Podcast Introduction

Today is Psalms Wednesday and we’ll read chapter 119. Last week we read the shortest Psalm and the shortest chapter in the Bible. Psalm 119 is the longest. Today we’re going to skip on this date in church history I’m calling today’s episode “Ode To the Owner’s Manual.“

Design: Steve Webb | Photo: Timothy Eberly on Unsplash

Comments on Psalm 119

Introduction to Psalm 119

We do not know the author of this, the longest psalm and the longest chapter in the Bible. Psalm 119 is another acrostic. There are 22 sections of 8 verses each, and each section is assigned one of the 22 Hebrew letters in succession, with each verse in each section beginning with that letter.

Psalm 119 is written to glorify God and His Word. Nearly every verse mentions Scripture in one way or another. The most common word used is Law, or in Hebrew, torah. It appears 25 times. The Hebrew word dabar, which is translated as "word" in English, appears 24 times. Judgements, or mispatim (Hebrew) is used 23 times. Testimonies (edut/edot Hebrew) is also used 23 times. Commandments (miswah/miswot) shows up 22 times. Statutes (huqqim), 21 times. Precepts (piqqudim) 21 times. Word (imrah) 19 times.

It is important to note that without exception, every mention of the Scripture is tied to its author...God. This psalm is not a celebration simply of Scripture, but of Him, the giver of Scripture.

“This wonderful psalm, from its great length, helps us to wonder at the immensity of Scripture. From its keeping to one subject it helps us to adore the unity of Scripture; for it is but one. Yet, from the many turns it gives to the same thought, it helps you to see the variety of Scripture…. Some have said that in it there is an absence of variety, but that is merely the observation of those who have not studied it. I have weighed each word, and looked at each syllable with lengthened meditation; and I bear witness that this sacred song has no tautology in it, but is charmingly varied from beginning to end. Its variety is that of a kaleidoscope: from a few objects a boundless variation is produced. In the kaleidoscope you look once, and there is a strangely beautiful form. You shift the glass a very little, and another shape, equally delicate and beautiful, is before your eyes. So it is here.” (Charles Spurgeon)

“Luther professed that he prized this Psalm so highly, that he would not take the whole world in exchange for one leaf of it.” (Charles Bridges)

Comments on Psalm 119

As I said in the Introduction, the word for Scripture that is used most in this psalm is torah, which is rightly translated as "law." But isn't it interesting that the second, perhaps more nuanced definition of Torah is direction? God's Law is very accurately described by some as an Owner's Manual for us. 

Several years ago, the church where I was in charge of the tech used in the sanctuary for over 20 years did a complete remodel in the sanctuary. It was over a year long undertaking, and part of project was to upgrade the sound system. Since I was tech guy, it was been my job to recommend new equipment. once the new equipment arrived, I had to learn how to use it. Guess what the first thing was I looked for when I opened the boxes. Right. The Owner's Manual. I wanted to be sure we got the best sound out of the new hardware, and I wanted to be sure I don't break anything. I wanted to use the equipment as it was made to be used. 

God created us, and He knows how we best operate, and how we can best reach our highest potential. And that is why His law was given to us. It was because of His great loving kindness. God didn't want us thrashing about trying to figure things out on our own. And Psalms chapter 119 is filled with praise to God for giving us directions for our life.

Thank you Lord, for your loving kindness, and for revealing yourself to us through your Word.

Today's Bible Translation

Bible translation used in today's episode: Ch.