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Cling to God’s Word

Psalm 119

The TORAH:

• God’s Catechetical Instruction

• How then shall we live

• How do we see the world

• How do we honor God in all circumstances

Psalm 119

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Of Psalm 119’s 176 verses, all but three mention the law of God, or a synonym thereof:

1. Precepts

2. Statutes

3. Word

4. Commandments

5. Testimonies

6. Judgments

7. Ordinances

8. Decrees

Psalm 119

These words are all pointing to the Law of Moses or the first five books of the Bible.

The fascinating part is the psalmists passion for the moral beauty of God’s truth. If that is true of the first 5 books. How much more so the rest of the Scripture as well.

Psalm 119

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The Context of the Psalm seems to be the Application of the truth of God’s law to circumstances of affliction and adversity.

Therefore the Psalm encourages 4 actions:

1. Go to God with all your emotions

2. Recognize the presence of God in your suffering

3. Renew your mind in His Word

4. Walk by Faith- Ken Boa

Psalm 119

Psalm 119

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Alephא

1 Blessed are those whose ways are blameless,

who walk according to the law of the Lord.

2 Blessed are those who keep his statutes

and seek him with all their heart—

3 they do no wrong

but follow his ways.

4 You have laid down precepts

that are to be fully obeyed.

Psalm 119

Oh, that my ways were steadfast 5א

in obeying your decrees!

6 Then I would not be put to shame

when I consider all your commands.

7 I will praise you with an upright heart

as I learn your righteous laws.

8 I will obey your decrees;

do not utterly forsake me

Psalm 119

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Bethב

9 How can a young person stay on the path of purity?

By living according to your word.

10 I seek you with all my heart;

do not let me stray from your commands.

11 I have hidden your word in my heart

that I might not sin against you.

12 Praise be to you, Lord;

teach me your decrees.

Psalm 119

Bethב

13 With my lips I recount

all the laws that come from your mouth.

14 I rejoice in following your statutes

as one rejoices in great riches.

15 I meditate on your precepts

and consider your ways.

16 I delight in your decrees;

I will not neglect your word.

Psalm 119

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Gimelג

17 Be good to your servant while I live,

that I may obey your word.

18 Open my eyes that I may see

wonderful things in your law.

19 I am a stranger on earth;

do not hide your commands from me.

20 My soul is consumed with longing

for your laws at all times.

Psalm 119

Gimelג

21 You rebuke the arrogant, who are accursed,

those who stray from your commands.

22 Remove from me their scorn and contempt,

for I keep your statutes.

23 Though rulers sit together and slander me,

your servant will meditate on your decrees.

24 Your statutes are my delight;

they are my counselors.

Psalm 119

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Dalethד

25 I am laid low in the dust;

preserve my life according to your word.

26 I gave an account of my ways and you answered me;

teach me your decrees.

27 Cause me to understand the way of your precepts,

that I may meditate on your wonderful deeds.

28 My soul is weary with sorrow;

strengthen me according to your word.

Psalm 119

Dalethד

29 Keep me from deceitful ways;

be gracious to me and teach me your law.

30 I have chosen the way of faithfulness;

I have set my heart on your laws.

31 I hold fast to your statutes, Lord;

do not let me be put to shame.

32 I run in the path of your commands,

for you have broadened my understanding.

Psalm 119

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Psalm 119Paul vs. Psalm 119

Does Psalm 119 Teach Salvation Comes By Keeping the Law?

• Salvation is by Faith alone

• We were dead under the law (Romans 7:5)

• For while we were living in the flesh, our sinful passions, aroused by the law, were at work in our members to bear fruit for death.

• On our own we are unable to keep the law (Romans 8:7)

• “For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God's law; indeed, it cannot.”

The power to keep the precepts comes from God and not internal motivation

Give me life according to your steadfast love! Psalm 119:159

In your steadfast love give me life, that I may keep the testimonies of your mouth. Psalm 119:88

Psalm 119Paul vs. Psalm 119

Does Psalm 119 Teach Salvation Comes By Keeping the Law?

