Ps. 119: Acrostic Time

This is the longest chapter I've read to this point, and it isn't really close. There are 22 subdivided sections of 8 verses each, apparently beginning with a different letter in the Jewish alphabet. That is interesting. It was probably useful in memorization. Which is good, because it is so long. Many of these are brief reviews and cribs of previous Psalms.

Aleph - vs 1-8 - A call to be obedient to the good and righteous commands God made. This results in great blessing.

Beth - vs 9-16 - Purity comes from following God's statutes. Wholehearted seeking of God's laws prevent sin against Him.

Gimel - vs 17-24 - The importance of committing to remember and take to heart what the LORD decrees. To want one's soul to be consumed with longing for God's word.

Daleth - vs 25-32 - In humility, a desire to learn, and a recognition of a person's place in life, fully depending on God. Choosing truth instead of living in deceit.

He - vs 33-40 - Turning from worthless things, from pointless ways to God's commands to find meaning.

Waw - vs 41-48 - Demonstrating the Psalmists commitment to do the things God asks..."I will" answer, trust, walk in truth, obey, speak of God's statues, lift up one's hands, and meditate on God's decrees.

Zayin - vs 49-56 - Trusting in God's promise of deliverance, as well as committing to follow God's precepts.

Heth - vs 57-64 - It's not easy to change one's path in life, but the command is to follow God. And that is the writer's promise here. It takes effort.

Teth - vs 65-72 - A willing student, eager to be taught and to learn God's good precepts, more precious than silver and gold.

Yodh - vs 73-80 - The writer understands that he reflects God to others, and wishes to be a role model to those who see him. His fear of God drives him to be an example.

Kaph - vs 81-88 - In spite of hardship and adversity, emphasis on that which comes from men out to torment him, the writer trusts in God, and holds to God's promises.

Lamedh - vs 89-96 - Given that God's laws are eternal and everlasting, and given that a person holds to these laws, wouldn't it stand logic's test to believe that man can be eternal and everlasting? I mean, at some point when it all goes down.

Mem - vs 97-104 - Boasting on the good things that have happened and the great wisdom and knowledge gained from desiring and meditating on God's laws and precepts.

Nun - vs 105-112 - Guided only by the word of God, the writer demonstrates his commitment to following God in spite of hardships.

Samekh - vs 113-120 - Sort of a message to those who wish to oppose the writer, and by extension those who oppose God. It's not a friendly message. It's not looking for compromise. God sustains those who love him and uphold his laws.

Ayin - vs 121-128 - The Psalmist throws himself on God's mercy and justice, realizing that he follows God's laws, and trusts God for protection. He doesn't just hope for the best.

Pe - vs 129-136 - Total commitment to the word of God evokes an emotional reaction when others do not share this commitment. Amazing.

Tsadhe - vs 137-144 - Trouble, distress and adversity befall the writer here, but his encouragement, his sustenance comes from the word of God, and its not just sustenance. It is delight.

Qoph - vs 145-152 - Total devotion to God's statutes...with time and heart and energy and lifestyle.

Resh - vs 153-160 - Facing harm and persecution from those who do not fear God, the Psalmist wishes to remind God that he closely keeps God's laws.

Sin and Shin - vs 161-168 - Persecuting rulers don't make the writer tremble the way God does. Because of this, he keeps God's laws and loves them.

Taw - vs 169-176 - The writer is able to do and to become many great things because of God and the things God does for him. Great things that involve worshipping God and giving him the flory.