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Post by Cindy on Jul 12, 2015 8:00:41 GMT -5
I wanted to share my notes on Psalm 119 with my friends as it's a wonderful psalm to reflect on anytime, but especially when we're going through trials. I'll do each section of the psalm in a new post to make it easier to follow. What I would recommend is to take just one or two sections to reflect on each day. Obviously it's best to do whatever the Lord leads you to do and that may vary from day to day. My only other advice would be to never just rely on your own thoughts when you reflect on God's Word, but instead, talk to Him about each verse as you reflect on it and then jot down your thoughts in a notebook. It's wonderful to go back over the years and see what new things the Lord has shown you about a verse and the only way we can really do that is if we keep track of them in a notebook. We really can't love God without also loving His Word, for it's through His Word that we are changed and cleansed; our minds are renewed, and we are sanctified (made holy). As Jesus reminded us, we cannot live without a regular God's Word. Having His Word is an honor and privilege which we should never take for granted, for God has told us: “you have exalted above all things your name and your word.” (Psalm 138:2)
The whole psalm is a majestic hymn to the written word of God, expressing David’s love for it and a prayer for grace to carry himself according to it, with an account of God’s law, institutions, commandments, testimonies, precepts, word, promises, ways, judgments, name, righteousness, and truth. The new treasury of scripture knowledge
Psalm 119 is an acrostic psalm, following the letters of the Hebrew alphabet. In most editions of the Bible, the twenty-two sections of this psalm are headed by the successive letters of the Hebrew alphabet (Aleph, Beth, Gimel, etc.). In the Hebrew Bible, each verse in a section begins with that Hebrew letter. For example, all the verses in the “aleph” section (vv. 1–8) begin with the Hebrew letter “Aleph.” The Jews wrote in this fashion to help them memorize the Scriptures so they could meditate on God’s Word. Wiersbe’s Expository Outlines
Aleph. “Blessed are they whose ways are blameless, who walk according to the law of the LORD. Blessed are they who keep his statutes and seek him with all their heart. They do nothing wrong; they walk in his ways. You have laid down precepts that are to be fully obeyed. Oh, that my ways were steadfast in obeying your decrees! Then I would not be put to shame when I consider all your commands. I will praise you with an upright heart as I learn your righteous laws. I will obey your decrees; do not utterly forsake me.” (Psalm 119:1–8)
[Aleph] 1. The power of the word for blessing (Psalm 119:1–8). Loyal obedience to God’s law is the source of man’s truest happiness. Integrity of life is defined as walking in God’s law. To seek the Lord with the whole heart includes worship, prayer and study of the word. The wisdom literature and Psalms.
Aleph - Blessings of obedience (Psalm 119:1–8)The psalmist delighted in the fact that those who walk in wholehearted obedience to the Law are blessed (Psalm 119:1–3). This prompted him to wish that he were more obedient in view of God’s commands to follow His laws (Psalm 119:4–6). So the psalmist vowed to give thanks as he learned more about God’s statutes (Psalm 119:7–8). The Bible Knowledge Commentary
Two major themes emerge more forcefully than any others: why we should value the Word of God & how we show that we value the Word of God. We're to value God’s Word Because of what it is & Because of what it does: it brings happiness (Psalm 119:1–2). Our happiness is tied to valuing the Word of God! Tragically, the devil has succeeded in convincing most that the opposite is true. They see God’s commands as being detrimental to their happiness, but just the opposite is the case. The key to happiness is to live in God’s Word & to let his Word live in us. Opening up Psalms.
The 8 different terms referring to Scripture occurring throughout the psalm are: 1) law, 2) testimonies, 3) precepts, 4) statutes, 5) commandments, 6) judgments, 7) word, and 8) ordinances. From before sunrise to beyond sunset, the Word of God dominated the psalmist’s life, e.g., 1) before dawn (Psalm 119:147), 2) daily (Psalm 119:97), 3) 7 times daily (Psalm 119:164), 4) nightly (Psalm 119:55, Psalm 119:148), and 5) at midnight (Psalm 119:62). The MacArthur study Bible
The number eight is stamped all over this psalm. Each section has eight verses; there are eight special names for God’s Word listed; there are eight symbols of the Word given; the believer has eight responsibilities to the Word. The word “eight” in Hebrew literally means “abundance, more than enough”; It is as though the writer is saying, “God’s Word is enough. If you have the Scriptures, that is all you need for life and godliness.” In one sense, Ps. 119 is an expansion of Ps. 19:7–11. Wiersbe’s Expository Outlines
“Blessed are they who keep his statutes and seek him with all their heart.” (Psalm 119:2)
Throughout the psalm David expresses the joy he finds in Scripture. He calls it “the word of truth” (Psalm 119:43) and in so doing makes a vitally important statement about its nature. In the Heb. “truth” and “faithfulness” share a common root, ʿemet. This root affirms that the statement, thing, or person which is true or faithful is in harmony with reality. That is, that the true can be relied upon because when measured by the actual, it corresponds exactly. To say that Scripture is true means that we can trust it completely, for it pierces all man’s illusions and portrays reality as God knows it and as it really is. The Bible reader’s companion
A second major emphasis in this psalm is this: how we show that we value the Word of God.
Studying it
Firstly, we will study it diligently. God’s purpose in giving his Word was to point us to himself. We are, therefore, to seek him through his Word (Psalm 119:2), and this seeking is to be done wholeheartedly (Psalm 119:2–10). We are to ‘look’ into his Word (Psalm 119:6) and to learn its judgements (Psalm 119:7).
Obeying it
Secondly, we will obey its commands. The duty of obedience is set forth in these verses in several ways: walking in the law of the Lord and in his ways (Psalm 119:1, Psalm 119:3), keeping his testimonies (Psalm 119:2, Psalm 119:129), and taking heed to our ways to make sure they correspond to the teachings of God’s Word (Psalm 119:9).
Storing it
Thirdly, we will hide it in our hearts. This means we are to store it in our minds and treasure it in our affections with the confidence that it will fortify us against sin (Psalm 119:11). Morgan summarizes this verse in this way: ‘The best book, in the best place, for the best purpose.’
Declaring it
Fourthly, we will declare it to others (Psalm 119:13). Studying the Word of God will cause our hearts to burn within us (Luke 24:32) in such a way that we won’t be able to keep it to ourselves. We’ll be anxious to share its message of salvation with those who don’t know Christ and to discuss its teachings with fellow Christians.
Rejoicing over it
Finally, we will constantly rejoice over the Word of God and delight in it (Psalm 119:14–16). We must not miss the connection the psalmist makes in these verses. The rejoicing of verse 14 and the delighting of verse 16 are connected by the meditating of Psalm 119:15. As we reflect on what the Word of God is and what it does, we will find the rejoicing and delighting to be inescapable. Opening up Psalms
“They do nothing wrong; they walk in his ways.” (Psalm 119:3)
Those are happy, 1. Who make the will of God the rule of all their actions, and govern themselves, in their whole conversation, by that rule: They walk in the law of the Lord, Psalm 119:1. God’s word is a law to them, not only in this or that instance, but in the whole course of their conversation; they walk within the hedges of that law, which they dare not break through by doing any thing it forbids; and they walk in the paths of that law, which they will not trifle in, but press forward in them towards the mark, taking every step by rule. This is walking in God’s ways (Psalm 119:3), the ways which he has marked out to us and has appointed us to walk in. We must walk in his ways, not in the way of the world, or of our own hearts, Job 23:10, Job 23:11; Job 31:7.
2. Who are upright and honest in their religion—undefiled in the way, not only who keep themselves pure from the pollutions of actual sin, unspotted from the world, but who are habitually sincere in their intentions, in whose spirit there is no guile, who are really as good as they seem to be and row the same way as they look.
3. Who are true to the trust reposed in them as God’s professing people. Blessed are those who preserve pure and entire that sacred deposit, who keep his testimonies as a treasure of inestimable value, keep them as the apple of their eye, so keep them as to carry the comfort of them themselves to another world and leave the knowledge and profession of them to those who shall come after them in this world. Those who would walk in the law of the Lord must keep his testimonies, that is, his truths. Those do not keep covenant with God who do not keep the commandments of God.
4. Who have a single eye to God as their chief good and highest end in all they do in religion (Psalm 119:2): They seek him with their whole heart. They do not seek themselves and their own things, but God only; this is that which they aim at, that God may be glorified in their obedience and that they may be happy in God’s acceptance. he is, and will be, the rewarder, the reward, of all those who thus seek him diligently, seek him with the heart, for that is it that God looks at and requires; and with the whole heart, for if the heart be divided between him and the world it is faulty.
5. Who carefully avoid all sin (Psalm 119:3): They do no iniquity; they do not allow themselves in any sin; they do not commit it as those do who are the servants of sin; they do not make a practice of it, do not make a trade of it. They are conscious to themselves of much iniquity that clogs them in the ways of God, but not of that iniquity which draws them out of those ways. Blessed and holy are those who thus exercise themselves to have always consciences void of offense. Matthew Henry’s commentary
“You have laid down precepts that are to be fully obeyed. Oh, that my ways were steadfast in obeying your decrees! Then I would not be put to shame when I consider all your commands.” (Psalm 119:4–6)
He knows, however, that he has not yet attained to a complete knowledge of God’s word. Yet he gives thanks for every advance in his understanding. He is determined to walk in the light of what he learns from that word. The wisdom literature and Psalms
Psalm 119:5–8 The beginning and end verses of this passage emphasize keeping God’s statutes (vv. 5, 8), which involves deep loyalty to God. Verse 7 implies that interacting with God’s direction is transformative—an idea that is present throughout the rest of the psalm. Faithlife Study Bible
“I will praise you with an upright heart as I learn your righteous laws. I will obey your decrees; do not utterly forsake me.” (Psalm 119:7–8)
Upright - yashar (3477, “upright; right; righteous; just.” When yashar pertains to people, it is best translated “just” or “upright.” God is the standard of uprightness for His people: “Good and upright is the Lord: therefore will he teach sinners in the way” (Ps. 25:8). His word (Ps. 33:4), judgments (Psalm 19:9), and ways (Hos. 14:9) reveal His uprightness and are a blessing to His people. The believer follows Him in being “upright” in heart: “Be glad in the Lord, and rejoice, ye righteous; and shout for joy, all ye that are upright in heart” (Psalm 32:11; cf. Psalm 7:10; Psalm 11:2). In their daily walk they manifest that they are walking on the narrow road: “The wicked have drawn out the sword, and have bent their bow, to cast down the poor and needy, and to slay such as be of upright conversation” (Ps. 37:14). The “just” are promised God’s blessing upon their lives (Prov. 11:10-11). Vine’s Complete Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words
The godly conduct that produces spiritual stability depends on obeying the divine standard of God’s Word. The Word is what cultivates godly attitudes, thoughts, & actions that will keep you from being overwhelmed by trials & temptations. Godly attitudes & thoughts produced by the Word act as policemen to arrest the flesh before it commits a crime against the standard of God’s Word. But if they are not on duty, they can’t arrest the flesh, & the flesh is free to violate the law of God. The analogy teaches that right attitudes & thoughts must precede right practices. Paul realized only spiritual weapons will help in our warfare against the flesh 2 Cor. 10:4. By using the right weapons you can take “every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ” (v. 5). “The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” (2 Corinthians 10:4–5) Truth for today
I'll add a little more to this each day as I can.
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Post by Cindy on Jul 12, 2015 8:55:45 GMT -5
Please remember that the most important words in this thread to read, are the ones in blue, the scriptures themselves, not what I or anyone else says about them. So if you want to skim something, then skim the notes, but never the scriptures!
Beth. “How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to your word. I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands. I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you. Praise be to you, O LORD; teach me your decrees. With my lips I recount all the laws that come from your mouth. I rejoice in following your statutes as one rejoices in great riches. I meditate on your precepts and consider your ways. I delight in your decrees; I will not neglect your word.” (Psalm 119:9–16)
[Bet] 2. The power of the word for cleansing (119:9–16). A young man, who most needs help in keeping himself pure, can cleanse his way by taking heed to God’s word. The wisdom literature and Psalms
Beth. Cleansing by God’s Word (Psalm 119:9–16) The psalmist declared that a person cleanses his way (conduct) by obeying God’s Word (Psalm 119:9). The psalmist testified that he had internalized and rejoiced in God’s Word so that he might be morally pure (Psalm 119:10–14). He continually meditated in the Law (Psalm 119:15–16). The Bible Knowledge Commentary
It is noteworthy that the psalmist specifically relates the cleansing power of the Word of God to young men (Psalm 119:9). He knew the tendency of young men to fall into unclean living, and he wanted them to understand that devotion to the Word of God could preserve them from such living. Opening up Psalms
To wield the sword of the Spirit is to apply specific Biblical principles to specific situations. Jesus gave us the perfect example of skillful & precise use of the sword of the Spirit when He was tempted in the wilderness. Jesus didn’t act on His own authority or demand that God give Him what He deserved. Instead, He demonstrated His trust in God & rebuked Satan for his evil intents: “It is written, Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God’. Scripture gives many general principles for Christian living, but the sword of the Spirit is a precise weapon. We must learn to apply the appropriate Biblical principles to any given situation. That’s what the psalmist meant in Ps 119:9, 11. Drawing Near Scripture is the source of spiritual victory. Many Christians struggle with spiritual defeat or recurring sins because they haven’t learned to apply Biblical principles to specific situations. Perhaps they don’t know God’s will because they haven’t matured in the Word. Or maybe they know what He expects of them, but they disregard His counsel. In either case, the result is the same. Jesus knew the Word, believed it, & refused to compromise its principles. In so doing, He set a pattern for us to follow. Drawing Near
“I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands.” (Psalm 119:10)
It is wise and necessary for all believers to test their lives for the wax of hypocrisy. When held up to the light of God’s Word, the presence or absence of sinful cracks will be apparent. That’s why it is so important for us to feed daily on Scripture (Ps. 119:9–11) and to allow our lives to be shaped by its power (Heb. 4:12). The power of integrity
“I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.” (Psalm 119:11)
It produces cleansing (Psalm 119:9, Psalm 119:11). The Word of God is the agent the Spirit of God used to regenerate the hearts of all of us who are saved (Eph. 5:25–27), and he continues to use that same cleansing power in our lives. By that Word, the Holy Spirit shows us what pleases God and what doesn’t and, in so doing, calls us away from sin and into purity of life. Opening up Psalms
Psalm 119:11 urges memorizing of the Word of God as a mighty deterrent against sin. Memorizing the Scripture also provides an immediate availability of God’s “words” as a sword, ready in witnessing and effective in spiritual warfare (Heb. 4:12; Eph. 6:17). Spirit filled life study Bible
A man once said to me, “I’ve come to Christ, but I still have so much garbage in my mind. How do I clean it out?” I answered him, “You’ve been programmed by the world for a long time, so your mind is full of filth. Therefore, it has to be reprogrammed—completely cleansed." The only way to reprogram your mind with God’s righteousness is to read, study, and meditate on the Word of God. If you’re a Christian, and you submit to the Holy Spirit as you study Scripture, you will have a reprogrammed mind that focuses on God’s righteousness and helps you live accordingly. Truth for today
The way you treat your Bible is the way you treat Christ. To love Him is to love His Word. The Word is a delight (Psalm 119:24, Psalm 119:16, Psalm 119:35, Psalm 119:47) & not a disappointment; we rejoice to read it (14, 162). Wiersbe’s You've been thinking about what the Word of God will do for you if you allow it to work in your life. Now it is time to discover what you must do with God’s Word. You must do more than simply read it, although that's necessary. You should also love it (Psalm 119:97), treasure it (Psalm 119:72), learn it (Psalm 119:26–27), memorize it (Psalm 119:11), meditate on it (Psalm 119:15), believe it (Psalm 119:42), and practice it (Psalm 119:1–4). The way you treat your Bible is the way you treat your Lord, for it's His Word to your heart. With the Word.
