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:

1. commandments
2. judgments
3. law
4. precepts
5. righteousness
6. testimonies
7. truth
8. statutes
9. ways
10. 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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The omnipresent, omniscient God

• God knows all about me (v 1-6)
• I cannot hide from God (v 7-12)
• God knew all about me before I was born (v 13-16)
• I am the object of God’s thoughts (v 17-18)
• God will judge the wicked; I will have nothing to do with them either (v 19-22)
• Please, Lord, check me out to discover whether I am what I ought to be (v 23-24)

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Revelation – God speaking to Man

Natural revelation – God speaking through His creation (v 1-6)

• heaven speaks (v 1)
• 24/7 messages from heaven (v 2)
• without raising their voice (v 3)
• global communications (v 4)
• the sun is more than a light bulb (v 5-6)

Special revelation – God speaking through His inspired Word (v 7-11)

• converting the soul
• making wise the simple
• rejoicing the heart
• enlightening the eyes
• enduring forever
• being altogether true and righteous
• warning God’s servants

What we learn from God’s revelation (v 12-14)

• sin lies within us, and is not limited to external actions
• sin must be cleansed from us, but we cannot do it ourselves
• sin, unchecked, will dominate us
• sin affects our words and thoughts
• God saves us from sin

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Psalm 24

Whose place is this? (Psalm 24:1-2)

Who is allowed to be in His presence? (v 3-6)

• clean hands
• pure heart
• doesn’t waste time
• doesn’t lie

Open the doors. The King is coming! (v 7-10)

Psalm 29

Everyone should glorify God (v 1-2)

God has spoken… (v 3-9)

God reigns (v 10-11)

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