# Psalm 119 📖: Delight in God's Word
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[[-Psalm Overview]] | [[Psalm 118]] | [[Psalm 120]]
> [!info] Table of Contents
> [[#📜 Scripture Text (NET)]]
> [[#📖 Verse-by-Verse Commentary]]
> [[#🤔 Interesting Facts / Historical and Cultural Insights]]
> [[#🧠 Chapter Summary]]
> [[#✝️ Christ in This Chapter]]
> [[#🔎 Key Principles / 🛟 Life Application]]
> [[#💬 Discussion Questions]]
> [[#✍️ Key Verses to Remember]]
> [[#🔗 Related Passages/Cross Reference]]
> [[#🙏 Devotional Reflection]]
> [[#📂 Internal Notes]]
## 📜 Scripture Text (NET)
(The NET Bible: New English Translation. Biblical Studies Press, 2005)
#### א (_Alef_)
[[#Verse 01.]] How blessed are those whose actions are blameless,
who obey the law of the Lord.
[[#Verse 02.]] How blessed are those who observe his rules,
and seek him with all their heart,
[[#Verse 03.]] who, moreover, do no wrong,
but follow in his footsteps.
[[#Verse 04.]] You demand that your precepts
be carefully kept.
[[#Verse 05.]] If only I were predisposed
to keep your statutes.
[[#Verse 06.]] Then I would not be ashamed,
if I were focused on all your commands.
[[#Verse 07.]] I will give you sincere thanks,
when I learn your just regulations.
[[#Verse 08.]] I will keep your statutes.
Do not completely abandon me.
#### ב (_Bet_)
[[#Verse 09.]] How can a young person maintain a pure life?
By guarding it according to your instructions.
[[#Verse 10.]] With all my heart I seek you.
Do not allow me to stray from your commands.
[[#Verse 11.]] In my heart I store up your words,
so I might not sin against you.
[[#Verse 12.]] You deserve praise, O Lord.
Teach me your statutes.
[[#Verse 13.]] With my lips I proclaim
all the regulations you have revealed.
[[#Verse 14.]] I rejoice in the lifestyle prescribed by your rules
as if they were riches of all kinds.
[[#Verse 15.]] I will meditate on your precepts
and focus on your behavior.
[[#Verse 16.]] I find delight in your statutes;
I do not forget your instructions.
#### ג (_Gimel_)
[[#Verse 17.]] Be kind to your servant.
Then I will live and keep your instructions.
[[#Verse 18.]] Open my eyes so I can truly see
the marvelous things in your law.
[[#Verse 19.]] I am a resident foreigner in this land.
Do not hide your commands from me.
[[#Verse 20.]] I desperately long to know
your regulations at all times.
[[#Verse 21.]] You reprimand arrogant people.
Those who stray from your commands are doomed.
[[#Verse 22.]] Spare me shame and humiliation,
for I observe your rules.
[[#Verse 23.]] Though rulers plot and slander me,
your servant meditates on your statutes.
[[#Verse 24.]] Yes, I find delight in your rules;
they give me guidance.
#### ד (_Dalet_)
[[#Verse 25.]] I collapse in the dirt.
Revive me with your word.
[[#Verse 26.]] I told you about my ways and you answered me.
Teach me your statutes.
[[#Verse 27.]] Help me to understand what your precepts mean.
Then I can meditate on your marvelous teachings.
[[#Verse 28.]] I collapse from grief.
Sustain me by your word.
[[#Verse 29.]] Remove me from the path of deceit.
Graciously give me your law.
[[#Verse 30.]] I choose the path of faithfulness;
I am committed to your regulations.
[[#Verse 31.]] I hold fast to your rules.
O Lord, do not let me be ashamed.
[[#Verse 32.]] I run along the path of your commands,
for you enable me to do so.
#### ה (_He_)
[[#Verse 33.]] Teach me, O Lord, the lifestyle prescribed by your statutes,
so that I might observe it continually.
[[#Verse 34.]] Give me understanding so that I might observe your law,
and keep it with all my heart.
[[#Verse 35.]] Guide me in the path of your commands,
for I delight to walk in it.