Therefore the CONSEQUENCE of the life that God gives is the keeping of God’s testimonies and precepts.

Life is not gained by obedience. Obedience is the thank offering of the God given life.

What is for the regenerate and what is for the unregenerate?

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Psalm 119Paul vs. Psalm 119

Does Psalm 119 Teach Salvation Comes By Keeping the Law?

What about the ongoing sin in the life of a believer?

“My soul keeps your testimonies; I love them exceedingly” Psalm 119:167

“I have gone astray like a lost sheep; seek your servant, for I do not forget your commandments” Psalm 119:176

The Psalmist acknowledges his sin but does not then disqualify himself from the joy of unity with God.

Instead he petitions God to grant him strength to do the thing he cannot do on his own.

Psalm 119Paul vs. Psalm 119

Does Psalm 119 Teach Salvation Comes By Keeping the Law?

The petitions of the Psalmist:

“Let me not wander from your commandments” (Ps. 119:10)

“I will run in the way of your commandments when you enlarge my heart” (Ps. 119:32)

The law kills those in “the flesh.”And it does not grant life to those who are dead in their sins. (At Paul’s writing, this applied to the Gentiles)

But for those who already know God. It can revive their affection for God and promote a willingness to do His will.- 40 Questions About Christians and Biblical Law © 2010 by

Thomas R. Schreiner.

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Heה

33 Teach me, Lord, the way of your decrees,

that I may follow it to the end.

34 Give me understanding, so that I may keep your law

and obey it with all my heart.

35 Direct me in the path of your commands,

for there I find delight.

36 Turn my heart toward your statutes

and not toward selfish gain.

Psalm 119

Heה

37 Turn my eyes away from worthless things;

preserve my life according to your word.

38 Fulfill your promise to your servant,

so that you may be feared.

39 Take away the disgrace I dread,

for your laws are good.

40 How I long for your precepts!

In your righteousness preserve my life.

Psalm 119

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Wawו

41 May your unfailing love come to me, Lord,

your salvation, according to your promise;

42 then I can answer anyone who taunts me,

for I trust in your word.

43 Never take your word of truth from my mouth,

for I have put my hope in your laws.

44 I will always obey your law,

for ever and ever.

Psalm 119

Wawו

45 I will walk about in freedom,

for I have sought out your precepts.

46 I will speak of your statutes before kings

and will not be put to shame,

47 for I delight in your commands

because I love them.

48 I reach out for your commands, which I love,

that I may meditate on your decrees.

Psalm 119

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Zayinז

49 Remember your word to your servant,

for you have given me hope.

50 My comfort in my suffering is this:

Your promise preserves my life.

51 The arrogant mock me unmercifully,

but I do not turn from your law.

52 I remember, Lord, your ancient laws,

and I find comfort in them.

Psalm 119

Zayinז

53 Indignation grips me because of the wicked,

who have forsaken your law.

54 Your decrees are the theme of my song

wherever I lodge.

55 In the night, Lord, I remember your name,

that I may keep your law.

56 This has been my practice:

I obey your precepts.

Psalm 119

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Hethח

57 You are my portion, Lord;

I have promised to obey your words.

58 I have sought your face with all my heart;

be gracious to me according to your promise.

59 I have considered my ways

and have turned my steps to your statutes.

60 I will hasten and not delay

to obey your commands.

Psalm 119

Psalm 119

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Hethח

61 Though the wicked bind me with ropes,

I will not forget your law.

62 At midnight I rise to give you thanks

for your righteous laws.

63 I am a friend to all who fear you,

to all who follow your precepts.

64 The earth is filled with your love, Lord;

teach me your decrees.

Psalm 119

Tethט

65 Do good to your servant

according to your word, Lord.

