When you think about Psalm 119 what thoughts come to mind? For many, it’s just another Psalm. To others, it’s a very long Psalm. Another group might add that it is the longest chapter, in terms of verses, in the entire Bible – 176 verses.
In this two-part devotion I would like to share with you some thoughts that the Lord has revealed to me over the years, as well as some interesting highlights from this master Psalm. If you sense that I have fallen in love with this Psalm, then I must confess, I have. For it is much more than just another Psalm. It is a vast storehouse of spiritual gold which God has graciously allowed all who desire to fill their pockets, as well as their souls, to overflowing with its treasures.
The Law of God
As one reads this Psalm it’s hard to escape the one central theme of the psalmist. And that theme is to tell all the world that the law, testimonies, ways, precepts, statues, commandments, judgements, word, and ordinances of God are the ultimate source of true joy, peace, wisdom, hope, and meaning in life.
Using The New American Standard Bible, I came up with the following verse analysis: Of the 176 verses, all but four fail to mention some word relating to the law of God. These verses are 90, 121, 122, and 132. Counting the several verses that use one of the words below more than once I came up with the following:
Word used for God’s Law Number of Times Used
Your Law 25
Your Testimonies 23
Your Ways 3
Your Precepts 21
Your Statues 22
Your Commandments 22
Your Judgements 5
Your Word(s) 41
Your Ordinances 16
Total 178
Eight times the psalmist askes God to: “Teach me Your Statues.” Verses 12, 26, 33, 64, 68, 108, 124, and 135.
Nine times he refers to God’s word, law, commandments, etc. to be his delight. Verses 16, 24, 35, 47, 70, 77, 92, 143, and 174.
And ten times the psalmist requests God to revive him according to and by His word, ordinances, etc. And I praise the Lord because I believe he knew that it is the only way to be revived in this life. These verses can be found in: 25, 37, 40, 88, 93, 107, 149, 154, 156, and 159.
In tomorrow’s devotion we will explore some more fascinating observations in this most cherished Psalm.