PSALM 119

The literary form of this massive psalm is the first aspect that warrants discussion. It is an alphabetic acrostic that is really composed of 22 separate psalms, each one containing eight verses and (usually) eight different synonyms for the law. The order of these 22 psalms is based on the subsequent letters in the Hebrew alphabet, with each individual psalm using that letter in the opening lines of each eight verses.

This is not the only place where similar acrostics appear in the Old Testament. Other examples are Psalms 9-10, 25, 34, 37, 111-112, 145; Lamentations 1-4; and Proverbs 31:10-31. The acrostic form may be utilized in these cases for various reasons, but in Psalm 119 it probably indicates that the Psalmist is covering the subject of the law literally from A to Z. There may also be the implication that there was so much that could have been said about that the subject that it was necessary to limit the treatment to only 22 psalms.

Another point to keep in mind when reading acrostic portions of the Bible is that the authors needed to work within such a restricted literary structure that we should not necessarily expect any logical progression of thought to be found there.

We may have such a restricted view of the word “law” that it is hard for use to get into the mindset of an author who would spend so much time and effort praising it. To get over that mindset, we only have to look at the many synonyms for “law” used in Psalm 119 to see what the author was really talking about. We shouldn't try pick apart these various nuances as they appear in the psalm or spend any time trying to figure out why a particular Hebrew word was used in each instance. It is fairly obvious that the author considered them all as synonyms for the same thing, and we can only comprehend the scope of what that entails by looking at all its aspects.

torah = the law (to teach or direct), not a burden but a gift of God. The word may stand for a single commandment, the whole body of God's law, the Pentateuch (first five books of the OT), or even the entire Old Testament.

edot = testimonies (to bear witness). The word is used to describe the tablets of the law, divinely instituted standards of conduct.

pikkudim = precepts (to oversee). These are particular revelations of God and His saving judgments.

lukkim = statutes. These refer to covenant conditions and promises made by God.

miswot = commandments, decrees issued by a person in authority.

mispatim = ordinances, including legal judgments, rights and duties, and even deliverance.

debar = word. This includes God's message, His revealed will in any form.

imra = promise.

derek = way or ways. This refers to a path guiding one's life and which leads to salvation.

The Psalmist's View of the Word This is described mainly in verses 111-131.

His heritage, joy of his heart (v. 111)

His love (v. 113)

His hope (v. 114)

He fears it (v. 120)

He prizes it above gold (v. 127)

It is wonderful (v. 129)

He longs and pants for it (v. 131)

By contrast, what is our usual attitude toward God's Word? Too often we treat it as boring, we ignore it, feel it is out of date, confusing, makes us feel guilty, isn't applicable to our life. Or we worship it (bibliolatry) or only use it to confirm our own preconceived opinions.

Why is our attitude so different from that of the Psalmist? It may just be a matter of education to correct our various misunderstandings. Another helpful thing is to study the examples of others who have benefited greatly from study of the Bible.

Benefits of the Word

1. light, enlightenment

2. strength

3. life

4. peace, comfort

5. protection, guidance on how to avoid evil

6. stability, faithfulness

7. hope

8. liberation

Group Discussion Questions

Psalm 119 talks about the value of the Scriptures in our life. What areas of help can we see in the following verses? Do you identify personally with any of these?

Group 1. Verses 24, 98-100, 104-105, 130

Group 2. Verses 28, 92

Group 3. Verses 37, 50, 93, 149, 154-156

Group 4. Verses 52, 76, 165

Group 5. Verses 9-11, 37, 66-67, 80, 133

Group 6. Verses 89-91, 160

Group 7. Verses 43, 49, 81, 116

Group 8. Verses 17-18, 32, 45, 96