Psalm 119 is by far the longest chapter in the Bible. It is a poem about the Law and word of the LORD. It is divided into sections based on the Hebrew alphabet, and each section starts with a Hebrew word that corresponds to the letter of the Hebrew alphabet that is the title for that section. The purpose of the psalm is to show us how vital God’s word is, and how important it is for us to read, meditate, and live it in our lives.
In “Aleph” the psalmist sets forth how vital it is to obey the LORD’s commands. To obey His commands we must know them. To know them we must read and study them. Investing the time to read through the Bible regularly is one aspect of fulfilling this aspect of the psalm.
In “Beth” we are told how a young man (or woman) can live purely: by following the commands of the LORD. We are called to hide the LORD’s word in our hearts so we won’t sin against Him. We are reminded that to obey His decrees is to ensure life.
In “Gimel” the psalmist reminds the LORD to protect him, because he has followed the LORD’s decrees.
In “Daleth” the psalmist calls on the LORD to preserve and protect him once again, because he has kept His ways. This is not only a recurring them in Psalm 119, but throughout the psalms as we know by this time.
In “He” the psalmist asks the LORD to keep him focused on His law so he will follow His path and not be led astray. The Law is a guide and establishes boundaries for a life well-lived.
In “Waw” he asks for the LORD’s love. He also states he loves the Law of the LORD. He meditates on it, and it keeps his life focused on the LORD.
In “Zayin” the psalmist tells the LORD His law is his hope in suffering. It gives him guidance against his enemies.
In “Heth” the psalmist promises to follow the LORD’s laws even if the wicked binds him, and he will also partner with those who follow the law. He reminds us the LORD’s love fills the earth. What does that have to do with the law? The law flows out of the LORD’s love for us. He guides us with it, because He loves us.
In “Teth” the psalmist points out that at one time he did evil and paid the consequences. Now, he follows the law of the LORD and the result is blessing. Though his enemies attack him, he will continue to follow the way of the LORD.
In “Yodh” he acknowledges the LORD formed him, and corrected him out of His love. He tells us again that he meditates on the law of the LORD. Meditation as presented in the Bible, is not a mindless activity as it is in many eastern religions or modern forms of exercise. It is a focused reflection of the law with the purpose of understanding and living it to honor the LORD.
In “Kaph” the psalmist asks the LORD how long he must suffer at the hands of his enemies? He reminds the LORD of his faithfulness and hope in the LORD and acknowledges he will continue to trust in the LORD through his suffering.
In “Lamedh” he points out the law of the LORD is the foundation of His life. He hopes in it in suffering. He waits for the LORD’s deliverance as he lives out the law. He tells us there is a limit to all human perfection, but the perfection of the law is boundless. The absolute nature of the LORD’s law and truth is expressed here. It is the anchor in our lives, even when the storms rage all around us.
In “Mem” the psalmist tells us the law of the LORD has made him wiser than his enemies, his teachers, and the elders. This has happened, because he meditates on the law day and night. He knows he can trust in the LORD and in the wisdom he gains from the law regardless of what happens or how his enemies attack.
In “Nun” he tells us the LORD’s word is a lamp unto his feet and a light unto his path. We see the law guides us in our immediate circumstances as well as into the distance or the future. It is the foundation of our loves. He tells us the law is his joy. Not many in our day would understand the law that way, but when we follow the way of the LORD it leads us to joy. The boundaries He has established for us bring the greatest peace and contentment in our lives, but only when we follow them.
In “Samekh” the psalmist contrasts double-minded and evil men with the LORD and His law. He has chosen to follow the LORD and calls on the LORD to protect and deliver Him from such people.
In “Ayin” he calls on the LORD to deliver him from his enemies, because he has followed the law. He tells the LORD he loves His law more than gold, more than pure gold. What a statement! People often focus on the material blessings of life and gaining them as a means of security. The psalmist reminds us the ultimate means to security is a relationship with the LORD that results in obedience to His law.
In “Pe” the psalmist tells the LORD His statutes are wonderful, which is why he obeys them. The guide his path, and bring deliverance from his foes. This approach to life leaves the psalmist secure, but he cries because he sees the LORD’s law being disobeyed.
In “Tsadhe” he tells the LORD He is righteous and His ways are right. That is why he follows them. What an important truth: we follow the law, because the law giver is righteous and has our best interests at heart!
In “Qoph” the psalmist calls out to the LORD and he promises if the LORD will answer he will follow His laws. This is not an “if you will do this, then I will do that” type of prayer as it seems on the surface. We know that because he tells us he meditates on the law through the night. He isn’t bargaining with the LORD. He is reminding the LORD of his faithfulness to Him, and requesting the LORD’s action on his behalf.
In “Resh”he once again calls out to the LORD for deliverance because of His faithfulness. He has many enemies, who do not follow the law, and he calls on the Lord to remember him in his times of need.
In “Sin and Shin” the psalmist tells us again his enemies are attacking him, but he follows the law. He calls out to the LORD seven times a day. Again, we see he has a lifestyle of living for the LORD, calling on the LORD, serving the LORD, and following the law of the LORD.
In “Taw” the final portion of the psalm, we see a bit of a summary of all we have seen throughout the psalm. The psalmist again calls on the LORD, and reiterates the place of the law in his life. It is central to him, and he calls on the LORD to preserve him.
As we turn to Luke 4, let’s focus on Jesus’ “mission statement.” After being tempted in the wilderness for forty days by the devil, and passing the test, Jesus’ ministry begins. He goes to the synagogue in Nazareth and is given the opportunity to read the Scripture. He opens the scroll of the prophet Isaiah and reads: 18“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me,because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor.He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed, 19to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” Luke 4:18-19 (ESV) After reading these words, Jesus hands the scroll back to the attendant and pauses. Every eye is on Him. What will He say? He tells the listeners, “Today, this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.” Those words were written by Isaiah to describe the Messiah. Jesus was telling the people He was the Messiah! As we would expect, the people looked at Him intently. They waited for more. The more He gave them was a reminder that a prophet is not without honor except in his hometown, and among his own people. The message incensed the crowd, and they sought to kill Him. Not exactly the kind of start one would expect for the Messiah. Why would Jesus say such things after announcing His mission and identity? The short answer is: He wanted the people to know He was not the kind of Messiah they expected. They wanted a conquering king, a heroic Messiah who would establish Israel as the world power. He came to side with the weak and outcast, to heal the sick, and to proclaim the year of the LORD’s favor. This agenda would eventually lead to His death. This first encounter with the crowd was merely a foreshadowing of what was ahead for Jesus. He knew that. That is why He came!