66 Teach me knowledge and good judgment,

for I trust your commands.

67 Before I was afflicted I went astray,

but now I obey your word.

68 You are good, and what you do is good;

teach me your decrees.

Psalm 119

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Tethט

69 Though the arrogant have smeared me with lies,

I keep your precepts with all my heart.

70 Their hearts are callous and unfeeling,

but I delight in your law.

71 It was good for me to be afflicted

so that I might learn your decrees.

72 The law from your mouth is more precious to me

than thousands of pieces of silver and gold.

Psalm 119

Yodhי

73 Your hands made me and formed me;

give me understanding to learn your commands.

74 May those who fear you rejoice when they see me,

for I have put my hope in your word.

75 I know, Lord, that your laws are righteous,

and that in faithfulness you have afflicted me.

76 May your unfailing love be my comfort,

according to your promise to your servant.

Psalm 119

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Yodhי

77 Let your compassion come to me that I may live,

for your law is my delight.

78 May the arrogant be put to shame for wronging me without cause;

but I will meditate on your precepts.

79 May those who fear you turn to me,

those who understand your statutes.

80 May I wholeheartedly follow your decrees,

that I may not be put to shame.

Psalm 119

The Context of the Psalm seems to be the Application of the truth of God’s law to circumstances of affliction and adversity.

Therefore the Psalm encourages 4 actions:

1. Go to God with all your emotions

2. Recognize the presence of God in your suffering

3. Renew your mind in His Word

4. Walk by Faith-Ken Boa

Psalm 119

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John 1

1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. 4 In him was life, and the life was the light of men. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

John 1

14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. 15 (John bore witness about him, and cried out, “This was he of whom I said, ‘He who comes after me ranks before me, because he was before me.’”) 16 For from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. 17 For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.

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Cling to God’s Word

Psalm 119Part 2

Structure

An Acrostic

Each verse starts with the letter of the category

8 verses for each Hebrew letter of the alphabet

Psalm 119

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1. Precepts - Jesus teaches the way of life

2. Statutes – Sermon on the Mount makes the law of the heart

3. Word – The incarnate LOGOS of the Almighty Father

4. Commandments – A new commandment I give to you

5. Testimonies – Great Commission testify to the Good News

6. Judgments – He will come again to judge the living and the dead

7. Ordinances – I will make you fishers of men

8. Decrees – I go to prepare a place for you…and I will bring you to myself

Psalm 119

Kaph

81 My soul longs for your salvation;

I hope in your word.

82 My eyes long for your promise;

I ask, “When will you comfort me?”

83 For I have become like a wineskin in the smoke,

yet I have not forgotten your statutes.

84 How long must your servant endure?

When will you judge those who persecute me?

Psalm 119

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Advent Longing for the Coming of the Lord

"It shall be said in that day, Lo, this is our God; we have waited for Him, we will be glad and rejoice in His salvation. I will greatly rejoice in the Lord; my soul shall be joyful in my God; for He has clothed me with the garments of salvation; He has covered me with the robe of righteousness; as a bridegroom decks himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels." And as it was the joy of their living moments, so was it the support and consolation of their dying hours. "I have waited for Your salvation, O Lord!“ Isaiah 25:9

Psalm 119

Kaph

85 The insolent have dug pitfalls for me;

they do not live according to your law.

86 All your commandments are sure;

they persecute me with falsehood; help me!

87 They have almost made an end of me on earth,

but I have not forsaken your precepts.

88 In your steadfast love give me life,

that I may keep the testimonies of your mouth.

Psalm 119

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Joseph and the Coat of Many Colors

Psalm 119

Lamedh

89 Forever, O Lord, your word

is firmly fixed in the heavens.

90 Your faithfulness endures to all generations;

you have established the earth, and it stands fast.

91 By your appointment they stand this day,

for all things are your servants.

92 If your law had not been my delight,

I would have perished in my affliction.

