PSALM 119 -2
PSALM 119 - 2
(CP Psa 119:97-104). Here we see the word of God as the source of all wisdom and knowledge (CP 2Ti 3:16-17). V97-100 in Psa 119 teach, as we learned in our previous study on V89-96, that while there is an end to all human perfection, there is no limit to God's word - it is perfect and infinite (CP V96 and 97-100 with Ro 11:33-36). In V101 in Psa 119 we learn the secret of acquiring wisdom: Christians must restrain their feet from paths of sin in order to obey God's word to the utmost (CP V101 with Pr 1:15-16). In Psa 119:102 we learn that Christians are sanctified by the word of God (CP V102 with Jn 17:17-19; Eph 5:25-27). God's word is sweeter than honey to those who determine to order their lives according to His word (CP Psa 119:103 with Psa 19:7-11). Christians whose lives are ordered according to God's word hate sin and love holiness (CP Psa 119:104 and 128 with Eph 4:17-24).
(CP Psa 119:105-112) here we see the word of God as the source of light and joy (CP Psa 19:18; Pr 6:23). We learn from V105 in Psa 119 that God's eternal word shows Christians how to live the life He has prescribed for them. Christians who live by God's word will never wander out of the way of His truth. They allow the word to guide, correct, instruct, lead and teach them (CP V105 with De 8:3-6 (also Mt 4:4 and Lu 4:4); 2Ti 3:16-17). Christians will suffer mocking and derision, persecution and hardship for their faith, but as this study teaches throughout, they must never give up on God's word (CP Psa 119:107). The freewill offerings of my mouth in V108 of Psa 119, refers to the Psalmist's praise for God. This teaches that Christians are to praise God continually and thank Him, and regardless of their circumstances in life are to remain open to His word (CP V108 with He 13:15). V109 and 110 in Psa teaches that although their lives may be constantly in peril, Christians must never forget God's word. There is safety and security in the word and the tendency to err from it in troubled times must be avoided at any cost (CP V109-110 with V23, 46, 167). God's word is to be chosen by Christians as their inheritance - a prized possession of incomparable value. All who realize its worth should determine to obey it to the end of life. It will be their rejoicing forever (CP V111-112 with V33 and Mt 10:22).
(CP Psa 119:113-120). Here we see the word of God as the source of security. Vain thoughts in V113 mean divided in heart or mind, double-minded. Christians must be single-mindedly committed to obeying God's word. There is no middle ground with God. Christians either obey Him unreservedly or they will forfeit their salvation (CP V113 with Mt 4:4 and 12:30). No one who professes to love God but is divided in their mind towards Him will be saved (CP Mt 7:21-27; Rev 3:22). God can only be the refuge and protector of those who abide in Him and in whom His word abides (CP Psa 119:114 and 32:7 with Psa 91:1-4 and Jn 15:7-8). Christians who keep God's commandments will not fraternize with sinful men. They will do nothing that could prevent their prayers being answered or that could cause them to lose hope in God's word. They ensure their eternal security by continued obedience to God's word (CP Psa 119:115-117 with 2 Cor 6:14-18 and Php 1:20). It should be noted here that while obedient Christians will not fraternize with evil-doers, they will maintain contact in order to share the gospel with them.
V118-120 in Psa 119 teach that once-saved Christians can err from the truth of God's word and forfeit their salvation. They will be punished together with those who have never known God, if they die in sin (VP Eze 18:24-26). God's Judgment of the wicked will be so severe that it should cause Christians to fear God. The wicked will be cast into the lake of fire where they will be tormented in the flames day and night for ever. Their punishment will be ongoing throughout eternity (CP V118-120 with Rev 21:8 and Isa 66:22-24). Isa 66: 22-24 teaches that the wicked being tormented in hell will be a vivid reminder throughout eternity to all the saved, of the consequences of dying in sin.
(CP Psa 119:121-128). Here we see God's word as the source of confidence for Christians (CP Pr 3:4). V121-125 in Psa 119 teaches that a righteous life is the fruit of salvation. This is the proper basis for Christians to believe for God to deliver them from oppression and be a guarantee for their good. God is the Christian's surety against oppression and every evil that would try to overcome them. Christians must persevere in faith and never give up on God for His salvation and His righteousness (CP V121-125 with Psa 91:1-16; He 4:14-16). V126-128 in Psa 119 teaches confidence in God's word. In V126 the Psalmist calls upon God to act against evil-doers who have violated His word. In V127-128 he contrasts their violations with his love for, and the confidence he has in God's word. He also declares again his hatred for every false way. Zeal for God's word awakens righteous anger in Christians against those who violate the word (CP V113, 115, 158), and it brings abhorrence of all that is contrary to the word (CP V104, 163). Christians whose lives are ordered according to God's word hate sin and love holiness (CP Eph 4:17-24). What the Psalmist declares throughout Psa 119 should also be the declaration of every Christian, and then proved by how they esteem God's word. Otherwise they are only deceiving themselves (CP V126-128, and V14, 57, 72, 11 with Psa 19:7-11).
