Psalm 119: Delighting in the Word of God

This week (June 22~28) we are reading through Psalm 119, the longest chapter in the Bible and the giant among the psalms that shows such magnificent delight in the Word of God. Psalm 119 uses eight synonyms for Scripture and each of the eight references to God’s Word help us to understand and appreciate God’s gift of Scripture. Here are the eight different words that are used to describe God’s Word that we are to delight in:[1]

1. ‘Law’ (tôrâ)

This is the chief term of all, and is heard most often. Its parent verb means ‘teach’ (verse 33) or ‘direct’; therefore coming from God it means both ‘law’ and ‘revelation’. It can be used of a single command or of a whole body of law, especially the Pentateuch, or again of Scripture as a whole. It reminds us that revelation is not simply for interest but for obedience. Cf. James 1:25.

2. ‘Testimonies’ (ʿēdôt)

Israel was told to place the book of the law beside the ark of the covenant, ‘that it may be there for a witness (ʿēd) against you’ (Deut. 31:26). The outspokenness of Scripture, with its high standards and frank warnings (e.g. Deut. 8:19, using this root), is implied in this expression, but so too is its dependability, as the word of the ‘faithful and true witness’. Therefore ‘thy testimonies are my delight’ (24).

3. ‘Precepts’ (piqqūdîm)

This is a word drawn from the sphere of an officer or overseer, a man who is responsible to look closely into a situation and take action (cf. Jer. 23:2, where God will ‘attend to’ (pōqēd) the shepherds who have not ‘attended to’ the flock). So the word points to the particular instructions of the Lord, as of one who cares about detail.

4. ‘Statutes’ (ḥuqqîm)

These speak of the binding force and permanence of Scripture, as of laws ‘engraved’ or inscribed, ‘for the time to come as a witness for ever’ (cf. Isa. 30:8).

5. ‘Commandments’ (miṣwôt)

This word emphasizes the straight authority of what is said; not merely the power to convince or persuade, but the right to give orders.

6. ‘Ordinances’ (mišpāṭîm)

These are better known in the Old Testament as ‘judgments’: the decisions of the all-wise Judge about common human situations (cf. Exod. 21:1; Deut. 17:8a, 9b), and hence the revealed ‘rights and duties’ appropriate to them (as rsv puts it in 1 Sam. 10:25). Scripture, then, as the standard given for fair dealing between man and man, is a predominant sense of this term.

7. ‘Word’ (dābār)

This is the most general term of all, embracing God’s truth in any form, stated, promised or commanded.

8. ‘Promise’ or ‘word’ (ʾimrâ)

This is very similar to the previous term, and is translated ‘word’ in av, rv throughout the psalm. While jb, neb keep to ‘promise’ throughout, rsv has ‘promise’ thirteen times, but allows it a more general sense (mostly ‘word’) six times (verses 11, 67, 103, 158, 162, 172). This probably strikes the right balance between the general and the particular in this word, which is derived from the verb ‘to say’.

As well as these eight expressions, others too can speak of God’s self-revelation. Verses 3 and 37 have ‘thy ways’, unaccompanied by any of the above; verse 132 has ‘thy name’; and perhaps in verse 90 ‘thy faithfulness’ refers primarily to the immutability of what God decrees. Only verses 84, 121 and 122 are without any such expression.

This untiring emphasis has led some to accuse the psalmist of worshipping the word rather than the Lord; but it has been well remarked that every reference here to Scripture, without exception, relates it explicitly to its Author; indeed every verse from 4 to the end is a prayer or affirmation addressed to him. This is true piety: a love of God not desiccated by study but refreshed, informed and nourished by it. The hunger for and delight in God’s Word is rooted in the love for God.

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[1] This list comes from Derek Kidner’s Commentary on Psalms. I have been using it alongside my reading of Psalms. It is one of the most helpful guides to understand and appreciate psalms. I highly recommend it for you to get one; it will enhance your appreciation of psalms.