

"I cleave unto thy testimonies: O Jehovah, put me not to shame."  The Psalmist understood his need to cling to God's Law and give himself entirely to Him.  He was confident that by doing this, he was not going to be put to shame.  He is clinging to His Word that he might run the race that is set before him with joy.  I Corinthians 9:24,  Hebrews 12:1.

"I will run the way of thy commandments."  He is running and clinging to God's Law to win.

"When thou shalt enlarge my heart."  He is acknowledging his dependence on God's Law, but he knows he needs to enlarge his heart to His Law to accomplish his task with steadfastness and confidence.  This is the way we enlarge the heart toward God's Law.

E.  HE:  A Plea For Guidance, Instruction in Life.

• A prayer of instruction to live a righteous and godly life.  (verses 33-35)

"33 Teach me, O Jehovah, 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."

"Teach me, O Jehovah, the way of thy statutes; And I shall keep it unto the end."  The Psalmist needs and desires to keep the Way of the LORD and His Law.  He knows only God can teach it to him.  His Word, Law, can keep him saved to the end.  Only a man whose heart has been transformed can pray like this.  The Psalmist prays to let God's Word, Law, work in him with fear and trembling in order that he may obey Him and do His will.  Titus 2:13-14.

"Give me understanding, and I shall keep thy law; Yea, I shall observe it with my whole heart."  Without this understanding of God's Law, no one can be transformed and molded.  It is the only way to prevent apostasy.  The Psalmist has no doubt that God's Law can be understood correctly if one had the right heart.

"Make me to go in the path of thy commandments; For therein do I delight."  He is conscious that he cannot walk God's path without the power and instruction there is in His Law, His Word, in order to defeat sin. 

• God's Law and the problem with earthly riches and vanities.  (verses 36-37)

"36 Incline my heart unto thy testimonies, And not to covetousness.  37 Turn away mine eyes from beholding vanity, And quicken me in thy ways."

"Incline my heart unto thy testimonies, And not to covetousness."  The Psalmist understands correctly the threat that covetousness presents in our walk with God.  But he also knows that a heart that is willing and humble toward God's Law is able to do it.  His right heart will help him be satisfied in what He provides.  The Word of God has warned us over and over about the danger of covetousness.  Why?  Because one can easily turn away from God's Law, ruining our heart eternally.  We have several examples in His Word of those whose heart turned away from the Almighty God:  Numbers 22; 2 Peter  2:14-16; I Kings 1:1-13; 2 Kings 5:20-26;2 Samuel 6:2-17; Joshua 7:21; John 12:6 and Matthew 26:14-16; Acts 5:1-8.  Covetousness is the chief of all sins.

"Turn away mine eyes from beholding vanity."  He understands rightly that some things are vain and not worth pursuing.  Why?  Because they are of no value to the eternity of our soul.  His prayer is an urgent request to God to keep his heart and eyes away from such distractions, such worthless things.   Why are they worthless?  Because they are not good, they do not last forever, because there is no refuge in them, because it does not build up our faith, our hope and our love for God, His Word and His kingdom; because they are merely a distraction to us; and they have nothing to do with our Lord and Savior and His rule.

"And quicken (revive, make alive) me in thy ways."  This is another prayer for revival, making alive again in the ways or paths of God.  He desires to walk God's paths with a heart that is not dead but alive.  Dead to sin but alive to the Spirit.  My question is, how does God revive us? Through HIs Word or Law.

• Yearning for revival through God's Law, Word.  (verses 38- 40)

"38 Confirm unto thy servant thy word, Which is in order unto the fear of thee.  39 Turn away my reproach whereof I am afraid; For thine ordinances are good.  40 Behold, I have longed after thy precepts: Quicken me in thy righteousness."

"Confirm unto thy servant thy word, Which is in order unto the fear of thee."  This prayer asks for a change of heart and mind.  Each Christian ought to pray for this.  Why?  Because it is the only way for our heart to be established and confirmed in the fear of God that we may willingly obey His Law or Word.

"Turn away my reproach whereof I am afraid; For thine ordinances are good."  God’s laws or ordinances are righteous.  He prays that God will take away any reproach from his heart.  His Law or Word can cleanse him from all reproach.

"Behold, I have longed after thy precepts: Quicken me in thy righteousness."  The Psalmist finds himself praying one more time to his Jehovah God for revival (quicken).  His heart is indeed a heart that loves and thirsts for God's Law (precepts).  He longs to be made alive in righteousness through God's Word.

