THE PSALMS - Week 9

Psalm 119

This is the longest of the all the Psalms we have in the canon, and in fact the longest single chapter in the Bible, but you probably could have guessed that if you’ve read it!

The 176 verses dwarf the 2 verses of Psalm 117- though you can argue that sometimes less is more?!

We’ll use this reflection to see if you get your money’s worth within those 176 verses, as we explore the themes and insights of this epic psalm.

What is not immediately obvious to us, but is impressive upon learning, is that this is an acrostic poem. There are 22 sections of 8 verses, and each verse within its section starts with one letter of the Hebrew alphabet. So verses 1-8 all begin with aleph, 9-16 with bet and so on… This is no mean feat, but neither is it just a fun gimmick.

Some scholars make a point of connecting this use of the alphabet to represent the completeness and perfection of God’s law. Others have said that this highlights ‘the totality of the Torah’s influence, covering all of life from A-Z, or Aleph to Tav’. (John Goldingay)

Biblical scholar Adele Berlin suggests that it is also a format which helps the reader:

”The acrostic form of Psalm 119 is not merely a literary device; it serves a functional purpose in aiding memorization and encouraging continuous meditation on God’s law.”

The way the psalm is written can, itself, help us engage in it’s central message.

This is a psalm devoted to the importance of God’s law, or the Torah.

Many different words are used to make the same point in this psalm.

Law. Decrees. Precepts. Statutes. Commandments. Ordinances. Word.

Even with that diversity of language used, the Psalm has a repetitive feel. Some might think that boring, but the author is trying to communicate something they feel is important, and one way of highlighting its importance is by saying it again and again.

For Berlin, this serves as invitation for the reader to meditate on the key themes of the psalm. It enhances poetic beauty whilst deepening engagement with the text.

Structurally, then, there is much to uncover about psalm 119. What of it’s theology and wisdom?

Well, as I’ve already mentioned, this psalm is concerned with reverence for the Law of God.

When this psalm speaks of the Law of God, we can easily default to understanding this as a call to obey the laws and commandments given by God. This could be interpreted as a psalm committed to reinforcing the importance of law keeping.

On closer inspection, however, psalm 119 integrates various aspects of faith—obedience, trust, love, and devotion—demonstrating that adherence to God's commandments is not merely about rule-keeping but about cultivating a holistic and vibrant relationship with God.

To respect God’s Law is to respect the God who gives them.

It is noteworthy that the psalm is wide reaching in this message, but personal in its voice. There is plenty of first person writing, reflecting a deep personal relationship with God through Law and underscoring the importance of scripture in the life of faith.

This psalm is simple in it’s essence and clear in it’s message.

It’s length might put off some, but the poetic structure can connect us to something important that the writer is saying – we can follow the rhythm of the psalm, reflective and meditative, as we reflect and meditate on God’s Law for ourselves.

So I think it’s a YES from me - even at 176 verses, this psalm uses them well and gives us plenty to think about!