The 119th psalm is famously the longest chapter in the Bible. Chapter and verse divisions are not part of the original text, and each psalm is considered an individual work collected into the Book of Psalms; still, this length is notable. This single psalm contains 176 verses: more than the books of Esther, Song of Solomon, Lamentations, and all the minor prophets except Hosea and Zechariah. Psalm 119 is twice as long as the entire book of Ruth. It has more verses than seventeen of the twenty-seven books of the New Testament.

This passage is also renowned for its structure. The song is made up of twenty-two stanzas—sometimes called "strophes"—which are each eight lines long. Each stanza corresponds to a letter of the Hebrew alphabet, with every line in that stanza starting with the same Hebrew letter.

Psalm 119 emphasizes God's Word, using terms such as law, precept, command, and so forth. The psalmist loves God's Word and intends to honor it even when persecuted. The song celebrates the benefits of obedience to the Lord's rules, declares that the psalmist has been obedient, and also prays for divine help in remaining on a godly path through life.

Aleph (א) focuses on devotion to God's law and the psalmist's commitment to live in obedience to those commands. Those who do so are blessed. Psalm 1, Joshua 1:7–8, and Proverbs 3:5–8; 8:34–36 reinforce those ideas (Psalm 119:1–8).

Beth (ב) considers the ways in which studying the Word of God leads a person to a purer life. Through memorizing and enthusiastic study, the psalmist intends to apply and obey these commands. First Timothy 4:13–16, Joshua 1:7–8 and Proverbs 1:4–5 offer similar remarks (Psalm 119:9–16).

Gimel (ג) notes that the psalmist, who faithfully believes in God, is ultimately just a visitor to earth, passing through. While here, the writer prays for deeper understanding of the Lord's Word. Influential people may disagree, but those who reject God's commands suffer the consequences. So, the psalmist will keep studying and obeying. Parallel ideas can be found in Hebrews 11:14–16 and 2 Timothy 3:15–17 (Psalm 119:17–24).

Daleth (ד) grapples with feelings of defeat or oppression. Despite hardships, the psalmist is committed to ever-deepening his faith. Anxious emotions are countered by prayer and a sincere request for the Lord's guidance. James 1:2–8 gives similar advice (Psalm 119:25–32).

He (ה) declares deep loyalty to God's Word, both now and for a lifetime. Even so, the psalmist hopes to be led into an even deeper commitment to the Lord's truth. Related texts are 2 Timothy 4:6–8 and Revelation 2:10 (Psalm 119:33–40).

Waw (ו) requests the Lord continue to provide consistent, caring love. Declaring God's goodness in public without fear makes the psalmist happy and reinforces a hunger to obey God's law (Psalm 119:41–48).

Zayin (ז) is a cry for rescue. The psalmist is deeply committed to growing in his knowledge of God's Word. God is where he places his trust. The writer feels blessed, thanks to the presence of Scripture, despite hardships, persecution, and ridicule (Psalm 119:49–56).

Heth (ח) pleads for a greater understanding of the Lord's Word and commandments. As one of those who properly fears God, the psalmist intends to study Scripture carefully. Enemies may attack, but that will not change this resolve. Proverbs 12:7 offers a related piece of advice (Psalm 119:57–64).

Teth (ט) shows how the Lord's discipline can bring someone back to truth, and out of error. The difficult times which this psalmist experienced are interpreted as God's way of bringing the writer back onto the right path. James 1:12–18 and Hebrews 12:6–11 reinforce this lesson, which is also echoed in the yodh stanza (Psalm 119:65–72)

Yodh (י) is founded in the same ideas expressed in the teth stanza. Knowing that God has created him, the psalmist can more easily accept hardship as loving discipline. The writer's hope is that others who believe in the Lord will be inspired to see his resolve and ability to grow even closer to God. Related ideas are in Hebrews 12:6–11 and Psalm 139 (Psalm 119:73–80).

Kaph (כ) describes both suffering and faith. The psalmist prays for rescue and insists on his loyalty to the Lord. Even under these pains, the writer's faith is strong. In the face of death, his greater wish is that these circumstances won't cause him to sin. Second Corinthians 11:23–33 and 2 Timothy 3:12 also remark on suffering for the sake of faith (Psalm 119:81–88).

