Psalm 119. In this remarkable acrostic Psalm we have the fulfillment of Jeremiah 31:33; “But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, saith the LORD, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people” (Jer. 31:33). This is the longest Psalm in the Psalter, and the theme is the Word of God, which is mentioned in almost every verse! The Word is called by a number of terms (ten), each with a slightly different meaning: the law of Jehovah, “thy word”, “thy words”, “the word of truth”, “thy testimonies”, “thy precepts”, “thy statutes”, “thy commandments”, “thy righteous judgments”, and “thine ordinances”. As already mentioned, this is an acrostic Psalm in which there are twenty-two sections of eight verses that each correspond with one letter of the Hebrew alphabet, but different from others in that the letters of the alphabet are stated as headings above each section. The acrostic Psalms have an emphasis on what pertains to Israel as a nation, because of the peculiar association with the Hebrew language. The Hebrew alphabet is similar to other alphabets in that the letters are used to compose words, each letter having a phonetic sound. However, the Hebrew alphabet is unique in that each letter also has a meaning! This is similar to Chinese, and others. As we come to each section, we will try to point out the meaning of each letter. This is also an Asherite Psalm in that it begins with the words, “Blessed are…”. As with the other Psalms that being thus, this Psalm gives us another great key to happiness: treasuring the Word of God in our heart, and living in obedience to it!

 

 

vv.1-8 Aleph (Ox), Obedience. The first section is an introduction to the Psalm and gives us the general principle: happiness is a result of learning, enjoying, and obeying the Word of God. The letter ‘Aleph’ is the first letter of the word ‘asher’ or ‘blessed’, which means happy. The letter ‘Aleph’ also means ‘ox’ which represents patience or endurance in a path of service. We see in v.8 that there are circumstances which require faith, which means this could be a backward look of Israel on their time of tribulation.

 

 

vv.9-16 Beth (House), Association. In this section we find the saints brought into association with God, and thus His claims upon them, and the need of cleansing. This is the “washing of the water by the word” (Eph. 5:26). Verse 11 gives us the best thing (“Thy Word”) stored in the best place (“my heart”) for the best reason (“that I might not sin against Thee”). The letter ‘beth’ means ‘house’, and it is connected with the house of God, the place where His claims are owned. Since we are associated with God, and His claims are upon us. 

 

 

vv.17-24 Gimel (Camel), Dependence. These verses present the faithful as strangers one the earth, cast upon God for sustenance; “Deal bountifully with thy servant and I shall live”. The letter ‘Gimel’ means ‘camel’, and it signifies the path of a stranger; “I am a stranger in the land”. It looks back on a time when the faithful remnant were isolated and alone, standing for God in the midst of persecutions from the apostate nation of Israel. The law of Jehovah comforts and encourages the hearts of the faithful in times of trial.

 

 

vv.25-32 Daleth (Door), Liberty. In this section the trial is more extreme, and the soul looks to the Word of Jehovah for quickening and strength. There is a cry for mercy and deliverance, and the expression of the soul’s desire for liberty, “I will run the way of thy commandments when thou shalt enlarge my heart”. The letter ‘Daleth’ means ‘door’, and it is consistent with the thought of liberty.

 

 

vv.33-40 He (Window), Occupation. In this section, we see the focus of the soul on the Word of God; “I will observe it”, “I will keep it with my whole heart”, “therein do I delight”, etc. The soul that is occupied with the word of God desires that their heart would remain focused there; “Incline my heart unto thy testimonies, and not to gain. Turn away mine eyes from beholding vanity”, etc. The fifth letter of the Hebrew alphabet means ‘window’, and it speaks of the object or focus of one’s heart.

 

 

vv.41-48 Vau (Nail), Preservation. This section deals with the soul’s desire to be sustained in the presence of enemies that reproach him, and that a testimony might be maintained before kings! The word ‘Vau’ means ‘nail’, and is consistent with the thought of being preserved or sustained through the Word of God.

 

 

vv.49-56 Zain (Sword), Protection. In this section we have the soul’s comfort in affliction and confidence in God for protection that comes through the Word of God. The letter ‘Zain’ means ‘sword’, and it has the thought of protection against enemies. 

