Great Chapters of the Bible
Psalm 119 - God's Word

A Sermon by Dr. Neil Chadwick

Psalm 119 is an elaborate poem with one main subject or theme - "The Word of God." Many synonyms are used. The Psalmist talks about: laws, statutes, precepts, decrees, commands and promises; all of them referring to the same thing - God's Word. This longest chapter in the Bible is divided according to the Hebrew alphabet, 22 sections (one for each letter) with 8 verses in each section; each verse begins with that particular letter in the alphabet. I. When reading this chapter, we get a heightened sense of the value of the Word of God. The Psalm opens by pronouncing a blessing upon those who keep God's commandments (verses 1,2). The Word is more precious than silver and gold (72); and sweeter than honey (103). The Word is awesome (120), true (160), trustworthy (86), and eternal (89, 152). the Word provides wisdom (99, 100) understanding (130), and stability (165). And very importantly, the Word makes purity possible (9-11). II. Within this chapter there are some great memory verses in addition to those already mentioned. For example: "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path." (105) "Great peace have they who love your law, and nothing can make them stumble." (165) But there's another verse which many people may prefer not to remember, verse 71, "It was good for me to be afflicted so that I might learn your decrees." Not many "Amens" to that verse - we don't do afflictions! III. Also in this chapter there are a number of prayers that are worthy of note: There is a prayer for mercy (132); and one which should always be prayed whenever we open the Bible, "Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law." (18) Here are a couple more good prayers: "Turn my eyes away from worthless things; preserve my life according to your word." (37) "Keep me from deceitful ways; be gracious to me through your law." (29) Frequently throughout the Psalm, the toils and troubles of the writer are noted. In verse 153 he prays, "Look upon my suffering and deliver me, for I have not forgotten your law." IV. As with most good poetry, one can also find some very colorful and pointed images. In verse 83, the writer says that even though he is like a wine-skin, empty and dried up because it has been hanging in the smoke, he nevertheless will not forget the Word. Later he likens himself to a thirsty deer (131), and in the last verse, he compares himself to a lost sheep because he has strayed, having forgotten the Word. (176) V. Because we live within a society which has all but forgotten God's Word, it is important that we develop a proper attitude toward those who do not follow the Word. This chapter provides some counsel here too, indicating there are contrasting responses. On the one hand, it seems that judgment is expressed - "Salvation is far from the wicked, for they do not seek out your decrees." (155) "You reject all who stray from your decrees, for their deceitfulness is in vain." (118) "Indignation grips me because of the wicked, who have forsaken your law." (53) There is a strong desire to avoid those who are disobedient - "I look on the faithless with loathing, for they do not obey your word." (158) "Away from me, you evildoers, that I may keep the commands of my God!" (115) But there is also deep compassion, "Streams of tears flow from my eyes, for your law is not obeyed." (136) VI. There are a few other recurring themes which stand out: The idea of "walk", "way" or "path" is often mentioned (5; 30; 35; 45; 59). The message is clear, the Word of God illuminates the path and helps keep us on the right road. Frequently the message is conveyed that keeping the commandments is a matter which requires the "whole heart". (10, 58, 145) Note especially verse 34, "Give me understanding, and I will keep your law and obey it with all my heart." Also noticeable is the repeated use of the word "delight" which appears 7 times (16, 24, 47, 77, 92, 143, 174). Also frequently used is the word "hope": "Do not snatch the word of truth from my mouth, for I have put my hope in your laws." (43) "Remember your word to your servant, for you have given me hope." (49) "May those who fear you rejoice when they see me, for I have put my hope in your word." (74) "My soul faints with longing for your salvation, but I have put my hope in your word." (81) "I rise before dawn and cry for help; I have put my hope in your word." (147) We are greatly encouraged when reading the Word - the words "strength" and "comfort" are often found: "My soul is weary with sorrow; strengthen me according to your word." (28) "My comfort in my suffering is this: Your promise preserves my life. The arrogant mock me without restraint, but I do not turn from your law. I remember your ancient laws, O LORD, and I find comfort in them." (50-52) VII. And last, but certainly not least are the themes of praise and rejoicing. "I will praise you with an upright heart as I learn your righteous laws." (7) "Accept, O LORD, the willing praise of my mouth, and teach me your laws. (108) "Seven times a day I praise you for your righteous laws." (164) "May my lips overflow with praise, for you teach me your decrees." (171) "Let me live that I may praise you, and may your laws sustain me." (175) "I rejoice in following your statutes as one rejoices in great riches." (14) "I rejoice in your promise like one who finds great spoil." (162) "At midnight I rise to give you thanks for your righteous laws." (62) Conclusion: So the Psalmist believes that the Word of God is valuable. It provides guidance, peace, discipline, and can produce purity of heart. He uses the Word in conjunction with prayer, and seeks to acquire a correct attitude concerning those who do not follow it. The Psalmist delights in the Word and follows it with his whole heart - it therefore brings him hope and comfort and produces joy and praise. But that's the Psalmist. What about us? Does the Word of God have the kind of value which would cause us to set other things aside in order to read and study it? Is George Barna, the Christian pollster, right when he says Americans spend seven times more minutes per week doing with entertainment activities than they do with activities which promote their spiritual lives, activities such as reading the Word? Are we familiar enough with the Word so that moral, ethical and relational decisions are made according to principles laid out in the Word? It's very upsetting to learn that in the observation of many people, those who claim to be Christians behave no different from those who are not. It's almost impossible to distinguish between Christians and non-Christians when it comes to some of the big "D" words - Divorce, Drug Abuse, and Depression. We are convinced that these will be greatly diminished when we fulfill the Bible "D" word and begin to "Delight" in the Word of God. When we Delight in the Word of God: Disobedience is displaced by purity Distress is displaced by Peace Despair is displaced by Hope Discouragement is displaced by Comfort Defeat is displaced by Strength The prescription is simple - search the Word, read the Word, study the Word, memorize the Word, and meditate on the Word of God. Then life will be good, life will be healthy, and life will be productive. - - Return to Top of this Page - Email a Link to this Page - Go To Next Sermon by Dr. Neil Chadwick - Back To Sermons Page or to the Sermons Alphabetical List - - Download This Sermon This Page's Title Is: Your Name Is: Your Email Address Is: Your State and Country: Please identify your vocation: Senior Pastor. Associate Pastor. Youth Pastor. Lay Minister. Church Member. Which section of this site would you most likely return to? Sermons Articles Stories Poems Hymns Articles for Leaders Marriage Articles A Bit of Humor Would you like to receive the free weekly E-mail Circular? 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