F.  VAV:  Liberty, Freedom, Comes From Loving God's Law.

• Receiving God's mercy, loving kindness and defending it.  (verses 41-42)

"41 Let thy lovingkindnesses also come unto me, O Jehovah, Even thy salvation, according to thy word.  42 So shall I have an answer for him that reproacheth me; For I trust in thy word."

"Let thy lovingkindnesses also come unto me, O Jehovah, Even thy salvation, according to thy word."  God's mercy (lovingkindness) and salvation come from obeying His Law, His Word.  It teaches us godliness, righteousness and holiness in order that we may zealously do good works and purify our souls from all lawlessness.  This is true redemption.  This is salvation.  This is God’s mercy, grace.

"So shall I have an answer for him that reproacheth me; For I trust in thy word."  When one trusts in God's Word, Law, like the Psalmist did, one is giving an answer for his hope and salvation to those who reproach us.  When one believes and defends God's Word and our hope, His Son, the disapproval of this world is answered.  We see this in Acts 4:29 as the disciples speak boldly about His Law, Word.  His Word, must be spoken, obeyed, trusted, sought and loved. 

• A prayer that the Word, not be taken away from the Psalmist's mouth but remain for ever.  (verses 43-44)

"43 And take not the word of truth utterly out of my mouth; For I have hoped in thine ordinances.  44 So shall I observe thy law continually For ever and ever. " And take not the word of truth utterly out of my mouth." 

"And take not the word of truth utterly out of my mouth."  It is a request rooted in the understanding of God's Word, Law, His righteousness, and mercy so that it may dwell in us.  He prays that God might help him continue in His Law forever.  

"For I have hoped in thine ordinances."  He has hoped in the Word of God (Ordinances) in the past and will do again since he has not been disappointed. 

"So shall I observe thy law continually For ever and ever.  And take not the word of truth utterly out of my mouth."   The Psalmist desires to remain in God's Law; to glorify God by his obedience to his Law."

• Loving the Law of liberty.  (verses 45-48)

"45 And I shall walk at liberty; For I have sought thy precepts.  46 I will also speak of thy testimonies before kings, And shall not be put to shame.  47 And I will delight myself in thy commandments, Which I have loved.  48 I will lift up my hands also unto thy commandments, which I have loved; And I will meditate on thy statutes."

"And I shall walk at liberty."  Obedience comes from loving His Law, Word.  God's Law brings liberty and freedom to our life.  Freedom comes through obedience to His Word, so obedience is wisdom.  Disobedience to God's Law leads us to the bondage of sin.  Freedom from the bondage of sin leads us to holiness, sanctification, and godliness.  His Word sets us free from the bondage of sin.

"For I have sought thy precepts."  God's precepts or rules are to be sought and not forced on us.

"I will also speak of thy testimonies before kings, And shall not be put to shame."   God's Law gives us freedom to speak boldly and freely of Him before kings and great men.

"And I will delight myself in thy commandments."  The Psalmist delights in God's Law.  He chooses to delight in it.

In verse 44, the Psalmist declares that he will keep His Law continually in obedience, liberty, courage (will not be ashamed) and delight. These are true deeds of righteousness brought on because of an obedient life.  These deeds will give him salvation.

"Which I have loved; And I will meditate on thy statutes."  The Psalmist is showing his deep love for God's Law.  His love is manifested in his delight for God's Law but also as a desire to honor His Law, Word when he meditates on it. We show our love for God's Law when we meditate on it, love it, know it and obey it.

G.  ZAYIN:  The Power of God's Law, Word to Comfort and Strengthen us.

• God's Word gives us comfort.  (verses 49-50).

"49 Remember the word unto thy servant, Because thou hast made me to hope.  50 This is my comfort in my affliction; For thy word hath quickened me."

"Remember the word unto thy servant."  He understands very well that God is faithful and keeps His Word.  How?  He fulfills all His promises stated in His Word.  This is why we must pray to Him.

"Because thou hast made me to hope."  He is acknowledging his trust and confidence in God's Word.

"This is my comfort in my affliction; For thy word hath quickened me."  God's Word has brought him back to life in the past.  He found comfort in his affliction.  He wants to continue steadfastly in God's Law even during affliction.  He knows God will deliver him. 

• God's Law adds strength to comfort.  (verses 51-52).

"51 The proud have had me greatly in derision: Yet have I not swerved from thy law.  52 I have remembered thine ordinances of old, O Jehovah, And have comforted myself." 

"The proud have had me greatly in derision."  The Psalmist appears to be mocked and reproached for loving and trusting God's Law.  The proud mocked his dedication to God's Law and ridiculed him.  Isn't it something that those who passionately love God's Law, Word, are the ones mocked and scorned the most by the proud who willfully reject God's Word?

