We just looked at Psalm 117, the shortest chapter in the Bible. Now we come to Psalm 119. If you know your Bible trivia, you know it’s the longest chapter in the Bible, 176 verses. Some Bibles explain that the 176 verses are divided into 22 8-verse stanzas, and each of the eight verses begins with the same letter of the Hebrew alphabet, beginning with aleph and continuing through tau. Some translations include the Hebrew representation of the letter.
In addition, all 176 verses except 5, by my count, refer to the scripture in some way (you find the five!). Here’s the way it starts: the first half of the first stanza, Psalm 119.1 – 4 in the NKJV. I have highlighted the references to God’s word: law, testimonies, ways, precepts. And notice that the emphasis is on action – “walk” and “keep” – not merely knowledge.
Blessed are the undefiled in the way, Who walk in the law of the LORD!
Blessed are those who keep His testimonies, Who seek Him with the whole heart!
They also do no iniquity; They walk in His ways.
You have commanded us To keep Your precepts diligently.
It’s a fun read, and our reading plan calls for just two stanzas, 16 verses, per day. A friend of mine once was having trouble being motivated to have his daily time with God, so he decided to camp in Psalm 119 until he was motivated. Not a bad idea.
Our pastor at Black Forest Academy preached out of PS 119 one summer. I underlined all the synonyms
for Law/Word in my own devotions that summer. In the ESV, I counted law (of the Lord), testimonies, ways, precepts, statutes, commandments, righteous rules, Word, promise, and possibly appointment (v91), and judgments (v120). I came up with 170-172 uses. It gave me a whole new appreciation for God’s Word and its importance!
Indeed.
Great way to “introduce” Psalm 119! I like the challenge to find the five too.
Thanks Bob! Enjoy all hallowed eve, then celebrate All Saints Day!
Thanks, James. The All Saints Day blog comes out early tomorrow!