I will praise thee: for thou hast heard me, and art become my salvation. ~ Psalm 119:21 Psalm 119. Well known as the longest chapter in the Bible, this psalm is one of the acrostics. However, unlike the other acrostics, which contain only one verse for each of the 22 Hebrew letters, Psalm 119 includes eight verses for each letter, making a total of 176 verses! Thus there are 22 stanzas, each containing eight verses beginning with the same Hebrew letter. As with most acrostics, there is no logical outline or flow of thought discernible, either within a stanza or from one stanza to another. The best way to study this type of psalm is by topics. There can hardly be any question as to the major topic of Psalm 119, however, since the Word of God is mentioned in all but three verses (vv. 84, 121, 122)! The multifaceted character of Gods Word is revealed by at least eight key synonymns for it in the psalm. (1) Law (torah) is the most frequent of words. It comes from a verb meaning to teach, and thus came to be applied to a wide range of revelation, from an individual directive to the entire Pentateuch. It emphasizes that God has taught us in His Word what He requires of us. (2) Testimonies (edot) emphasizes the content of the Word as that which God has testified of Himself and His will. (3) Precepts (piqudim) refers to instructions from a superior regarding the duties of those under him, in this case, from God to man. (4) Statutes (huqim) is related to a verb meaning to engrave and thus implies permanent and unchangeable regulations. (5) Commandments (mitswot) is a word assuming the authority of the commander and the inherent necessity of obeying the content of the charge. (6) judgments (mispatim) or ordinances refers to decisions God has made as judge in order to make earthly behavior conform to His heavenly standard. (7)Word (dabar) is an all-embracing term for Gods revelation in any form. (8) Word (imra) might also be translated promise, though the translation does not distinguish it from the preceding term to whose meaning it relates closely. It comes from the verb to say and assumes that the content of revelation is from the mouth of God. Other terms that seem to speak of Gods Word include ways (vv. 3, 37), name (v. 55), and faithfulness (v. 90). With these key words to express the substance of Gods revelation, the psalmist explores the entire gamut of human response to the Word of God: praise and thanksgiving for it, petitions that it may be kept, petitions that the psalmist may experience its comfort or conviction, confidence that is promises will be fulfilled, prayer for the ability to understand it, petitions that those who disregard it (the wicked) may be judged, and so on. Because of this exaltation of the Word of God, this psalmist has sometimes been accused of worshiping the Word itself. However, his adoration of the Word always leads to its Author who inspired it. All believers should be accused of this kind of love for the Bible!
Posted on: Mon, 27 Oct 2014 21:41:31 +0000
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