Psalm 119, 1of27

~ Introduction ~

General  ~  Most people understand that Psalm 119 is the longest chapter in the Bible and that it is part of the longest book in the Bible.  It is an acrostic psalm—each section begins with the next letter in the 22 letter Hebrew alphabet.

Writer  ~  Many scholars believe David wrote this Psalm, while others think that Ezra is the most likely author of this Psalm.

Theme  ~  The grand subject of Psalm 119 is the Word of God and it’s practical ramifications for daily living. 

Quotes About Psalm 119  ~  “Every verse contains in it either a praise of God’s word, from some excellent quality of it; or a protestation [“an emphatic declaration”] of David his unfeigned affection towards it; or else a prayer for grace, to conform himself unto it; for unto one of these three, — praises, prayers, or protestations, may all the verses of this Psalm be reduced.”  ~ William Cooper 

“Some reference to the Word of God is in every verse (except vs. 122, 132), designated word, saying, way, testimonies, judgments, precepts, commandments, law, statutes, and faithfulness.  This psalm is a perfect acrostic, in 22 sections corresponding to the 22 letters of the Hebrew alphabet.  ~ J. Vernon McGee 

“It celebrates the Word of God in a way that is almost exhaustive.  This very lengthy poem is an acrostic.  For each of the consonants in the Hebrew alphabet, there are eight verses beginning with that letter.  Within the psalm, eight words for God’s law occur again and again: law; testimonies; promises; precepts; statutes; commandments; judgments; word.  The psalm uses the full meaning of all these words as it elaborates on the application of the Law of God to both daily life and Israel’s destiny.  The Law is specific and general, directive and restrictive, liberating and opening, gracious and solemn – it is as complex as the Lord who gave it.  The Law is never considered a curse; it is always seen as a gift from God.  The cumulative effect of this lengthy celebration of the Word of God is impressive:  The psalmist cannot stop praising God for His mercy and goodness in providing His people with instructions for living.”  ~ The Nelson Study Bible 

Sidebar  ~  Does 1 + 19 = 119?

Psalm 1 – The Blessed Man is the one who meditates constantly on the law of the Lord.

Psalm 19 – David describes the Word of God in its various facets.

Psalm 119 – Expands upon Psalms 1 & 19 to produce a majestic testimonial to the power and perfection of God’s Word.

Credit  ~  The series of posts which follow this introduction are based on a list given during a pair of sermons by pastor Dr. Mike Wilde of Laurelwood Baptist Church entitled “The Blessings of Reading the Bible” (December 2013).   

~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW

NOTES:

(1)     The current TOP 10 ALN posts are listed at the very bottom of this home page.

(2)     There is an INDEX of all ALN posts accessed by scrolling down the left column.

(3)     You may LINK to any ALN posts on your own blog or website. 

(4)     You may COPY any ALN post, but please credit ALN as the source by prominently displaying the following statement:  Reprinted from “Abundant Life Now,” a free blog which offers inspiring moments, thought-provoking comments, and solid Biblical insight at http://RobertLloydRussell.blogspot.com/ .