Lamedh (ל) establishes the eternal nature of the Word of God. That, and the evidence of creation, give the psalmist reason for praise. There are evil people in the world, but God's commands have kept the obedient psalmist alive. From his point of view, everything on earth is flawed—but the perfection of God's law is infinite. Inspiration and power of the Word is also mentioned in 2 Timothy 3:5–17 (Psalm 119:89–96).

Mem (מ) indicates that obeying the Lord and studying His Word create wisdom, which in turn leads a person closer to success and life than to failure and death. This stanza echoes major themes of the book of Proverbs (Proverbs 1:7; 3:5–8; 8:34–36), while Joshua 1:1–9 and Psalm 1 make similar statements (Psalm 119:97–104).

Nun (נ) utilizes the Hebrew concept of "light," used as a symbol of all that is good and true. Proverbs 6:23 offers a condensed version of this same message. The Lord provides rules and truths which keep a person on the right path. So, the writer prays for even stronger faith and guidance into an even more obedient life (Psalm 119:105–112).

Samekh (ס) states firm expectations that God will honor His promises. The psalmist expects righteous treatment of those who violate God's law. Because he honors God, as noted in Proverbs 1:7, and the enemies do not, the psalmist prays for rescue with confidence (Psalm 119:113–120).

Ayin (ע) begs for justice in response to some unnamed evil. While asking for deeper understanding, the psalmist also asks God to make good on His promises. The writer truly adores God's Word and wants to know it better (Psalm 119:121–128).

Pe (פ) appreciates all the wisdom which comes from the Lord's principles. Sadly, many turn away from those commandments and testimonies, which causes the psalmist to mourn. He desires even more guidance, so he can continue to follow a godly path in life (Psalm 119:129–136).

Tsadhe (צ) expresses absolute faith in the Word of God, along with an intent to obey those commands. The psalmist knows that the Lord's instructions are righteous. It makes the writer emotional to see people disobey. He loves the law of God and wants to understand it still more. Psalm 19:7–9 covers some of the same subjects (Psalm 119:137–144).

Qoph (ק) is another call for rescue. Whether this is from harassment, persecution, or a physical threat, the psalmist's response is the same. He will remain loyal to God and continue to obey the Word of God. Risks are near enough to create anxiety, but for the psalmist, the Lord and His Scriptures are always near (Psalm 119:145–152).

Resh (ר) explains that the psalmist will maintain faith in God and enthusiastic study of God's Word, no matter how many enemies arise. Those who reject God are doomed to never find salvation. In some ways, the psalmist seems to expect that God will answer this prayer because of the psalmist's own obedience (Psalm 119:153–160)

Shin (ש) explores the psalmist's relationship to the Word of God. The Lord's commands and instructions bring the writer great peace and happiness. This also creates reassurance in the face of powerful enemies and persecution. None of these can shake the psalmist's commitment to obeying God and studying His law (Psalm 119:161–168).

Taw (ת) combines many of the major themes of Psalm 119. The psalmist intends to praise God for His Word, while asking for safety and guidance to better understand that law. The writer's prayers also include asking the Lord for help in maintaining obedience to His instructions (Psalm 119:169–176).

Psalm 119:1–8 begins each verse with the Hebrew letter aleph. The psalmist expresses his devotion to God's law. Those who order their lives according to God's Word are blessed. So, the writer commits to keeping that law diligently. Psalm 1, Joshua 1:7–8, and multiple Proverbs (Proverbs 3:5–8; 8:34–36) express similar benefits of devoting oneself to God's commands.

Psalm 119:9–16 begins each verse with the Hebrew letter beth. This passage emphasizes how knowledge of Scripture helps a person maintain a pure, moral life. The psalmist commits himself to applying God's Word to life. This requires memorizing and careful study. These ideas parallel 1 Timothy 4:13–16, Joshua 1:7–8, and Proverbs 1:4–5.

