Psalm 119 Aleph: How Blessed

This is the first of a series in Psalm 119 which begins with an overview of each of the 22 Hebrew acrostic sections of the Psalm.


"Aleph. How blessed are those whose way is blameless, 

Who walk in the law of the LORD. 

How blessed are those who observe His testimonies, 

Who seek Him with all their heart. 

They also do no unrighteousness; 

They walk in His ways. 

You have ordained Your precepts,

That we should keep them diligently. 

Oh that my ways may be established 

To keep Your statutes! 

Then I shall not be ashamed 

When I look upon all Your commandments. 

I shall give thanks to You with uprightness of heart, 

When I learn Your righteous judgments.

I shall keep Your statutes; 

Do not forsake me utterly!"  

(Psalm 119:1-8 NASB95)


The Psalmist sets for us a tone of heart obedience which only grows.  Notice ‘the way of’ in Psalm 119:14, 27, 32-33.  We are to rejoice in, understand, observe, and run in the way of Your word.  This is the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20) in the Old Testament!  This is no mere instruction, this is the full surrender of discipleship.  Luke 9:23, Luke 14:33, Proverbs 2:1-5.

 

The Christian life is no mere hobby.  See Mark 4:19-20;  Psalm 119 is the best antidote I know of so that we do not ‘choke the word’.  

 

 ‘‘These first eight verses are taken up with a contemplation of the blessedness which comes through keeping the statutes of the Lord. The subject is treated in a devout manner rather than in a didactic style. Heart-fellowship with God is enjoyed through a love of that word which is God's way of communing with the soul by his Holy Spirit…You are not only instructed, but influenced to holy emotion, and helped to express the same.’

‘The changes are rung upon the words “way” - “undefiled in the way,” “walk in his ways,” “O that my ways were directed”; “keep” - “keep his testimonies,” “keep thy precepts diligently,” “directed to keep,” “I will keep”; and “walk” - “walk in the law,” “walk in his ways.” Yet there is no tautology, nor is the same thought repeated, though to the careless reader it may seem so.

The change from statements about others and about the Lord to more personal dealing with God begins in Psalm 119:3, and becomes more clear as we advance, till in the later verses the communion becomes most intense and soul moving. O that every reader may feel the glow.’[1]




[1] Spurgeon, Charles Haddon, Treasury of David, Psalm 119 introduction, e-Sword edition


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