“Praise be to you, O LORD; teach me your decrees. With my lips I recount all the laws that come from your mouth. I rejoice in following your statutes as one rejoices in great riches.” (Psalm 119:12–14)
He has treasured up the word in his heart as a safeguard from sin. Yet he prays for further instruction. He shares what he knows of God’s word with others. “Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.” (Deuteronomy 6:7) He values the word more than riches. He will meditate on God’s word, and not forgot what he has learned. Psalm 119:26, Psalm 119:64, Psalm 119:68, Psalm 119:108, Psalm 119:124, Psalm 119:135, Psalm 119:171; See Psalm 25:4 . The wisdom literature and Psalms
“I meditate on your precepts and consider your ways. I delight in your decrees; I will not neglect your word.” (Psalm 119:15–16)
The rejoicing of verse 14 and the delighting of verse 16 are connected by the meditating of verse 15. As we reflect on what the Word of God is and what it does, we will find the rejoicing and delighting to be inescapable. For more about God's Word Read Jer 23:29, Heb 4:12 and James 1:21–25; Psalm 119:26, Psalm 119:64, Psalm 119:68, Psalm 119:108, Psalm 119:124, 135, 171; See Psalm 25:4. Opening up Psalms
True joy demonstrates a genuine thankfulness and appreciation for God’s Word. We discussed how valuable Scripture is for our spiritual growth. That truth ought to keep us from ever abandoning our attitude of rejoicing before the Lord. His goodness and mercy in giving us the Word should make us echo David’s words, “The precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart” (Ps. 19:8; cf. Psalm 119:14, Psalm 119:24, Psalm 119:70, Psalm 119:97, Psalm 119:103, Psalm 119:111, Psalm 119:127, Psalm 119:140, Psalm 119:162). The prophet Jeremiah expressed similar sentiments, which should further encourage our thanks for God’s truth: “Thy words were found and I ate them, and Thy words became for me a joy and the delight of my heart; for I have been called by Thy name, O Lord God of hosts” (Jer. 15:16). The pillars of Christian character
We should be better Christians if we were more alone, waiting upon God, & gathering through meditation on his Word spiritual strength for labor in his service. We ought to muse upon the things of God, because we thus get the real nutriment out of them. Truth is something like the cluster of the vine: if we would have wine from it, we must bruise it; we must press & squeeze it many times. So we must by meditation tread the clusters of truth if we would get the wine of consolation from it. Our bodies are not supported by merely taking food into the mouth but the process which really supplies the muscle, the nerve, the sinew, & the bone is the process of digestion. It is by digestion that the outward food becomes assimilated with the inner life. Our souls are not nourished merely by listening awhile to this, & then to that, & then to the other part of divine truth. Hearing, reading, marking, & learning, all require inwardly digesting to complete their usefulness & the inward digesting of the truth lies for the most part in meditating upon it. Why is it that some Christians, although they hear many sermons, make but slow advances in the divine life? Because they neglect their closets, & do not thoughtfully meditate on God’s Word. Morning and evening
Twisted Scripture: There is a distinct difference between Christian and New Age forms of meditation. In Christian meditation, the believer’s mind is actively engaged and focuses on the Word of God. The believer is always conscious and never seeks a mystical experience of direct contact with God. New Age meditators, on the other hand, attempt to empty their minds through repetitious chanting or yogic breathing exercises. For them the goal is to experience oneness with the universe or attain God-consciousness. The Apologetics Study Bible
“May my meditation be pleasing to him, as I rejoice in the LORD.” (Psalm 104:34) Most Christians have moved away from meditation because of the non-biblical connotations that other religions have emphasized. However, one of the most famous psalms of the Bible encourages us “to meditate” on God’s law day and night (Psalm 1:2). The Hebrew verb hagah, used in this psalm and in Joshua 1:8, means “to muse,” “to meditate,” “to moan,” “to think,” or “to speak.” King David says that in times of distress, trouble, or oppression, he would “think” (hagah) upon the Lord (Psalm 63:6; Psalm77:12; Psalm 143:5). The word often refers to internal meditation, but also to verbal utterances or sounds, such as when the psalmist’s tongue speaks of God’s righteousness all day long, or when the righteous man “utters” what is good and wise. (Psalm 35:28; Psalm 37:30; Psalm 71:24) Meditation must be based on the Bible’s guidelines. The value of thinking and meditating upon God and His works—and especially the moral and ethical law He has given to all people—are examples for us today. Believers should think and meditate upon things that are true, noble, pure and lovely (Phil. 4:8), but even more we should put into practice the things on which we meditate (Phil. 4:9). Our devotion is to be centered upon the Lord (2 Cor. 11:3) and by thinking upon those things that are pure, we purify ourselves (Jas. 4:8). Holman treasury of key Bible words
“I delight in your decrees; I will not neglect your word.” (Psalm 119:16) Some translations say "I will not forget your word."
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Post by Cindy on Jul 12, 2015 10:51:08 GMT -5
Gimel. “Do good to your servant, and I will live; I will obey your word. Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law. I am a stranger on earth; do not hide your commands from me. My soul is consumed with longing for your laws at all times. You rebuke the arrogant, who are cursed and who stray from your commands. Remove from me scorn and contempt, for I keep your statutes. Though rulers sit together and slander me, your servant will meditate on your decrees. Your statutes are my delight; they are my counselors.” (Psalm 119:17–24)
[Gimel] 3. The power of the word for knowledge (119:17–24). The wisdom literature and Psalms.
Deal. Gemol, “reward” thy servant: let him have the return of his faith and prayers. From this word is derived the name of the third letter of the Hebrew alphabet, gimmel, which is prefixed to every verse in this part: this is a stroke of the psalmist’s art and ingenuity. Psalm 119:65, Psalm 119:124, Psalm 119:132. Psalm 13:6. Psalm 116:7. John 1:16. 2 Cor 9:7-11. Ph *4:19.
3 Appreciation of God’s Word. Psalm 119:17–24. The psalmist asked God to open his eyes so that he could see the marvelous blessings of God in the Word (Psalm 119:17–18). He hungered for the Word (Psalm 119:19–20). Because God curses the wicked who disobey Him, he prayed that the Lord would remove those who reproached him. In contrast with them, he meditated on and delighted in God’s Law (Psalm 119:21–24). The Bible Knowledge Commentary
The psalmist desires continued life so that he might have the opportunity for continued obedience. The wisdom literature and Psalms.
God’s faithfulness, coupled with our love for His Word, will see us through any adversity. KJV Bible Commentary
Smith, J. H. (1992). The new treasury of scripture knowledge: The most complete listing of cross references available anywhere- every verse, every theme, every important word (672). Nashville TN: Thomas Nelson.
“Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law.” (Psalm 119:18)
Never hesitate to question the accuracy of my understanding, but never make the mistake of questioning the accuracy of Scripture, for to do so is to substitute your own judgment and intelligence for the Bible’s authority, and that is unwise, for what can natural man know about spiritual matters? ...Above all, pray to the Author of the Bible asking that He graciously enlighten you and enable you to understand His Word; He commended such prayer by inspiring Psalm 119:18 — Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law. We must never forget that we are studying God’s infallible Word, and that these notes and are simply aids to assist in studying that Word. Let's keep in mind Paul’s injunction to Timothy, “Work hard to present yourself approved to God … handling accurately the Word of God” (2 Tim 2:15). An approved believer is thus one who accurately handles God’s word, & that position can only be achieved through diligent application—God says so! A knowledge of God’s word is foundational to all satisfactory Christian effort, for it's our only authority & guide in Christian living. His Word wasn't given to be an intellectual stimulus, it's given as a guide to living; so as you study seek the Holy Spirit’s guidance on how you should apply the instruction you receive in your life. (You'll certainly find your study intellectually stimulating, but that is a bonus, not the object of study.) The Life of Christ
Great blessing belongs to those who read & understand the Word of God, & more blessed is the man whose life is the practical transcript of the will of God as revealed in the Scriptures. Striking Facts: Psalm 119:99. The disciples of Christ who sit at His feet & let Him interpret the Word to them are often better skilled in divine things than the doctors of divinity. The best way to find “the wondrous things” is to saturate the study of the Word in prayer (v. 18) which makes it possible for Christ to speak to us out of the Word, through the Holy Spirit. John 16:13-14. Summarized Bible
Perhaps this is the supreme prayer that a student of Scripture could speak since it confesses the student’s inadequacy and the Divine Author’s sufficiency (cf. Psalm 119:98, Psalm 119:99, Psalm 119:105, Psalm 119:130). The MacArthur study Bible
He prays that his eyes may be uncovered so that he might discern the mysteries of God’s revelation. The wisdom literature and Psalms
“I am a stranger on earth; do not hide your commands from me.” (Psalm 119:19)
Heb “I am a resident alien in the land.” Resident aliens were especially vulnerable and in need of help. They needed to know the social and legal customs of the land to avoid getting into trouble. The translation assumes the psalmist is speaking metaphorically, not literally. See Gen. 47:9; Lev. 25:23; 1 Chr. 29:15; Ps. 39:12; Heb. 11:13 NET Bible
God’s Word will guide you on the pilgrim path of life. You are a stranger on the earth (Psalm 119:19; 1 Pet. 2:11), and you need a “road map” to help you know the way. That road map is the Bible. Ask God to open your eyes to the Word (Psalm 119:18) and keep your eyes on the way (Psalm 119:21; Prov. 3:1–6; 4:25–27). Let your Bible be your trusted counselor (Psalm 119:24). With the Word
A moment’s reflection should make one thing abundantly clear—the OT adequately supplied Jesus with all the knowledge and wisdom necessary for Him to counsel others unerringly. He was not inadequately supplied, but (as Paul once put it) “thoroughly equipped for every good work” by those writings. So too, following the Lord, the church (whenever she has been faithful in this matter) has found the Bible to be a rich, inexhaustible source of information for its counseling ministry. Again, we must return to the concept of God’s Word as counsel (we must never forget that this is one of its prime functions). No wonder, then, that David (in Ps. 119:24) referred to the Bible as his “counselor.” Nor should we wonder that, in contrasting what he learned there with human wisdom, he declared that scriptural counsel had made him wiser than all his teachers! A theology of Christian counseling : More than redemption
“My soul is consumed with longing for your laws at all times.” (Psalm 119:20)
God has not given us His Word so we can make a reasoned evaluation of His judgment & decide whether or not we want to obey. He has given us His Word because that Word is truth & life, & we are to obey it without question & with unhesitating confidence. To follow our own judgments in disobedience of God’s Word is to put self in the place of God Prov. 3:5, Prov 3:7; Prov 14:12 no matter how innocent or noble the deed may seem. (Rom 3:23). The Woman’s Study Bible
This expresses the psalmist’s deep passion for the Word (cf. Psalm 119:0, Psalm 119:131). The MacArthur study Bible
His soul “is crushed,” i.e., overwhelmed and consumed with longing for the fuller knowledge of God’s “judgments,” i.e., authoritative declarations of his will. The wisdom literature and Psalms
The Scriptures are the voice of God to the soul of man. He who reads them to listen to that voice finds what Paul said to Timothy confirmed in his own experience, that they're “profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for instruction which is in righteousness” (2 Tim. 3:16); profitable for teaching, since he learns the will of God; profitable for reproof, since what is wrong in his life is revealed & acknowledged; profitable for correction, since his ways are “directed to the keeping of God’s statutes”; profitable for instruction in righteousness, since by the understanding gained from the Scriptures he not only “cleanses his way” but learns to “hate every false way” & to “walk in the way of righteousness.”
Obedience to the Word of God begets increasing delight in it. To him who thus obeys their voice the Scriptures are a constant subject of happy meditation. His soul is fed by them, and they become “sweet to his taste” and produce spiritual growth. They become his counselor in all circumstances and upon all occasions: his guide in difficulties, giving light to his path; his comfort in adversity, giving him patience and hope; his weapon in spiritual warfare, giving him victory over his adversaries. Storing them in his memory, and so “laying them up in his heart,” he proves them to be a power against sin and temptation. Collected writings of W.E. Vine.
“You rebuke the arrogant, who are cursed and who stray from your commands. Remove from me scorn and contempt, for I keep your statutes. Though rulers sit together and slander me, your servant will meditate on your decrees. Your statutes are my delight; they are my counselors.” (Psalm 119:21–24)
He is confident that “the proud,” i.e., those who sin willfully, who stray with respect to God’s commands, are under his curse. Right now, however, he needs God to “strip off” from him the shame which those proud ones have heaped upon him. Even though those in authority plot against him, he continues to meditate on Yahweh’s statutes. The wisdom literature and Psalms.