Psalm 119

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Ken Boa

Psalm 119

Lamedh

93 I will never forget your precepts,

for by them you have given me life.

94 I am yours; save me,

for I have sought your precepts.

95 The wicked lie in wait to destroy me,

but I consider your testimonies.

96 I have seen a limit to all perfection,

but your commandment is exceedingly broad.

Psalm 119

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Mem

97 Oh how I love your law!

It is my meditation all the day.

98 Your commandment makes me wiser than my enemies,

for it is ever with me.

99 I have more understanding than all my teachers,

for your testimonies are my meditation.

100 I understand more than the aged,

for I keep your precepts.

Psalm 119

Mem

101 I hold back my feet from every evil way,

in order to keep your word.

102 I do not turn aside from your rules,

for you have taught me.

103 How sweet are your words to my taste,

sweeter than honey to my mouth!

104 Through your precepts I get understanding;

therefore I hate every false way..

Psalm 119

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Nun

105 Your word is a lamp to my feet

and a light to my path.

106 I have sworn an oath and confirmed it,

to keep your righteous rules.

107 I am severely afflicted;

give me life, O Lord, according to your word!

108 Accept my freewill offerings of praise, O Lord,

and teach me your rules.

Psalm 119

Nun

109 I hold my life in my hand continually,

but I do not forget your law.

110 The wicked have laid a snare for me,

but I do not stray from your precepts.

111 Your testimonies are my heritage forever,

for they are the joy of my heart.

112 I incline my heart to perform your statutes

forever, to the end.

Psalm 119

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Samekh

113 I hate the double-minded,

but I love your law.

114 You are my hiding place and my shield;

I hope in your word.

115 Depart from me, you evildoers,

that I may keep the commandments of my God.

116 Uphold me according to your promise, that I may live,

and let me not be put to shame in my hope!

Psalm 119

Samekh

117 Hold me up, that I may be safe

and have regard for your statutes continually!

118 You spurn all who go astray from your statutes,

for their cunning is in vain.

119 All the wicked of the earth you discard like dross,

therefore I love your testimonies.

120 My flesh trembles for fear of you,

and I am afraid of your judgments.

Psalm 119

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Fear of the Lord is the Beginning of Wisdom

The justice of God is a tremendously awful subject of contemplation, even to those who are safely shielded from its terrors.

Believers in Christ! rejoice in your deliverance from that "fear which has torment." Yet cherish that holy reverential fear of the character and judgments of God, which will form your most effectual safeguard "from presumptuous sins." The very supposition, that, if God had not engaged Himself to you by an unchangeable covenant, His fearful judgments would have been your eternal portion, is of itself sufficient to mingle the wholesome ingredient of fear with the most established assurance.

Psalm 119

Fear of the Lord is the Beginning of Wisdom

What! can you look down into the burning bottomless gulf beneath your feet, without the recollection—If I were not immovably fastened to the "Rock of Ages" by the strong chain of everlasting love, this must have been my abode through the countless ages of eternity. If I had not been thus upheld by the grace, as well as by the providence, of God, I might have dropped out of His hand, as one and another not more rebellious than I have fallen, into this intolerable perdition! O God! my flesh trembles for fear of You; and I am afraid of Your judgments. - Charles Bridges

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Ayin

125 I am your servant; give me understanding,

that I may know your testimonies!

126 It is time for the Lord to act,

for your law has been broken.

127 Therefore I love your commandments

above gold, above fine gold.

128 Therefore I consider all your precepts to be right;

I hate every false way.

Psalm 119

Pe

129 Your testimonies are wonderful;

therefore my soul keeps them.

130 The unfolding of your words gives light;

it imparts understanding to the simple.

131 I open my mouth and pant,

because I long for your commandments.

132 Turn to me and be gracious to me,

as is your way with those who love your name.

Psalm 119

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Pe

133 Keep steady my steps according to your promise,

and let no iniquity get dominion over me.