"Yet have I not swerved from thy law."  He is determined to be faithful to his God and His Law in spite of all the scorn and mocking.  He will not turn away from God's Law. Such loyalty and commitment!

"I have remembered thine ordinances of old, O Jehovah, And have comforted myself."  The Psalmist responds wisely with confidence to those who mock him.  He trusts and hopes in God's Law.  It is here that he finds comfort.  He remembers how God dealt with men in the past.  How He dealt with those who opposed His Law.  He destroyed them as in the case of the Pharaoh when he drowned them in the Red Sea.  He confused the men at Babel.  He drove them out of Canaan.  He has done it in the past and will do it today.

• Describing the comfort and strength the Word of God provides.  (verses 53-56).

"53 Hot indignation hath taken hold upon me, Because of the wicked that forsake thy law.  54 Thy statutes have been my songs In the house of my pilgrimage.  55 I have remembered thy name, O Jehovah, in the night, And have observed thy law.  56 This I have had, Because I have kept thy precepts."

"Hot indignation hath taken hold upon me."  This is how he thought of the wicked, the proud, the mocker and the scorners who abuse those who love and trust in God' Law.  It made him indignant when they chose to forsake God's Law.  And what is worse, they often lead others to sin.  Luke 17:1-2.

"Thy statutes have been my songs In the house of my pilgrimage."  The Psalmist is affirming God's Statutes, Law, Word.  God's Law brings him joy and confidence.  Those of us who love to sing praises to our God know the great comfort it brings when one is in the house of pilgrimage.  Even Paul and Silas could sing in the midst of suffering, Acts 16:25.  So could the Psalmist sing to God.

"I have remembered thy name, O Jehovah, in the night."  This can be both literal and figurative.  The Psalmist found real comfort through God's Word in the dark of the night when fear and anxieties often assail us.

"And have observed thy law."  Here we are reminded of remembering God's Law at night if we have indeed obeyed it during the day.

"This I have had."  This is a declaration of triumph.  He has overcome because of his faith, God's Word, Romans 10:17.  His faith has given him strength, righteousness, and comfort.  The power of God's Word has kept his faith.

"Because I have kept thy precepts."  The Psalmist enjoys his victory not only because he knows the Law of God but because he obeyed it (I have kept thy precepts).  He claims complete obedience and a life lived in faithfulness toward the Law of God.

H.  HHETH:  Hurrying, Rushing to God With All My Heart.

• Loyalty proclaimed, and mercy requested.  (verses 57-58)

"57 Jehovah is my portion: I have said that I would observe thy words.  58 I entreated thy favor with my whole heart: Be merciful unto me according to thy word."

"Jehovah is my portion."  These are the words of a pleased heart.  He is contented with the portion he has received.  That portion is the LORD.  The LORD Himself is the Psalmist's satisfaction because he has found in God's Law, Word, all that a man needs to be satisfied.  He can say, "Jehovah is my portion" with confidence.  He knows he has received that portion as he comes to know Him through God's Word.  Therefore, he wants to live it out. Truly our God and His Word is our portion, our satisfaction.  To understand and to keep His Law, Word, is his own portion.  His Law is the highest favor or grace that came to him as well as to us. God and His Law is enough for us.  He, Himself, is our own possession.

"I have said that I would observe thy words."  The Psalmist knows he would be nothing without God's Word in his life.  He would be empty.  He had resolved to keep God's Word.  Jesus said, “If a man loves me, he will keep my words.” and this is the case with the Psalmist.  He vowed to keep and obey God's Words.  He knew for certain that if God was his portion, then that would lead him to follow God's Words.  Therefore, he was resolved to obey and store it up in his heart no matter what his circumstances were.

"I entreated thy favor with my whole heart; Be merciful unto me according to thy word."  There is an urgency to seeking His Truth in the Law, and pleasing God.  The word "favor" means "Your face."  It means that in order to enjoy God's face one must experience His favor. The Psalmist declares that he had sought the face or favor of God by loving and keeping His Law.  When he said God was his portion, he meant to obey Him.  Therefore, he was resolved to please Him all the days of his life.  This will lead him to God's favor.  Since God was his portion, His Word was his rule.

"Be merciful unto me according to thy word."  The Psalmist is imploring God to have mercy on his soul.  He wants God to teach him His Word, His Law, as the highest and most precious mercies of all.

• A life that is ruled by the Word of God.  (verses 59-60)

"59 I thought on my ways, And turned my feet unto thy testimonies.  60 I made haste, and delayed not, To observe thy commandments."