His opponents are insolent to God and His directions (Psalm 119:21) and scheme against him (Psalm 119:23). The psalmist responds to this social opposition by focusing on God’s directions and seeking advice from them rather than from other advisors (Psalm 119:23–24). Deuteronomy 27:26 “Cursed is the man who does not uphold the words of this law by carrying them out.” Then all the people shall say, “Amen!” Counselors: Literally “men of advice.” The psalmist does not seek advice in the same way that the “princes” might (v. 23). Rather, he seeks advice from God’s directions. Faithlife Study Bible
The chief means of biblical counseling is the application of God’s Word by God’s Spirit to the heart of a believer (cf. vv. 98–100). The MacArthur study Bible
Heb “men of my counsel.” That is, God’s rules are like advisers to the psalmist, for they teach him how to live in a godly manner that refutes the accusations of his enemies. The NET Bible
Whenever Spurgeon or Chambers mention "meditation" they are not talking about the kind of meditation that we are familiar with today. In today's speech it would be better to interpret the word "meditate" as "reflect" or "to dwell on or think about". God's Word tells us that we are not to "empty our minds" but instead are to fill our minds with His Word. Psalm 119:23, Psalm 119:78, Psalm 119:97 Psalm 119:78. So Psalm 119:23, 27 (Heb.), Psalm 119:48, Psalm 119:148. Comp. Psalm 119:97, Psalm 119:99.
Psalm 119 is only one of many passages on the transforming power of God’s Word. Consider some of the characteristics that can be manifest in believers’ lives when they fill their inner beings with biblical principles:
• Their lives are obedient to the Lord: “Blessed are they who keep his statutes and seek him with all their heart. They do nothing wrong; they walk in his ways. You have laid down precepts that are to be fully obeyed” (Psalm 119:2–4).
• Their lives are full of praise: “I will praise you with an upright heart as I learn your righteous laws” (Psalm 119:7).
• Their lives are characterized as pure: “How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to your word” (Psalm 119:9).
• They have victory over sin: “I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you” (Psalm 119:11).
• They enjoy obeying the Lord: “I delight in your decrees; I will not neglect your word” (Psalm 119:16).
• They receive direct counsel from the Word: “Your statutes are my delight; they are my counselors” (Psalm 119:24).
• They are refreshed and strengthened by the Word: “My soul is weary with sorrow; strengthen me according to your word” (Psalm 119:28).
• They are people of integrity: “I have chosen the way of truth; I have set my heart on your laws” (Psalm 119:30).
• They experience inner freedom: “I run in the path of your commands, for you have set my heart free” (Psalm 119:32); “I will walk about in freedom, for I have sought out your precepts” (Psalm 119:45).
• They become unselfish: “Turn my heart toward your statutes and not toward selfish gain” (Psalm 119:36).
• They turn away from worthless and destructive practices and philosophies: “Turn my eyes away from worthless things; renew my life according to your word” (Psalm 119:37).
• They have hope: “Do not snatch the word of truth from my mouth, for I have put my hope in your laws” (Psalm 119:43); “remember your word to your servant, for you have given me hope” (Psalm 119:49).
• They experience comfort in the midst of suffering: “My comfort in my suffering is this: Your promise renews my life” (Psalm 119: 50); “I remember your ancient laws, O LORD, and I find comfort in them” (Psalm 119:52).
• They develop good judgment: “Teach me knowledge and good judgment, for I believe in your commands” (Psalm 119:66).
• Their hearts are sensitive: “[Unbelievers’] hearts are callous and unfeeling, but I delight in your law” (Psalm 119:70).
• They have eternal values: “The law from your mouth is more precious to me than thousands of pieces of silver and gold” (Psalm 119:72).
• They develop wisdom: “Your commands make me wiser than my enemies, for they are ever with me” (Psalm 119:98); “I have more insight than all my teachers, for I meditate on your statutes” (Psalm 119:99); “I have more understanding than the elders, for I obey your precepts” (Psalm 119:100).
• They find guidance: “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path” (Psalm 119:105).
• They have an aversion for evil: “Because I consider all your precepts right, I hate every wrong path” (Psalm 119:128).
• They understand deep truths: “The unfolding of your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple” (Psalm 119: 130).
• They sorrow over the sinfulness of the world: “Streams of tears flow from my eyes, for your law is not obeyed” (Psalm 119:136).
• They experience joy in the midst of trouble: “Trouble and distress have come upon me, but your commands are my delight” (Psalm 119:143).
• They become people of prayer: “I rise before dawn and cry for help; I have put my hope in your word” (Psalm 119:147).
• They remain true to God even through persecution: “Many are the foes who persecute me, but I have not turned from your statutes” (Psalm 119:157).
• They have peace and stability: “Great peace have they who love your law, and nothing can make them stumble” (Psalm 119:165).
• They receive help from God: “May your hand be ready to help me, for I have chosen your precepts” (Psalm 119:173).
And these promises are from one psalm alone! They are promises for every child of God who will seek His truth, regardless of how serious our problems are. They are promises for me. They are promises for you.
Go back and note all the characteristics of mental health that are related to the Scriptures. How dare psychologists tell us that the Scriptures are deficient in ways that only modern psychology can supply! The Bible provides all the necessary information for “training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16-17). Thoroughly equipped.
Instruction in righteousness is the maintenance program for spiritual and mental health. Too many Christians mistakenly believe that they can experience “maintenance-free” spirituality; that it comes without choice, effort, or discipline. The truth is that it requires daily submission of our wills to the Lord by feeding on His Word to sustain the transformed life. There really is no mystery to this process; it just seems like too much work. We would rather depend upon a radio preacher or televangelist for our spiritual food. We would rather warm our hearts with contemporary music than the cleansing coals of God’s Word. We would rather pick up the newspaper than the Bible. We would rather play than pray. We want excuses instead of exhortation. We want man’s theories instead of God’s truth. We want comfort rather than conviction. We want to be entertained more than we want holiness. We want self-esteem instead of self-denial. But instruction in righteousness requires us to turn back to God and His Word.
There you have it—four steps in a biblical method for permanent change: doctrinal teaching, acceptance of rebuke, correction of wrong patterns of thinking and acting by putting off the old nature, and building up the new nature through instruction in righteousness. Why Christians can’t trust psychology
God is not willing to share our hearts or minds with anyone or anything else. It's either all or nothing with Him. We say Jesus is our "all in all" and we will agree that “His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.” (2 Peter 1:3–4) but do we really believe it? “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.” (Proverbs 9:10)
“If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does.” (James 1:5–8) “My people are destroyed from lack of knowledge.” (Hosea 4:6)
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Post by Cindy on Jul 13, 2015 11:16:58 GMT -5
Daleth “I am laid low in the dust; preserve my life according to your word. I recounted my ways and you answered me; teach me your decrees. Let me understand the teaching of your precepts; then I will meditate on your wonders. My soul is weary with sorrow; strengthen me according to your word. Keep me from deceitful ways; be gracious to me through your law. I have chosen the way of truth; I have set my heart on your laws. I hold fast to your statutes, O LORD; do not let me be put to shame. I run in the path of your commands, for you have set my heart free.” (Psalm 119:25–32)
[Dalet] 4. The power of the word for reviving (Psalm 119:25–32). The psalmist is in deep distress. He lies prostrate, crushed and unable to rise; but he can pray that God will revive him according to the promises of the word (Deut 8:3). He has laid all the concerns of his life before the Lord. He prays for deeper insight into God’s word so that he might meditate on those wonderful things. When tears would weigh him down, he asks that God would strengthen him according to the promises of the word. All conduct that is not governed by God’s truth is called “the way of falsehood.” The psalmist has chosen rather to follow “the way of faithfulness.” The declarations of God’s will are the rule of his life. He prays that God will keep him from disloyalty by granting him fresh instruction in his law. Since he cleaves to God’s word, he prays that he will not be deprived of the blessings promised the obedient. When his heart is set free from the cramping constraint of trouble, the psalmist will use his liberty for an even more energetic service to the Lord. The wisdom literature and Psalms.
4 Daleth Prayer for understanding The psalmist prayed for quickening since he was laid low (Psalm 119:25). He then asked God for understanding, strengthening, and keeping (Psalm 119:26–29). When God gave him understanding, he would comply because he treasured the Law (Psalm 119:20–32). The Bible Knowledge Commentary
From before sunrise to beyond sunset, the Word of God dominated the psalmist’s life, e.g., 1) before dawn (v. 147), 2) daily (Psalm 119:97), 3) 7 times daily (Psalm 119:164), 4) nightly (Psalm 119:55, Psalm 119:148), and 5) at midnight (Psalm 119:62). The MacArthur study Bible
When in a state of depression, the psalmist recognized that his soul had adhered to the dust as if he were already dead and buried. Yet “… the word of God is quick, (alive) and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword …” (Heb 4:12). Reading, meditating, and obeying it would raise him to life and health again. KJV Bible Commentary
Without the burden of afflictions it is impossible to reach the height of grace. The gifts of grace increase as the struggles increase. The Woman’s Study Bible
“I recounted my ways and you answered me; teach me your decrees. Let me understand the teaching of your precepts; then I will meditate on your wonders.” (Psalm 119:26–27)
Psalm 119:26–27 emphasize the cooperation between the psalmist’s loyalty and God’s help: as the speaker proclaims his loyalty, God enables him to understand; as God enables him to understand, the speaker proclaims his loyalty. Faithlife Study Bible
The psalmist understood God to be the best source of instruction (cf. Psalm 119:34, Psalm 119:73, Psalm 119:100, Psalm 119:125, Psalm 119:144, Psalm 119:169). The MacArthur study Bible
To often we think we teach ourselves or we will rely on our own knowledge and try and "figure out" what God's Word is saying. We forget that God is our teacher, not ourselves But the psalmist knew that God was his teacher and he made constant use of the privilege. He tried to learn from what happened in his daily life, not by relying on his own ideas, but by asking God for wisdom concerning his situation.
“But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.” (John 14:26)
“As for you, the anointing you received from him remains in you, and you do not need anyone to teach you. But as his anointing teaches you about all things and as that anointing is real, not counterfeit—just as it has taught you, remain in him.” (1 John 2:27)
“If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.” (James 1:5)
“My soul is weary with sorrow; strengthen me according to your word. Keep me from deceitful ways; be gracious to me through your law.” (Psalm 119:28–29)
Even though he's going through a great trial, he continues to trust in God and he knows that he will find the comfort and peace he craves in God's Word, as well as the strength to carry on. He's aware that it's going to take more then just strength though, so he asks for God's grace to keep Him going. Again, he knows that God will give Him that Grace through His Word, so that's where he goes,. As the Lord tells us, we can do nothing on our own, we must abide in Him and His Word if we want to be rid of the evil ways of the world and bear the fruit of righteousness. John 15:5–6 and John 15:7.
“I have chosen the way of truth; I have set my heart on your laws.” (Psalm 119:30)
Every word God speaks is true (John 17:17). He is unable to speak an untruth (Heb. 6:17, 18), and He is never mistaken (Deut. 32:4). He knows all things as they really are and sees what has happened, is happening, and will happen (Isaiah 46:9-10). Since He is responsible for everything, all accurate knowledge comes from Him. He is the standard for all truth; He is that by which all else is measured. Truth not only describes what He knows; it also describes all He does and says, including judgment (Isaiah 16:5), creation (Psalm 146:6), redemption (Psalm 31:5), and each detail of every promise He makes (Josh. 23:14). Truth is so identified with God that Jesus simply states, “I am . . . the truth” (John 14:6), identifying Himself as the only way to the understanding of genuine truth (1 John 5:20). The fact that God is Truth is the basis of our faith because the opposite of having faith in God is calling God a liar (Rom. 3:4). He is not only dependably accurate, but He is also accurately dependable. The Woman’s Study Bible.
The psalmist contrasts himself with those who have chosen the way of lying (Psalm 119:29). By choosing the truthful path, the psalmist has had to cleave or cling steadfastly to the testimonies of God. Therefore, he prays, O LORD, put me not to shame. KJV Bible Commentary
“I hold fast to your statutes, O LORD; do not let me be put to shame.” (Psalm 119:31)
The psalmist knows God's Word and therefore knows His Will and how God expects him to act in different situations. He knows too that it isn't always easy to do what's right, and that he will be tempted by his flesh, the world and Satan to sin. So He asks the Lord to help him, to enable him to stay on God's path or righteousness, the narrow road we all must travel.
“I run in the path of your commands, for you have set my heart free.” (Psalm 119:32)
The psalmist determines to run on the path of obedience rather than merely avoiding the wrong paths. Faithlife Study Bible
Reflects the energetic response of the psalmist to God’s Word. The MacArthur study Bible
God often refers to our life here as a race to be run and for us to win. Running requires effort and can be hard work when you get tired. We need to know what the course is before we run it so we don't make a mistake and take a wrong turn and God's Word is the only place we can find the road markers. This always reminds me of scriptures in Hebrews and 1 Corinthians which tell us how to run:
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Hebrews 12:1–2)
“Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.” (1 Corinthians 9:24–27)
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Post by Cindy on Jul 15, 2015 10:10:13 GMT -5
He. “Teach me, O LORD, to follow your decrees; then I will keep them to the end. Give me understanding, and I will keep your law and obey it with all my heart. Direct me in the path of your commands, for there I find delight. Turn my heart toward your statutes and not toward selfish gain. Turn my eyes away from worthless things; preserve my life according to your word. Fulfill your promise to your servant, so that you may be feared. Take away the disgrace I dread, for your laws are good. How I long for your precepts! Preserve my life in your righteousness.” (Psalm 119:33–40)
[Hey] 5. The power of the word for establishing (119:33–40). The psalmist prays for a greater knowledge of God’s statutes. He pledges to observe what he learns faithfully, wholeheartedly, and joyously. He asks for vigor to resist the temptations of covetousness and the pursuit of “vanity,” i.e., all that is false, unreal, and worthless. He prays that God will perform for him the promises made to those who fear God. As he speaks the psalmist is experiencing the scorn which he has to bear for his loyalty to God’s law. The pronouncements of God are “good,” and therefore he should not have to suffer for observing them. He needs fresh strength, for which he asks on the grounds of God’s righteousness, i.e., that attribute which requires Yahweh to be true to his covenant promises. The wisdom literature and Psalms.
