Love For God’s Word
October 8, 2021
Commentary
The psalmist gives three pleas for deliverance from suffering (vv. 153-156). (1) Appeal to the Lord’s compassion – Rescue Me (v. 153). (2) Appeal to the Lord’s ability to deliver – Redeem Me (v. 154). Salvation is far from those who refuse to seek God’s Word (v. 155). (3) Appeal to the Lord’s mercy – Revive Me (v. 156). Next, he gives three perspectives in seeking deliverance (vv. 157-159). (1) Appeal to the Lord in the face of opposition (v. 157). (2) Appeal to the Lord in hatred of disobedience (v. 158). And (3) Appeal to the Lord because of love for His Word (v. 159). God’s Word is Truth, and His Righteous Rules will endure forever (v. 160).
1. What leads to a life of obedience (vv. 161-164)?
a. Fearing (Reverencing) God’s Word in Holy Awe (v. 161).
“Princes have persecuted me without cause: but my heart stands in awe of thy Word”
b. Getting excited about God’s Word (v. 162).
“I rejoice at thy Word, as one that finds great spoil.”
c. Hating every lie but loving the truth (v. 163).
“I hate and abhor lying but thy law do I love.”
d. Praising God continually (v. 164).
“Seven times a day do I praise thee because of thy righteous judgments.”
2. What results from a life of obedience (vv. 165-166)?
a. Peace in the present (v. 165).
“Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them.”
b. Hope in the future (v. 166).
“Lord I have hoped for thy salvation, and done thy commandments.”
3. What motivates a life of obedience (vv. 167-168)?
a. Love for God’s Word (v. 167).
“My soul hath kept thy testimonies; and I love them exceedingly.”
b. Living in God’s presence (v. 168).
“I have kept thy precepts and thy testimonies: for all my ways are before thee.”
Application
I want to be a person who is quick to appeal to the Lord for my needs and those of others. I believe I should be more concerned about the spiritual needs than the physical needs.
Psalms 119:153– 160 (NET)
153 See my pain and rescue me. For I do not forget your law.
154 Fight for me and defend me. Revive me with your word.
155 The wicked have no chance for deliverance, for they do not seek your statutes.
156 Your compassion is great, O Lord. Revive me, as you typically do.
157 The enemies who chase me are numerous. Yet I do not turn aside from your rules.
158 I take note of the treacherous and despise them, because they do not keep your instructions.
159 See how I love your precepts. O Lord, revive me with your loyal love.
160 Your instructions are totally reliable; all your just regulations endure. שׂ/שׁ (Sin/Shin)