Psalm 119:17–24 begins each verse with the Hebrew letter gimel. The psalmist recognizes that his ultimate home is not earth (Hebrews 11:14–16). He prays for the ability to understand God's Word and to obey it. Those who reject the Lord's commands suffer many consequences. Even if powerful people try to persecute God's people, the psalmist plans to continue exploring the Word of God. These ideas harmonize with 2 Timothy 3:15–17.

Psalm 119:25–32 begins each verse with the Hebrew letter daleth. In this stanza, the psalmist appears to struggle with feelings of defeat or oppression. He counters these feelings by approaching the Lord in prayer and asking for His guidance. For this writer, hardship inspires ever deeper dependence on God. In a similar way, James 1:2–8 encourages believers to face trials by turning to God for wisdom.

Psalm 119:33–40 begins each verse with the Hebrew letter he. This expresses a strong commitment to following God's Word for a lifetime. The psalmist also pleads that the Lord would make Him even more committed. In the New Testament, Paul claimed to have demonstrated his commitment to Christ since from the moment of conversion (2 Timothy 4:6–8). The book of Revelation encourages all believers to be faithful to the very end, even under persecution (Revelation 2:10).

Psalm 119:41–48 begins each verse with the Hebrew letter waw. Here, the psalmist appeals to God to maintain His steady, loyal love and care. The writer promises to proclaim God to all people without being ashamed. This results in happiness as well as a passion for obedience to Scripture.

Psalm 119:49–56 begins each verse with the Hebrew letter zayin. Hardships and opposition inspire the psalmist to call on God for rescue. The writer's trust is in God, because of a commitment to learning His commands. Despite being mocked and persecuted for faith, the psalmist sees himself blessed by God because of Scripture.

Psalm 119:57–64 begins each verse with the Hebrew letter heth. This stanza expresses a desire to know God's Word and commandments more deeply. The psalmist is committed to studying the Lord's will, even when under attack by enemies. The writer identifies with those who reverently honor the Lord (Proverbs 12:7).

Psalm 119:65–72 begins each verse with the Hebrew letter teth. The psalmist recognizes his hardships as loving discipline from God, meant to bring him back to the right path. This parallels comments in Hebrews 12:6–11, which uses words similar to those found in this passage. James 1:12–18 further supports this idea.

Psalm 119:73–80 begins each verse with the Hebrew letter yodh. Acknowledging God as Creator makes it easier to accept His discipline (Hebrews 12:6–11). The psalmist wants to more closely follow the Lord's Word. This demonstration of faith will encourage others who also believe in God. Psalm 139 also mentions themes such as being created by God.

Psalm 119:81–88 begins each verse with the Hebrew letter kaph. The psalmist is suffering at the hands of his enemies, but has not lost faith in the Lord. Prayers for rescue are combined with declarations of loyalty and obedience. The psalmist has not allowed these struggles to lead him into sin. Even when threatened with death, he wants to obey God and all that the Lord has commanded. Suffering for the sake of faith is also noted in 2 Corinthians 11:23–33 and 2 Timothy 3:12.

Psalm 119:89–96 begins each verse with the Hebrew letter lamedh. The permanence of the Lord's Word and His creation give the psalmist reasons to give praise. The writer credits his obedience to God's commands with saving his life. Even when evil people lurk, the psalmist has faith. While everything else is limited in its perfection, the perfection of God's instructions is boundless. Paul also speaks of Scripture's power and inspiration (2 Timothy 3:15–17).

Psalm 119:97–104 begins each verse with the Hebrew letter mem. In this passage, the psalmist celebrates the wisdom which comes from obeying God and studying His commands. Loyal adherence to the Word of God has led to life and success. This parallels Joshua 1:1–9 and Psalm 1. The same ideas are often expressed in the book of Proverbs (Proverbs 1:7; 3:5–8; 8:34–36).

Psalm 119:105–112 begins each verse with the Hebrew letter nun. The Hebrew worldview used "light" as the ultimate ideal: the symbol of truth and goodness. God's commandments and instructions provide light to guide a person's life. The psalmist celebrates this, and vows to remain loyal to Scripture. He prays for even deeper faith and that he would obey the Lord for all time. Proverbs 6:23 makes a similar comment about light and paths.