5 Loyalty to God’s Word. The psalmist declared his loyalty to the Word, which he observed with his whole heart (Psalm 119:33–35). He prayed that the Lord would turn him away from covetousness and vanity (Psalm 119:36–37). He desired God to confirm His ordinances to him (Psalm 119:38–40). The Bible Knowledge Commentary
The psalmist asks God to change him so that he might keep His directions. The first five verses of this stanza open with this request. The psalmist wants God to transform him so that he can avoid being seduced by “selfish gain” (Psalm 119:36), continue to worship God (Psalm 119:38), receive protection from attack (Psalm 119:39), and receive sustenance (Psalm 119:37, Psalm 119:40). The psalmist often asks God to teach him His “statutes” (Psalm 119:12); here, he explicitly asks God to teach him how to obey the statutes (see Psalm 119:1). See also Psalm 119:37. Faithlife Study Bible
Teach me, O Lord, the way of thy statutes. If there is an underlying theme to this psalm, surely this is it. The psalmist is convinced that if the Lord will but teach him His law, I shall observe it with my whole heart. KJV Bible Commentary
“Give me understanding, and I will keep your law and obey it with all my heart.” (Psalm 119:34)
The verb bin, which means “cause to understand,” is a synonym for “teach” (see Psalm 119:12).
with my whole heart: Expresses the idea of total commitment. Faithlife Study Bible
Over and over, he asks the Lord teach him and help him understand it so he can apply it to his life.
“Direct me in the path of your commands, for there I find delight.” (Psalm 119:35)
Others translate this, "help me walk in the path of your commands." To walk shows continuous action, showing that he's applying what he learns to the way he lives his life, to the decisions he makes constantly throughout the day. He further says that this is his delight. He has realized that this is the only way to find true peace and happiness.
“Turn my heart toward your statutes and not toward selfish gain. Turn my eyes away from worthless things; preserve my life according to your word.” (Psalm 119:36–37)
He asks for vigor to resist the temptations of covetousness and the pursuit of “vanity,” or "worthless", i.e., all that is false, unreal, and worthless. The wisdom literature and Psalms
Expresses the idea that the heart is wayward and needs help in pursuing what is good. The word shawe or "worthless" conveys the idea of “bad”, “evil,” and sometimes “deceitful.” Faithlife Study Bible
vanity or worthless —literally, “falsehood;” all other objects of trust than God; idols, human power, &c. (Psalm 31:6; Psalm 40:4; Psalm 60:11; Psalm 62:9). Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible
The psalmist desires to examine the things of greatest value, i.e., God’s Word. The MacArthur study Bible
I see this as him asking God to help keep his mind on things of eternal value, rather then things that are selfish, which typify the things we tend to want in this life due to our sin nature. Those things aren't always bad in or of themselves, but we tend to place them before God, which then makes them bad. Like when we won't risk alienating a family member by telling them the Truth or by doing what God commands us to do. In cases like that, we're putting that person before God and so committing spiritual adultery and making that person our idol.
“Fulfill your promise to your servant, so that you may be feared.” (Psalm 119:38)
Fearing God means placing all other potential objects of fear or reverence in perspective. It can be described as “respect” or “honor.”). To fear God is to express loyalty to Him & faithfulness to His covenant. Those who fear God exhibit trust in Him & obedience to His commandments. According to the ot, those who fear God obtain God’s protection, wisdom, & blessing. The biblical texts often parallel the fear of God with obedience. The fear of God is also closely tied to loyalty & faithfulness to God (2 Chr 19:6). Proverbs also relates the fear of God to humility and righteous living (Prov 3:7; Proverbs 8:13; Proverbs 14:2; Proverbs 16:6; Proverbs 22:4). Faithlife Study Bible
As the person’s mind becomes re-programmed with Scripture, living by a biblical standard will become easier. The truth of the matter is that a person really only “knows” the Word to the degree that he is living it. Again, this takes time. As the believer immerses himself in biblical teaching, he will find that it is affecting the hundreds of decisions he makes throughout the course of a given day. At The Altar Of Sexual Idolatry
“Take away the disgrace I dread, for your laws are good. How I long for your precepts! Preserve my life in your righteousness.” (Psalm 119:39–40)
Only God can preserve our life, but here he's saying that life isn't worth preserving if it's not kept in God's righteousness.
The disgrace he dreads isn't being ridiculed by others for his belief, but rather is of dishonoring God. He wants to please the Lord, not cause Him shame.
On Psalm 119 in general:
To claim the belief that Christ is sufficient while saying that the Bible is deficient simply will not work, for the two are inseparable foundations: It is through the written Word of God that we come to understand the living Word of God.
Jesus is called the Word of God (John 1:1, 14; 1 John 1:1; Revelation 19:13), and the Scriptures are also called the Word of God (Psalm 119; Ephesians 6:17) because they both are supernatural revelations about God.
Peter explained the connection this way: Grace and peace be yours in abundance through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord. His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires (2 Peter 1:2–4).
God’s provision for our needs—His grace—and the peace we so desperately seek are available, Peter says, through “the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord.” Furthermore, God’s power has already given us “everything we need for life and godliness”. That is all-inclusive. No essential need has been left unattended by our gracious God. How did He provide for every need? “Through our knowledge of him.” And how do we obtain knowledge about Christ? Through the written Word.
As earnestly as I know how, I plead with you to understand this vital truth: God has provided answers in His Scriptures for every possible spiritual/mental/emotional problem that mankind has ever and could ever experience. There are no truly unique problems that modern man experiences. Sexual, verbal, and physical abuse have been with us since the days of Cain. Marriage problems, poor self-esteem, addictions of every sort, Attention Deficit Disorder, jealousy, violent rage, depression, and virtually every other psychological dysfunction are recorded in biblical case histories. Why Christians can’t trust psychology
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Post by Cindy on Jul 15, 2015 13:06:10 GMT -5
Waw. “May your unfailing love come to me, O LORD, your salvation according to your promise; then I will answer the one who taunts me, for I trust in your word. Do not snatch the word of truth from my mouth, for I have put my hope in your laws. I will always obey your law, for ever and ever. I will walk about in freedom, for I have sought out your precepts. I will speak of your statutes before kings and will not be put to shame, for I delight in your commands because I love them. I lift up my hands to your commands, which I love, and I meditate on your decrees.” (Psalm 119:41–48)
[Vav] 6. The power of the word for testimony (Psalm 119:41–48). The psalmist prays for the lovingkindness of the Lord to be manifested in deliverance, according to God’s word. This will enable him to render a decisive answer to those who taunt him with the uselessness of serving God. If he fails to experience this deliverance, then he will be deprived of the power to bear witness to the truth before his tormentors. The wisdom literature and Psalms.
6 Salvation through God’s Word The psalmist called on God to deliver him through His love and His Word (promise, Psalm 119:41). Then he would have an answer for his enemy (Psalm 119:42). He prayed (and affirmed) that the Word would continue to be his pattern of life (Psalm 119:43–46). He delighted in God’s commandments and loved them (Psalm 119:47–48). The Bible Knowledge Commentary
“May your unfailing love come to me, O LORD, your salvation according to your promise;" "Your Promise" is another way of saying "Your Word". Notice how he calls God's love, "unfailing". It never fails us -God never fails us, nor does He ever fail to love us. But God's love is not like the world's love and the world's way of love is becoming less and less like God's love every day. God is perfect, holy, righteous, just, and true, as well as perfect love. Each of those things describes God and they all describe His love as well. We need to remember that while God does love us more then we can possibly imagine, because of that very love, He will not let us get away with going against His Word and Will. He may very well let us think we're getting away with it, and He often does give us a very long time to repent and turn back to Him, but eventually, if we do not, we will pay the price. We will pay the price, because true love does not tolerate sin, anymore then any loving parent would sit by and tolerate their baby putting their hand in a fire, or playing with a rattle snake. The baby doesn't realize the fire will burn or that the rattler will bite and possibly kill him, but God does. He knows that ultimately any sin in our lives will not only harm us but destroy us. So He does what any loving parent would do. He teaches us not to sin. We can count on that as well, for God's love is unfailing and will never lead us astray or allow us to stray far from Him for long.
“Do not snatch the word of truth from my mouth, for I have put my hope in your laws.” (Psalm 119:43)
Freedom is another blessing God will give you if you love and obey His Word (Psalm 119:45). His Word is truth (Psalm 119:43; John 17:17 ), and the truth sets you free (John 8:32). Disobedience may seem like freedom, but it is really bondage (2 Pet. 2:19). When you obey God’s Word, you enjoy true freedom because His Word is “the law of liberty” (James 2:12). Law and liberty are not enemies; they are coworkers in your life in building character and bringing joy. With the Word
Hebrew: “do not snatch from my mouth a word of truth to excess.” The psalmist wants to be able to give a reliable testimony about the Lord’s loyal love (Psalm 119:41–42), but if God does not intervene, the psalmist will be deprived of doing so, for the evidence of such love (i.e., deliverance) will be lacking. Biblical Studies Press. (2006). The NET Bible
Let's look at some other translations to get a better understanding of this verse:
NIrV | Help me always to tell the truth about how faithful you are. I have put my hope in your laws.
NCV | Never keep me from speaking your truth, because I depend on your fair laws.
NET | Do not completely deprive me of a truthful testimony, for I await your justice.
We know David wasn't perfect and committed some appalling sins, just as we have. We can gain confidence and hope from this knowledge because God's Word shows us his sins, their consequences both here and eternal, and we are also shown God's forgiveness of those same sins and His continued faithfulness to keep His promises to David in spite of them. This in one thing about the bible that's really amazing. The hero's aren't perfect and aren't made to look like it. Instead we're shown their many flaws and how God works with them and within them to bring them into a fuller and more complete image of His Son. David knew from experience that it can be very easy and tempting to lie about something, or to just exaggerate the truth, or simply leave parts out of the telling so things aren't shown in their fullness. It would have been seemed much safer I'm sure for him to tell the story of how he came to marry Bathsheba without including his adultery or the murder of her husband. If he had done that though, then God wouldn't have been glorified by the ending of that story for it shows God's mercy and love toward us and how faithful He is to us. So David knows he needs God's help to keep his words about everything completely truthful. Another example of this would be all of his great military victories. Most men would have told those stories and made themselves look like incredible warriors, but David didn't do that. He told the truth - that there was no way they could have defeated the enemy without God's direct intervention and help. So David asks the Lord to enable him to always remember to tell the whole complete truth about everything so that the Lord will be glorified. He knows that God is Truth, and His Word is Truth. He knows he was made in God's image and wants all of his words to also be the Truth.
David also wanted to be able to explain God's Word to others, to teach them how to follow God's ways. Therefore, he's also asking that the Lord continue to give him His Words to speak to others, to help them know Him better. We might say something like, "Keep putting your Word in my mouth so that I can continue to help others understand it". He's simply saying it in the opposite way, such as: "don't take your Word away because then I won't be able to help others understand it as well". It reminds me too of what Jesus said: “But when they arrest you, do not worry about what to say or how to say it. At that time you will be given what to say, for it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.” (Matthew 10:19–20)
We often think of the word "law" today as a dirty word. It makes of think of being legalistic and we know we're not to do that. But David isn't using the word in that way. In this case it's another way of saying "God's Word", all of it. But in another way he is specifically referring to God's laws, because he's talking about obeying them. In other words, he realizes that the Bible is not a story book for pleasure reading, it's a book that tells us what the rules of this life are and what will happen if and when we break them. Nor is it a book of suggestions. God's laws cannot fail, ever. If we jump off a cliff, we will feel the effects of gravity (which is one of God's laws) Even atheists know that one and recognize it's truth. They simply fail to recognize the One who made that law. Every word in our Bible's are every bit as fool proof as the law of gravity. Our hope is in God's law, for what we call our blessed hope, is God's law of how He will transform us completely one day.
“I will always obey your law, for ever and ever.” (Psalm 119:44)
The language of this verse is very emphatic. Perfect obedience will constitute a large proportion of heavenly happiness to all eternity; and the nearer we approach to it on earth, the more we anticipate the felicity of heaven. The new treasury of scripture knowledge
“I will walk about in freedom, for I have sought out your precepts.” (Psalm 119:45)
God's Word gives liberty. Sin always promises to bring freedom, but it only creates bondage (2 Peter 2:19). It is the truth of God that brings true and lasting freedom (John 8:32). Opening up Psalms
David promised himself here in the strength of God’s grace that he should be free and easy in his duties: I will walk at liberty: freed from that which is evil, not hampered with the fetters of my own corruptions, and free to do that which is good. KJV Bible Commentary.
To freedom from reproach, when imbued with God’s truth, there is added “great boldness in the faith” [“Those who have served well gain an excellent standing and great assurance in their faith in Christ Jesus.” (1 Timothy 3:13)], accompanied with increasing delight in the holy law itself, which becomes an element of happiness. Commentary Critical and Explanatory
Obedience brings us peace with God, ourselves and others. It brings us the Joy of the Lord, and a love for His Word and His ways; it brings us more love for God and others, and greater understanding of God's Word and even of God Himself. That brings us into a closer relationship with Him and the circle begins again, continuing each time we read, learn, and apply it, (obey). It reminds me of what James also said: “But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it—he will be blessed in what he does.” (James 1:25)
“I will speak of your statutes before kings and will not be put to shame, for I delight in your commands because I love them.” (Psalm 119:46–47)
If God will give him this grace, he resolves to send the rest of his life observing his law. In so doing he will be walking “in a broad place,” i.e., he will know true freedom. Should the opportunity present itself, he is prepared to confess his love for God’s word before rulers. The wisdom literature and Psalms
He's not saying that kings won't ridicule him or try to embarrass him because of his faith and belief in God. That's always a very good possibility. He's saying that He's so sure that God's Word is true, that he's willing to tell other rulers and people in authority, regardless of what they might do or say to him for it, because he knows that ultimately he will be proved right.
“I lift up my hands to your commands, which I love, and I meditate on your decrees.” (Psalm 119:48)
Throughout Psalm 119, the psalmist addresses God’s directions in terms usually reserved for God alone in the Bible. Here, the gesture of raising hands seems to represent an act of worship. Faithlife Study Bible
He “lifts up his hands” to God’s commandment, i.e., he shows them the utmost reverence. The wisdom literature and Psalms
He's not worshiping the commands or the actual words in the bible, He's worshiping God Himself, for he knows that the words are God's, not a mere humans. He knows that God's Words are powerful and able to accomplish what the Lord wants them to, and will do so.
