The longest of the psalms, with the theme of the Word of God. Each of the eight verses in a stanza begins with the Hebrew letter at the start, and each stanza has its own theme. C.S. Lewis comments that this Psalm is a pattern, a thing done like embroidery, stitch by stitch, for the love of the subject, and for the delight in disciplined craftsmanship.

 

v1-8: ALEPH - the need for obedience. This stanza introduces the whole Psalm, just as Ps 1 introduces the whole book of Psalms; God is looking for the godly man who is obedient to His word. Within this stanza we also find the character and example of Christ set before us.

v1: Christ is blameless, always fulfilling God's word; His obedience was always "according to the law of the Lord."

v2: Christ is wholehearted, utterly perfect and committed to obedience. The theme of wholeheartedness recurs;

• seek God with the whole heart, v2, 10;
• obey God with the whole heart, v34, 69;
• pray to God with the whole heart, v58, 145.

v3: Being holy and pure, avoiding wrong doing; we cannot be obedient and do wrong.

v4: Christ obeyed the word of God "fully," or diligently. God has the right to demand full obedience; Christ has demonstrated such a life, and we are fully equipped to live this life.

v5: We recognise that it is human to go astray, although that cannot excuse our disobedience. Being conscious of our weakness, we must seek His strength to obey. The Lord is looking for a real desire in our hearts that we might obey Him.

v6: The word of God exposes sins in our lives. The aim is to have a clear conscience, a life without shame or condemnation.

v7: Christ lived a life of praise to God, genuine, sincere, true praise; how the Son must have praised the Father. Such praise is totally consistent with obedience.

v8: Commitment to obedience, as in Ps 40.7-8. That is linked with nearness to God. We also have confidence in God that He will not abandon us.

 

v9-16: BETH - commitment to obedience in practice.

v9-11: There is a need to guard against temptation, just as the Lord Jesus used Scripture against the enemy. For the young man with the temptations and trials of youth, the Scriptures give help. We should get into the word, and make sure it gets into us.

v12: Desire to learn from God through His word.

v13: Testimony to the truth of God's word. Through our words, others come to appreciate His word also.

v14-16: We deeply value what God has said; rejoice, meditate, contemplate, delight; in v35, we find delight in God's word.

 

v17-24: GIMEL - light and life from God.

v17-18: Praying for God's help; we are dependent, not complacent; we find life through the word, and we find light in His word. Here are wonderful things, things that cannot be found elsewhere.

v19-23: The scriptures enable us to cope with 'other-worldliness', the fact that we are strangers and pilgrims here. It gives us strength to deal with the proud, the enemies of God, with reproach and contempt, and with personal persecution.

Jonathan Edwards comments that v20, "my soul breaks with longing.." is reflected in the NT by Rom 8.26, "groanings which cannot be uttered."

v24: As well as delighting in God's word, we submit our lives to it. Others may mock us, or mock the word, but we will delight in the things of God.

 

v25-32: DALETH - strength in times of affliction.

v25: The proof of God's faithfulness; "according to your word," this phrase appearing several more times in the psalm; v28, 41, 58, 65, 76, 107, 116, 124, 149, 154, 156, 159, 169. God's works are in accordance with His revealed will; this gives us great confidence and comfort.

v26-29: The promises of God provide a foundation for our obedience; and strength in our lives; there seems to be a sequence of experience here: "I recounted my ways - teach me - let me understand - strengthen me - keep me from deceitful ways - be gracious to me." The word moulds godly character in the life. Affliction is seen as part of life, and is part of the way in which God moulds our character.

v30-32: Here the psalmist declares his commitment to obey; "I have chosen - I have set my heart - I hold fast - I run." Here is joyful obedience, with a heart set free.

 

v33-40: HE - the nature of God's word; the different Hebrew words used here show the various purposes of God's word. The repeated requests show that we are dependent on God through His word; teach me, give me understanding, direct me, turn my heart, turn my eyes, preserve my life, fulfil your promise. Notice too the psalmist's delight in God's word, and his desire to obey; "I will keep them - I will keep your law and obey it - there I find delight - how I long for your precepts."

 

v33-34: Need for understanding, which promotes obedience. There is also a willingness to go God's way.

Precepts (statutes, Heb: CHOQ); God's word inscribed, as in stone, to mark a boundary. Here is the permanent unchanging declaration of the word of God.

Law (Heb: TORAH); direction, learning.

Obedience here is to be wholehearted, as in v69.

v35: Commands (commandments, Heb: MITSVAH); what God has said, a word of authority. This is the word in which we delight; see v16, 24, 35, 47, 70, 77, 174.

v36-37: Obedience and sin cannot go together. A deep love for God's ways enables us to reject worthless things.

