Psalm 119 is the longest Psalm. It is also the longest chapter in the Bible. It is an acrostic. Each verse in each section of eight verses begins with the same letter of the Hebrew alphabet, through 22 sections in (Hebrew) alphabetical order. Quite a literary feat! In addition, every one of the 176 verses contains a synonym for God’s Word: “law” verse 1, “testimonies” verse 2, “ways” verse 3, “precepts” verse 4, “statutes” verse 5, “commandments” verse 6, “rules” verse 7, “statutes” verse 8, etc.
God’s Word is our joy and delight. “In the way of your testimonies I delight as much as in all riches” (14). “I will delight in your statutes; I will not forget your word” (16). “Your testimonies are my delight; they are my counselors” (24). “The law of your mouth is better to me than thousands of gold and silver pieces” (72). “Oh how I love your law! It is my meditation all the day” (97).
God’s Word keeps us from sin. “How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to your word” (9). “I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you” (11).
God’s Word is eternal and unchanging. “Forever, O Lord, your word is firmly fixed in the heavens” (89). “Your righteousness is righteous forever, and your law is true” (142). “Your testimonies are righteous forever; give me understanding that I may live” (144). “The sum of your word is truth, and every one of your righteous rules endures forever” (160).
God’s Word helps us in our afflictions. “This is my comfort in my affliction, that your promise gives me life” (50). “Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I keep your word” (67). “It is good for me that I was afflicted, that I might learn your statutes” (71). “Trouble and anguish have found me out, but your commandments are my delight” (143).
God’s Word keeps us from error. “Through your precepts I get understanding; therefore I hate every false way” (104). “Therefore I consider all your precepts to be right; I hate every false way” (128).
God’s Word defines our fellowship. “I am a companion of all who fear you, of those who keep your precepts” (63). “Let those who fear you turn to me, that they may know your testimonies” (79).
God’s Word guides our way safely. “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (105). “Great peace have those who love your law; nothing can make them stumble” (165).
