Introduction to Psalm 119
More than twice the length of any other psalm in the book, Psalm 119 has but a single theme: the Word of God.
No fewer than 10 different words are used to describe the central theme:
- commandments
- judgments
- law
- precepts
- righteousness
- testimonies
- truth
- statutes
- ways
- word
An alphabetic psalm, Its 176 verses are divided into 22 sections, each section for a different Hebrew letter; and all 8 verses in a section begin with the same Hebrew letter.
Every verse but one (vs 122) mentions the Word of God.
The ritual and ceremony of the tabernacle is missing; and the revelation of God is exalted.
Meditation Points:
Aleph (vs 1-8) – How to be happy
Beth (vs 9-16) – How to be holy
Gimel (vs 17-24) – Hindrances to obedience
Daleth (vs 25-32) – Confessing my need for God’s help
He (vs 33-40) – Praying for God’s help
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