“For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” (Hebrews 4:12)
“so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.” (Isaiah 55:11)
“The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds.” (2 Corinthians 10:4)
“The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven.” (Hebrews 1:3)
There is nothing in all of creation more powerful then the Word of God. Those who ignore it, ignore it at their peril.
Note that he also said that he meditates on God's Word and that he loves God's Word. The more time we spend with God in His Word, the more we reflect on it, the more we will love Him and the more we will love His Word. We'll discover they can't be separated. That's why the saying that the way we treat our bible is how we treat the Lord is true. They really can't be separated.
“Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth.” (John 17:17)
“to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word,” (Ephesians 5:26)
“Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6)
“He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all he created.” (James 1:18)
“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:16–17)
Paul underscores the complete sufficiency of Scripture in 2 Timothy 3:16, showing four ways God has testified that His Word is wholly adequate for every spiritual need:
Scripture Teaches Truth. The Bible is first of all profitable for teaching. The Greek word translated teaching has primary reference to the content of teaching rather than the process of teaching. That is, Scripture is the operational manual of divine truth that must govern our lives. In the practical sense, our holiness is directly proportional to our knowledge of and consequent obedience to God’s Word. The psalmist said, “Thy word I have treasured in my heart, / That I may not sin against Thee” (Ps. 119:11). The more complete our working knowledge of the Bible is, the less susceptible we are to sin and error. The Lord says in Hosea 4:6, “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.” Having rejected true knowledge, they were unable to live as God wanted them to live. Theirs was a willful disregard for God’s Word—but neglect or complacency have the same destructive effect. The best way to avoid serious spiritual problems, therefore, is to give yourself to the faithful, patient, and thorough study of Scripture with an obedient heart—“for then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have success” (Josh. 1:7–8).
Scripture Reproves Sin and Error. Scripture is also profitable for reproof (2 Tim. 3:16). It confronts and rebukes misconduct and false teaching. To reprove is “so to rebuke another, with such effectual wielding of the victorious arm of the truth, as to bring him, if not always to a confession, yet at least to a conviction, of his sin.” Scripture has that effect on us as we study it and feel its convicting power, or on others as we point them to it.
Two aspects of reproof are evident in Scripture: reproof of sinful conduct and reproof of erroneous teaching.
Hebrews 4:12–13 also speaks of reproving sinful conduct. Verse 12 pictures God’s Word as a two-edged sword that cuts deep into a person’s being to expose and judge his innermost thoughts and motives. God penetrates our hearts with His Word and lays us open before His eyes. Scripture exposes us for who we really are and forces us to face the reality of our sin.
Scripture, as the standard by which all claims to truth must be tested, also reproves erroneous teaching. The apostle John reveals the power of the Word as truth when he says that believers who overcome the evil one do so because “[they] are strong and the Word of God abides in [them]” (1 John 2:14). The evil one, Satan, works through false religion (2 Cor. 11:14) but is ineffective with those who are strong in the Word. That’s why the cults attempt to discredit, distort, or supplant Scripture with their own writings. Since the Bible shows their errors for what they are, they must change its meaning to justify themselves. However, those who tamper with Scripture do so “to their own destruction” (2 Pet. 3:16).
Christians who have a thorough grasp of biblical truth are not like undiscerning infants, but like strong young men who can easily recognize false teachings and avoid being “children, tossed here and there by waves, and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, by craftiness in deceitful scheming” (Eph. 4:14).
Scripture Corrects Behavior. Scripture is also profitable for correction (2 Tim. 3:16). It not only exposes sinful behavior and erroneous teaching, but also corrects them. The Greek word translated “correction” (epanorthōsis) literally means “to straighten up” or “lift up.” In other words, Scripture restores us to a proper spiritual posture.
There is a purifying, cleansing aspect to the Bible’s corrective power. Jesus said, “You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you” (John 15:3). No humanly conceived method of therapy and no program yet devised by any expert can have that corrective, purifying effect.
Scripture Trains in Righteousness. Training in righteousness (2 Tim. 3:16) is another process by which God’s Word transforms our thinking and behavior. The Greek word translated “training” is paidion, which elsewhere in the New Testament is translated “child” or “children” (for example, see Matt. 2:8; 14:21). So this verse pictures God’s Word training believers as a parent or teacher would train a child. From spiritual infancy to spiritual maturity, Scripture trains and educates believers in godly living.
Scripture is the Christian’s spiritual nourishment. In 1 Timothy 4:6 Paul instructs Timothy to be “constantly nourished on the words of the faith and of … sound doctrine.” Matthew 4:4 Jesus says, “Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God.” Peter said we should long for the nourishment of the Word with the same craving as a baby longs for the nourishment of milk (1 Pet. 2:2). James 1:21 says, “Putting aside all filthiness and all that remains of wickedness, in humility receive the word implanted” (emphasis added). That’s our part. We must receive the Word with a pure heart and a humble attitude. As we do, it progressively renews and transforms our thinking, attitudes, actions, and words. It trains us in righteousness.
Regular, concentrated meditation and thoughtful study of God’s Word are essential to spiritual health and victory. Even those who know the Bible well must be refreshed by its power and reminded of its truths. We must systematically refresh ourselves not just with new truth, but also with old truths we have already mastered. That kind of intense focus on God’s Word assures that we will be “adequate [perfect, complete], equipped for every good work” (2 Tim. 3:17). Our sufficiency in Christ
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Post by Cindy on Jul 16, 2015 9:40:29 GMT -5
Zayin. “Remember your word to your servant, for you have given me hope. My comfort in my suffering is this: Your promise preserves my life. The arrogant mock me without restraint, but I do not turn from your law. I remember your ancient laws, O LORD, and I find comfort in them. Indignation grips me because of the wicked, who have forsaken your law. Your decrees are the theme of my song wherever I lodge. In the night I remember your name, O LORD, and I will keep your law. This has been my practice: I obey your precepts.” (Psalm 119:49–56)
[Zayin] 7. The power of the word for comfort (Psalm 119:49–56). God’s word of promise has given the psalmist hope, and he pleads that God will not forget it. Past experience of the sustaining power of God’s promise is his comfort in the present affliction. The wisdom literature and Psalms
G. Hope from God’s Word (119:49–56) Declaring his hope in the Word (Psalm 119:49), which renews … life (Psalm 119:50), he decried the proud (arrogant; cf. Psalm 119:69, Psalm 119:78, Psalm 119:85) who scorned his faith and hated the Law (Psalm 119:51–53). He sang about and meditated on the Word (Psalm 119:54–56). The Bible Knowledge Commentary
The psalmist asks God to act on his behalf in light of His past commitments to His people. Faithlife Study Bible
If you have lost the sweet sense of the Saviour’s presence, and are seeking him with a sorrowful heart, remember the promises: “Return unto me, and I will return unto you;” “For a small moment have I forsaken thee, but with great mercies will I gather thee.” Banquet your faith upon God’s own word, and whatever your fears or wants, repair to the Bank of Faith with your Father’s note of hand, saying, “Remember the word unto thy servant, upon which thou hast caused me to hope.” Morning and evening
Whatever your especial need may be, you may readily find some promise in the Bible suited to it. Are you faint and feeble because your way is rough and you are weary? Here is the promise—“He giveth power to the faint.” When you read such a promise, take it back to the great Promiser, and ask him to fulfil his own word. Are you seeking after Christ, and thirsting for closer communion with him? This promise shines like a star upon you—“Blessed are they that hunger and thirst after righteousness, for they shall be filled.” Take that promise to the throne continually; do not plead anything else, but go to God over and over again with this—“Lord, thou hast said it, do as thou hast said.” Morning and evening
“My comfort in my suffering is this: Your promise preserves my life.” (Psalm 119:50)
As the psalmist requests Jehovah to remember His promises to the faithful, he reminds Jehovah that he himself has remembered the very principles of God’s government. It is the Word of God that brings him comfort in his affliction. Though the proud laughed at him in derision, nevertheless, he hasn't turned from God's law. Having found comfort in the law of God, the psalmist knew that there was no reason to turn aside from that Law when he was ridiculed. KJV Bible Commentary
This speaks against the futility of the joyless paths men follow, pursuing happiness but never finding it to last. Even the “weeping prophet” Jeremiah experienced joy amid tremendous human stress because God’s Word was his joy and the delight of his heart (Jer. 15:16). Our sufficiency in Christ
They were struggling under great affliction (Psalm 119:50, Psalm 119:61, Psalm 119:67). Yet in the midst of these trials, they learned to survive by hoping in God’s Word—a constant theme for all 176 verses of Psalm 119. The psalm includes passages decrying problems from within and dangers lurking without. Evil princes and tragic events beyond anyone’s control are ready to undo the psalmist, so the fear is valid. But the antidote for that fear is the torah, or Law, which applies to the full range of life—from Aleph (Psalm 119:1–8) to Tau (Psalm 119:169–176), from A to Z. The idea is that nothing—no crisis, no conspiracy, no horrible affliction—is beyond the scope of Scripture’s teaching. Psalm 119 challenges us to live a principled, disciplined life based on the Word of God. That way, we have a foundation from which to contend with whatever comes against us. The lesson of the psalm is that a person of integrity, meditating on God’s Word, will prevail. Word in life study Bible.
The writer was a sufferer, and in great suffering he found the law a source of comfort and correction. The teacher's Bible commentary
“The arrogant mock me without restraint, but I do not turn from your law. I remember your ancient laws, O LORD, and I find comfort in them.” (Psalm 119:51–52)
The pious take comfort, when harassed and distressed by wickedness of men who forsake God’s law, in remembering that the great principles of God’s truth will still abide; and also God’s judgments of old—that is, His past interpositions in behalf of His people are a pledge that He will again interpose to deliver them; and they become the theme of constant and delightful meditation. The more we keep the more we love the law of God. Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible
When we focus on God and/or His Word, instead of our troubles or sorrows, we receive peace, comfort and encouragement. This reminds me of: “Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Hebrews 12:2) ““Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past.” (Isaiah 43:18) “The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you are spirit and they are life.” (John 6:63) ““Now I commit you to God and to the word of his grace, which can build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified.” (Acts 20:32)
and Phil 4:6–8, Is 32:17, John 6:63, Jer 15:16, Mat 4:4. We need to remember that these are not suggestions to us, they are God's commands that He makes of us because He knows that if we don't do these things we will only harm ourselves and open ourselves to corruption and injury.
“Indignation grips me because of the wicked, who have forsaken your law.” (Psalm 119:53)
Indignation or Horror: The word "Zilaphah" properly signifies the pestilential burning wind called by the Arabs Simoom (see Ps 11:6). It is here used in a figurative sense for the most horrid mental distress and strongly marks the idea the psalmist had of the corrupting, pestilential, and destructive nature of sin. The new treasury of scripture knowledge
My soul, feelest thou this holy shuddering at the sins of others? for otherwise you lack inward holiness. It can't but grieve gracious souls to see what pains men take to go to hell. Sin makes the righteous shudder, because it violates a holy law, which it is to every man’s highest interest to keep; it pulls down the pillars of the nation. Sin in others horrifies a believer, because it puts him in mind of the baseness of his own heart: when he sees a transgressor he cries, “He fell to-day, & I may fall to-morrow.” Sin to a believer is horrible, because it crucified the Savior. It's an awful thing to insult God to his face. The good God deserves better treatment, the great God claims it, the just God will have it, or repay his adversary to his face. An awakened heart trembles at the audacity of sin, & stands alarmed at the contemplation of its punishment. How monstrous a thing is rebellion! How direful a doom is prepared for the ungodly! My soul, never laugh at sin’s fooleries, lest thou come to smile at sin itself. It's your enemy, & the Lord’s enemy—view it with detestation, for so only can you evidence the possession of holiness, without which no man can see the Lord. Morning and evening
“Your decrees are the theme of my song wherever I lodge.” (Psalm 119:54)
As the exile sings songs of his home (Ps 137:3), so the child of God, “a stranger on earth,” sings the songs of heaven, his true home (Ps 39:12). In ancient times, laws were put in verse, to imprint them the more on the memory of the people. So God’s laws are the believer’s songs. Commentary Critical and Explanatory
“In the night I remember your name, O LORD, and I will keep your law. This has been my practice: I obey your precepts.” (Psalm 119:55–56)
Remembering God's Name, means to remember His character, His attributes. Basically he's saying that at night, he thinks about God and all that God is: how majestic, powerful and mighty He is; how Holy, true, righteous, just and fair; How He loves us and how He hates sin, and so on. He reflects on all of that, and when he does, it makes him realize just how foolish any response other then obedience to God would be, so he says, "I will keep your law". He then makes it known that he doesn't mean that he's just going to obey it right then, but will always obey it, just as he has always tried to do so. He's not saying he never sins, because we all sin and we know he did too. He's simply saying that it's his intention to always obey God .
For something to be our "practice", that means it must be a habit. Something we do all the time without even thinking about it. That's what we should strive for constantly, to make reading, studying, and reflecting on God's Word and applying it to our lives a habit. In other words, make obedience to God a habit.
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Post by Cindy on Aug 12, 2015 9:17:54 GMT -5
Heth “You are my portion, O LORD; I have promised to obey your words. I have sought your face with all my heart; be gracious to me according to your promise. I have considered my ways and have turned my steps to your statutes. I will hasten and not delay to obey your commands. Though the wicked bind me with ropes, I will not forget your law. At midnight I rise to give you thanks for your righteous laws. I am a friend to all who fear you, to all who follow your precepts. The earth is filled with your love, O LORD; teach me your decrees.” (Psalm 119:57–64)
[Chet] 1. The power of the word for satisfaction (119:57–64). God cannot be separated from his word. The proof that God is the psalmist’s “portion” is that he obeys his word. Because of this special relationship, he asks Yahweh to be gracious to him. His introspection from time to time led him quickly to order the course of his life in accordance with God’s laws. The wicked, like hunters, have laid snares for him. Still he will not cast his lot with those who forget God. In the night seasons he will awake from sleep to thank God for his righteous ordinances. All those who fear the Lord share the psalmist’s love for God’s word. Yahweh’s universal lovingkindness makes him long to know more of his will. The wisdom literature and Psalms.
