Introduction to Psalm 119

Introduction to Psalm 119

The writer of this psalm, some attribute it to Ezra, loves God’s Word. This psalm portrays the majesty of God’s Word without even reading it. The psalmist wrote 352 lines, 176 verses, 22 stanzas, beginning each verse of each stanza with the corresponding letter of the Hebrew alphabet. The structure alone show his love for God’s Word and the value he ascribes it. From beginning to end, this acrostic displays the grandeur of its subject. As always, I ask you to attempt this with the English alphabet. Write 208 verses contained in eight verse stanzas while placing the initial letter of each verses as the letter of the alphabet, from A to Z. Time. Energy. A thesaurus.

A synonym for God’s Word is used in all but three verses (84, 121, and 122). These are some of the key phrases:

1. Law (תורה) occurs 25 times. It comes from a verb meaning “to teach.” It directs attention to the first five books of Scripture, the Torah or the Pentateuch. It emphasizes that God has taught us in His Word what He requires of us. A key verse is Psalm 119.44.
2. Testimonies (עדה) occurs 23 times and emphasizes the content of God’s Word. A key verse is Psalm 119.2.
3. Precepts (פקודים) occurs 21 times and brings instructions God to man. A key verse is Psalm 119.69.
4. Statutes (חקה) occurs 22 times and implies permanence of the Word and its unchangeable worth. In light of what our country is doing today with documents like the Bible and the Constitution, is it any wonder we are in trouble? A key verse is Psalm 119.16.
5. Commandments (מצוה) occurs 22 times and assumes those who hear will obey. A key verse is Psalm 119.166.
6. Judgments (משפט) occurs 22 times and refers to God Word in light of a judge who is promoting His standard. Jesus prayed that God’s kingdom would come to earth as it is in heaven (Matthew 6.9-10). This is the idea presented here. A key verse is Psalm 119.7.
7. Word (דבר) occurs 23 times and is a word used for God’s Words. A key verse is Psalm 119.9.
8. Word (אמרה) occurs 19 times and comes from the verb “to say” and presents the content of what is spoken as coming from the mouth of God. A key verse is Psalm 119.11.

Other terms mentioned in this psalm that could be considered synonymous with God’s Word are ways (3, 37), name (55), and faithfulness (90).

With each of the phrases, the psalmist expresses the multi-faceted response mankind can have with regard to God’s Word. A thoughtful man would praise and thank God for it, pray that his world, nation, and family would keep it; pray that his own soul would be both comforted and convicted by it, pray for an understanding of it, pray for those who reject it would be judged by the same standard those who keep it will by (that is by God’s Word), and a plethora of more.

For the purpose of this site, Psalm 119 will be divided into four unequal bites. We will first look at Aleph (א) through Gimel (ג), which is verses 1-24. Our second look will be Daleth (ד) through Kaph (כ), which is verses 25-88. Our third look will be Lamed (ל) through Mem (מ), which is verses 89-104. With our last look at Nun (נ) through Tau (ת), which is verses 105-176.

Author: Pastor David

David R Williamson is the founder of Teach for God Ministries. He holds degrees from Grace Bible College, Grand Canyon University, Grace Theological Seminary, and Walden University. David has been actively involved in ministry since 1979. He has ministered in various ministries from Sunday School teacher, Youth Pastor, to English Pastor in Taiwanese churches, including teaching ten years at the Junior High school level. Currently, David is teaching at Hillcrest Christian School at the High School level. He is also pulpit supply and retreat speaker for churches and other religious organizations. He is happily married to Karen with three children: Joshua, Kazlyn, and Joseph View all posts by Pastor David