[[#Verse 36.]] Give me a desire for your rules,
rather than for wealth gained unjustly.
[[#Verse 37.]] Turn my eyes away from what is worthless.
Revive me with your word.
[[#Verse 38.]] Confirm to your servant your promise,
which you made to the one who honors you.
[[#Verse 39.]] Take away the insults that I dread.
Indeed, your regulations are good.
[[#Verse 40.]] Look, I long for your precepts.
Revive me with your deliverance.
#### ו (_Vav_)
[[#Verse 41.]] May I experience your loyal love, O Lord,
and your deliverance, as you promised.
[[#Verse 42.]] Then I will have a reply for the one who insults me,
for I trust in your word.
[[#Verse 43.]] Do not completely deprive me of a truthful testimony,
for I await your justice.
[[#Verse 44.]] Then I will keep your law continually
now and for all time.
[[#Verse 45.]] I will be secure,
for I seek your precepts.
[[#Verse 46.]] I will speak about your regulations before kings
and not be ashamed.
[[#Verse 47.]] I will find delight in your commands,
which I love.
[[#Verse 48.]] I will lift my hands to your commands,
which I love, and I will meditate on your statutes.
#### ז (_Zayin_)
[[#Verse 49.]] Remember your word to your servant,
for you have given me hope.
[[#Verse 50.]] This is what comforts me in my trouble,
for your promise revives me.
[[#Verse 51.]] Arrogant people do nothing but scoff at me.
Yet I do not turn aside from your law.
[[#Verse 52.]] I remember your ancient regulations,
O Lord, and console myself.
[[#Verse 53.]]Rage takes hold of me because of the wicked,
those who reject your law.
[[#Verse 54.]] Your statutes have been my songs
in the house where I live.
[[#Verse 55.]] I remember your name during the night, O Lord,
and I will keep your law.
[[#Verse 56.]] This has been my practice,
for I observe your precepts.
#### ח (_Khet_)
[[#Verse 57.]] The Lord is my source of security.
I have determined to follow your instructions.
[[#Verse 58.]] I seek your favor with all my heart.
Have mercy on me as you promised.
[[#Verse 59.]] I consider my actions
and follow your rules.
[[#Verse 60.]] I keep your commands eagerly
and without delay.
[[#Verse 61.]] The ropes of the wicked tighten around me,
but I do not forget your law.
[[#Verse 62.]] In the middle of the night I arise to thank you
for your just regulations.
[[#Verse 63.]] I am a friend to all your loyal followers,
and to those who keep your precepts.
[[#Verse 64.]] O Lord, your loyal love fills the earth.
Teach me your statutes!
#### ט (_Tet_)
[[#Verse 65.]] You are good to your servant,
O Lord, just as you promised.
[[#Verse 66.]] Teach me proper discernment and understanding.
For I consider your commands to be reliable.
[[#Verse 67.]] Before I was afflicted I used to stray off,
but now I keep your instructions.
[[#Verse 68.]] You are good and you do good.
Teach me your statutes.
[[#Verse 69.]] Arrogant people smear my reputation with lies,
but I observe your precepts with all my heart.
[[#Verse 70.]] Their hearts are calloused,
but I find delight in your law.
[[#Verse 71.]] It was good for me to suffer,
so that I might learn your statutes.
[[#Verse 72.]] The law you have revealed is more important to me
than thousands of pieces of gold and silver.
#### י (_Yod_)
[[#Verse 73.]] Your hands made me and formed me.
Give me understanding so that I might learn your commands.
[[#Verse 74.]] Your loyal followers will be glad when they see me,
for I find hope in your word.
[[#Verse 75.]] I know, Lord, that your regulations are just.
You disciplined me because of your faithful devotion to me.
[[#Verse 76.]] May your loyal love console me,
as you promised your servant.
[[#Verse 77.]] May I experience your compassion, so I might live.
For I find delight in your law.
[[#Verse 78.]] May the arrogant be humiliated, for they have slandered me.
But I meditate on your precepts.
[[#Verse 79.]] May your loyal followers turn to me,
those who know your rules.
