The 119th psalm is another example of the use of the Hebrew alphabet in acrostic form in the Psalms. It is divided into 22 sections, each containing 8 verses, and over each section is a Hebrew letter with its name in English. These Hebrew letters are arranged in alphabetical order, “aleph” being the Hebrew A, “beth” the Hebrew B, and so on to the 22nd and last letter of that alphabet, “tau” or “tav” corresponding to our letter T or TH. Each of the eight verses in a section in the original language begins with the letter written over it.
Section 1 ALEPH
The first section of 8 verses is a sort of introduction to the whole psalm. It is the fourth “blessed” psalm; Psalms 1:32; 41; and 128, are the others which tell who the blessed, ones are; compare particularly Psalms 1; 32 and 119th (verses 1, 2).
The marginal reading “perfect” is better than “undefiled” in verse 1 of the 119th psalm. This first section seems to call for no exposition here.
Section 2 BETH
The subject of the second section is the cleansing power of the Word of God. The opening verse 9 asks and answers a question, and in connection with it we may refer to John 3:5; 13:3-15; 15:35Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. (John 3:5)
3Jesus knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he was come from God, and went to God; 4He riseth from supper, and laid aside his garments; and took a towel, and girded himself. 5After that he poureth water into a bason, and began to wash the disciples' feet, and to wipe them with the towel wherewith he was girded. 6Then cometh he to Simon Peter: and Peter saith unto him, Lord, dost thou wash my feet? 7Jesus answered and said unto him, What I do thou knowest not now; but thou shalt know hereafter. 8Peter saith unto him, Thou shalt never wash my feet. Jesus answered him, If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with me. 9Simon Peter saith unto him, Lord, not my feet only, but also my hands and my head. 10Jesus saith to him, He that is washed needeth not save to wash his feet, but is clean every whit: and ye are clean, but not all. 11For he knew who should betray him; therefore said he, Ye are not all clean. 12So after he had washed their feet, and had taken his garments, and was set down again, he said unto them, Know ye what I have done to you? 13Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am. 14If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another's feet. 15For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you. (John 13:3‑15)
3Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you. (John 15:3) and 19:34; Ephesians 5:2626That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, (Ephesians 5:26); Titus 3:55Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; (Titus 3:5); 1 John 5:68, all of which speak of water in a symbolic way. Water we know cleanses, and the Word of God cleanses, purifies the believer morally by the power of the Holy Spirit. This cleansing is connected in the most striking way with the death of Christ; both atonement for sin, and the cleansing of the sinner are seen in the blood and water flowing from the side of the dead Saviour. The. Bible shows us that we were dead in trespasses and sins, and that through Christ’s death alone we have life, eternal life.
The Word of God known in the heart is not only to cleanse our ways however; it is also the secret of a happy life as verses 10, 11, 14, 16 show.
Section 3 GIMEL
The third section, verses 17-24, of this long psalm brings to view the saint of God in trial. Here the Word of God has been the guide, and the meditation of one sustained in hope. Already he has been relieved by God’s intervention, but he looks for yet fuller blessing, and connects his hopes and prayers with the Word, of which he desires to know more.
Section 4 DALETH
The fourth section, verses 25 to 32, carries on the thought of a saint of the coming day on earth, in trial. He is not here occupied with the judgment of the proud as in verses 17-24, but is thinking of his own failure. He looks to God for strength and for enlargement of heart, that he may live according to God’s Word.
Section 5 HE
In the fifth section (verses 33 to 40) is seen the result of trial gone through in dependence on God; the saint asks to be taught by Him, to be given understanding; he would be made to walk in the path pointed out in the Word of God. He desires to be established, and to find even more enjoyment in His Word.
Section 6 VAU
The sixth section looks for mercies, so that the saint may be able to answer those that reproach him, and to testify before kings for God.
Section 7 ZAIN
In the seventh section, verses 49 to 56, there is the sense of comfort in the Word of God giving rise to songs in the house of pilgrimage.
What gives Psalm 119 its special character is the Word of God written on the heart—the fulfillment of Hebrews 10:1616This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them; (Hebrews 10:16). It is not the Christian’s position that we see in this psalm, but that of the recovered Israelite in the time of the Messiah’s showing Himself again to that nation. The heart opens out to God, and the thoughts and feelings of these faithful ones are set out as they view His statutes and judgments.
What a contrast there is between the language of Psalm 119, and the behavior of the Jews when the Lord was here 1900 years ago! (See Romans chapters 9, 10 and 11.)
Section 8 CHETH
In the eighth section of our psalm, Jehovah is the portion of the believer. He has been thinking of his own ways, and the blessed result is, that he has turned his feet to the Word of God. Would that all God’s children did this!
In verse 55 the name of Jehovah was remembered in the night, but verse 62 shows a yet happier state when the saint is awake at the midnight hour.
