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“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
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“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 lawof 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 9:19Mark 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 • 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 • 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?
ConsiderPsalm 19:7-11 God HAS spoken! Will we listen?