 

 

vv.57-64 Cheth (Fence), Portion. In these verses we find that the faithful have made Jehovah’s words their portion. The whole life is consumed by the Word of God: the thoughts, the walk (v.59), the night seasons (v.62), and the companions (v.63) are governed and characterized by the Word of God. How important this last point is! Who are our companions? Are they those who fear the Lord and obey His word? The letter ‘Cheth’ means ‘fence’, and it has the idea of a property boundary, consistent with the thought of v.57, that keeping Jehovah’s words is the portion of the faithful remnant.

 

 

vv.65-72 Teth (Serpent), Chastening. These verses deal with the issue of chastening. The faithful confess that that, before the chastening of the Lord afflicted them, they went astray (v.67), but God had taught them otherwise. They could look upon the proud and see the result of sin where chastening does not prevent the course of sin; ” Their heart is as fat as grease”. Thus they confess, “It is good for me that I have been afflicted, that I might learn thy statutes.” This is “the peaceable fruit of righteousness” (Hebrews 12:11). God uses the ‘Teth’ or serpent to accomplish His purposes for blessing in the lives of His people, as we see in the example of Job.

 

 

vv.73-80 Yod (a closing hand), Work. This section speaks of the soul as a work of Jehovah. The opening verse gives the beginning of that work of Jehovah as Creator; “Thy hands have made me and fashioned me”. The prayer continues that Jehovah would deliver and bless the soul, crowning the work of creation with a work of deliverance. This is all to be accomplished through the Word of God. The letter ‘Yod’ means ‘a closing hand’, as if to grip a tool or implement in service. It is consistent with the thought of Jehovah’s work.

 

 

vv.81-88 Caph (a covering hand), Salvation. This section deals with the longing of the soul for salvation, and this deliverance according to Jehovah’s Word. The faithful remnant reflect on the wicked who persecute them and dig pits for them to fall in, and many other evils which run contrary to the Word of God. The remnant cry out to God to protect them from these attacks, which are almost successful; “They had almost consumed me upon the earth” (see Matt. 24:22). The Hebrew letter ‘Caph’ means ‘a palm of a hand’, or ‘to cover’. It is consistent with the thought of protection.

 

 

vv.89-96 Lamed (a Staff), Faithfulness. These verses speak of the dependability and faithfulness of the Word of God. It does not change with the times and seasons, because it is forever “settled in the heavens”. The earth itself is sustained by the Word of God (v.91). Likewise, the soul of the faithful is sustained by the law of Jehovah; “Unless thy law had been my delight, I should then have perished in mine affliction”. The expression in v.94 is beautiful; “I am thine”. The Word of God gives us the wonderful assurance that we belong to God, and therefore we can trust His ways with us, even in the midst of total failure; “I have seen an end of all perfection”. The Word of God becomes precious to the soul by faith, proving its value in broad application; “thy commandment is exceeding broad”. The Hebrew letter ‘Lamed’ means ‘a staff’, and it is consistent with the thought of the Word of God as something to lean on or confide in.

 

 

vv.97-104 Mem (Deep Waters), Resource. In this section we have the Word of God as a treasured resource for the soul, leading to separation from evil. The Word gives wisdom for deliverance from enemies (v.98), wisdom beyond teachers (v.99), and wisdom beyond natural age (v.100). The key to this is meditating on the Word of God. This resource of the Word of God results also in a separation from evil, lest the joy of walking according to the Word be lost. The soul values the Word of God and delights in it; “How sweet are thy words unto my taste! more than honey to my mouth!” The soul appreciates that it is not merely words, but the voice of God speaking to us; “for it is thou that hast taught me”. The Hebrew letter ‘Mem’ means ‘deep waters’, and it is consistent with the thought of the Word of God as a resource for the soul.

 

 

vv.105-112 Nun (Fish, or Sprouting Seed), Guidance. In this section we have the Word of God as a guide for the faithful. God’s word provides illumination for our feet (the next few steps), and also for our path (the road ahead). The soul speaks out of great affliction (v.107), as one close to death (v.109), and under attack by the wicked (v.110). In spite of much opposition, by relying continually on the Word of Jehovah, the soul can persevere. The Hebrew letter ‘Num’ means ‘fish’, and it is consistent with the thought of perseverance in spite of opposition, like a fish swimming against the current.

