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 Paul

Psalm 119:161-168

Schin ש the twenty-first part

¹⁶¹Princes have persecuted me,
Although no cause they saw:
But still of thy most holy word
My heart doth stand in awe.

¹⁶²I at thy word rejoice, as one
Of spoil that finds great store.
¹⁶³Thy law I love; but lying all
I hate and do abhor.

¹⁶⁴Sev’n times a–day it is my care
To give due praise to thee;
Because of all thy judgments, Lord,
Which righteous ever be.

¹⁶⁵Great peace have they who love thy law;
Offence they shall have none.
¹⁶⁶I hop’d for thy salvation, LORD,
And thy commands have done.

¹⁶⁷My soul thy testimonies pure
Observed carefully;
On them my heart is set, and them
I love exceedingly.

¹⁶⁸Thy testimonies and thy laws
I kept with special care;
For all my works and ways each one
Before thee open are.