Psalm 119

I. Introduction: Psalm 119 is the longest psalm and the longest chapter in the Bible. It is a psalm extolling the magnificence of God’s word.

[!NOTE] Primary Scripture Reading: Psalm 119:97-104

II. Background

A. Author’s name is not given

B. Order of the psalm

C. Each eight stanza section begins with a letter of the Hebrew alphabet (there are 22 letters total) The first word of the stanza begins with the section letter.

D. Often neglected for its sheer length and apparent repetition

E. Though some ideas arise multiple times, they are presented in different circumstances or contexts to give a variation on meaning. The length of the psalm saved George Wishart’s life. Awaiting execution, he was allowed to choose a Psalm to be sung. He chose Psalm 119 and before two-thirds of the Psalm had been sung, his pardon arrived. (The Treasury of David. Charles Spurgeon, Vol 3, p.133)

F. Theme of the psalm is adoration for God’s word

III. The author desired to keep the Law diligently but realized his inability to do so

A. Ashamed of disobedience, v.4-6

B. Prayed to God for understanding

C. 18 – “Open my eyes” v.27 – “make me understand the way of your precepts” v.33-34 – “Teach me your way” v.66 – “Teach me good judgment”

D. Desired faithfulness, v.10, 176

E. He did not want to be distracted so that he would wander from the path set forth in God’s law. Hebrews 2:1-3 – Must not drift away (wander) from the gospel James 5:19-20 – To wander from the truth leads to peril

F. He wanted to be obedient to the law for it was his perfect guide

IV. Purpose of the Law

A. Guide to the young and old

B. 9 – guide for the youngv.24 –a counselorv.97-100 – the wisest teacherv.105 – a lamp and guidev.130 – enlightens the simple

C. Reveals the wonders of God

D. 27 – meditate on wondrous worksv.89-91 – Word established in heaven, earth keeps its ordinances

E. Answers the critics

F. 19-23 – Princes speak against him but God will punish themv.42 – Gives answer to one who reproachesv.69-71 – diligence despite persecution; persecution gave him strength

G. Gives hope

H. 49-50 – Confidence in God’s promisesv.92-95 – Confidence in God’s carev.81-83 – Hope amid great trial and obvious suffering

I. Refreshes

J. 25 – Revive the beaten downv.107 – Revive the afflictedv.153-160 – Revive the one who is oppressed by the wicked

K. Warns of Judgment, v.120

L. Summary: Psalm 19:7-11

V. Application to the gospel

A. We ought to have greater love for the gospel

B. It reveals God’s grace, remission of sins, and the love of Jesus Hebrews 8:6 – Better covenant made on better promises

C. Gospel accomplishes much for us

D. Ephesians 1:16-18 – Enlightens us Ephesians 3:17-19 – reveals the wonders of God Colossians 4:5-6; 1 Peter 3:15-16 – answer the critics Colossians 1:3-5 – give hope

E. Refreshes

F. Romans 12:1-22 Corinthians 4:16 Warns – Hebrews 2:1-4; 2 Peter 2:20-21

VI. Attitude

A. Attitude towards the Law

B. Love God and His word with the whole heart, v.1-2. Delight in the Law of God, v.15-16 Consider it most valuable, v.72, 127 Is the song within, v.54 Sweet to consume, v.103

C. Do we have this attitude towards the gospel?

D. We should love it for it is the word of salvation

E. Romans 1:161 Corinthians 1:21 It should be sweet to consume, not like eating unpleasant vegetables

F. The Bible should be our most valuable possession

G. Some have died because they possessed a copy of the Bible It should not be treated casually; it contains the words of life