8 Obedience to God’s Word. Because God was the psalmist’s Portion (cf. 16:5; 73:26; 142:5), he called on God for mercy (119:57–58). He had lived in accordance with the Word (vv. 58–60), and continued his devotion while he was surrounded by enemies (vv. 61–62). His companions were also believers (vv. 63–64). The Bible Knowledge Commentary
Thou art my portion, O Lord (cf. 73:26; 142:5; see also Num 18:20; Josh 13:33). If the Lord God is all we have, fear not: He is all we need. Martin Luther used to counsel every Christian to answer all temptations with the words, “I am a Christian.” That is equal to saying to temptation, Thou art my portion, O Lord. Temptation flees from us when we find in God everything we need. I entreated thy favor with my whole heart. The Hebrew expresses great earnestness, humility, and supplication. I thought on my ways … I made haste, and delayed not to keep thy commandments. KJV Bible Commentary
With God for your portion you are rich indeed, for He will supply your need, comfort your heart, assuage your grief, guide your steps, be with you in the dark valley, and then take you home, to enjoy Him as your portion for ever. “I have enough,” said Esau; this is the best thing a worldly man can say, but Jacob replies, “I have all things,” which is a note too high for carnal minds. Morning and evening
Just as God didn't give the Levites any portion because He told them that He was their portion, because we are all preists, He's our portion too! My portion: Psalm 16:5, Psalm 73:25- 26, Psalm 142:5, Jeremiah 10:16. Lamentations 3:24.
“I have sought your face with all my heart; be gracious to me according to your promise.” (Psalm 119:58)
Great blessing belongs to those who read and understand the Word of God, and more blessed is the man whose life is the practical transcript of the will of God as revealed in the Scriptures. The disciples of Christ who sit at His feet and let Him interpret the Word to them are often better skilled in divine things than the doctors of divinity. The best way to find “the wondrous things” is to saturate the study of the Word in prayer (v. 18) which makes it possible for Christ to speak to us out of the Word, through the Holy Spirit. John 16:13, 14. Summarized Bible
“I have considered my ways and have turned my steps to your statutes. I will hasten and not delay to obey your commands. Though the wicked bind me with ropes, I will not forget your law.” (Psalm 119:59–61)
So the prodigal son, when reduced to straits of misery (Lu 15:17, 18). Commentary Critical and Explanatory
God’s law is his truth, his teaching. It has been revealed so that we may live fully, safely, wisely and well. Loving God’s law is not to be confused with legalism. Legalism binds us in fearful and obsessive effort, lest we fail to do everything correctly. But love for God’s law sets us free. God’s law protects us from the opinions of others, and from self-deceit. It steers us away from wrongdoing, hurtful consequences and guilt. It releases us to do right. The Bible guide
“I will hurry, without lingering, to obey your commands” (Psalm 119:60, nlt). An attitude of willing obedience recognizes the lordship of Jesus in every area of life. Are you being conformed to today’s culture, or do you push against it, seeking to be transformed into Christ’s image? I kissed dating goodbye
“At midnight I rise to give you thanks for your righteous laws.” (Psalm 119:62)
When I can't sleep, I use that time to praise the Lord and thank Him!
“I am a friend to all who fear you, to all who follow your precepts. The earth is filled with your love, O LORD; teach me your decrees.” (Psalm 119:63–64)
If you are true to God’s Word, you will have friends who are worth having (Psalm 119:63). Solomon taught this same lesson in Proverbs 2 (see also Prov. 13:20). If you walk with the wicked, they will bind you (Psalm 119:61), but if you walk with God’s people, they will help you to enjoy life and liberty. People who love the Word will be glad to see you (Psalm 119:74) and will turn to you and help you (Psalm 119:79). With the Word
companion, chaber (chah-vehr); Strong’s #2270: A friend, companion, partner, associate; someone joined together or knit together with another person. Chaber comes from the verb chabar, “to join together, fellowship, associate with.” The plural chaberim refers to “friends” who are closely bonded together in love or in a common purpose. In this reference, the psalmist states, “I am a friend of anyone and everyone who reveres the Lord,” or to greatly paraphrase it, “Any friend of God’s is a friend of mine.” Spirit filled life study Bible.
The earth is filled with God's love; we can see His love in everything we look at if we would only look for it. Because he knows and sees this, he asks God to teach him so he can learn more about God and His love and be more like Him.
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Post by Cindy on Aug 12, 2015 9:48:31 GMT -5
Teth “Do good to your servant according to your word, O LORD. Teach me knowledge and good judgment, for I believe in your commands. Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I obey your word. You are good, and what you do is good; teach me your decrees. Though the arrogant have smeared me with lies, I keep your precepts with all my heart. Their hearts are callous and unfeeling, but I delight in your law. It was good for me to be afflicted so that I might learn your decrees. The law from your mouth is more precious to me than thousands of pieces of silver and gold.” (Psalm 119:65–72)
9 Trust in God’s Word. The psalmist trusted that the Lord would deal with him according to His Word (v. 65). He then asked for further instruction to prevent his going astray (vv. 66–68). He declared his trust in the midst of slander (vv. 69–70; cf. vv. 51, 53), and admitted that through affliction he realized more of the value of the Law (vv. 71–72; cf. v. 127). The Bible Knowledge Commentary
[Tet] 2. The power of the word for good (119:65–72). Yahweh had kept his promises to the psalmist. He asks God to teach him “good judgment” (lit., goodness of taste), i.e., the power to distinguish promptly and surely between right and wrong. Prayer for further instruction is grounded on past loyalty to the known will of God. When he strayed from God’s word the psalmist experienced affliction which brought him to repentance. Since God is fundamentally good, he can appeal to him for further instruction. The “proud” have now “forged a lie against me” (lit., plaster falsehood over me). Perhaps they accused him of hypocrisy. His answer to their accusations was more determination to obey God. These tormentors have hearts covered with fat, i.e., insensitive and incapable of receiving any spiritual impression. The psalmist, however, learns greater obedience through the affliction which he has experienced. In the furnace of affliction he has learned the inestimable preciousness of God’s law. The wisdom literature and Psalms
Teach me: Rather, “Teach me (to have) good taste (Heb. taam) and discernment, that faculty of the mind by which I may discern, distinguish, judge rightly, and relish things moral and spiritual.” The new treasury of scripture knowledge
“Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I obey your word. You are good, and what you do is good; teach me your decrees.” (Psalm 119:67–68)
Trusting God in the midst of our pain & heartache means that we accept it from Him. There is a vast difference between acceptance & resignation or submission. To truly accept our pain & heartache has the connotation of willingness. An attitude of acceptance says that we trust God, that He loves us & knows what is best for us. Acceptance does not mean that we do not pray for physical healing. We should realize that, though God can do all things, for infinitely wise & loving reasons, He may not do that which we pray that He will do. How do we know how long to pray? As long as we can pray trustingly, with an attitude of acceptance of His will, we should pray as long as the desire remains. Trusting God
PSALM 119:65–72 The Word of God can encourage you in times of affliction (vv. 67, 71; see also vv. 50, 92). What life does to you depends upon what life finds in you. If the Word is in your mind and heart, affliction can bring out the best in you. If not, it may bring out the worst in you. The school of suffering never graduates any students, so ask God to teach you the lessons He wants you to learn. With the Word
God not only does good; He is the originator of goodness (Gen. 1:31). We have no innate goodness in ourselves; there is no source of goodness outside God (Ps. 16:2; 119:68). To say God is good is to say that He is absolutely pure. There is not a hint of evil or even neutrality. The moment we call Him less than good, we see Him as less than God. Jesus defines “goodness” in one word—God (Matt. 19:16, 17).
Goodness is not one of God’s part-time activities (Ps. 136:1). He abounds in it (Ex. 34:6). It is the drive behind His blessings and the reason for His compassion, kindness, and generosity (Ps. 84:11). God does not give out of obligation, for He is never in anyone’s debt. He gives out of His goodness. God’s goodness is for this life (Ps. 27:13) as well as eternity (Ps. 31:19). It gives hope (Ps. 27:13), leads to repentance (Rom. 2:4), and produces thankfulness (Ps. 136:1). God has started a good work in each believer and has committed Himself to completing His work (Phil. 1:6). The Woman’s Study Bible.
“Though the arrogant have smeared me with lies, I keep your precepts with all my heart. Their hearts are callous and unfeeling, but I delight in your law.” (Psalm 119:69–70)
The psalmist mentions the wicked in order to contrast their unresponsive hearts to his own. Faithlife Study Bible
He shows how delighting in God's Word keeps our hearts soft instead of allowing them to become bitter and ugly with the stain of sin. It also shows how sinners hearts are not sensitive to God and His Word or any spiritual things, but the more we turn to the Lord and His Word, the more sensitive we become to Him - to His voice, His Word and all spiritual things.
true joy demonstrates a genuine thankfulness and appreciation for God’s Word. We discussed how valuable Scripture is for our spiritual growth. That truth ought to keep us from ever abandoning our attitude of rejoicing before the Lord. His goodness and mercy in giving us the Word should make us echo David’s words, “The precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart” (Ps. 19:8; cf. 119:14, 24, 70, 97, 103, 111, 127, 140, 162). The prophet Jeremiah expressed similar sentiments, which should further encourage our thanks for God’s truth: “Thy words were found and I ate them, and Thy words became for me a joy and the delight of my heart; for I have been called by Thy name, O Lord God of hosts” (Jer. 15:16). The pillars of Christian character
“It was good for me to be afflicted so that I might learn your decrees. The law from your mouth is more precious to me than thousands of pieces of silver and gold.” (Psalm 119:71–72)
When pain and suffering happen, it can cause us to turn to the Lord or away from Him. If we turn to Him and His Word, then we grow and learn that He really is all we need and find our needs being met in ways we never imagined before. Eventually we'll discover that we're actually grateful for the "bad" that caused us to turn to Him and wouldn't trade it for anything in the world.
When I asked the Lord about feeling so frustrated about not being able to do the things I used to do, He answered me with His Word. Here are the passages He pointed out to me: 2 Pe 1:5-11; Ja 5:7-8; Ja 5:10-11; Ro 5:3-5; 1 Pe 1:6-7; 1 Pet:13-16; We had a nice talk about these and more. At first I was kind of surprised because I felt like what I was frustrated about didn't "qualify" or wasn't a big enough deal to really matter in the long run, but what I got from Him was that what was a big deal to me, was a big deal to Him too. Also to remember that He was in control and that I needed to rely on Him, not on myself or my body. I also got that besides self control, I really needed to work on asking for help and accepting help from others too.
His affliction has only increased his loyalty to God’s directions, and he continues to “delight” in those directions (v. 71). In addition, the psalmist’s affliction has helped him to clarify what is best in life. While wealth (v. 72) is traditionally a blessing in the OT, the psalmist sees loyalty to God’s directions as the most important blessing. Faithlife Study Bible
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Post by Cindy on Aug 12, 2015 10:14:37 GMT -5
Yodh “Your hands made me and formed me; give me understanding to learn your commands. May those who fear you rejoice when they see me, for I have put my hope in your word. I know, O LORD, that your laws are righteous, and in faithfulness you have afflicted me. May your unfailing love be my comfort, according to your promise to your servant. Let your compassion come to me that I may live, for your law is my delight. May the arrogant be put to shame for wronging me without cause; but I will meditate on your precepts. May those who fear you turn to me, those who understand your statutes. May my heart be blameless toward your decrees, that I may not be put to shame.” (Psalm 119:73–80)
[Yod] 3. The power of the word for accomplishment (119:73–80). The psalmist acknowledges that God has created his body; he now asks that God will continue to enlighten his mind. He asks that other believers may see in him a joyous example of the reward of trustful patience. All God’s laws are in conformity with the perfect standard of his righteousness; faithfulness to his covenant leads him to use chastisement to teach men obedience to those laws. Yet man needs to be comforted and revived lest he be overwhelmed by trouble. He prays that he may live so that he may continue to delight in God’s laws. On the other hand, he asks that the proud be put to shame because they have dealt perversely with him for no cause. He asks that his experience of God’s mercy show all the godly the blessedness of keeping God’s testimonies.The wisdom literature and Psalms
Hope in God’s Word (119:73–80) The psalmist believed that God created him and had given him hope in the Word (vv. 73–74; cf. v. 81). Knowing that in faithfulness God had afflicted him (cf. vv. 67, 71), he asked God to comfort him and put the arrogant (cf. vv. 51, 69, 85–122) to shame (vv. 75–78). He then prayed that those who fear the LORD would likewise turn to Him in accord with His Word and that he would be kept blameless (vv. 79–80). The Bible Knowledge Commentary
Ps 139 speaks of God’s intimate knowledge of each individual. He has that knowledge because He has created each person from the womb (Psalm 139:13). The Hebrew word translated “formed” (or “created” in some translations) is not bara, which conveys the idea of creation from nothing (compare Gen. 1:1), but qanah, which has to do with ownership. God knows us intimately because He owns us. He is like the inventor who carefully designs and builds a device and then becomes the owner of its patent. Paired with qanah is a word translated “covered” (or “knit together”). This language communicates the idea of a person’s body and soul being intricately molded and crocheted together in the mother’s womb.It is a process that involves time, skill, and craftsmanship. People are not thrown together haphazardly, even less do they come together through random processes. Rather, God intentionally and masterfully creates human life in the womb. He works everything together into a whole, according to His will. One of the most profound and reassuring truths of Scripture is that the God we read about in the Bible is the same God who has individually crafted each one of us (Ps. 119:73). He knows us intimately, for He intentionally and masterfully created us in the womb. Word in life
The same God whose mind and power fashioned the stars, the seas, the animals, and all other human beings has carefully, intentionally, and individually crafted you. That means you are unique. No one else has been given exactly the same makeup as God has given you. See “You Are Unique” at Ps. 33:15. Word in life The Lord of the universe has called you into being. This truth has profound implications. (1) You are unique. (2) You have a unique purpose. (3) You have a responsibility to your Creator. God created you both to live with Him and to live for Him. Ultimately, you belong to Him (Rom. 14:7–8). Therefore, your life needs to center on Him. Word in life
PSALM 119:73–80 God made you and knows best how you should manage your life. The Bible is His how-to-do-it manual for making life work successfully (Ps 119:73). It tells you how to use your body and mind, how to handle your time and money, and how to make right decisions. Obeying it can keep you from getting into trouble and hurting yourself and others. Do not wait until “all else fails” before you read the instructions! It may be too late! With the Word
The intention of the psalmist is that all who see him will rejoice in the fact that God does not forsake His own. KJV Bible Commentary
So when He has led us to rely on His truth, He will “make us to the praise of His grace” by others. “Those who fear Thee will be glad at my prosperity, as they consider my cause their cause” (Ps 34:2; 142:7). Commentary Critical and Explanatory
“I know, O LORD, that your laws are righteous, and in faithfulness you have afflicted me. May your unfailing love be my comfort, according to your promise to your servant. Let your compassion come to me that I may live, for your law is my delight.” (Psalm 119:75–77)
Trusting God in the midst of our pain & heartache means that we accept it from Him. There is a vast difference between acceptance & resignation or submission. To truly accept our pain & heartache has the connotation of willingness. An attitude of acceptance says that we trust God, that He loves us & knows what is best for us. Acceptance does not mean that we do not pray for physical healing. We should realize that, though God can do all things, for infinitely wise & loving reasons, He may not do that which we pray that He will do. How do we know how long to pray? As long as we can pray trustingly, with an attitude of acceptance of His will, we should pray as long as the desire remains. Trusting God
God doesn't willingly bring affliction or grief to us. Lam 3:31–33 He doesn't delight in causing us to experience pain or heartache. He always has a purpose for the grief He brings or allows to come into our lives. Most often we don't know what that purpose is, but it's enough to know that His infinite wisdom & perfect love have determined that the particular sorrow is best for us. God never wastes pain. He always uses it to accomplish His purpose & His purpose is for His glory & our good. Therefore, we can trust Him when our hearts are aching or our bodies are racked with pain.Trusting God
Psalm 119:77. The word rachamim is a close synonym of “steadfast love” (chesed); it designates a deeply felt emotion of care or mercy. Rachamim may be an abstract plural of the term racham, meaning “womb.” Faithlife Study Bible
“May the arrogant be put to shame for wronging me without cause; but I will meditate on your precepts. May those who fear you turn to me, those who understand your statutes. May my heart be blameless toward your decrees, that I may not be put to shame.” (Psalm 119:78–80)
If we truly “fear the Lord,” we acknowledge from our hearts that He’s the Creator, we’re the creatures; He’s the Father, we’re His children; He’s the Master, we’re the servants. It means to respect God for who He is, to listen carefully to what He says, & to obey His Word, knowing that our disobedience displeases Him, breaks our fellowship with Him, & invites His chastening. It’s not the servile fear of the slave before the master but the reverential & respectful fear of the child before the parent. Children fear not only because their parents can hurt them, but also because they can hurt their parents. Prov 13:13 admonishes us to fear God’s commandments, which suggests that the way we treat our Bible is the way we treat God. This fear of the Lord is that affectionate reverence by which the child of God bends himself humbly & carefully to his Father’s law. His wrath is so bitter, & His love so sweet; that hence springs an earnest desire to please Him, &—because of the danger of coming short from his own weakness & temptations—a holy watchfulness & fear, that he might not sin against Him. Be Skillful.
