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: Jackson

Psalm 119:1-8

Aleph א the first part

¹Blessed are they that undefil’d,
And straight are in the way;
Who in the LORD’s most holy law
Do walk, and do not stray.

²Blessed are they who to observe
His statutes are inclin’d;
And who do seek the living God
With their whole heart and mind.

³Such in his ways do walk, and they
Do no iniquity.
⁴Thou hast commanded us to keep
Thy precepts carefully.

⁵O that thy statutes to observe
Thou would’st my ways direct!
⁶Then shall I not be sham’d, when I
Thy precepts all respect.

⁷Then with integrity of heart
Thee will I praise and bless,
When I the judgments all have learn’d
Of thy pure righteousness.

⁸That I will keep thy statutes all
Firmly resolv’d have I:
O do not then, most gracious God,
Forsake me utterly.