A pilgrim and stranger guided day and night by the Law of the Lord

If psalm 117 is the shortest, this is the longest. It is unusual in many respects. It is divided into twenty-two sections, so being commensurate with the Hebrew alphabet. Each section is prefixed with the respective letter of the alphabet, as also is the beginning of each verse in every section. It is thought that this facilitated easier memorising for the Jewish children.

Another peculiar feature is, that apart from two verses all the rest contain a synonym for the Word of God. So there is reference to testimonies, judgments, statutes, precepts, etc. The whole psalm describes devotion to, and persuasion of, the Word of God as containing all the principles of true religion and practice. Without it we have no light to our path, nor lamp for our feet; and by it, as with the book of Proverbs, there is given divine wisdom for conducting ourselves in all circumstances of life. One has written of v. 174, “Religion will decay or flourish as it (the Law) is our duty or delight.”

Pastor Jeff O’ Neil

Recommended Tune: Wetherby

Psalm 119:65-72

Teth ט the ninth part

⁶⁵Well hast thou with thy servant dealt,
As thou didst promise give.
⁶⁶Good judgment me, and knowledge teach,
For I thy word believe.

⁶⁷Ere I afflicted was I stray’d;
But now I keep thy word.
⁶⁸Both good thou art, and good thou do’st:
Teach me thy statutes, Lord.

⁶⁹The men that are puff’d up with pride
Against me forg’d a lie;
Yet thy commandements observe
With my whole heart will I.

⁷⁰Their hearts, through worldly ease and wealth,
As fat as grease they be:
But in thy holy law I take
Delight continually.

⁷¹It hath been very good for me
That I afflicted was,
That I might well instructed be,
And learn thy holy laws.

⁷²The word that cometh from thy mouth
Is better unto me
Than many thousands and great sums
Of gold and silver be.