19 Sep Meditations on the Psalms #270
Psalm 119 Part 2
In this psalm there are 10 basic words used to describe the Scriptures, God’s written revelation to us (c.f. the 10 commandments):
Law (torah, 25 times): A law, instruction, teaching or revelation. Usually used to refer to the Pentateuch: first 5 books of the Bible.
Word (dabar, 24 times): The spoken word, God’s revealed word to man.
Judgments (mispatim, 23 times):the rules by which things should be regulated and orderedso we can discern what is right and wrong anddecide accordingly.
Testimonies (edut/edot, 23 times): Related to the word for witness. To obey His testimonies signifies loyalty to the terms of the covenant made between the Lord and Israel.
Commandments (miswah/miswot, 22 times): A definite command imposed by authority.
Statutes (chuqqim, 21 times): derived from the verb “engrave” or “inscribe”; the idea is the written prescribed and enacted word of God and the authority of His written word.
Precepts (piqqudim, 21 times): a word drawn from the concept of an officer or overseer, a man who is responsible to look closely into a situation and take action. So, the word points to the particular instructions of the Lord, as of one who cares about detail.
sayings (imrah, 19 times): similar in meaning to dabar, yet a different term. The ‘sayings’ may denote anything God has spoken, commanded, or promised.
Way(Derek 13x’s): A trodden road, mode of life or a course of action marked out by God’s Law.
Various synonyms that are attributes of law, e.g. righteousness, faithfulness, and truth.
The theme of the glory of Scripture is diligently explored in this psalm, but always in connection with God Himself. Every reference to Scripture, without exception, relates it explicitly to its Author; indeed, every verse from 4 to the end is a prayer of affirmation addressed to Him. This is true spirituality: a love of God not shrivelled by the study of the word but refreshed, informed, and nourished by it. The variety of scriptures is like a kaleidoscope of diamonds. The more you look the more strangely beautiful and delicate is the form.
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