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Wednesday 03/12/25
Thru the Bible: Psalm Book V: Chapter 119
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The Intimate connection between God’s children & His word
Psalm 119
As you know we cracked open Psalm 119 last week. Being the longest chapter in the Bible, containing 176 verses, we decided to take our time working through it.
You remember that this is highly structured Psalm, being a poem and an alphabetical acrostic.
It is divided into 22 sections of 8 verses each with each section devoted to a letter in the Hebrew alphabet in order from A to Z or Aleph to Tav – and that each verse in each section also begins with that letter.
Lastly, in our intro to this unique Psalm I told you that each letter in the Hebrew alphabet was originally a pictographic symbol and that each of these symbols had unique meaning that CAN in some instances deepen our understanding of the text.
Also that these meanings appear to have been faithfully handed down over the years some of them being literal, some spiritual but many possessing both.
I also told you that while we ARE going to be looking for meanings in the pictographic symbols associated with each of the 22 divisions in this Psalm, we will not let that determine interpretation but only, where it seems applicable, enhance the clear meanings which can be only reliably and accurately be determined by the words, the grammar, the context and so on.
It is a noteworthy consideration that David Wilber makes. Wilbur is an author, Bible teacher, and CEO of Pronomian Publishing LLC.
He point out that…
“No scholarly lexicon defines Hebrew words according to the alleged pictographic meanings of the Hebrew letters. Nowhere do you find this methodology in any ancient Jewish writings (DSS, Targums, Pseudepigrapha, Josephus, Philo, etc.) or rabbinic literature (Mishnah, Talmud, Midrash, etc.). This idea just pops up out of nowhere in the past thirty years or so.” – article “The problem with Hebrew word pictures” on David Wilburs website.
Now for what I neglected to mention last week in our introduction.
This Psalm is not a progressive Psalm – meaning it does not contain a graduating theme throughout. Each section is a unit to its own.
However, it does have a rather constant and common theme throughout, as I addressed last week. That theme is a respect for the intrinsic value of God’s words coupled with the personal value it has to the individual who orders their life according to them.
I like what Pastor and commentator David Guzik said about this, and I quote:
“No matter who wrote it, we notice that it was likely written over some period of time and later compiled, because there is not a definite flow of thought from the beginning of the Psalm to the end. The sections and verses are not like a chain, where one link is connected to the other, but like a string of pearls where each pearl has equal, but independent value.”
Something I also neglected to mention which is kind of self-evident is that this has no stated author.
As always there is a little bit of a divide on the assumptions of authorship, but as we know, if God did not inspire or see to its preservation, it must not really matter.
That having been said, older commentators and scholars assume Davidic authorship while more recent and modern opinions favor a post-exilic writer like Nehemiah or Ezra.
While I think the overall tone wonderfully fits David, the topics easily fit any of these wonderful three men and since this Psalm is in Book V of the greater book of Psalms it is likely that this IS in fact post-exilic and that would be appropriate. You see following the Babylonian exile, knowledge of the Word of God was lacking. So making an alphabetical acrostic which extols the virtues of the word of God and how beneficial and desirable it is for God’ people to live their lives according to it would make even MORE sense than normal following such an exile.
And this Psalm does glorify God and His Word, repeatedly throughout.
In fact it is remarkable for how often it refers to God’s written revelation. Some reference to it can almost be found in every verse!
In this Psalm there are at least 8 different words used to describe the Scriptures, and interestingly enough they loosely correspond to those mentioned WITH THEIR INTENDED PURPOSES in Psalm 19.
These different words include:
- Law which is torah or torah. It is used 25. Its parent verb means ‘teach’ or ‘direct’. So when applied to instructions from God it takes on the meanings of ‘law’ and ‘revelation.’ It can be used regarding a single command or of an entire body of scripture within the law.
- Word, which is the Hebrew word dabar is used 24 times. It represents that portion of God’s revelation to man which He literally spoke to them. Such as, “Every word which proceeds from His mouth”.
- Judgments, which is mispatim (mis-pate-im) is used 23 times. These are those parts of God’s word which judge our words and works. They reveal the truths which enable us to discern wrong from right and so they become for us, rules by which we should regulate our lives.
- Testimonies, which isedot (ed-yet) is used 23 times. This word is related to the word for witness or even testimony in that it speaks of our loyalty and devotion to the terms of the covenant.
