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: St Etheldreda

Psalm 119:73-80

Jod י the tenth part

⁷³Thou mad’st and fashion’dst me: thy laws
To know give wisdom, Lord.
⁷⁴So who thee fear shall joy to see
Me trusting in thy word.

⁷⁵That very right thy judgments are
I know, and do confess;
And that thou hast afflicted me
In truth and faithfulness.

⁷⁶O let thy kindness merciful,
I pray thee, comfort me,
As to thy servant faithfully
Was promised by thee.

⁷⁷And let thy tender mercies come
To me, that I may live;
Because thy holy laws to me
Sweet delectation give.

⁷⁸Lord, let the proud ashamed be;
For they, without a cause,
With me perversely dealt: but I
Will muse upon thy laws.

⁷⁹Let such as fear thee, and have known
Thy statutes, turn to me.
⁸⁰My heart let in thy laws be sound,
That sham’d I never be.