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and such fear brings great gain to the godly man. That fear is manifested in the fact that the righteous man delights greatly in God’s commandments. At all times the believer is to “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom …” (Col 3:16). KJV Bible Commentary
The wisdom of God resulting from the fear of the Lord leads to obedience. When we fear the Lord, we submit to His wisdom and commit ourselves to keeping His commandments. In the NT Jesus said the same thing: “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments” (John 14:15). We aren’t always as obedient as we ought to be, but the pattern of our lives turns from disobedience to a submissive heart of obedience. First John 2:3 says, “By this we know that we have come to know Him, if we keep His commandments.” A person’s claim to be a Christian is meaningless if he’s not obedient. From a positive perspective, fearing the Lord involves obeying His commandments; from a negative perspective, it involves turning away from evil. Job 28:28 says, “The fear of the Lord, that is wisdom; & to depart from evil is understanding.” Equal to wisdom is understanding, & equal to fearing the Lord is departing from evil. Prov 8:13 says, “The fear of the Lord is to hate evil.” Obeying the Lord’s commandments & shunning evil are dynamics that work in the soul of one who truly fears God. The fear of the Lord is not some feeling you try to generate within yourself; it’s the result of believing in the true God & living a life of love & obedience to Him. Strength for today.
Here, he's asking that others who love the Lord and fear Him, will come to him and listen to what he has to say so they can understand what God has done in His life through his hard times. Then he asks the Lord to help him obey His Word so that he won't give others any reason to doubt it and so he won't be put to shame from not obeying the Lord. He realizes that to not obey God, for any reason, only brings grief and heartache.
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Post by Cindy on Aug 13, 2015 8:23:31 GMT -5
Kaph “My soul faints with longing for your salvation, but I have put my hope in your word. My eyes fail, looking for your promise; I say, “When will you comfort me?” Though I am like a wineskin in the smoke, I do not forget your decrees. How long must your servant wait? When will you punish my persecutors? The arrogant dig pitfalls for me, contrary to your law. All your commands are trustworthy; help me, for men persecute me without cause. They almost wiped me from the earth, but I have not forsaken your precepts. Preserve my life according to your love, and I will obey the statutes of your mouth.” (Psalm 119:81–88)
K.God’s Word is faithful (119:81–88)The psalmist admitted that his soul almost fainted while waiting for God’s Word (vv. 81–82). He was weakened much as a wineskin in the smoke becomes shriveled. So he asked how long (cf. comments on 6:3) it would be until he was vindicated (119:83–86). He asserted that though his enemies almost consumed him, he had not forsaken God’s Law (vv. 87–88). The Bible Knowledge Commentary
[Kaph] 4. The power of the word under testing (119:81–88). The psalmist describes his physical and mental strain while waiting for the Lord to fulfill his promises of deliverance. He was growing emaciated and disfigured by suffering and sorrow till he can scarcely be recognized, like a worn-out wineskin hanging above a fireplace is shriveled and blackened by smoke. He felt his days would be few if God did not hastily intervene. The proud, presumptuous sinners had dug pitfalls for him. His persecutors had almost succeeded in making an end of him, yet he still held fast to the law. If he was to continue glorifying God through the observance of his law, God must preserve his life. The wisdom literature and Psalms
PSALM 119:81–88 The Word of God will help you get victory over your enemies (vv. 84–87). When your eyes are failing and your soul is fainting, the Word will give you strength and comfort. When it looks like the end has come, God’s Word helps you make a new beginning. Your worst enemy is on the inside, so let the Word work in your heart. With the Word
“My soul faints with longing for your salvation, but I have put my hope in your word.” (Psalm 119:81)
This is the cry of every true Christian. It's why we were saved and what we hope and long for: the day our bodies are redeemed and that we become quite literally, righteous, just like Jesus. The day we can finally know and say that we really are Holy, because the Lord is Holy and He has made us so. Our blessed hope is not escaping trials and heartache; it's not escaping from experiencing the tribulation; it's knowing that we are working hard every day to know God and His Word better, so we can be more obedient and be more like Him and that our reward for this will be receiving a body and mind that is pure from all evil and sin, to never sin again in thought, word or deed; and to spend eternity with our Lord rejoicing in and enjoying all that He is and all that He's done and will do.
“My soul yearns, even faints, for the courts of the LORD; my heart and my flesh cry out for the living God.” (Psalm 84:2)
“I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far;” (Philippians 1:23)
“Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what he already has?” (Romans 8:23–24)
“who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.” (Philippians 3:21)
“My eyes fail, looking for your promise; I say, “When will you comfort me?” Though I am like a wineskin in the smoke, I do not forget your decrees.” (Psalm 119:82–83)
Bottles made of animal skin were often hung in tents and other places where they were subject to the deteriorating action of the smoke from cook and camp fires. In some cases, skins of wine were deliberately hung in the smoke to give the wine a peculiar favor. When skin bottles were long exposed to smoke, they became black, hard, and shriveled—good for nothing. That is the sense of the figure of speech in our text-verse. Manners & customs of the Bible
As the bottles in the East were made of skin, it is evident that one of these hung up in the smoke must soon be parched, shrivelled up, lose all its strength, and become unsightly and useless. Thus the psalmist appeared to himself to have become useless and despicable through the exhausted state of his body and mind and by long bodily afflictions and mental distress. The new treasury of scripture knowledge
He was weakened much as a wineskin in the smoke becomes shriveled. So he asked how long it would be until he was vindicated (119:83–86). The Bible Knowledge Commentary
He felt like he'd been waiting a long time for the Lord to deliver him from his troubles, perhaps even illness and pain, but even so, he still wasn't going to give up or blame God for his problems. He knew God was good and and that in His perfect time, it would happen. He also realized that what he was now experiencing, even though he didn't enjoy it, that it was for his good and that God would use it to mold him into the man God had created Him to be. Knowing that makes it easier to go through the pain and suffering we must go through here. God never wastes pain and He doesn't willingly inflict it. But when it happens, He does change it so that good comes from it. The quicker we submit to it instead of fighting it, the quicker we allow ourselves to be molded by God and changed for good by it. The sooner that happens, the sooner the "bad" is likely to end. We need to remember what Peter said: “Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:6–7) And what Paul said: “We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God,” (Acts 14:22) God didn't promise us an easy life. What He promised was that He would be right there with us to bear the hardest part of it for us and to walk beside us the entire way, strengthening us, guiding us, teaching us, changing us, and using the trials for our good.
“How long must your servant wait? When will you punish my persecutors? The arrogant dig pitfalls for me, contrary to your law. All your commands are trustworthy; help me, for men persecute me without cause. They almost wiped me from the earth, but I have not forsaken your precepts. Preserve my life according to your love, and I will obey the statutes of your mouth.” (Psalm 119:84–88)
The proud or arrogant: This metaphor is taken from the mode in which wild beasts are caught in the East: deep pits are dug in the earth and slightly covered over with reeds or turf so as not to be discerned from the solid ground. The animals attempt to walk over them, the surface breaks, they fall in, and are taken alive. Thus the psalmist’s enemies employed craft as well as power in order to effect his ruin.The new treasury of scripture knowledge
He again says that he feels like he's been waiting for the Lord to show His hand and intervene in His situation for a long time, and wonders how much longer he's going to have to wait. That's something we have all said at times I'm sure. I know I have! So we can relate to how he felt. He reminds the Lord that although others have been mistreating him in ways that were obviously against God's Word and Will, that he had continued to try and live in obedience to Him. He says that these people have no reason to persecute him other then his love for God and obedience to Him. At times it's even seemed like they came close to killing him. So he asks the Lord to protect his life "according to His love", meaning that he knows God loves him and because of that love for him, will protect him.
I prefer the way the ESV, NET, KJ or NKJV bible translate the last verse:
“In your steadfast love give me life, that I may keep the testimonies of your mouth.” (ESV)
“Revive me with your loyal love, that I might keep the rules you have revealed.” (NET)
“Revive me according to Your lovingkindness, So that I may keep the testimony of Your mouth.” (NKJV)
The NIV has the same meaning as these, but it would be easier to interpret the NIV differently if you didn't know God's Word very well. He's simply asking the Lord to heal him so that he can continue to be obedient. He's not bargaining with God, but is rather telling Him that he wants to continue to live his life as a testimony to God's love for him and feels that he can't do that very well in his current condition, so wants the Lord to heal him. We know that God can make us fruitful no matter how sick we are, or how much pain we're in, and no matter what our circumstances are, but we often feel the same way he does here. There's nothing at all wrong with praying this even now though, for it's letting God know that we don't just desire the gift of better health, or less pain or less persecution or whatever, but rather what we really want is to be able to be a good testimony for Him. This is really what the psalmist knew too and why he's been watching and waiting for the Lord to intervene for what feels such a long time to him. He knows that God will, he just doesn't know when or how. Just like us. So he lets the Lord know his feelings, although of course God already knows, but it's good for us to tell Him so anyway. When we do it in the manner the psalmist has, we are focusing on the good, on God's love and power, as well as His perfect knowledge, wisdom and control. Notice how he takes every negative and shows God's love and wisdom alongside it. So he's acknowledging that God is in control, He's sovereign and will do what's best for him, while at the same time letting God know he's humbling waiting for God to lift him up in due time.
