Download Psalm 119

Lesson 21: Psalm 119
“A Meditation of God’s Perfect Word”
Introduction to Psalm 119
• Psalm 119 contains 176 lines or verses
arranged in 22 stanzas of 8 verses each.
• Psalm 119 is Alphabetic/Acrostic
– Each eight-verse stanza of Psalm 119 begins
with the succeeding letter of the Hebrew
alphabet.
– Each of the other seven verses in a stanza
also begins with that same letter
• In this Psalm, all of the letters of the
Hebrew alphabet combine in perfect form
in order to praise the perfect Word of Lord.
Introduction to Psalm 119
In English, the effect would be something like this:
A blessing is on them that are undefiled in the way
and walk in the law of Jehovah;
A blessing is on them that keep his testimonies,
and seek him with their whole heart;
Also on them that do no wickedness, but walk in
his ways.
A law hast thou given unto us, that we should
diligently keep thy commandments.
Ah! Lord, that my ways were made so direct that I
might keep thy statutes!
And then shall I not be confounded. While I have
respect unto all thy commandments.
As for me, I will thank thee with an unfeigned
heart, when I shall have learned thy righteous
judgments.
An eye will I have unto thy ceremonies, O forsake
me not utterly.
Photo of Psalm 119:59-64 from the
Dead Sea Scrolls
Jehovah's name is in the ancient Hebrew script
while the rest of the text is in a more modern
Hebrew that was used at the time. Note that each
line begins with the Hebrew letter "Heth" denoting
its part in the acrostic of Psalm 119.
Introduction to Psalm 119
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Nearly every verse in this Psalm refers to God’s
word, either specifically or by use of a synonym.
The Law – broad expression of God’s will for man
Testimonies – God’s righteous witness
Judgments – pronouncements of right and wrong
Statutes – particular laws
Ordinances – ordained regulations, authoritative
orders
Precepts – principles intended as general rules of
action or conduct
Commandments – orders given by one in
authority
Promise – a declaration related to future intentions
Way or ways – that which leads in a given
direction or a course of action
Outline of Psalm 119
• Aleph (1-8) – God’s word blesses those who
keep it. Desire to keep it!
• Beth (9-16) – Heeding God’s word is the key to
living a clean life.
• Gimel (17-24) – A prayer to understand God’s
delightful word.
• Daleth (25-32) – A prayer to be revived and
empowered by God’s word.
• Heh (33-40) – The keeping of God’s word is
life’s first priority.
• Waw (41-48) – Trusting God’s word holds hope
of salvation and vindication.
Outline of Psalm 119
• Zayin (49-56) – God’s word gives comfort.
• Heth (57-64) – Dedication and determination to
keeping God’s word.
• Teth (65-72) – The blessing of being disciplined
by God’s word.
• Yod (73-80) – Those who fear the Lord turn to
one who keeps God’s word.
• Kaph (81-88) – Search God’s word for strength
to endure persecution.
• Lamed (89-96) – God’s eternal word is trusted
forever by His servants.
• Mem (97-104) – God’s word provides superior
wisdom and moral understanding.
Outline of Psalm 119
• Nun (105-112) – God’s word is a light in dark
places.
• Samek (113-120) – God’s word demands singleminded devotion; God rejects the double-minded.
• Ayin (121-128) – A plea for God to preserve and
protect one who has kept His word.
• Peh (129-136) – God’s word gives light and
understanding; it should be desired and kept!
• Tsadde (137-144) – God’s word is everlastingly
true and righteous.
• Qoph (145-152) – Great desire for God’s great
word.
Outline of Psalm 119
• Resh (153-160) – A plea to be revived by
God’s word.
• Shin (161-168) – God’s law should be
loved.
• Tau (169-176) – Man’s words should
plead for, praise and proclaim God’s word.