134 Redeem me from man's oppression,

that I may keep your precepts.

135 Make your face shine upon your servant,

and teach me your statutes.

136 My eyes shed streams of tears,

because people do not keep your law.

Psalm 119

Compassion for those who have yet to believe

Jeremiah 9:1 Oh that my head were waters,and my eyes a fountain of tears,

that I might weep day and nightfor the slain of the daughter of my people!

14:17 “You shall say to them this word:‘Let my eyes run down with tears night and day,

and let them not cease,for the virgin daughter of my people is shattered with a great wound, with a very grievous blow.

Psalm 119

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Compassion for those who have yet to believe

The same yearning sympathy forms the life, the pulse, and the strength of Missionary exertion, and has ever distinguished those honored servants of God who have devoted their time, their health, their talent, their all, to the blessed work of "saving souls from death, and covering a multitude of sins.“

-Charles Bridges

Psalm 119

John Allen Chau – US missionary to the Sentinelese

Psalm 119

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Tsadhe

137 Righteous are you, O Lord,

and right are your rules.

138 You have appointed your testimonies in righteousness

and in all faithfulness.

139 My zeal consumes me,

because my foes forget your words.

140 Your promise is well tried,

and your servant loves it.

Psalm 119

141 I am small and despised,

yet I do not forget your precepts.

142 Your righteousness is righteous forever,

and your law is true.

143 Trouble and anguish have found me out,

but your commandments are my delight.

144 Your testimonies are righteous forever;

give me understanding that I may live.

Psalm 119

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Qoph

145 With my whole heart I cry; answer me, O Lord!

I will keep your statutes.

146 I call to you; save me,

that I may observe your testimonies.

147 I rise before dawn and cry for help;

I hope in your words.

148 My eyes are awake before the watches of the night,

that I may meditate on your promise.

Psalm 119

Qoph

149 Hear my voice according to your steadfast love;

O Lord, according to your justice give me life.

150 They draw near who persecute me with evil purpose;

they are far from your law.

151 But you are near, O Lord,

and all your commandments are true.

152 Long have I known from your testimonies

that you have founded them forever.

Psalm 119

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Resh

153 Look on my affliction and deliver me,

for I do not forget your law.

154 Plead my cause and redeem me;

give me life according to your promise!

155 Salvation is far from the wicked,

for they do not seek your statutes.

156 Great is your mercy, O Lord;

give me life according to your rules.

Psalm 119

Resh

157 Many are my persecutors and my adversaries,

but I do not swerve from your testimonies.

158 I look at the faithless with disgust,

because they do not keep your commands.

159 Consider how I love your precepts!

Give me life according to your steadfast love.

160 The sum of your word is truth,

and every one of your righteous rules endures forever.

Psalm 119

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Sin and Shin

161 Princes persecute me without cause,

but my heart stands in awe of your words.

162 I rejoice at your word

like one who finds great spoil.

163 I hate and abhor falsehood,

but I love your law.

164 Seven times a day I praise you

for your righteous rules..

Psalm 119

Sin and Shin

165 Great peace have those who love your law;

nothing can make them stumble.

166 I hope for your salvation, O Lord,

and I do your commandments.

167 My soul keeps your testimonies;

I love them exceedingly.

168 I keep your precepts and testimonies,

for all my ways are before you.

Psalm 119

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Taw

169 Let my cry come before you, O Lord;

give me understanding according to your word!

170 Let my plea come before you;

deliver me according to your word.

171 My lips will pour forth praise,

for you teach me your statutes.

172 My tongue will sing of your word,

for all your commandments are right.

Psalm 119

173 Let your hand be ready to help me,

for I have chosen your precepts.

174 I long for your salvation, O Lord,

and your law is my delight.

175 Let my soul live and praise you,

and let your rules help me.

176 I have gone astray like a lost sheep; seek your servant,

for I do not forget your commandments.

Psalm 119

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