[[#Verse 80.]] May I be fully committed to your statutes,
so that I might not be ashamed.
#### כ (_Kaf_)
[[#Verse 81.]] I desperately long for your deliverance.
I find hope in your word.
[[#Verse 82.]] My eyes grow tired as I wait for your promise to be fulfilled.
I say, “When will you comfort me?”
[[#Verse 83.]] For I am like a wineskin dried up in smoke.
I do not forget your statutes.
[[#Verse 84.]] How long must your servant endure this?
When will you judge those who pursue me?
[[#Verse 85.]] The arrogant dig pits to trap me,
which violates your law.
[[#Verse 86.]] All your commands are reliable.
I am pursued without reason. Help me!
[[#Verse 87.]] They have almost destroyed me here on the earth,
but I do not reject your precepts.
[[#Verse 88.]] Revive me with your loyal love,
that I might keep the rules you have revealed.
#### ל (_Lamed_)
[[#Verse 89.]] O Lord, your instructions endure;
they stand secure in heaven.
[[#Verse 90.]] You demonstrate your faithfulness to all generations.
You established the earth and it stood firm.
[[#Verse 91.]] Today they stand firm by your decrees,
for all things are your servants.
[[#Verse 92.]] If I had not found encouragement in your law,
I would have died in my sorrow.
[[#Verse 93.]] I will never forget your precepts,
for by them you have revived me.
[[#Verse 94.]] I belong to you. Deliver me!
For I seek your precepts.
[[#Verse 95.]] The wicked prepare to kill me,
yet I concentrate on your rules.
[[#Verse 96.]] I realize that everything has its limits,
but your commands are beyond full comprehension.
#### מ (_Mem_)
[[#Verse 97.]] O how I love your law!
All day long I meditate on it.
[[#Verse 98.]] Your commandments make me wiser than my enemies,
for I am always aware of them.
[[#Verse 99.]] I have more insight than all my teachers,
for I meditate on your rules.
[[#Verse 100.]] I am more discerning than those older than I,
for I observe your precepts.
[[#Verse 101.]] I stay away from every evil path,
so that I might keep your instructions.
[[#Verse 102.]] I do not turn aside from your regulations,
for you teach me.
[[#Verse 103.]] Your words are sweeter
in my mouth than honey!
[[#Verse 104.]] Your precepts give me discernment.
Therefore I hate all deceitful actions.
#### נ (_Nun_)
[[#Verse 105.]] Your word is a lamp to walk by,
and a light to illumine my path.
[[#Verse 106.]] I have vowed and solemnly sworn
to keep your just regulations.
[[#Verse 107.]] I am suffering terribly.
O Lord, revive me with your word.
[[#Verse 108.]] O Lord, please accept the freewill offerings of my praise.
Teach me your regulations.
[[#Verse 109.]] My life is in continual danger,
but I do not forget your law.
[[#Verse 110.]] The wicked lay a trap for me,
but I do not wander from your precepts.
[[#Verse 111.]] I claim your rules as my permanent possession,
for they give me joy.
[[#Verse 112.]] I am determined to obey your statutes
at all times, to the very end.
#### ס (_Samek_)
[[#Verse 113.]] I hate people with divided loyalties,
but I love your law.
[[#Verse 114.]] You are my hiding place and my shield.
I find hope in your word.
[[#Verse 115.]] Turn away from me, you evil men,
so that I can observe the commands of my God.
[[#Verse 116.]] Sustain me as you promised, so that I will live.
Do not disappoint me.
[[#Verse 117.]] Support me, so that I will be delivered.
Then I will focus on your statutes continually.
[[#Verse 118.]] You despise all who stray from your statutes,
for such people are deceptive and unreliable.
[[#Verse 119.]] You remove all the wicked of the earth like slag.
Therefore I love your rules.
[[#Verse 120.]] My body trembles because I fear you; I am afraid of your judgments.
[[#Verse 120]] My body trembles because I fear you;
I am afraid of your judgments.
#### ע (_Ayin_)
[[#Verse 121.]] I do what is fair and right.
