Psalm 119

Lamp and light, Psalm 119:105 Sword, Ephesians 6:17 Food for spiritual life, Hebrews 5:13-14 Powerful to save, Romans 1:16; Heb. 4:12 Tool in the hands of the righteous that honors God and blesses mankind, 2 Timothy 2:15 2

A tribute to the Law and Word of God Displays the excellencies of God's word "A manual for meditation and personal improvement." 3

God’s will in relation to human character and conduct All but four verses speak directly of God’s word (90, 121, 122, 132) Strict form: 22 stanzas (8 verses) – Each verse begins with the Hebrew letter of that stanza 4

Law (torah) (1): The law; widest sense Testimonies (2): God’s commands witness to His character and attest to His will Judgments (7): Judicial pronouncements Statutes (5): Enactments of God; ordinances Word (9): Utterances of God (1 Pet. 4:11) 5

Precepts (4): Rules of behavior Commandments (6): Directives Promise (16): Divine commitments Way(s) (3): Prescribed lines of conduct Multi-faceted view of God’s word How the Psalmist sees himself in relation to it How it defines His relationship with God 6

7 The law of the L ORD is perfect, converting the soul; The testimony of the L ORD is sure, making wise the simple; 8 The statutes of the L ORD are right, rejoicing the heart; The commandment of the L ORD is pure, enlightening the eyes; 9 The fear of the L ORD is clean, enduring forever; The judgments of the L ORD are true and righteous altogether. 10 More to be desired are they than gold, Yea, than much fine gold; Sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. 11 Moreover by them Your servant is warned, and in keeping them there is great reward.” 7

Divine blessings (1-8) Blessed are those who keep His testimonies, Who seek Him with the whole heart! (2) 8

Protection against sin (9-16) How can a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed according to Your word. (9) Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might now sin against You. (11) 9

10

11

Fullness of Life (17-24) Deal bountifully with Your servant, That I may live and keep Your word. (17) 12

Strength in Sorrows / Trials (25-32) My soul melts from heaviness; Strengthen me according to Your word. (28) 13

Establishes Fear of God (33-40) Establish Your word to Your servant, Who is devoted to fearing You. (38) 14

15

Salvation (41-48) Let Your mercies come also to me, O Lord– Your salvation according to Your word. (41) 16

Grants Hope (49-56) Remember the word to Your servant, Upon which You have caused me to hope. (49) 17

God’s Provisions and Care (57-64) You are my portion, O Lord; I have said that I would keep Your words. (57) 18

Develops Character (65-72) Teach me good judgment and knowledge; For I believe Your commandments. (66) 19

Separates the Reverent from the Proud (73-80) Let the proud be ashamed, For they treated me wrongfully with falsehood; But I will meditate on Your precepts. Let those who fear You turn to me, Those who know your testimonies. (78-79) 20

Enables Endurance When Persecuted (81-88) All Your commandments are faithful; They persecute me wrongfully; Help me! (86) 21

Service to God (89-96) They continue this day according to Your ordinances, for all are Your servants. (91) I am Yours, save me; For I have sought Your precepts. (94) 22

Wisdom to Avoid Sin (97-104) You, through Your commandments, make me wiser than my enemies; For they are ever with me. (98) 23

Light ( ) Your word is a lamp to my feet And a light to my path. (105) 24

25

Security ( ) You are my hiding place and my shield; I hope in Your word. (114) 26

Supreme Standard of Authority ( ) Deal with Your servant according to Your mercy, And teach me Your statutes. (124) Therefore all Your precepts concerning all things I consider to be right; I hate every false way. (128) 27

Satisfies the Soul ( ) I opened my mouth and panted, For I longed for Your commandments. (131) 28

Reveals the Nature of God ( ) Righteous are You, O Lord, And upright are Your judgments. (137) Your word is very pure; Therefore Your servant loves it. (140) Your righteousness is an everlasting righteousness, And your law is truth. (142) 29

God is Near ( ) You are near, O Lord, And all Your commandments are truth. Concerning Your testimonies, I have known of old that You have founded them forever. ( ) 30

Deliverance and Revival ( ) Consider my affliction and deliver me, For I do not forget Your law. (153) The entirety of Your word is truth, And every one of Your righteous judgments endures forever. (160) 31

Incites Praise of God ( ) I rejoice at Your word As one who finds great treasure. (162) Seven times a day I praise You, Because of Your righteous judgments. (164) 32

God’s Helping Hand to Mankind ( ) Let Your hand become my help, For I have chosen Your precepts. (173) 33