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: Culross

Psalm 119:145-152

Koph ק the nineteenth part

¹⁴⁵With my whole heart I cried, LORD, hear;
I will thy word obey.
¹⁴⁶I cried to thee; save me, and I
Will keep thy laws alway.

¹⁴⁷I of the morning did prevent
The dawning, and did cry:
For all mine expectation
Did on thy word rely.

¹⁴⁸Mine eyes did timeously prevent
The watches of the night,
That in thy word with careful mind
Then meditate I might.

¹⁴⁹After thy loving–kindness hear
My voice, that calls on thee:
According to thy judgment, LORD,
Revive and quicken me.

¹⁵⁰Who follow mischief they draw nigh;
They from thy law are far:
¹⁵¹But thou art near, LORD; most firm truth
All thy commandments are.

¹⁵²As for thy testimonies all,
Of old this have I tried,
That thou hast surely founded them
For ever to abide.