A Study on Psalm 119: The Word

Jul 3, 2024

Review flashcards

A Study on Psalm 119: The Word

Introduction

  • The lecture begins a series on Psalm 119, the longest chapter in the Bible with 176 verses.
  • The series will take a bird's eye view, not a verse-by-verse study.
  • Reading 8 verses a day can align with the series timeline.
  • Importance of Psalm 119: it’s in the Bible, thus it has power, anointing, authority, blessing, and instruction.

Authorship of Psalms

  • David didn’t write all Psalms; he wrote about half.
  • Noted as author of 73 Psalms in their titles and mentioned as the author of two more in the New Testament (Acts 4: Psalm 2, Hebrews 4: Psalm 94).
  • Other authors: Solomon (2 Psalms), Moses (1), Heman (1), Ethan the Ezraite (1), sons of Korah (11), and family of Asaph (12).
  • Many additional authors were priests or Levites.
  • Earliest Psalm: Psalm 90 (by Moses), latest: Psalm 137 (by anonymous author in captivity at Babylon).
  • One-third of Psalms (47) are anonymous, including Psalm 119.

Structure of Psalm 119

  • Written as an acrostic poem with 22 sections corresponding to the 22 Hebrew alphabet letters.
  • Each section has 8 verses starting with the same letter of the alphabet (e.g., verses 1-8 start with Aleph).
  • Video demonstration shows the acrostic structure in Hebrew and English.

Emphasis and Importance of the Word

  • Psalm 119 emphasizes the Word of God in the lives of His people.
  • Describes how the Word helps in growing in holiness and handling life's pressures and persecutions.
  • Nearly every verse mentions the Word of God.
  • 8 different words describe the Word of God:
    • Law (Torah): Prophetic revelation and teaching.
    • Commandments (Mitzvah): Conditions of the covenant.
    • Judgments (Mishpat): God’s righteous pronouncements.
    • Testimonies: Commands based on God's character.
    • Precepts: Instructions on human conduct.
    • Statutes: Principles beyond the letter of the law.
    • Way: Path or road leading and guiding believers.
    • Word (Debar): Direct utterance of God.

Relation of the Word to the Love of God

  • The psalmist loves and delights in God's law (Psalm 119:97).
  • God's statutes are songs (Psalm 119:54).
  • Christians should see the Bible as a love letter, not just a law book.
  • Our love for God is reflected in our love for His Word.
  • Obedience to God’s commands is not burdensome (1 John 5:3).

Historical Context and Reverence for the Word

  • The psalmist didn't have the complete Bible, only portions of the Old Testament.
  • Reverence and use of the Old Testament by early Christians and apostles (Peter, Stephen, Philip, James, and Paul).
  • Many modern Christians neglect the Old Testament, missing out on its teachings that lead to sanctification, liberty, light, and life.

Responses to the Word

  • Sinners see the law as an enemy, carnal Christians see it as a taskmaster, but true believers see it as a guide to Christ.
  • The psalmist's deep desire to hide the Word in his heart (Psalm 119:11).
  • Our response to the Word reflects our response to Jesus.

Power and Authority of the Word

  • The Word of God is the foundation for Christian living and church teaching.
  • The Word is eternal, unchangeable, and powerful (Isaiah 55:11, Hebrews 4:12, 1 Peter 1:24-25, Matthew 24:35).
  • Jesus Christ is identified with the Word (John 1:1, 1:14, Revelation 19:13).
  • Growth and expansion of the church are linked to the Word (Acts 19:20).
  • The Word will last forever, outlasting heaven and earth.

Conclusion

  • Emphasis on building a personal relationship with the Word of God.
  • Practical tips for studying the Bible: start somewhere easy, pray before reading, focus on understanding rather than volume.
  • The Word is a weapon against spiritual attacks (Ephesians 6:17).

Key Verses from Psalm 119

  1. Psalm 119:11 - Thy word have I hid in mine heart.
  2. Psalm 119:16 - I will not forget thy word.
  3. Psalm 119:25 - Quicken thou me according to thy word.
  4. Psalm 119:42 - I trust in thy word.
  5. Psalm 119:89 - Forever, O Lord, thy word is settled in heaven.
  6. Psalm 119:105 - Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.

Encouragement to cultivate a deep, personal relationship with the Word of God as a foundation for life and faith.