Statutes (testimonies, Heb: EDUWTH), that give witness to God and His character.

Way (see NIV margin), or path; this describes a journey (Gen 24.21), a whole direction and manner of life being according to God's words. Obedience is thus a step-by-step experience with God, not just a one-off response to Him.

v38: Promise (word, Heb: IMRAH), a statement or declaration, including a promise made.

v39: Laws (judgments, Heb: MISHPAT), a decision, between right and wrong; God's judgments are always good and trustworthy.

v40: Precepts (Heb: PIQQUD), our God-given responsibilities. The godly desire in us is to fulfil our responsibilities towards Him.

Other words not used in this section are:

• Word (Heb: DABAR), a statement, declaration;
• Judgment (Heb: TAAM), true perception.

 

v41-48: WAW - the value of God's word.

v41: We experience God's unfailing love and wonderful salvation, because of the promises of His word. This is something that is personal; the psalmist uses I, me, my, 17 times in this stanza.

v42-43: Dependence upon God's word; here is strength for the different trials of life. Some trials are at the hand of man, and our response is in God's word. The psalmist feared losing the word, such was his love for it, and dependence upon it. Compare Samuel's concern in 1 Sam 12.23. The word should be on our lips and on our mind.

v44: The psalmist was committed to obedience, valuing God's word; he speaks also of love and respect and devotion towards God's word.

v45: The word brings freedom, for obedience is release, not bondage. This is a wonderful truth, since the world considers obedience something of a restriction. Further, the use of 'precept' indicates that to fulfil our responsibilities towards God is no restriction.

v46: God's word is appropriate in all circumstances; wisdom for the mind, joy in the heart, and peace in the conscience. We have no fear, whatever circumstance we find ourselves in.

v47: We love God and His word; here is our delight.

v48: God's word is praiseworthy, and the psalmist gives time to meditate on what God has said. "Decrees," or statutes (RAV) reveal God's character through His word; thus our meditation on His word leads us to Him.

 

v49-56: ZAYIN - strength in times of trouble

v49: Our hope is based on God's promises. Our hope is therefore something certain.

v50: Solace in affliction.

v51: Strength when we are mocked; this stanza does not deal with answering our enemies, contrast v42,46.

v52: Comfort in God's word. The history of God's dealings with men, and His revelation of Himself, provide comfort for us.

v53: Our desire to obey puts us on a collision course with the world, for those who reject God also reject His ways. We meet conflict because of this.

v54: Our joy is based on God, not on circumstances; just as Paul and Silas sang in prison.

v55-56: Strength through obedience.

 

v57-64: HETH - The Lord my portion.

v57-58: God is faithful to His promises, and this encourages our wholehearted devotion.

v59-60: Consider; then conviction; then repentance; then obedience, illustrated in the Prodigal Son.

v61: Encouragement in difficult times, esp. from the attacks of the wicked.

v62: The godly man is mindful of God's word, at all times.

v63: Fellowship based on God's word, Mal 3.16.

v64: The earth is full of God's mercy and love; all things testify to His hand; the man of spiritual insight sees these things.

 

v65-72: TETH - The goodness of God.

v65-66: God will act in accordance with His word and His character.

v67-68: The value of afflictions in training us to obey, even where such afflictions came through disobedience. We see that God is good in Himself, and He does good. We are recipients of His mercy (or goodness).

v69: Facing persecution because of obedience; the devil is the accuser of the brethren, he forges lies against us (Job 13.4). The word "smear" literally means 'to stick on a patch'; this refers to imputing falsely to another; the devil invents accusations so as to destroy the godly; Is 14.12-15; Rev 12.10.

v70: Fat as grease; a hard heart and a deadened conscience.

v71: The benefit of afflictions. Such experiences drive us back to God, and to His word.

v72: God's word is better and more valuable than money; in the trials of life it is more effective and powerful.

 

v73-80: YOD - The faithfulness of God.

v73: We need God to give us understanding that we might obey. As the author of life as well as the author of the Scriptures, only God can do this properly.

v74: Fellowship in the word; we cannot live independently of other Christians; we need to strengthen others, and be strengthened by them.

v75: We may bear trials because we know that God is faithful, 1 Pet 4.19.

v76-77: Comfort in the word, as in v50, 52.

v78: A prayer, expecting God to work in accordance with His will; we meditate on God's word, and therefore pray according to His word.

v79: As in v74, finding agreement with others who love God and His word.

v80: A clear conscience, a blameless heart; the test is God's word.

