Psalm 119 (1) Words about God’s Word “The Word of God” Psalm 119 (1) Words about God’s Word

Psalm 119 The longest psalm – 176 verses Hebrew poetry – an acrostic psalm – in Hebrew alphabetical order 22 sections of 8 verses, each beginning with its assigned letter Author unknown – possibly David The theme is the word of God! Today, words used to describe His word

Law Hebrew word “torah”, 25x “Blessed are the undefiled in the way, Who walk in the law of the Lord!” Psalm 119:1 Teaching. Legal and binding instructions. Teachings of God that give us insight how to live. His rules. We are expected to keep His laws – Galatians 6:2, James 1:25, 2:10

Law Law in Psalm 119 ““Give me understanding, and I shall keep Your law; Indeed, I shall observe it with my whole heart.” 119:34 “The proud have me in great derision, Yet I do not turn aside from Your law.” 119:51 God has given us a law that He expects us to keep!

Testimonies Hebrew word “edothay”, 23x “Blessed are those who keep His testimonies, Who seek Him with the whole heart!” Psalm 119:2 Witness, synonymous with “law” Exodus 31:18, 38:21 – tabernacle of testimony (Rev. 21:5) God’s word is His testimony to us. In the New Testament 1 Cor. 2:1, 1 Tim. 2:6, 8; Acts 4:33 - witness

Testimonies Testimony in Psalm 119 “I cling to Your testimonies; O LORD, do not put me to shame!” 119:31 “I have more understanding than all my teachers, For Your testimonies are my meditation.” 119:99 God has spoken His word. He knows what is best for us!

Ways Hebrew word “derakhay”,7x (of His word) “They also do no iniquity; They walk in His ways.” Psalm 119:3 A path, a direction, a manner of life In the New Testament John 14:6, Jesus is “the Way” Matt. 7:13-14, Acts 9:2, 1 Cor. 12:31, 1 Thess. 3:11

Ways Ways in Psalm 119 “I have rejoiced in the way of Your testimonies, As much as in all riches. I will meditate on Your precepts, And contemplate Your ways.” 119:14-15 “I have chosen the way of truth; Your judgments I have laid before me.” 119:30 God gives us direction

Precepts Hebrew word “fiqqudey”,21x “You have commanded us To keep Your precepts diligently.” Psalm 119:4 That which is appointed, as by a ruler. Individual rules In the New Testament Hebrews 9:19 Mark 10:5

Percepts Precepts in Psalm 119 “I will never forget Your precepts, For by them You have given me life. I am Yours, save me; For I have sought Your precepts.” 119:93-94, “Through Your precepts I get understanding; Therefore I hate every false way.” 119:104 EVERY precept of God is important! 2 Timothy 3:16-17

Statutes Hebrew word “huqqey”,22x “Oh, that my ways were directed To keep Your statutes!” Psalm 119:5 A rule or regulation, an ordinance – specific laws Exodus 12:24, Gen. 47:26 Nehemiah 9:13-14 Not used in the New Testament

Statutes Statutes in Psalm 119 “Teach me, O LORD, the way of Your statutes, And I shall keep it to the end.” 119:33 “Salvation is far from the wicked, For they do not seek Your statutes.” 119:155 EVERY statute of God is important!

Commandments Hebrew word “mitswah”,21x “With my whole heart I have sought You; Oh, let me not wander from Your commandments!” Psalm 119:10 “An important rule given by God” (Webster). An order. Something we are expected to obey, without question. Conditions of a covenant (Ps. 105:8, 111:9) Cf. 1 Sam.17:20, Prov. 6:20 The Ten commandments, His entire law – Gen. 26:5, Deut. 30:11-14, Psa. 33:9 In the New Testament 1 John 2:3-4, 5:2-3

Commandments Commandments in Psalm 119 “I will run the course of Your commandments, For You shall enlarge my heart.” 119:32 “I have gone astray like a lost sheep; Seek Your servant, For I do not forget Your commandments.” 119:176 Are we willing to follow whatever orders we receive from God?

Judgments Hebrew word “mishpat”,18x (ordinances – 2x) “I will praise You with uprightness of heart, When I learn Your righteous judgments.” Psalm 119:7 A legal term meaning a decision. Here the sovereign decisions of God. He has the right to rule and decree. His word is certain – but good and right Lev. 26:14-15, Num. 36:13 In the New Testament Romans 11:33, Revelation 16:7, Hebrews 9:27 – day of judgment (Jn. 12:48)

Judgments Judgments in Psalm 119 “I know, O LORD, that Your judgments are right, And that in faithfulness You have afflicted me.” 119:75 “Righteous are You, O LORD, And upright are Your judgments.” 119:137 “And take not the word of truth utterly out of my mouth, For I have hoped in Your ordinances.” 119:43 Never question the judgments of God!

Word Genesis 15:1, Num. 3:15, Deut. 5:5 Hebrew word “davar”,41x “How can a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed according to Your word.” Psalm 119:7 To speak or say something, typically with the intent of understanding. The word of God – His message conveyed to us (includes commands, but much more) He has told us what He desires, and at times why! Genesis 15:1, Num. 3:15, Deut. 5:5 In the New Testament John 1:1, 5:24, Gal. 6:6, Phil. 2:16

Word Word in Psalm 119 “Your word I have hidden in my heart, That I might not sin against You.” 119:11 “Your word is very pure; Therefore Your servant loves it.” 119:140 “Let Your mercies come also to me, O LORD— Your salvation according to Your word. So shall I have an answer for him who reproaches me, For I trust in Your word.” 119:41–42 God has spoken. We need to listen to Him!

Truth Deuteronomy 32:4, Joshua 24:14 Hebrew word “davar”,5x “I have chosen the way of truth; Your judgments I have laid before me.” Psalm 119:30 His word is right, as opposed to that which is false. What He says stands. It is THE standard upon which all other standards are weighed. Deuteronomy 32:4, Joshua 24:14 In the New Testament John 17:17, 8:32, 1 Peter 1:22, 2 Thess. 2:10

Truth Truth in Psalm 119 “Your righteousness is an everlasting righteousness, And Your law is truth.” 119:142 “You are near, O LORD, And all Your commandments are truth.” 119:151 “The entirety of Your word is truth, And every one of Your righteous judgments endures forever.” 119:160 Do we reverence His word as the trust standard to follow today?

God HAS spoken! Will we listen? Consider Psalm 19:7-11 God HAS spoken! Will we listen?