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 Kilda

Psalm 119:153-160

Resh ר the twentieth part

¹⁵³Consider mine affliction,
In safety do me set:
Deliver me, O Lord, for I
Thy law do not forget.

¹⁵⁴After thy word revive thou me:
Save me, and plead my cause.
¹⁵⁵Salvation is from sinners far;
For they seek not thy laws.

¹⁵⁶O LORD, both great and manifold
Thy tender mercies be:
According to thy judgments just,
Revive and quicken me.

¹⁵⁷My per secutors many are,
And foes that do combine;
Yet from thy testimonies pure
My heart doth not decline.

¹⁵⁸I saw transgressors, and was griev’d;
For they keep not thy word.
¹⁵⁹See how I love thy law! as thou
Art kind, me quicken, LORD.

¹⁶⁰From the beginning all thy word
Hath been most true and sure:
Thy righteous judgments ev’ry one
For evermore endure.