Psalm 119 has a reputation for being the longest Psalm. I have never checked that out inasmuch as it fits under the category of “why does it matter?”
I can say, now that I have experienced a relationship with God’s Word over a number of decades, that the Law of the Lord really is perfect. It really does restore my soul. This Psalm is about the heart connection available to me when I experience the truth – which brings freedom to my soul.
No-one seems to know for sure who wrote this song, but I feel it is very Davidesque. I would say King David either wrote it, or a scribe assembled it (in the Spirit) from the heart of David so clearly revealed in the scripture.
Jesus is the Alpha and Omega. The beginning and the end. The A-Z. The Hebrew alphabet begins with Aleph and ends with Tav. This Psalm is organized, obviously, around the Hebrew A-Z.
I find something in each paragraph that is good for my Kingdom heart. What do you see? What a great way to consume this lengthy Psalm into bite-sized portions!
Aleph….. How can I find God within my perilous need? (vs 1-8)
Beth……. Is God-purity my a great treasure? (9-16)
Gimel….. Open my eyes to Your presence (17-24)
Daleth…. Make me transparent to You (25-32)
He………. How can I revere Your Word? (33-40)
Vav……… What does love for freedom look like? (41-48)
Zayin…… What is a pilgrim, anyway? (49-56)
Heth……. Who are my friends of reverence? (57-64)
Teth…….. Affliction is good? (65-72)
Yodh……. This is who I am (73-80)
Kaph……. Am I hungry for awakening (81-88)
Lamedh.. It is settled: I am Yours (89-96)
Mem……. Your words are sweet to me (97-104)
Nun…….. There will be joy to the end and beyond (105-112)
Samekh.. You are my hiding place and my shield (113-120)
Ayin…….. A time to act (121-128)
Pe………… I watch for Your unfolding light! (129-136)
Tsadhe…. What makes me significant? (137-144)
Qoph……. Just how old is he talking here? (145-152)
Resh……. The summing up of all fears (153-160)
Shin…….. There is peace in His Law (161-168)
Tav………. Lost sheep prayer (169-176)
“I have been young and now I am old, yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken or His descendants begging for bread.” – Psalm 37:23-26
A good journey, is it not?!
Selah
If there is a true companion for Psalm 119 it is Psalm 19:
Psalm 19 and Science