Finding Yourself in the Psalms

Psalm 119

A Psalm About God’s Word

Facts about Psalm 119:

longest chapter

Acrostic (one of 8 acrostic Psalms)

22 sections of 8 verses each

Addressed to God (every verse except 1-3, 115)

It is about God’s Word. Every verse except 90, 122 and 132 use one of the following 10 terms:

• law
• statutes
• ways
• precepts
• decrees
• commands
• laws (ordinances)
• word
• path
• word (the last word)

anonymous – no one person can hold title to the Psalm about God’s Word

Key Verses:

Psalm 119:9 (NIV)9 How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to your word. Psalm 119:11 (NIV)11 I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.
Psalm 119:71 (NIV)71 It was good for me to be afflicted so that I might learn your decrees.
Psalm 119:105 (NIV)105 Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.
PURPOSE – “The psalmist was persecuted by men of rank and authority, who ridiculed his beliefs, seeking to put him to shame and make him give up his faith. But he strengthened himself by meditating on the Word of the Lord, which to him was his comfort, his prized possession, his rule of life, and his resource for strength – all of which drove him to desire it even more”
See 119:9, 11, 71, 105
THE EFFECTS OF GOD’S WORD
1. Delight. 119:24, 35, 92.
2. Love. 119:47-48, 97, 127. Agape in LXX.
3. Obey. Most repeated response. 119:34-35; 67, 100-101.
4. Meditate. 119:15, 97, 99, 148. Meditation that leads to a response.
5. Rejoice. 162, 14
6. Renew. 149, 154, 156
7. Preserve. 88, 159

What is God’s Word doing in your life?

BKC 879