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: Wiltshire

Psalm 119:113-120

Samech ס the fifteenth part

¹¹³I hate the thoughts of vanity,
But love thy law do I.
¹¹⁴My shield and hiding–place thou art:
I on thy word rely.

¹¹⁵All ye that evil–doers are
From me depart away;
For the commandments of my God
I purpose to obey.

¹¹⁶According to thy faithful word
Uphold and stablish me,
That I may live, and of my hope
Ashamed never be.

¹¹⁷Hold thou me up, so shall I be
In peace and safety still;
And to thy statutes have respect
Continually I will.

¹¹⁸Thou tread’st down all that love to stray;
False their deceit doth prove.
¹¹⁹Lewd men, like dross, away thou putt’st;
Therefore thy law I love.

¹²⁰For fear of thee my very flesh
Doth tremble, all dismay’d;
And of thy righteous judgments, Lord,
My soul is much afraid.