Do not abandon me to my oppressors.
[[#Verse 122.]] Guarantee the welfare of your servant.
Do not let the arrogant oppress me.
[[#Verse 123.]] My eyes grow tired as I wait for your deliverance,
for your reliable promise to be fulfilled.
[[#Verse 124.]] Show your servant your loyal love.
Teach me your statutes.
[[#Verse 125.]] I am your servant. Give me insight,
so that I can understand your rules.
[[#Verse 126.]] It is time for the Lord to act—
they break your law.
[[#Verse 127.]] For this reason I love your commands
more than gold, even purest gold.
[[#Verse 128.]] For this reason I carefully follow all your precepts.
I hate all deceitful actions.
#### פ (_Pe_)
[[#Verse 129.]] Your rules are marvelous.
Therefore I observe them.
[[#Verse 130.]] Your instructions are a doorway through which light shines.
They give insight to the untrained.
[[#Verse 131.]] I open my mouth and pant,
because I long for your commands.
[[#Verse 132.]] Turn toward me and extend mercy to me,
as you typically do to your loyal followers.
[[#Verse 133.]] Direct my steps by your word.
Do not let any sin dominate me.
[[#Verse 134.]] Deliver me from oppressive men,
so that I can keep your precepts.
[[#Verse 135.]] Smile on your servant.
Teach me your statutes!
[[#Verse 136.]] Tears stream down from my eyes,
because people do not keep your law.
#### צ (_Tsade_)
[[#Verse 137.]] You are just, O Lord,
and your judgments are fair.
[[#Verse 138.]] The rules you impose are just,
and absolutely reliable.
[[#Verse 139.]] My zeal consumes me,
for my enemies forget your instructions.
[[#Verse 140.]] Your word is absolutely pure,
and your servant loves it.
[[#Verse 141.]] I am insignificant and despised,
yet I do not forget your precepts.
[[#Verse 142.]] Your justice endures,
and your law is reliable.
[[#Verse 143.]] Distress and hardship confront me,
yet I find delight in your commands.
[[#Verse 144.]] Your rules remain just.
Give me insight so that I can live.
#### ק (_Qof_)
[[#Verse 145.]] I cried out with all my heart, “Answer me, O Lord!
I will observe your statutes.”
[[#Verse 146.]] I cried out to you, “Deliver me,
so that I can keep your rules.”
[[#Verse 147.]] I am up before dawn crying for help.
I find hope in your word.
[[#Verse 148.]] My eyes anticipate the nighttime hours,
so that I can meditate on your word.
[[#Verse 149.]] Listen to me because of your loyal love.
O Lord, revive me, as you typically do.
[[#Verse 150.]] Those who are eager to do wrong draw near;
they are far from your law.
[[#Verse 151.]] You are near, O Lord,
and all your commands are reliable.
[[#Verse 152.]] I learned long ago that
you ordained your rules to last.
#### ר (_Resh_)
[[#Verse 153.]] See my pain and rescue me.
For I do not forget your law.
[[#Verse 154.]] Fight for me and defend me.
Revive me with your word.
[[#Verse 155.]] The wicked have no chance for deliverance,
for they do not seek your statutes.
[[#Verse 156.]] Your compassion is great, O Lord.
Revive me, as you typically do.
[[#Verse 157.]] The enemies who chase me are numerous.
Yet I do not turn aside from your rules.
[[#Verse 158.]] I take note of the treacherous and despise them,
because they do not keep your instructions.
[[#Verse 159.]] See how I love your precepts.
O Lord, revive me with your loyal love.
[[#Verse 160.]] Your instructions are totally reliable;
all your just regulations endure.
#### שׂ/שׁ (_Sin/Shin_)
[[#Verse 161.]] Rulers pursue me for no reason,
yet I am more afraid of disobeying your instructions.
[[#Verse 162.]] I rejoice in your instructions,
like one who finds much plunder.
[[#Verse 163.]] I hate and despise deceit;
I love your law.
[[#Verse 164.]] Seven times a day I praise you
because of your just regulations.