Section 9 TETH
The benefits of affliction are before us in the ninth section: “Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I keep Thy Word.” Verse 67.
“It is good for me that I have been afflicted, that I might learn Thy statutes.” Verse 71.
The Christian is apt to murmur when trials come, not seeing that God has purposes of blessing which wait upon this necessary training of His children. Can each of us say, as the expression of cur own hearts, what verse 72 declares? It is well with us if we can.
Section 10 YOD
In verse 73 Jehovah is asked, as His Creator, to give His servant understanding in order that he may learn His commandments. But He is more than Creator,—He rules, He governs, He is interested in all those who fear Him, and acts in mercy toward them; in faithfulness He afflicts them.
Verses 75 to 80 are the response to Him of one whose heart has been touched by the goodness of God to him. Verse 80 should find an echo in every Christian’s breast.
Section 11 CAPH
The eleventh section is written for one in trouble. He is like a leather bottle in the smoke of the curing house, and pleads for the comfort which only God can give him. He has however learned the value of the Word of God, as nearly every verse shows.
Section 12 LAMED
In the twelfth section God is again looked upon as the Creator, His Word stands in the heavens where none can reach it, and His faithfulness is unchanging. He established the earth and it stands by His ordinances while century succeeds century of time. In the written Word of this changeless and faithful Jehovah, the tried and troubled saint rests in hope.
All of this psalm is connected with the exercises of heart which the children of Israel will pass through who will turn to God in the last days. Other psalms have told of their circumstances; this tells the effect of the writing of the law on their hearts while in the furnace of affliction, and afterward.
How precious is the mercy of God, to be shown, after centuries of dealing with the Gentiles, again to the Jews, whose bitter cry was, “His blood be on us, and on our children.” Matthew 27:2525Then answered all the people, and said, His blood be on us, and on our children. (Matthew 27:25).
Section 13 MEM
The 13th section of the psalm tells the new and deep delight of the saint in God’s Word. In it he meditates; through it he is made wiser than his enemies, and obtains more understanding than all his teachers, and the aged. Along with these gains, he has learned to keep out of every evil path, and to not depart from God’s judgments. Verse 104 calls for more than passing notice.
“From Thy precepts I get understanding, therefore I hate every false path.” O, that God’s Word were in this way more and more in the heart and mind of every believer today!
Section 14 NUN
Section 14 carries the subject further, “Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path” (verse 105).
The book of God, the Bible, makes altogether plain the way that you and I are going, dear Christian. It throws a clear light just where I need it, as I take my way through a morally dark world, and its bright rays lighten up the whole path for me. This is as true in days of trial as in quiet, untroubled days.
Section 15 SAMECH
The 15th section is closely connected with the 14th, because when the Word of God gives me light on my pathway through life, it leads me to walk carefully. Verse 113 is rightly translated,
Section 16 AIN
The 16th section looks for Jehovah to act; the Israel of nature having made void His law. Those who oppressed the faithful, will be still in the land at this time, it is clear. Not all at once will the Lord, Israel’s mighty Deliverer, bring to an end the power of rebellious man.
Section 17 PE
In the 17th section is an important principle worthy of our study,
“The entrance of Thy Words giveth light, giving understanding to the simple.” Verse 130.
The Word of God has power over the conscience and the heart, the mind too, if we are subject to it. How much we owe to the wisdom, love and power of our Saviour God! Blessed be His name forever!
Section 18 TZADE
The 18th section of this psalm upholds God’s righteous ways and His faithfulness in the difficulties of the godly in the time to come for which the psalms were written.
Section 19 KOPH
The 19th section calls upon Him out of trouble, as having His law written in the heart.
Section 20 RESH
Section 20 is similar, but looks for deliverance, the wicked persecutors and oppressors being many, but His tender mercies many, too.
Section 21 SHIN
In the 21St section, the believer is occupied with God and His Word. He has experienced persecution without a cause. Verse 162 tells the story of a believer who has found the key to happiness, “I have joy in Thy Word as one that findeth great spoil.”
Such is the Bible to those who study it prayerfully, seeking to learn God’s ways, and more of the Lord Jesus Christ our hope.
One result of this diligent study of the Word of God is seen in verse 163, another in verse 164 and another in verse 165; indeed the whole section is a testimony to the power of the Book to draw the earnest, devout believer near to God. Shall not we take encouragement from verses 161 to 168, and addict ourselves to the humble study of the Book of Books?
Section 22 TAU
It will have been noticed that every verse of the 176 has included some mention of the Word of God. Shall we not henceforth more highly regard this invaluable Book, and read it prayerfully, and with a purpose, every day? It is, in the hands of the Holy Spirit, a complete guide for the child of God. It reproves, corrects, blesses, cheers and strengthens those who love the Lord, enlarges their understanding, deepens their love to Him who died for them and lives again, is coming soon to take them to His eternal home, eternally His love to share.