(CP Psa 119:129-136). Here we see guidance by the word of God (CP Psa 19:11). The word wonderful in Psa 119:29 describes the wondrous redeeming power of God's word which, like the Psalmist, Christians must determine to live by (CP V129 with V9). God's word is the Christian's guide to eternal life. It enlightens their understanding of God's purposes, and makes wise ordinary people who determine to live by it (CP V130 with Psa 19:7-11; 119:105; Pr 6:20-23; 2Ti 2:16-17). V131 in Psa 119 typifies Christians who hunger and thirst for God's word (CP V131 with Pasa 42:1-2; 143:6 and 1Pe 2:1-2). V132 in Psa 119 teaches that Christians never get to the place in this life where they are beyond the need of God's grace (CP V132 with Psa 51:1-2; 106: 3-5). Psa 119:133-134 teaches that there are two aspects to holiness - to keep going on for God, and to keep one's self from sin. Grace is the key to both. It is the enabling power of God by which Christians can live the way God has prescribed for them, and keep His precepts (CP V 133-134 with Ro 6:1-23). Psa 119:135 teaches that Christians, whose desire is to single-mindedly serve God, can expect God to show them signs of His favour, presence and power (CP V135 with Mk 16:17-20). V136 in Psa 119 teaches how Christians should sorrow and anguish over the souls of the lost for disregarding the instructions of God's word (CP V136 with Psa 44:17-22; Eze 9:4; Ro 9:1-3; Php 3:18).
(CP Psa 119:137-144). Here we see the character of the word of God (CP Nu 23:19-20; Psa 12:6; 18:30; 33:4,6; 107:20; 119:89-91; 103, 105, 130, 160; 147: 18; 148:8; Isa 40:8; 55:10-11; Jn 15:3; Eph 5:26; 1Pe 1:22-23). We see in these scriptures that God's word cannot fail. It is pure, tried, right, righteous, upright. It creates, heals, and quickens (makes alive, restores). It is eternal, sweet. It is a lamp, a light, true. It controls the weather, shall stand forever, accomplishes that which God purposes and prospers in the thing whereto He sends it. It cleanses from sin and is incorruptible. We learn in V137-140 in Psa 119 that God is righteous. His judgments are upright and His commandments righteous and faithful. Christians should become more jealous of God's word because of those who reject it. God's word is so refined there is nothing in it worthless or useless. Christians' zeal for God's word should be as Christ's zeal was for God's house (CP V137-140 with Psa 69:9 also Jn 2:17 and Psa 12:6). V141-144 in Psa 119 teach that although Christians may be physically impaired in the estimation of others, and despised for it, they must never give up on God's word. God's righteousness is everlasting and every word of scripture is true. Trouble and anguish in their circumstances in life should only highlight Christians' delight in God's word. The more Christians understand the word the greater will be their capacity for life (CP V141-144 with V77 and Jn 17:17).
(CP Psa 119:145-152). Here we see the word of God as the source of strength for Christians (CP Psa 119:11; Php 2:16; Col 3:16). Christians who single-mindedly serve God and obey His word can rest assured of His salvation (CP Psa 119:145-146 with Mt 7:21-27). V147 in Psa 119 teaches that Christians, like the Psalmist, should rise up early in the mornings to pray and meditate on God's word. Meditating on God's word and prayer should start the day for Christians before they do anything else. V148 teaches that the early hours of the night - the evening - should also be utilized for meditation on the word (CP V147-148 with Psa 5:1-3 and Lam 2:19). A similar teaching comes out of V149 in Psa 119 as V88 when the Psalmist pleads with God to hear his prayer and quicken, or revive, him. Christians are quickened - made alive in Christ - and receive God's mercy and justice when they are born again and determine to walk in obedience to God's word (CP V149 and 88 with 2Cor 5:17,21; Eph 4:24). Psa 118:150-152 teaches that God's word is the source of confidence for Christians before their enemies. Christians can know the nearness of God through His word; the truth of His word, and that the word will never fail them (CP V150-152 with Psa 145:18; Isa 50:8; Lu 21:33). Christians can stand on the promises of God's word knowing that they abide forever.