Psalm 119:113–120 begins each verse with the Hebrew letter samekh. As someone devoted to God and His commandments, the psalmist rejects those who turn their back on the Lord's Word. All the writer's hope and faith are placed in God, and this comes with a prayer for rescue from danger. The psalmist fully expects the Lord to bring justice to those who do evil. Unlike the non-believer, the writer "fears" the Lord (Proverbs 1:7).

Psalm 119:121–128 begins each verse with the Hebrew letter ayin. This is a plea for justice in the face of some moral offense. The psalmist asks God to follow through on His promises of righteous judgment. Even so, the writer asks for better understanding and expresses love for the Lord's commands.

Psalm 119:129–136 begins each verse with the Hebrew letter pe. God's Word, commandments, testimonies, statutes, and so forth are praised for the wisdom they impart. The psalmist mourns to see those who reject the Lord's principles. The writer prays for God's guidance, to maintain a life aligned with Him.

Psalm 119:137–144 begins each verse with the Hebrew letter tsadhe. The psalmist places total faith in God's Word as perfect and worthy of obedience. Disobedience to those commands creates an intense response in the writer's heart. God's righteousness is especially emphasized; the writer proclaims that the Lord's instructions are good. The psalmist loves the promises of God and asks for guidance to better understand them. Psalm 19:7–9 expresses related ideas.

Psalm 119:145–152 begins each verse with the Hebrew letter qoph. Here, the psalmist cries out for rescue. This might have been a physical danger, or a form of social or legal persecution. The psalmist declares his loyalty to the Lord and the Lord's Word. Even though danger threatens, the psalmist feels the presence of God. The writer is reassured by Scripture.

Psalm 119:153–160 begins each verse with the Hebrew letter resh. Enemies surround the psalmist in great numbers. He expects them to never find salvation because they ignore God's commands. Despite this, the psalmist is dedicated to the Word of God and the Lord's instructions. The appeal for rescue is based, in part, on a proclamation of obedience to those rules.

Psalm 119:161–168 begins each verse with the Hebrew letter shin. This passage describes the psalmist's relationship to God's Word. Despite persecution, he has remained loyal to the Lord and His Word. The psalmist takes great joy and comfort in God's commands and in Scripture. This constant interaction with God's truth gives the psalmist reassurance even when powerful people rise up against him.

Psalm 119:169–176 begins each verse with the Hebrew letter taw. The final stanza in this psalm summarizes many of the ideas expressed in the other stanzas. The psalmist prays for rescue and for wisdom, so that he can continue to learn about God's Word. The psalmist intends to praise the Lord for providing His law. The writer also desires God's help in remaining obedient to the Lords' commands.

This song is composed of twenty-two stanzas, each corresponding to a letter of the Hebrew alphabet. Each line in the stanza is an individual verse and each begins with the corresponding letter. The psalmist emphasizes study of God's Word in a variety of circumstances, including persecution, sadness, and rescue. Benefits of taking in the Word include a moral life, joy, wisdom, hope, peace, strength, and freedom. Those who interact with the Word of the Lord should respond with delight, careful study, and obedience.

This is the largest psalm in the book of Psalms. At 176 verses, Psalm 119 is longer than many books of the Old Testament and most books of the New Testament. The psalmist focuses on a proper relationship with God's Word and how those who follow the Lord face persecution. Ideas parallel those found in Psalm 1, 2 Timothy 3:14–17, Proverbs 3:5–8, Hebrews 12:6–11, and more. The psalm is arranged in twenty-two stanzas of eight lines each. Every stanza is associated with a letter of the Hebrew alphabet; each line in that stanza begins with that letter.

The book of Psalms is composed of individual songs, hymns, or poems, each of which is a ''Psalm'' in and of itself. These works contain a wide variety of themes. Some Psalms focus on praising and worshipping God. Others cry out in anguish over the pain of life. Still other Psalms look forward to the coming of the Messiah. While some Psalms are related, each has its own historical and biblical context.

Accessed 12/18/2024 9:42:57 AM

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