[[#Verse 165.]] Those who love your law are completely secure;
nothing causes them to stumble.
[[#Verse 166.]] I hope for your deliverance, O Lord,
and I obey your commands.
[[#Verse 167.]] I keep your rules;
I love them greatly.
[[#Verse 168.]] I keep your precepts and rules,
for you are aware of everything I do.
#### ת (_Tav_)
[[#Verse 169.]] Listen to my cry for help, O Lord.
Give me insight by your word.
[[#Verse 170.]] Listen to my appeal for mercy.
Deliver me, as you promised.
[[#Verse 171.]] May praise flow freely from my lips,
for you teach me your statutes.
[[#Verse 172.]] May my tongue sing about your instructions,
for all your commands are just.
[[#Verse 173.]] May your hand help me,
for I choose to obey your precepts.
[[#Verse 174.]] I long for your deliverance, O Lord;
I find delight in your law.
[[#Verse 175.]] May I live and praise you.
May your regulations help me.
[[#Verse 176.]] I have wandered off like a lost sheep.
Come looking for your servant,
for I do not forget your commands.
## 📖 Verse-by-Verse Commentary
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## 🤔 Interesting Facts / Historical and Cultural Insights
1. Psalm 119 has 176 verses, making it the longest chapter in the Bible.
2. It is an alphabetic acrostic of 22 stanzas, one for each letter of the Hebrew alphabet.
3. Each stanza has eight verses, and all eight begin with the same Hebrew letter. Many Bibles print the letter names (Aleph, Beth, Gimel, and so on) as headings.
4. The psalm uses about eight main Hebrew words for God's word, including law (*torah*), statutes, precepts, commands, rules, testimonies, word (*dabar*), and promise (*imrah*).
5. Nearly every verse refers to God's word in some way.
6. The author is not named. Jewish and Christian tradition has suggested David or Ezra, but no one knows for certain.
7. Ancient clay oil lamps gave only enough light for the next few steps, which fits the picture of 119:105.
8. A wineskin in the smoke (119:83) would dry out and shrivel, a picture of feeling worn out and useless.
9. The psalmist praises God seven times a day (119:164) and rises at midnight to give thanks (119:62).
10. The psalm ends not with a boast but a confession: "I have wandered like a lost sheep" (119:176).
## 🧠 Chapter Summary
> [!note] 🌱 Still growing. This section is on its way.
## ✝️ Christ in This Chapter
Christ is the Word made flesh (John 1:14), the living fulfillment of every law, statute, and promise this psalm treasures. He did not come to abolish the law but to fulfill it (Matthew 5:17).
## 🔎 Key Principles / 🛟 Life Application
> [!note] 🌱 Still growing. This section is on its way.
## 💬 Discussion Questions
1. The psalmist stores up God's word in his heart so he will not sin (119:11). What practical habits help you hide God's word in your heart?
2. He says it was good for him to be afflicted so he could learn God's statutes (119:67, 71). How has God used hard times to teach you His word?
3. God's word is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path (119:105). What decision do you need God's word to light up right now?
## ✍️ Key Verses to Remember
- 📖 verse 11: I store up Your words in my heart so I will not sin against You.
- 📖 verse 71: It was good for me to be afflicted so I could learn Your statutes.
- 📖 verse 105: Your word is a lamp to walk by and a light to illumine my path.
## 🔗 Related Passages/Cross Reference
- 🔗 [[John 01#Verse 01.|John 1:1-14]] - The Word became flesh.
- 🔗 [[Matthew 05#Verse 17.|Matthew 5:17-18]] - Jesus came to fulfill the law.
- 🔗 [[2 Timothy 03#Verse 16.|2 Timothy 3:16-17]] - All Scripture is inspired by God.
- 🔗 [[Deuteronomy 06#Verse 06.|Deuteronomy 6:6-9]] - Keep these words on your heart.
- 🔗 [[Psalm 19#Verse 07.|Psalm 19:7-11]] - The law of the Lord is perfect.
## 🙏 Devotional Reflection
📝 SOAP: [[Psalm 119- SOAP|If We Could Only See]]
## 📂 Internal Notes