- Commandments, which is miswah (mitsvah) is used 22 times. This word has more to do with emphasizing God’s authority to determine what makes for right character and action than defining what those specifically are. Of course the most obvious example being the 10 commandments.
- Statutes, which is the word huqqim (huk-eem) is used 21 times. The noun form of this word is derived from the root verb “engrave” or “inscribe”. So naturally the idea is of God’s written word though it includes the notion of its native authority.
- Precepts, which is the word piqqudim, (pic-ood) is used 21 times. This word comes from words associated with oversight and authority like officier or overseer. When applied to God and His word the idea is one of His responsibility to examine a situation and take action. When spoken to us it regards particular instructions from God as being Someone Who cares about details.
And finally another “word”. This word “Word”, being different from dabar mentioned earlier. It is the Hebrew word imrah which is used 19 times. Though similar in meaning to dabar it is a far broader term encompassing much of what God has said. It may denote anything God has spoken, commanded, or even promised.
An example from scripture which uses two of these words is found in Exodus 16:28,
“How long do you refuse to obey my commandments (mitsvah) and my instructions (torah)?”
This was spoken by God to Moses regarding Israel, due to their disobeying His instructions regarding the gathering up of the mana.
Closing out this rather long secondary introduction to Psalm 119 let me also address Gematria (ge-mat-riah). This is the assigning of numerical values to the letters of the Hewbrew alphabet. This was also done to the Greek alphabet but goes by a different name. These are NOT their ordinal values, but assigned values. Little is known with certainty about who assigned the numbers or on what authority they did so. So far as I know the scriptures are silent on this so I think it is wise for us to sidestep working these into our study. I am NOT discounting it as insignificant, but since it cannot be confirmed as inspired, it can only safely be assumed to be subjective in nature. Its earliest practice seems to date back to the 6th century BC – which was right in the middle of Israel’s darkest hours spiritually including their exile in Babylon. This does not give me confidence in its inspiration. Also, that these numbers are a matter of tradition which was further adapted by Hellenistic Jews, makes it even less dependable in my view.
We begin tonight with the second division of this Psalm,which covers verses 9-16 and are associated with the Hebrew letter ‘B’ or Bet.
Bet, they say, is shaped like a house with an opened door and so “house” or “in” as in inside, inner sanctum, “open door” or “open vessel” and even “the foundation” are its literal pictographic meanings. As such its spiritual meaning can be pretty easily discerned.
Psalm 119:9-56,
(Bet) 9-16
“(9) How can a young man keep his way pure? By keeping Your word.
(10) I have sought You with all my heart; don’t let me wander from Your commands.
(11) I have treasured Your word in my heart so that I may not sin against You.
(12) LORD, may You be praised; teach me Your statutes.
(13) With my lips I proclaim all the judgments from Your mouth.
(14) I rejoice in the way revealed by Your decrees as much as in all riches.
(15) I will meditate on Your precepts and think about Your ways.
(16) I will delight in Your statutes; I will not forget Your word.”
This is a much used section of scripture and I dare say has been spoken in honest urgency from many a young person, especially young men regarding their awakening sexual desires and impulses. The literal translation of this is non gender specific thus the words “young person” is most literal. That having been said, let me just encourage you all in part of your duties in the work of the kingdom. Young people and in particular young men in the faith should be undergirded constantly in this regard. It is by far the most common and powerful influence towards disobedience to Christ than any other. At best it can derail a walk temporarily, at worst it can derail an entire life.
Notice that while this is a sin for ANY age and for various reasons, we know that it plays a pivotal role in the powerful temptations which confront the young and especially young men.
This is one of those sins about which we were instructed a few weeks ago in Paul’s letter to Timothy. He said, “Flee youthful lusts”. As I told you then, there are a great many sins we need to turn around and face with faith and courage. There are however some which the best advice is to turn and run. Some wars are won by fighting and some by fleaing and this most often is the later.
The word keep as in “keep their way pure” means to maintain a blameless walk or pure life. The words “keeping Your word” would more accurately be translated as guarding their paths by means of Your words (dabar).
As in many of the 176 verses which make up the whole of this Psalm there is urgency in the psalmist words. There seems to be an urgency which is looking to God as a source and power outside himself not only for guidance but especially strength to do and maintain a life of doing what is right.