 

v81-88: KAPH - The word strengthens the needy. This stanza reflects severe difficulties, through which the psalmist maintained his commitment to obey the Lord. We must be aware of the temptation to neglect spiritual things in such times.

v81-83: In those dark days, like a wineskin in smoke, growing black and hard, we look to God to honour His word, and to fulfil His promises. We may have to wait for God's deliverance.

v84-87: Persecution from the ungodly; God's word is not precious for such people. Like Lot, we are oppressed with the filthy conduct of the wicked (2 Pet 2.7-8); his righteous soul was tormented daily. These people deliberately attack the godly, and our prayer is therefore, "Help me!" There is a judgment upon such people.

The commandments of God are declared to be faithful, or true; they follow from the very nature and character of God, Ps 111.7.

v88: Our dependence upon God in times of trial; through His word I can maintain a testimony of truth.

 

v89-96: LAMEDH - The eternal word our strength.

v89-91: The Lord is eternal and so is His word. God's power is seen in creation, which obeys God's commands, Ps 33.6-9; 104.19.

v92-93: The word of God is also powerful, giving us life and strength; we delight in the word of power.

v94-95: In difficult times, the psalmist trusted what God had said. Here was his protection from the wicked who were trying to destroy him.

v96: We find God's commands 'exceedingly broad', although to the outsider God's way is narrow. We find much to delight in, and great opportunities to serve, Ps 18.36.

 

v97-104: MEM - Delighting in the true wisdom of God's word.

v97: Love for God's word shown by meditation; sitting at Jesus' feet; this is something wonderful and something worth enjoying.

v98: Meditation promotes understanding and wisdom (Ps 14.1; Prov 1.7); God's wisdom is greater than man's wisdom.

v99-100: Divine wisdom exceeds human wisdom and tradition; obedience promotes understanding.

v101: Application in practice; the word helps to keep us from sin; love for one reduces the attraction of the other. Avoid every evil and false way.

v102: Personal discipline and commitment.

v103: God's word is not just something cold and lifeless, but is sweet to our taste.

v104: Our understanding enables us to depart from the ways of falsehood.

 

v105-115: NUN - God's word is always trustworthy. Note the word "your" used in each verse here, and frequently throughout the psalm; this is God's word, and therefore authoritative and trustworthy.

v105: Guidance, both short term (lamp to my feet) and long term (light to my path).

v106: An oath confirmed, a heart inclined (v112); a commitment to obey. There is no other option, for we must be committed to obedience.

v107: Life brings affliction, but God's word brings real life.

v108: Willing praise, freewill offerings; voluntary spontaneous praise to God. This is consistent with learning what God has to say to us.

v109: Our lives are in God's hand; here is security for us.

v110: Obedience maintained in times of difficulty. This is important, since God's word is relevant in all circumstances, the Christian faith relates to all of life. In difficult times it is essential to maintain the basis of fellowship, prayer, Bible reading, and obedience.

v111: A heritage, something highly valued; we must give proper respect for God's word; God's word is a joy to our heart.

v112: Keep on obeying. God does reward those who diligently seek and obey Him.

 

v113-120: SAMEKH - Security in the face of the enemy. The realisation that God's ways are opposite to the ways of the world.

The wicked are described as; double-minded (v112), evildoers (v115), those who stray (v118), deceitful (v118), the wicked (v119).

v113: The psalmist sets himself apart from the wicked, see Ps 101.3-5.

v114: The need for a refuge in an unfriendly environment.

v115: We may ask the evildoer to depart, "away from me," but to promote holiness, not complacency. If we remove one bad influence, beware lest another take its place. We recognise that evildoers are a bad influence upon us.

v116-117: We depend upon God, not our circumstances. Our security promotes our obedience.

v118: The statements of v113, 115 seem awkward, yet the Lord God will reject all those who depart from His commandments, in rejecting the gospel of Christ.

v119: The fact that God's judgment will be manifest is a reason for praise, and to love and obey His word.

v120: God's word is spirit and power; our flesh, our human wisdom, has to fear before it.

 

v121-128: AIN - Dependence upon God.

v121: Practical obedience and righteousness this is the effect of the word in our lives. We must look to God to deliver us from the ungodly. Very often in the psalms the godly man seeks to be separate from the ungodly. The oppressor is different to God, not righteous, not just, not merciful.

v122: God's care for His own, Gen 43.9; Prov 11.15.

v123: There is delay in God's help arriving.

v124-125: God's servant, committed to doing His will. We enjoy His mercy.

v126: Looking to God to vindicate His word.

v127-128: Realistic value of God's word; proper respect for it; we learn to judge things properly, discerning right and wrong. God's word is always relevant and appropriate.

