Charles (Chuck) Kensinger

Verse 89 of the 119^th Psalm begins the Lamedh section. Remember that this is the Hebrew letter with which this stanza in the song begins. When he says that the word of God is eternal, we can believe it today. This song was written around 3,000 years ago. Very few writings from that time in history exist today. Is the law of Yahweh your delight? Are you saved because you are a child of God? Do you realize as the writer does that perfection has a limit, but the creator does not?

“Oh, how I love your law,” begins with Mem and we should meditate on it as the psalmist does. You wiser than your enemies because you follow the commands of our Lord? Do you know more than your teachers and the elders? If you do, be careful. Don’t flaunt this knowledge. Sometimes I forget this advice and others think I am showing off because I can answer quickly what God says about a subject. This is one of the evil paths that we need to avoid.

A lamp unto my feet and a light for my path is something I need every day. The stanza beginning with Nun Starts this way. I do not believe in taking oaths for most things. The oath of office that we use for police officers, our president, and other officials needs to mean something to each of us. I stand on God’s laws even if I have not taken an oath on them. If you have ever been sworn in for a court case, you have taken an oath to tell the truth swearing on the word of God.

Double-minded people are discussed beginning in verse 113 which begins the verses which start with the letter Samekh. We read here that Yahweh is our Refuge and shield. Being sustained by Him is one of the many promises we can depend on. These decrees are full of those promises. Does your flesh tremble with respect for Him?

Ayin in verse 121 precedes the declaration that our singer has done what is righteous and just. He again is looking for salvation and is looking for promises that have been made. The love of God surpasses anything we see from men. Being a servant was what Jesus did when He came to this planet. Jehovah seems slow to act. He has His own timing. Do not believe that He is slow. He is always on time.

Light is a common term used in the scriptures to designate the clarity of Yahweh’s teaching. In the section starting with the letter Pe we read this and that the words are simple. The words mercy and love are often difficult to understand. Mercy and love are there to prevent sin from ruling over us. It is the oppression of humanity that draws us away from our Lord.

Do you ever question God? I have. Job did. All three of us are wrong when we do that. Verses 137 to 144 start with a Tsadhe. The first verse tells us that He is righteous, and His laws are correct. Do you agree that the Bible is the word of God? We have tested His promises. Both the psalmist and I have done this. He says He will be with me. I have tested this often. What do you believe?

Qoph begins in verse 145. I call is used in the first two verses. The third has our writer rising before dawn and crying for Jehovah’s help. He stays up all night to meditate on God’s promises. The eternal nature of God is emphasized.

We all suffer and want God to deliver us from it. Resh begins in verse 153. Redemption and salvation are similar. There is a difference in the definitions. Someone is saved from something or one is redeemed or bought back. We must be saved from our misdeeds. We have been redeemed by the blood of Jesus the Messiah.

The next letter is called Sin or Shin. Verse 161 begins this section. Falsehood is despised while the law is loved. Most who do not follow the law hate it. Seven is the number of completeness. That is why he praises God seven times a day. Our love for this law gives us peace. We end this psalm with the letter Taw. His tongue sings the word that he loves. He admits to straying like a lost sheep before he ends by saying “I have not forgotten your commands.”

©Copyright 2020 by Charles Kensinger