Charles (Chuck) Kensinger

The decrees and laws of Jehovah are the focus of the longest Psalm which is 119. The law is important to us as Christians even though we are no longer under it. Notice the Hebrew alphabet at the beginning of each stanza. If you read this in the original language, you would note that the first letter of the first word of that paragraph is the letter that precedes it.

Under Aleph (vs. 1-8) we have a list of those who are blessed. The word of God is called precepts, statutes, and decrees. Beth begins verse nine and starts the next section. It begins with a question. “How can a young person stay on the path of purity? By living according to your word.” It is great that the answer is given. Note the use of “your word.” Commands is added to our list of words describing how Jehovah instructs us. Check out my favorite here, vs. 11. “I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.”

Verse 17 begins with the Hebrew letter Gimel. Law, commands, and statutes are emphasized here. The Psalmist calls himself a stranger in this land. We should understand this statement. Believers should be so different from others that they notice that we are not like them in many ways. Think about how others see you.

Our next letter is Daleth in verse 25. Our writer cries out to the Lord and proclaims that he is learning from Yahweh. His understanding is increasing. Verse 33 begins with He. This is pronounced ha with a long a sound. A way and a path are to be followed. Direction is desired to follow where God is leading. Fear or reverence is requested from our Father.

Waw begins verse 41 as our singer speaks of promises and the Word of Truth. These are concepts that Jesus draws from in His words to us. Freedom is ours due to the precepts and laws that we are following.

“Your decrees are the theme of my song wherever I lodge.” This is in verse 54 that is part of the stanza that begins with Zayin in verse 49. Is Jesus trying to teach you the theme of your song? “This is my story this is my song. Praising my Savior all the day long.”

The promise in verse 57 is from the author. The first letter is Heth. He promises to be faithful despite persecution and torment. This strength of the Word of Jehovah will enable him to stand with others that are following God. Teth begins verse 65 and we read how affliction came from not following these laws. This distress led to the study and understanding of the statutes.

The section beginning with Yodh in verse 73 tells us that we have been made and formed by a loving Father. We are not an accident as others may say to us. We will end today with Kaph which begins verse 81 as we think about salvation from our Lord. We have the fulfillment of this promise that our Psalmist had not seen. We must continue as he has until our eyes fail.

©Copyright 2020 by Charles Kensinger