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Psalm 119 Author unknown. This Psalm, like Psalms 111 thru 116, are "acrostic", in that each paragraph begins with a letter of the Hebrew alphabet i.e. Verses 1 thru 8, are titled "aleph" (A). Verses 9 thru 16, are titled "beth" (B). There are 22 letters in the Hebrew alphabet and there are 22 paragraphs in the 119th. Psalm. It is a collection of David's devout proclamations, which he wrote down from time to time, similar to Solomon's Proverbs. There is no continuity between the paragraphs. Matthew Henry call it, "A chest of gold rings not a chain of gold links."
Many pages of commentary have been written about this Psalm and justifiably so. It is surly one of a kind. Many believe that when you read this Psalm it will either "warm" you or "shame" you. Because the use of the alphabet in writing is usually related to children's literature, many at first thought it not befitting the adult reader but the Psalmist is clear that he is not to proud to use whatever works to instruct whether young or old. The general scope of this Psalm is to magnify the scriptures, to set forth their divine nature and their usefulness for instruction.
Note the instructions briefly listed under each of the letters in the Hebrew alphabet:
Aleph (verses 1 thru 8)
Blessed are those who walk in the way of the Lord, who keep his laws and seek Him with their whole heart. Yes, I will keep your statutes so do not forsake me.
Beth (verses 9 thru 16)
A young man can walk rightly by taking heed to God's Word. Let me not wonder from your commandments. Teach me that I might declare with my lips your judgments. I will not forget your Word.
Gimel (verses 17 thru 24)
Deal bountifully with your servant that I may live and keep your Word. Open my eyes to the wonders of your Word. Your testimonies are my delight and my councilors.
Deleth (verses 25 thru 32)
Relieve me according to your Word. Teach me your statutes. Make me understand your way. Strengthen me according to your Word. I will run in the way of your commandments.
He (verses 33 thru 40)
Teach me your statutes, O Lord, and I will keep them to the end. Indeed I shall observe them with my whole heart. Turn my eyes away from looking at worthless things. Revive me in your righteousness.
Waw (verses 41 thru 48)
Let your mercies and salvation come to me, O Lord, according to your Word so that I may have an answer to him who reproaches me. I will speak your testimonies before kings. I will not be ashamed.
Zayin (verses 49 thru 56)
Remember that it is your Word that has caused me to hope, that is my comfort in this affliction and that which has been my songs. I remember your name in the night and keep your law.
Heth (verses 57 thru 64)
I have said that I will keep your Word; I seek your favor with my whole heart. I made haste to keep your commandments. At midnight I will rise and give thanks because of your righteous judgments.
Teth (verses 65 thru 72)
You have dealt well with me, O Lord, according to your Word. Before I was afflicted I went astray but now I keep your Word. It was good for me to be afflicted that I may learn your statutes.
Yod (verses 73 thru 80)
Your hands have created me so give me understanding that I may learn your commandments. I know, O Lord, that your judgments are right. Let my heart be blameless according to your statutes, that I may not be ashamed.
Kaph (verses 81 thru 88)
My soul faints for your salvation but I hope in your Word. My eyes fail from seeking your Word wondering when you will comfort me. How many are the days of your servant? Revive me according to your loving kindness.
Lamed (verses 89 thru 96)
Forever, O Lord, your Word is settled in Heaven. I will never forget your precepts for by them you have given me life. The wicked wait to destroy me but I will consider your testimonies.
Mem (verses 97 thru 104)
Oh, how I love your Law. You, through your commandments, make me wiser than my enemies. I have more understanding than teachers. I have not departed from your judgments for you yourself have taught me.
Nun (verses 105 thru 112)
Your Word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. Revive me, O Lord, according to your Word. My life is continually in my hand yet I do not forget your Law. I have inclined my heart to keep your statutes forever to the end.
Samek (verses 113 thru 120)
I hate the double minded but I love your Law. You are my hiding place and my shield. Uphold me, according to your Word, that I may live. You reject all who stray from your statutes. My flesh trembles for fear of you and I am afraid of your judgments.
Ayin (verses 121 thru 128)
Do not leave me to my oppressors, do not let the proud oppress me. Deal with your servant according to your mercies. Give me understanding that I may know your testimonies.
Pe (verses 129 thru 136)
Your testimonies are wonderful therefore my soul keeps them. Your words give light and understanding to the simple. Direct my steps by your Word. Rivers of water run down my eyes because men do not keep your Laws.
Tsadde (verses 137 thru 144)
Righteous are you, O Lord, and upright are your judgments. Your enemies have forgotten your Words. Yopur Word is very true therefore your servant loves it. Trouble and anguish have overtaken me yet your commandments are my delight.
Qoph (verses 145 thru 152)
I cry out to you, O Lord, save me and I will keep your statutes. I hope in your Word. I awake in the night to meditate on your Word. All your commandments are truth. Your testimonies are founded forever.
Resh (verses 153 thru 160)
Deliver me from my afflictions for I do not forget your Law. Plead my cause and redeem me. The entirety of your Word is truth. Every one of your righteous judgments endures forever.
Shin (verses 161 thru 168)
Princes persecute me without cause yet my heart stands in awe of your Word. I rejoice in your Word. Seven times a day I phrase you. Great peace have those who love your Law. My soul keeps your testimonies.
Tau (verses 169 thru 176)
Give me understanding according to your Word. Deliver me according to your Word. My lips will utter phrase because you teach me your statutes. My tongue will speak of your Word. I have gone astray like a lost sheep but I do not forget your commandments.
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