It’s no secret that Psalm 119 is the longest chapter in the Christian Bible, but what may not be so popularly known is its content. Out of the 176 verses comprising the chapter, the author mentions in some way, fashion or form, the Law of God in 171 of them. There are 171 verses in this Psalm that pay tribute to, honor or expound upon some characteristic or benefit of the Torah (or Law of Moses). This Psalm is, to say the least, first and foremost about the beauty and value of God’s Holy Law.
It should be mentioned that this Psalm is also famous for its literary form. It has a unique literary structure known as a Hebrew acrostic. The Hebrew alphabet has 22 letters in it. This Psalm contains 22 units made up of 8 verses per unit. All 8 verses of each unit in the original construction began with the same succeeding letter of the Hebrew alphabet. The first 8 verses (Psalms 119:1-8) begin with “aleph” (first letter of the Hebrew alphabet), the second 8 verses (Psalm 119:9-15) begin with “bet” (the second letter of the alphabet) and so on. Scholars believe this style of Hebrew construct was used to help the ancients memorize its content.
When this Psalm was penned a good bit of the Old Testament as we know it was not yet written. The Word of God referenced by the Psalmist was the first 5 books of the Bible. We refer to these books as the Law of Moses or Torah, the Hebrew word for law or teachings. There are eight unique and distinct words the Psalmist uses in Psalm 119 to refer to the Law of Moses. They are listed below with the corresponding Hebrew word:
Law (Torah)
Word
Judgements
Testimonies
Commandments
Statutes
Precepts
Word
torah
dabar
mispatim
edot
miswah
huqqim
piqqudim
imrah
Psalm 119 reveals the many benefits of reading and memorizing God’s Law. Some of the benefits are salvific, meaning they will lead one to salvation and a sense of purpose for one’s life. Others are soul-soothing, resulting in the reader being joyful or happy after reading them. Others reveal the source where one can seek solace or comfort in trying times.
The writer of Hebrews, considered to be a well-educated Jew of the Scriptures, sums up what effect the Word of God can have on a person if they read it:
“For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.“ – Hebrews 4:12
Let me encourage you to immerse yourself in the entire Word of God (Genesis through Revelation) and allow it to do inner surgery on your attitude and thoughts. Let it reveal to you the truth of God, that He is loving, kind, compassionate and forgiving. He seeks to have a relationship with you and to draw you into His presence. I promise you, like the Psalmist iterated, that reading it will transform you into what God desires, a totally committed, passionate follower of Jesus Christ.
Related Articles:
Praise the Lord! (Hallel Psalms)
Jesus’ Opinion of the Old Testament
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