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Post by Cindy on Aug 13, 2015 9:04:13 GMT -5
Lamedh “Your word, O LORD, is eternal; it stands firm in the heavens. Your faithfulness continues through all generations; you established the earth, and it endures. Your laws endure to this day, for all things serve you. If your law had not been my delight, I would have perished in my affliction. I will never forget your precepts, for by them you have preserved my life. Save me, for I am yours; I have sought out your precepts. The wicked are waiting to destroy me, but I will ponder your statutes. To all perfection I see a limit; but your commands are boundless.” (Psalm 119:89–96)
L.God’s Word is sure (Psalm 119:89–96)God’s Word is settled in heaven and is attested by His faithfulness (Psalm 119:89–91). The psalmist’s delight (cf. Psalm 1:2; Psalm 119:174) in the established Law had enabled him to win the victory (Psalm 119:92–95). He concluded that God’s Word is boundless (Psalm 119:96) in its values. The Bible Knowledge Commentary
Lamed 5. The stability of the word (Psalm 119:89–96). Yahweh’s word is immutable; it belongs to that sphere which is above the ravages of time. The permanence of the earth which God has created is a symbol and guarantee of the permanence of his faithfulness. Heaven and earth obey the ordinances of God. If it had not been for the refreshment of God’s law, the psalmist would have utterly lost heart because of his affliction. God’s word had revived him. Because he belonged to God, he could ask for deliverance. In spite of the efforts of his enemies to destroy him, he found consolation in God’s word. All earthly perfection has its limits; Yahweh’s law is limitless. The wisdom literature and Psalms
PSALM 119:89–96 If you trust God’s Word, you will have a solid foundation in a world that offers you no stability. The Word of God is settled; nothing can change it or destroy it (Psalm 119:152; Matt. 24:35). God is faithful and His Word can be trusted. The same Word that created the world (Psalm 119:90) and runs the world (Psalm 119:91) will also govern your life and make it secure. With the Word Bible Commentary
The Authority of God’s Word over Our Lives. This text asserts the all-encompassing, absolutely authoritative Word of God as unchangingly secured in heaven, noting: 1) The timelessness of God’s rule by His Word. Though times and seasons change, though social customs, human opinions, and philosophical viewpoints vary, they have no effect on the constancy or authority of God’s Word. 2) God is faithful in applying the power, promise, and blessing of His Word, along with its requirements of justice and judgment (Psalm 119:90). Just as He spoke and the Earth was created and is sustained, so He has spoken regarding His laws for living. The relativism of human thought does not affect His authority or standards. 3) While creation abides by His Word (responding as His “servants,” Psalm 119:91), man is often a study in contrast to this submission to the Creator’s authority. However, whatever our past rebellion, upon coming to Christ, a practical reinstatement of God’s Word as the governing principle for all our life is to take place. Not only does Jesus conclusively declare this (John 8:47), but Paul notes that to respond otherwise is to compromise the level of life to which we have been called (1 Cor. 2:13-16). As “spiritual” people we are to refuse the “natural” inclinations of fallen men. As we hear and yield to the authority of God’s Word, we verify that we are no longer dominated by the world’s spirit of error (1 John 4:6). Spirit filled life study Bible
As the Syriac reads, “Thou art (or, existest) for ever, O Jehovah; thy word is established in the heavens.” The word of God is as unchangeable and everlasting as his own existence: it is “established in the heavens” beyond the reach of the revolutions of this lower world; its accomplishment is as certain as the motions of the heavenly bodies, which are not and cannot be affected by the convulsions and vicissitudes of the earth and its inhabitants. Supply by ellipsis (absolute: of verb substantive), “For ever (art Thou) O Lord;!Thy word is settled in heaven.!Thy faithfulness (is) unto all generations;!Thou hast established the earth, and it abideth.” In the first and third lines, we have Jehovah. In the second and fourth lines, we have what he has settled and established (B39).The new treasury of scripture knowledge
This verse avows the immutability of God’s Word; it shall stand forever (cf. Isaiah 40:8; Matthew 24:35; 1 Peter 1:25). Believer’s Study Bible
“Your laws endure to this day, for all things serve you.” (Psalm 119:91)
I find it amazing to reflect on this verse and all it says and means. "All things" serve God, regardless of whether or not they realize it or whether or not they want to! When we think about this, really think on it, it changes how we feel and act toward others, especially others who don't believe as we do or are fighting against us for some reason. It always reminds me of David saying this about God's sovereignty when a man started cursing him when he was king. To curse the king was (and is) treason, but David let it go. “David then said to Abishai and all his officials, “My son, who is of my own flesh, is trying to take my life. How much more, then, this Benjamite! Leave him alone; let him curse, for the LORD has told him to. It may be that the LORD will see my distress and repay me with good for the cursing I am receiving today.”” (2 Samuel 16:11–12) That's just one of hundreds of times in the OT where we're shown that the people recognized that "all things" serve God and that He is in control regardless of what's happening. Paul understood this too of course as did the rest of the disciples: “To keep me from becoming conceited because of these surpassingly great revelations, there was given me a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me.” (2 Corinthians 12:7) When speaking about what the high priest and the others did to Jesus the apostles said: “They did what your power and will had decided beforehand should happen.” (Acts 4:28) When I reflect on all of this, it makes me realize that instead of getting angry or starting to pity myself when things like that happen, I need to consider instead what the Lord may want me to learn from the experience and/or how He would have me respond to it. I have to ask myself what I could do or say that would look the most like Jesus, and sometimes that simply means keeping my mouth closed like He did: “When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly.” (1 Peter 2:23) Therefore, again, we need to: “Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:6–7)
“If your law had not been my delight, I would have perished in my affliction.” (Psalm 119:92)
The psalmist’s delight (cf. Psalm 1:2; Psalm 119:174) in the established Law had enabled him to win the victory (Psalm 119:92–95). He concluded that God’s Word is boundless (Psalm 119:96) in its values. The Bible Knowledge Commentary
God’s faithfulness, coupled with our love for His Word, will see us through any adversity. KJV Bible Commentary
If it had not been for the refreshment of God’s law, the psalmist would have utterly lost heart because of his affliction. God’s word had revived him. Because he belonged to God, he could ask for deliverance. In spite of the efforts of his enemies to destroy him, he found consolation in God’s word. The wisdom literature and Psalms.
“I will never forget your precepts, for by them you have preserved my life.” (Psalm 119:93)
The bounds of created perfection may be defined, but those of God’s law in its nature, application, and influence, are infinite. There is no human thing so perfect but that something is wanting to it; its limits are narrow, whereas God’s law is of infinite breadth, reaching to all cases, perfectly meeting what each requires, and to all times (Psalm 19:3, Psalm 19:6, Psalm 19:7–11; Ec 3:11). It cannot be cramped within any definitions of man’s dogmatical systems. Man never outgrows the Word. It does not shock the ignorant man with declared anticipations of discoveries which he had not yet made; while in it the man of science finds his newest discoveries by tacit anticipations provided for. Commentary Critical and Explanatory
“Save me, for I am yours; I have sought out your precepts.” (Psalm 119:94)
He didn't sit around and go about his daily life expecting to somehow magically know about God but instead studied God's Word and spoke to God about it, reflected on it and really thought hard about it until He got understanding. In other words, he worked at it. We see in Psalm 119:97 he didn't spend 15 minutes, or even an hour a day in God's Word, but instead, carried His Word in his heart constantly thinking of it when he had finished his study time. God's word guided every single decision he made, from what he would eat, or wear to what he would do.
“The wicked are waiting to destroy me, but I will ponder your statutes.” (Psalm 119:95)
Although enemies are about to attack, he knows his only real help is the Lord, so instead of using his own poor strength, He reflects on God's Word and waits on Him to save him.
“To all perfection I see a limit; but your commands are boundless.” (Psalm 119:96)
That is, I have seen all that human wisdom or knowledge, however extensive, noble, and excellent, has its bounds, limits, and end, but your law, a transcript of your own mind, is infinite and extends to eternity. The new treasury of scripture knowledge
““The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.” (Proverbs 9:10)
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Post by Cindy on Aug 13, 2015 9:26:59 GMT -5
Mem “Oh, how I love your law! I meditate on it all day long. Your commands make me wiser than my enemies, for they are ever with me. I have more insight than all my teachers, for I meditate on your statutes. I have more understanding than the elders, for I obey your precepts. I have kept my feet from every evil path so that I might obey your word. I have not departed from your laws, for you yourself have taught me. How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth! I gain understanding from your precepts; therefore I hate every wrong path.” (Psalm 119:97–104)
Mem 6. The power of the word to enlighten (Psalm 119:97–104). The psalmist loved God’s word. It was the subject of his meditation all the day. Knowledge of God’s word made him wiser than his enemies. It made him wiser than his teachers who derived their learning from other sources, and senior citizens who derive their wisdom from experience. The self-restraint which marked his conduct sprang from his desire to obey God. The Lord himself was his teacher, not men. God’s words are sweeter than honey. The study of God’s word gave him the power of discernment to reject all false teaching and laxity of conduct. The wisdom literature and Psalms
M.God’s Word is sweet (Psalm 119:97–104) The psalmist declared his love and devotion to the Law, which gave him more understanding and wisdom than his enemies … teachers, and elders (vv. 97–100). By God’s Word he had kept himself pure (Psalm 119:101–102; cf. Psalm 119:9, Psalm 119:104). He extolled the promises of God as sweet (v. 103). Understanding and purity (v. 104) summarize the points made in Psalm 119:98–101. The Bible Knowledge Commentary
True joy demonstrates a genuine thankfulness and appreciation for God’s Word. We discussed how valuable Scripture is for our spiritual growth. That truth ought to keep us from ever abandoning our attitude of rejoicing before the Lord. His goodness and mercy in giving us the Word should make us echo David’s words, “The precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart” Psalm 19:8. The prophet Jeremiah expressed similar sentiments, which should further encourage our thanks for God’s truth: “Thy words were found and I ate them, and Thy words became for me a joy and the delight of my heart; for I have been called by Thy name, O Lord God of hosts” Jer 15:16. The pillars of Christian character
“Your commands make me wiser than my enemies, for they are ever with me.” (Psalm 119:98)
Those who love God’s Word and obey it develop a practical wisdom for guiding their lives. It is dangerous to learn from your enemies (v. 98), and both your teachers and your elderly friends may not know what you need to know (Psalm 119:99–100). Learn all you can from every good source, but let God, not man, be your teacher (John 14:26; John 16:13–15). With the Word
The cunning and craft of worldly men is no match for the wisdom of God. As long as the psalmist did not attempt to match wit with his enemies but wholly relied on God’s Word for direction, he was assured of victory. KJV Bible Commentary
“I have more insight than all my teachers, for I meditate on your statutes.” (Psalm 119:99)
Psalm 119:99 Great blessing belongs to those who read & understand the Word of God, & more blessed is the man whose life is the practical transcript of the will of God as revealed in the Scriptures. Striking Facts: v. 99. The disciples of Christ who sit at His feet & let Him interpret the Word to them are often better skilled in divine things than the doctors of divinity. The best way to find “the wondrous things” is to saturate the study of the Word in prayer (Psalm 119:18) which makes it possible for Christ to speak to us out of the Word, through the Holy Spirit. John 16:13-14. Summarized Bible
understanding—is practical skill (Psalm 2:10; Psalm 32:8). Commentary Critical and Explanatory
“I have more understanding than the elders, for I obey your precepts.” (Psalm 119:100)
Antiquity is no help against stupidity, where it does not accord with God’s word [Luther] (Job 32:7–9). The Bible is the key of all knowledge, the history of the world, past, present, and to come (Psalm 111:10). He who does the will of God shall know of the doctrine (Jn 7:17). Commentary Critical and Explanatory
"Understanding comes after obedience." This is something the Lord taught me very early on when I would question why I needed to do or say something or think a certain way. Instead of explaining it to me, He always waited until after I obeyed Him and often, once I had done so, I understood it on my own. But when I was still unsure, or even when I knew, He would show me the answer to my question in His Word, after I'd obeyed Him. Somehow, the Lord uses our obedience to both give us understanding and to make what we've learned go from head knowledge to heart knowledge. That's why the psalmist says that through obedience he has more understanding then the elders. He has leared to know God's heart, while they're just reading the words.
“I have kept my feet from every evil path so that I might obey your word.” (Psalm 119:101)
When the psalmist said, “I have restrained my feet from every evil way, that I may keep Thy word” (Psalm 119:101), he was acknowledging a key principle of spiritual growth: you must set aside sin if you expect to benefit from God’s Word. Peter expressed the same thought when he said, “Putting aside all malice and all guile and hypocrisy and envy and all slander, like newborn babes, long for the pure milk of the word, that by it you may grow in respect to salvation” (1 Peter 2:1–2). Likewise, James admonished us to put off sin and receive the Word (James 1:21). Drawing Near
This was the intention of the psalmist; it is a good intention, although he had to admit that he had not always successfully refrained from evil (cf. Psalm 119:67, Psalm 119:176). We cannot willingly live in sin when we have a sincere desire to keep God’s law. KJV Bible Commentary
Avoidance of sinful courses is both the effect and means of increasing in divine knowledge (compare Psalm 19:10). “They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the comb.” Commentary Critical and Explanatory
“I have not departed from your laws, for you yourself have taught me. How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth! I gain understanding from your precepts; therefore I hate every wrong path.” (Psalm 119:102–104)
Scripture is infinitely more precious than anything this world has to offer, perfectly sufficient for every need of life. Thus Scripture assesses its own immense value. Nothing this world has to offer is more precious than God’s Word.
I have a friend who collects rare Bibles. He owns a wonderful collection, with one Bible dating back to the fourth century. But my favorite is a Bible from sixteenth-century England, one of the earliest printed copies of God’s Word. The top third of this Bible is covered with the blood of its original owner. My friend let me hold it in my hands, and tears came to my eyes as I leafed through it.
How did blood get on the pages of that Bible? When Bloody Mary ruled England, she terrorized Protestants, murdering as many as she could. Her soldiers would spill the person’s blood, then take his Bible and dip it deep into the blood. A few of those Bibles have been preserved and are known as Martyrs’ Bibles. Scientists have tested the paper and confirmed that the dark stains on every page of my friend’s Bible are human blood.
I examined that Bible carefully, page by page. I could see where it was well worn from being studied. There are water stains, as if from tears, and places where a thumb had frayed favorite pages. This was someone’s most valuable possession, and his or her blood is there to prove it.
In sad contrast, however, contemporary Christians tend to take their Bibles for granted, forgetting that many have given their lives just to own one copy. If the church today placed as high a value on God’s Word as those martyrs did, perhaps there would not be so many people running off to experts in human theory and seeking counsel other than the perfect wisdom God gives us in His Word.
I am convinced that many who submit to various kinds of extrabiblical therapy do so precisely because they are looking for a way of solving their problems without surrendering to what they know God’s Word requires of them.
Scripture hasn’t failed them—they’ve failed Scripture. Many have never learned to let the Word of Christ richly dwell within them, as Paul instructs in Colossians 3:16. They have treated Scripture in a cursory way and never plumbed its depths. Their sinful neglect inevitably bears the fruit of doctrinal confusion and spiritual impotence. Because they never disciplined themselves to live according to biblical principles, they’re now abandoning Scripture for worldly alternatives. They turn to psychoanalysis to solve their problems, to science to explain the origin of life, to philosophy to explain the meaning of life, and to sociology to explain why they sin. Churches, schools, and seminaries have thus made themselves vulnerable to the influence of such teachings. Our sufficiency in Christ
The Psalmist loves God's Word and recognizes that he is not learning it from his own intelligence or study, but instead is relying on God to teach him, which is of course exactly what we all need to do. He takes God at His Word, quite literally, just as we should. He doesn't add to it or subtract from it, trying to make it say what he wants instead of what God intends. He doesn't just read it, he studies it, talking to the Lord about it and he reflects on it constantly. More so, he obeys it and applying what he's studied to his life, which leads him to understanding. He loves God and His Word. The more he studies, the more he learns from the Lord, the more he obeys it and applies it to his life, the more he loves God and His Word.
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