Seeking God with all of the heart is an appeal back to the commands of God to Israel at large. But it also reflects tenacity and relational devotion. The psalmist does not want to offend God’s heart.
There is a cry for the praiseworthy and almighty God to be his instructor. Don’t miss this with your religious mind. He says,
“LORD, may You be praised; teach me Your statutes.”
His longing is not just for instruction but for THE Instructor. This is a soul which wants to be personally mentored by the God he desires to please.
The rest of this section supports this as a relational need. Employing references to
Proclaiming – which literally means to count off and record not just God’s judgments but the words bear down on them being those of God’s mouth – again placing the words in a relational context.
He rejoices in the right paths of a godly testimony which he esteems more valuable than any and all riches.
He makes God’s precepts, the meditation and pondering of his heart. He thinks about the personal “why” behind the command. Like Israel knew God’s works but Moses knew God’s ways!
In addition to this, these words are not just external to him, but they are his enjoyment and delight and he is determined to not forget God’s words!
Pictographic
Now if I wanted to stretch, I could find a number of ways in which the pictographic meaning has application here, but the failing would be that such could be true of nearly all 22 sections of Psalm 119 so that hardly distinguishes its meaning here.
I will say that if anything, the ideas of God’s word being the solid foundation for one’s life in the heart that is open and receptive to it can be seen. But again, that is not unique to these verses but is the ongoing theme of the entire chapter.
(Gimel) 17-24
The possible unreliable nature of pictographic meanings to the Hebrew letters seems to really stand out for Hebrew’s third letter Gimel. It is considered to resemble a “foot”. The suggested idea is a foot in motion. But then imaginations run wild in my opinion in that it is assumed that the which foot which is in motion, is of a wealthy person pursuing someone he wishes to bestow charity upon.
I don’t know about you but that is a leap I’m just not willing to make, but let’s look at this verse and see if a foot in motion has any impact at all upon its clear and obvious meaning.
“(17) Deal generously with Your servant so that I might live; then I will keep Your word.
(18) Open my eyes so that I may see wonderful things in Your law.
(19) I am a stranger on earth; do not hide Your commands from me.
(20) I am continually overcome by longing for Your judgments.
(21) You rebuke the proud, the accursed, who wander from Your commands.
(22) Take insult and contempt away from me, for I have kept Your decrees.
(23) Though princes sit together speaking against me, Your servant will think about Your statutes;
(24) Your decrees are my delight and my counselors.”
The psalmist owns his need for God and His interventions. He clearly identifies God’s words as that which he needs to hear, understand, be led and counseled by.
His respect for God’s heart, from which spring His words, precepts, judgments and commands is clear in that his heart literally aches with longing for His judgments. As you may recall, God’s judgments are those things by which we discern wrong from right. This man not only wants good discernment, he wants to live in the light of it. However, like all of us, he needs help.
That this is NOT just a simple longing to live a generally moral life is pretty obvious I think. This is attached to a relationship – not just a set of principles. This psalmist wants an unbroken, unhindered walk with God and clarity on what pleases His heart as opposed to what offends it is therefore essential!
I REALLY want you to see not just the words of this section but its relational moorings. Have you ever felt somewhat adrift in your relationship with God? That hit and miss, with emphasis on the “miss” seeming to define its stability? This man LONGS for God Himself. Therefore His words are held precious to Him. I think it safe to say that it is his treasure. Much like any note from a lover or dear friend. We hang upon those words because they don’t just speak TO us but INTO us. They are like fresh water to our souls that offer the warmth of closeness coupled with a rock solid sense of belonging.
He goes on to request of God that He remove from him both “insult” and “contempt” BECAUSE of his obedience to His commands.
Furthermore he identifies these as that by which the proud and accursed are rebuked.
Pictographic
If any connection at all with the meaning of gimel would be of this man running after God.
Honestly the only pictographic “fit” I can see with the assumed meaning is the fact that he is looking to God to act towards him as a benefactor with His words.
“Deal generously with”
“open my eyes”
“I am a stranger or foreigner (presumably in need of help)” and so on.
But I have to say that this seems to me to be a fit out of convenience, not one that comes naturally.
The next section is rich enough that I did not want to try and squeeze it in at the end of our time so we will begin with it next week.
Blessings!
Tri