‘But a false hatred and zeal against sin, is against some particular sin only. Thus some seem to be very zealous against profaneness, and pride in apparel, who themselves are notorious for covetousness, closeness, and it may be backbiting, envy towards superiors…’ (Jonathan Edwards, Religious Affections)

v129-136: PE - The abiding value of God's word. We must learn to love and respect all that God has said; continuing from v127-128. God's word is living and powerful, and will impact our lives.

v129: God's word; His testimonies are wonderful, for they are about Him. Our response is not just obedience in action, but whole life commitment.

v130: God's word brings light and understanding; we need this so much. Light reflects God's utter holiness, which must be increasingly seen in our lives. Understanding reflects God's omniscience; for us, discernment and perception, which come through His word.

v131: These is a picture here of a hungry man, thirsting for what God says; Ps 63.1; 84.2; Matt 4.4; here is life and liberty. These words rebuke any complacent attitude towards God's words.

v132: God is merciful; that is His custom/habit, therefore we can rely upon Him. Here the psalmist prays, and he prays God's character and God's words; true prayer reflects the character of God first, and only then our needs and desires for ourselves and for others.

v133: Pray for a life of direction, towards truth, and away from the domination of sins. The psalmist does not fear a life of rebellion, but rather specific sins, or iniquities that might influence His life. A life directed by God's words and promises will lessen sinful influences.

v134: Prayer for deliverance; man brings oppression, fears and worries, sins and illicit habits; we need to be delivered from such things, and to be delivered into obedience to God; this brings a life of responsible living, and personal integrity.

v135: 'Shine on me!' with grace; God's smile and blessing, bringing joy in knowing and obeying God.

v136: Many do not keep His word, and we are rightly grieved, see v139, 158.

 

v137-144: TSADE - The everlasting righteousness of God.

v137: God's word perfectly reflects His character. In prophecy, Jesus Christ perfectly reveals God.

v138: Again, what God has said is true. Here is confidence for us in daily life.

v139: Zeal consuming, see John 2.17. Although we feel grieved, we must leave vengeance to God.

v140: God's righteousness is something attractive; the unbeliever hates God and His standards; no man can have no opinion. The psalmist stretches language here to describe God and His word; He is very faithful and very pure.

v141: In my weakness, I will look to God for strength; I can cling to Him for He is faithful.

v142: Everlasting - a word of absolute meaning, with no shades of doubt, see v128, 160. There is only an everlasting because there is God. God's everlasting righteousness (v144) brings everlasting life.

The idea of truth, in v30, 151 also, is of something stable and reliable.

v143: This world brings trouble and anguish, often to overwhelm; but we look to God to delight us. Like Paul and Silas we can sing psalms of praise to God in prison.

v144: Understanding s linked with everlasting life. We do not have a life of naivety and ignorance, but of understanding some of the deepest things of God.

 

v145-152: QOPH- Commitment to know God's word.

v145-146: Effort required in praying to God, and in obeying Him; this effort is never wasted.

v147-148: Before dawn and through the night watches; we are to be so full of God's word that we meditate upon it at any time; this is indicative of a real, personal, relationship with God.

v149: We know that God is faithful.

v150-151: The wicked draw near, but the Lord is nearer still, and nearer already; this gives us strength and confidence is those difficult times.

v152: Utter confidence in God's word; it is designed to last forever. As in v144, His word is everlasting.

 

v153-160: RESH - God's faithfulness reflected in His word.

v153-154: Prayer makes us dependent upon God; we are reminded that he alone is omnipotent.

v155: The ungodly reject the word of God, and miss out on the salvation of God.

v156-157: When there are foes, we know compassion from God.

v158: Following from v155; the psalmist's love for God and His word means that he has little love for those who reject God.

v159: The believer is different from the unbeliever; he does love the Lord and His word.

v160: God's word is thoroughly true, se v86, 151, 172. All Scripture is true and accurate, reliable and righteous and relevant.

 

v161-168: SHIN - Honour where it is due.

v161-163: Personal love for Gods word, whatever the circumstances. At the same time, the psalmist refused to pursue the wicked ways of those around him.

v164: "Seven times", speaking of completeness; a regularity in praising God, a life devoted to Him.

v165: A blessing in our devotion to God.

v166-168: The delight of obedience, John 3.21.

 

v169-176: TAW - Closing Prayers. These verses seem to summarise much that has preceded.

v169-170: Our dependence and God's faithfulness; prayer and the word belong together.

v171: God's word goes in, and praise comes out; the word changes our words and attitudes.

v172: Our testimony, declaring truth.

v173: The choice to obey.

v174: Desire and delight; love for God's word is something genuine and heartfelt.

v175: God's word is our help; Deut 8.3.

v176: We have a tendency to stray, and the psalmist ends with a note of personal humility; yet he had not forgotten God's words, and he knew that God had not forgotten him.