(CP PS Psa 119:153-160). Here we see the word of God as the source of deliverance (CP Mic 7:9; Ro 1:16). The Lord knows the afflictions of every Christian and He will deliver all who cling to Him and to His word. Afflicted in the context of V 153 in Psa 119 refers to the persecutions and hardships the Psalmist suffered at the hands of his enemies, which is also promised to New Testament Christians (CP V153, also 50 and 92 with Mk 10:27-30 and 2Ti 3:12). The word deliver in Psa 119:153 means to loose, take away; put off, whereas in V154 it means redeem (CP V154). For New Testament Christians this means that God will redeem all who are made alive in Christ by God's word. Christ is the Christian's advocate with the Father (CP He 4:14-16; 1Jn 2:1). V155 and V156 in Psa119 teach that salvation is only available to those who have determined to walk in the way God has prescribed in His word (CP V155 and 156 with Mt 2:21-27), V157 in Psa 119 teaches that though Christians may have many enemies and undergo great persecutions they must never forsake the word of God (CP V157 with Psa 44:17-22). Psa119: 158 teaches that Christians should sorrow and anguish over the souls of the lost for their utter disregard for God's word (CP V158 and 136 with Ro 9:1-3; Php 3:18). Psa 119:159 evokes the same teaching for New Testament Christians as V88 and 149, that Christians are quickened -made alive in Christ - when they are born again and determine to walk in obedience to God's word (CP V159, also 88 and 149 with 2Cor 5:17,21 Eph 4:24). V160 in Psa 119 teaches that scriptures …every one of God's righteous judgments (KJV), will endure forever. They are true and eternal from the beginning, for God cannot lie. Christians can depend on His word for their very life (CP V160 with Nu 23:19; Isa 40:8; 55:10-11; Mt 5:18; Jn17:14-17; 2Ti 3:16-17).
(CP Psa 119:161-168). Here we see that the word of God is the source of peace (CP V165 with Pr 3:1-4; Isa 26:3; 32:17-18). Peace in these scriptures is Shalom - God's favour, which He bestowed upon the righteous in the Old Testament. Its New Testament Equivalent is Eirene, which means peace of mind, tranquility. In general it denotes the state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ and content with its earthly lot, whatever it is (CP Isa 53:5 with Ro 5:1; 14:17-19; Php 4:7), V161-164 in Psa 119 teaches that the word of God is the only thing that enables Christians to be at peace with the circumstances of their lives. Only it can preserve their faithfulness to God in the face of persecution and hardship. The truth of God's word is as the spoils of battle which their enemies have to forfeit when confronted with God's word. Christians must hate and abhor all that is contrary to the truth of God's word, and must continually and whole-heartedly praise God for His righteous judgments (CP V161-164 with Eph 4:25; He 13:15). We should note here that the teaching of V165 in Psa 119 regarding the peace God bestows upon the righteous does not mean that they will not undergo sorrows and sufferings and even death at the hands of God's enemies, but rather that by obeying God's word, they avoid the pitfalls of sinning in their trials and temptations. V165 also teaches that no one who is truly obedient to God's word will ever be offended by anyone, and neither will they offend anyone else (CP V165 with Mt 18:6-9). V166-168 in Psa 119 teaches that Christians' works are the fruit of their faith in God's word. The more Christians obey God's word, the more work of the word they do for which they have been ordained by God, who sees it all (CP V166-168 with Job 24:23; Pr 5:21; Eph 2:10).
(CP Psa 119:169-176). This segment brings to a close our study on Psa 119. Here we see prayer and praise for the blessings of God's word. New Testament Christians can emulate the Psalmist here and pray to God for the eyes of their understanding to be enlightened that they may know the truth of His holy word (CP V169, 170, 173, 175, also V34, with Psa 18:28; Pr 2:3-6; Mt 7:7 Eph 1:18-23; 3:18). The word deliver in V170 in Psa 119 means to rescue out of the hands of the enemy, recover (CP Psa 142:6; 143:9). V171 and 172 in Psa 119 teach that increased knowledge of God's word should lead Christians to praise and adoration of the Lord. Their lips should pour forth and bubble over with praise for God's word because all His commandments are righteous (CP V171-172 with Psa 145:7; Pr 18:4 and 2Th 1:4-5). Psa 119:174 teaches that the hope of every Christian is the salvation of their soul as an actual fact. It is only fully certain however for those, like the Psalmist, who have ordered their lives according to God's word (CP V174 and V166 WITH Mt 7:21-27). V176, the last verse in Psa 119, teaches that before their salvation, men are compared to sheep which have gone astray (CP V176 with Isa 53:6; 1Pe 2:25). The Psalmist's prayer for God to seek and save him in Psa 119:176 was answered in the New Testament when God sent Jesus to seek and save the lost sheep (CP Lu 15:1- 7; 19:10). Christ's atoning death on the Cross of Calvary saved Old Testament and New Testament saints alike (CP Isa 53:6-8; Jn 1:29; 3: 16; 6:47-51; 1Ti 2:5-6; He 2:9; 9:15; 1Jn 2:2).
This completes our study on Psa 119. The teaching throughout is salvation by the word of God. It depicts the Christian's relationship with God through His word. Those who determine to live by God's word are declared blessed and undefiled in the way of the Lord, and are assured of their place in His eternal Kingdom (CP V1 with Psa 32:1-5; Pr 28:13; 1Jn 1:8-10).
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