 

 

vv.113-120 Samech (A Prop or Support), Upholding. This section deals with the preservation of the soul from evil. The faithful look around with horror on “the wicked of the earth”, the “double-minded”, the “evil-doers”, who “wander” from the path. The soul finds its “hiding-place” in God and His Word, and counts on God to uphold him; “Uphold me according to thy word, that I may live… Hold thou me up, and I shall be safe”. Observing the governmental judgment of God upon the wicked (vv.118-120) has a positive impact on the soul, causing him to fear the Lord. The Hebrew letter ‘Samech’ means ‘prop’, and it is consistent with the thought of being upheld by God through His Word.

 

 

vv.121-128 Ain (the Eye), Anticipation. This section deals the anticipation of faith for God’s intervention; “Mine eyes fail for thy salvation”. The soul observes the wicked apparently successful, and the righteous about to fall into the hands of their oppressors. The soul is impressed that it is now “time for Jehovah to work”. The faith of the remnant anticipates the intervention of Jehovah to deal with the evil-doers. The Hebrew letter ‘Ain’ means ‘eye’, and it is consistent with the thought of the eye of faith, which anticipates the intervention of God according to His Word.

 

 

vv.129-136 Pe (a Mouth), Communion. This section deals with the soul delighting in the Word of God which brings light and understanding (v.130), and in response the mouth opened to express dependence and confidence (v.131). The faithful cry out for grace (v.132), preservation from iniquity (v.133), deliverance from the oppression of man (v.134), and for a sense of Jehovah’ presence; “Make thy face to shine upon thy servant” (v.135). The transgressions of the wicked cause the faithful to weep and pour out their soul to the Lord. The Hebrew letter ‘Pe’ means ‘a mouth’, and it is consistent with the thought of communion.

 

 

vv.137-144 Tzade (a Fish Hook), Drawing. This section describes how the Word of God has a powerful drawing influence over the soul of the faithful, because they love His Word. An emphasis is laid on the righteousness of Jehovah and the purity of His Word. To the righteous, this gives the Word of God a powerfully attractive influence on the soul. This attractive power of the Word of God draws the soul along through trouble and anguish, because they delight in His commandments. The Hebrew letter ‘Tzade’ means ‘fish hook’, and it is consistent with the thought of drawing or pulling.

 

 

vv.145-152 Koph (Back of the Head), Dependence. This section speaks of the faithful upon their faces in prayer and supplication to Jehovah. They call on Jehovah for salvation (v.146), they pray all night until the morning (v.147), and all day until the night-watches (v.148). They remain in this dependent state, calling for God to hear and save. In those seasons the Word of God is a comfort to the faithful, and it strengthens them as they meditate on it. The Hebrew letter ‘Koph’ means ‘back of the head’, and it may suggest the idea of prayer, as of one on his face in dependence.

 

 

vv.153-160 Resh (a head), Salvation. This section deals with the judgments of Jehovah on behalf of His people. They are seen as surrounded by persecutors (the apostate nation of Israel), and yet remaining faithful to the revealed Word of God. The observation of the wicked around them cause the remnant to be grieved, but is does not dissuade them from keeping Jehovah’s testimonies. They have the assurance of the verity and surety of the Word; “The sum of thy word is truth, and every righteous judgment of thine is for ever”. The Hebrew letter ‘Resh’ means ‘head’, and it may suggest the idea of deliverance or salvation.

 

 

vv.161-168 Shin (Tooth or Peak), Praise. This section bring the soul to the highest point, the place of praise! The Word of God is what brings the soul to this place, in spite of perfection (v.161). The soul can even have joy through the Word of God, which leads to praise! There is peace as well for the soul who rests in, obeys, and delights in the Word of God. The Hebrew letter ‘Shin’ means ‘tooth’ or ‘peak’, and it may suggest the idea of a high point such as a mountain top, which is consistent with the joy that is emphasized in this section.

 

vv.169-176 Tau (a Mark), Belonging. This section gives a brief summary of the entire Psalm, bringing in a fresh call for deliverance (the beginning), and looking forward to praising the Lord as a result of learning His Word (the end). There is an acknowledgment of past failures; “I have gone astray like a lost sheep: seek thy servant”. Yet there is a claim upon the mercy of God as belonging to Him, and as one who has not forgotten His commandments. The Hebrew letter ‘Tau’ means ‘mark’, and it may suggest the idea of ownership or belonging.