"I thought on my ways, And turned my feet unto thy testimonies."  The Psalmist had spent plenty of time studying and meditating on God's Law.  This led him to reflect and consider his own personal ways, his life,  and turn to the right path.  He knew man's ways are destructive leading to his soul's destruction, but he resolved to walk in God's Ways instead. Isaiah 55:8-9.

"I made haste, and delayed not, To observe thy commandments."  Now, he was resolved to keep and obey God's Law, quickly and joyfully although the snares of evil men surround him.  His gratefulness toward God's loving kindness and mercy, rushed him to get up and humble himself before the throne of God by praying.  This is what a man who fears God will do.  This was a speedy repentance, revival and obedience toward God.

• Faithfulness to God's Law in difficulties and adversity.  (verses 61-62)

"61 The cords of the wicked have wrapped me round; But I have not forgotten thy law.  62 At midnight I will rise to give thanks unto thee Because of thy righteous ordinances."

"The cords of the wicked have wrapped me round; But I have not forgotten thy law."  Apparently, the Psalmist was surrounded by evil men who wanted to attack and afflict him. In spite of all these difficulties, he was resolved to not forget or forsake God's Law.

"At midnight I will rise to give thanks unto thee Because of thy righteous ordinances."  Notice the Psalmist's posture as a sign of humility before the throne of God.   He would get up, not lie in bed and prostrate himself and praise His God.  His devotion to God's Law was sincere, earnest, precious, valuable, sacrificial, reverencing, praising, and grateful.  All of these traits require our soul and mind.

• Friendship with those who fear God's Law.  (verses 63-64)

"63 I am a companion of all them that fear thee, And of them that observe thy precepts.  64 The earth, O Jehovah, is full of thy lovingkindness: Teach me thy statutes."

"I am a companion of all them that fear thee, And of them that observe thy precepts."  The Psalmist evidently enjoys the fellowship with those who fear and honor God's Law.  The company of those who keep His precepts.  It is such a blessing to have fellowship and friendship, with those of the same precious faith from all races, classes, nationalities, backgrounds... These are the Lord's people who fear Him with all their heart and soul.  It is beyond words!

"The earth, O Jehovah, is full of thy loving kindness."  The Psalmist acknowledges God's mercy for all men.  This prompted him to seek Him even more through His Word, which led him to a deeper satisfaction and obedience (Teach me thy statutes).  When one lives in total obedience to the Law of God, one feels as if the earth is full of the mercy of God.  It is in living an obedient life that one can be blessed, blessing others, experiencing the loving kindness of God.   Isn't this beautiful?

I.  TETH:  God's Word Aids us and Brings us Comfort During Our Time of Affliction. 

• A prayer of praise and petition.  (verses 65-66)

"65 Thou hast dealt well with thy servant, O Jehovah, according unto thy word.  66 Teach me good judgment and knowledge; For I have believed in thy commandments."

"Thou hast dealt well with thy servant, O Jehovah, according unto thy word."  This section of the Psalm starts out with a note of thankfulness.  The Psalmist is thankful for God's good dealing toward him which has come according to His Word.  Think of all the times our God has dealt with us in our weaknesses, our failures. But He remains faithful to us.  Just think of His love for us by sending His only begotten Son to die for our sins, for our redemption.  He has forgiven us through the precious blood of His Son.  He has rescued us from the kingdom of darkness and brought us to His kingdom of light.  He has adopted us as His Children.  He has made us kings and priests and co-workers with Him.  He has promised to reward us if we obey and abide by His Law, His Word.

"Teach me good judgment and knowledge."  The Psalmist prays for wisdom to live a righteous life; to abide by God's Law for His glory.  He is confident that God will teach him good and righteous discernment as well as knowledge.   Nothing apart from God's WORD can ever teach us good judgment and knowledge.

"For I have believed in thy commandments."  He holds tightly to God's commandments to teach him.  He firmly believed in God's Law.  It means that if we truly believe His Word, we will want Him to teach it to us.  We want to obey it.  He knows it is wise.

I will be dividing Psalm 119 into three parts.  My next part will begin with verse 67.

May the LORD help us to walk according to His Law, seeking Him with our whole heart in order that we may walk in righteousness, undefiled and not be put to shame.  May He also help us to  allow His Word  enter our heart in order that it may be a lamp unto our feet, and a light unto our path.  Let us love, stand in awe, rejoice, praise, keep, hope, be faithful, be revived and never forget His Law, all of His Commandments, His precious Word.  May His Word dwell in our heart in order that we may live forever.

Luci