Psalm 119 (Aleph and
Beth)- verses 1-16
-Theme: The true
and enduring nature of the Word of God. Righteous living from a whole heart.
The blessed and blameless way.
-Historical Insight: This is the longest chapter of
Scripture with 176 verses. It is an anonymous Psalm, but some have suggested
Ezra, the priest, as the author after the first rebuilding of the Temple. It has 22 carefully constructed sections, each being 8 verses long and corresponding to the Hebrew alphabet. Each verse starts with the representing letter of the section and the vast majority of verses have God's Word mentioned in them. The reiteration and repetition was common in Hebrew culture where few transcripts existed and memorization was emphasized orally. Some of the most impactful and poignant verses in the Bible occur in this resonating chapter of truth.
-*Aleph Application* To be blameless (tamiym-sound, wholesome, unimpaired, innocent, having integrity) is
the best and most desired way to live your existence on this earth. If that is
to be accomplished, we must walk in the law of the LORD, which all revolves
around our love for Him and others (Matthew 22:36-40). We must seek Him with
all our heart (Deuteronomy 4:29; 6:5, Psalm 119:2, Jeremiah 29:13). His ways
are righteous with ordained precepts that are to be diligently followed. This
will establish our ways in this world according to a higher calling and reality
that transcends the common, mundane, and temporary. We will find no shame in
the ways of the LORD. They will be pleasing and give us abundant life now and
for all eternity (John 10:10). His ways can be learned quickly as well as over a
long period of time with constant growing and abiding (Psalm 119:7, Ephesians
4:15, John 15).
-*Beth Application* A young man can keep his way pure by
keeping it according to the Word of the LORD. Keep seeking after God with a
whole heart and allow His Spirit to keep you from wandering off the straight
and narrow path (Psalm 119:1-2, Matthew 7:13-14). Treasure God’s Word and hide
it in your place of deepest affection. This will keep you from sinning when
temptation comes against your well-being (Psalm 119:11). We must hunger and
thirst after righteousness, begging Him to teach us daily from His statutes and
meditating on His precepts (Psalm 119:12-16, Matthew 5:6, Luke 9:23). Then, we
will live a pleasing and unadulterated life before our King with no regrets.
Verse to Memorize:
Psalm 119:11
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