Psalm 119
Found
in the center of God's Word, Psalm 119 is the longest chapter of the Bible. Important themes, found throughout
its 176 verses, focus on the Truth and necessity of God's Word and on
His very character. Charles Spurgeon liked this Psalm so much, he was quoted as
saying, “We might do well to commit it to memory.” But there are
other deeper truths within this great chapter of the Bible that we may
sometimes overlook. All too often, maybe simply because of its length, we read
through it too quickly.
1. Psalm 119 is an Acrostic Poem
Psalm 119 is
actually written as an acrostic poem. The verses of each stanza begin with the
same letter of each of the Hebrew alphabet, such as “Aleph,” “Beth,” “Gimel,”
and so on. This is only noticeable in looking back at the original text. There
are 22 stanzas or sections, equal to 22 letters of the Hebrew alphabet, with 8
verses each, and a total of 176 verses.
2. The Author of Psalm 119 is Unknown
The
author of this chapter is unknown but some have suggested it may have been Ezra
the priest, written at the time that the temple had been rebuilt. Though the
life of Ezra may not be the most well known in the Bible, he was extremely
important and greatly used by God at a time in history when the Israelites
desperately needed a faithful, strong leader. Ezra lived his days out of a
deep, personal commitment to God, not simply seeking his own personal gain. He
was given much responsibility to lead, sent by the King Artaxerxes, to set up a
program of religious education for the people. His life proved faithful to
study, follow, and teach God’s Word, and his godly example is still very
relevant for our lives today. Others have suggested that Psalm 119 may have been
written by David, or possibly Daniel. The author is certainly one who
experienced great affliction in life, since persecution of those who hold fast
to the Word of God is a theme carried throughout.
3. Psalm
119 Emphasizes God's Word
Almost
every verse mentions God’s Word in some way – it may be written as His “word,”
“ways,” “statutes,” “decrees,” “law,” “precepts,” “commands,” or “promise” –
but it’s in some way mentioned through most all of the verses.
4. Psalm 119 is the Longest Chapter of the Bible
Just
as Psalm 119 is the longest chapter of the Bible, two Psalms just before, Psalm
117, is the shortest chapter of all. There has been much discussion through
history of whether Psalm 117 or 118 is the center chapter of the entire Bible.
Some have said it’s divided as such: 594 chapters up to Psalm 117 and 594
chapters from Psalm 119 on, with chapter 118 being the center, and a total of
1189 chapters in the entire Bible. Those that hold to this also believe that
Psalm 118:8 is the center verse of the Bible, “It is better to take refuge in the Lord
than to trust in man.” Others have said that Psalm 117 seems
to be the center point, with these 2 verses, “Praise the LORD, all nations; Laud
Him, all peoples! For His lovingkindness is great toward us, And the truth of
the LORD is everlasting. Praise the LORD!” Either way,
it’s interesting to note that, depending on translation, 594 + 594 = 1188. It
all points to the truth that God is a God of order and precision. This entire
section of God’s Word is Sovereignly placed at a significant and pivotal point
in the Bible and we would be wise to study it carefully.
5. Psalm
119 Focus on the Truth of God's Word
The
overall message of Psalm 119 focuses on the truth of God’s Word. It encourages
us through every generation to stay close and focused on His Word no matter
what swirls around us in this world. Living in the freedom and knowledge of
God’s ways, obeying His law above all else, and keeping in step with His
commandments is the only way to truly live wise, strong lives.
Psalm
119 reminds us that God's very character is reflected through His Word, He is
Righteous, He is Faithful, He is Unchanging, He is True. The opening 2 verses
remind us, that we are "blessed" as we walk in His Truth, and
seek him with our whole heart.
God's Word is Alive
God’s
Word is powerful, living, and active. It never changes, because He never
changes. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. His words are breathed
straight from His heart to us, a love letter for life, not simply an
old-fashioned, outdated book with no relevance for today. His Word is sharper
than any two-edged sword.
7 popular verses from
Psalm 119:
1. “How can a young man keep
his way pure? By living according to your word.” Ps. 119:9
2.
“I have hidden your word
in my heart that I might not sin against you.” Ps. 119:11
3.
“Open my eyes that I may
see wonderful things in your law.” Ps. 119:18
4.
“I run in the path of your
commands, for you have set my heart free.” Ps. 119:32
5.
“Your word is a lamp to my
feet and a light for my path.” Ps. 119:105
6.
“All your words are true,
all your righteous laws are eternal.” Ps. 119:160
7.
“Great peace have they who
love your law, and nothing can make them stumble.” Ps. 119:165
Source: Crosswalk.com
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