I opened my mouth, and panted:
For I longed for thy commandments (Psa 119.131).
True religion (Jas 1.27 illustrates the positive use of the word “religion”) is first a matter of the heart, of longing and strong desire, with hunger and thirst serving as appropriate if inadequate metaphors, since the object of true religion is God, not the mere physical and temporal needs of the body.
Continue reading
The entrance of thy words giveth light;
it giveth understanding unto the simple (Psa 119.130).
The Middle Ages are not known for widespread biblical scholarship and preaching. Dominant Christendom in the West, the Roman Catholic Church conducted public worship services only in Latin. Even the priesthood, not to mention the laity, was largely ignorant of the Bible.
Continue reading
Thy testimonies are wonderful:
Therefore doth my soul keep them (Psa 119.129).
Straightforward exposition of these words should lead us into deep and practical contemplation. That is my aim in this study.
Our text is addressed to God in prayer. “Thy” is a possessive pronoun with the “LORD” (v. 126) as referent. “Testimonies” (Heb. ’edot, “what God solemnly testifies to be his will”1) is clearly Holy Scripture, as it means this repeatedly throughout the Psalm (vv. 14, 31, 36, 88, 99, 111, 144, 157) along with six other terms so used (law, precepts, statutes, commandments, judgments, word). This is David’s sincere reflection upon Holy Scripture, the message from God that preceded and provoked David’s speech back to God. Continue reading
Therefore I love thy commandments
Above gold; yea, above fine gold (Psa 119.127).
Some desires are good, and some things you cannot desire too much. This contradicts the so-called “Second Noble Truth” of Buddhism, that the root cause of all suffering is “thirst” or desire, with its corollary, the so-called “Third Noble Truth,” that “nirvana” or bliss comes through the cessation of desire altogether.1 Well may we feel pity for the poor deluded souls in this ascetic false religion who think that desire itself is inherently evil, who hope in vain to eradicate all their desires, and who dream that spiritual progress comes by repudiating any and all gratification of desire!
Continue reading
I have seen an end of all perfection:
but thy commandment is exceeding broad (Psa 119.96).
The psalmist continues his praise of Scripture, not only because of a natural propriety in acknowledging its inherent excellence, but also because he would quicken his craving for the Word by meditating on its infinite worth. He wants to value, then desire, then ingest, and finally, benefit from the Scriptures. Godly meditation on its praiseworthiness is an indispensable means of grace.
Here the trait is Scripture’s boundlessness in comparison with all other things, for while we can appreciate the Bible in its own right, its preeminent transcendence appears more conspicuously in contrast with the limited blessings of this world.
Continue reading
For ever, O LORD,
Thy word is settled in heaven (Psa 119.89).
Foundational to living as Christian believers is a true knowledge of God and his Word. In this verse the psalmist tersely lays that foundation, the unshakeable basis for everything else. Whatever we think, feel, and choose ought to build upon this. If we are in our right mind, all our plans will count on it, both for time and eternity. As one expressed poetically the utter stability of Scripture,
How firm a foundation, ye saints of the Lord,
Is laid for your faith in his excellent Word!
What more can he say than to you he hath said,
You who unto Jesus for refuge have fled?1