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 Agnes

Psalm 119:89-96

Lamed ל the twelfth part

⁸⁹Thy word for ever is, O LORD,
In heaven settled fast;
⁹⁰Unto all generations
Thy faithfulness doth last:

The earth thou hast established,
And it abides by thee.
⁹¹This day they stand as thou ordain’dst;
For all thy servants be.

⁹²Unless in thy most perfect law
My soul delights had found,
I should have perished, when as
My troubles did abound.

⁹³Thy precepts I will ne’er forget;
They quick’ning to me brought.
⁹⁴Lord, I am thine; O save thou me:
Thy precepts I have sought.

⁹⁵For me the wicked have laid wait,
Me seeking to destroy:
But I thy testimonies true
Consider will with joy.

⁹⁶An end of all perfection
Here have I seen, O God:
But as for thy commandement,
It is exceeding broad.