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Psalm 119 Implications


Below is a discussion on the implications of Psalm 119 based on an assignment but would like to share on my blog. Psalm 119 is the longest Psalm which holds great value for our lives and from which we can learn many lessons from the psalmist. His desire for the Lord is admirable.

Psalm 119 demonstrates the central importance of the Word of God being eternal truth. This truth is everlasting truth that transcends to all generations which is useful for teaching and should be learned from. The psalmist of 119 used God’s very Word for both teaching and counsel. The psalmist learned from these statutes that are established in God’s word to last forever; this truth is relevant to current and future generations. Psalm 119:89-91 states – “Your word, LORD, is eternal; it stands firm in the heavens. Your faithfulness continues through all generations; you established the earth, and it endures. Your laws endure to this day, for all things serve you.”[1]

Though the central point is God’s Word is truth, there are three implications we should acknowledge from Psalm 119 – God’s Word teaches only what is true, this truth leads to good counsel, and we should seek to love God’s truth.[2] The Bible states the truth about ourselves, other people, our world, the future and past, the good life, and God Himself.[3] Since the Bible is a book of truth we need to heed the warnings, understand what it says about us and others, and let it bring us closer to its author. An important point that DeYoung makes is that Jesus believed wholeheartedly all that was written in the Scriptures which should have a major implication on what we need to believe as Christians.[4] We need to take God at His word and let His truth rule over our lives.

Since God’s word is truth and only teaches truth, we can trust His instruction, if obeyed, will lead us into a good life and freedom. If the psalmist asked God to teach him through His word, we should follow his example. The psalmist is a man after God’s heart emphasized by the amount of times he pleads “teach me” which is eight.[5] He also pleads “Give me understanding” four times.[6] Psalm 119:102 says, “I have not departed from your laws for you yourself have taught me.”.[7]

Another point to consider is God’s Word is truth that enables us to walk in freedom when we have the right attitude towards it and apply to our lives. God’s word frees us from both sin and human oppression.[8] Psalm 119:45 states – “I will walk about in freedom, for I have sought out your precepts.”[9]

The word of God is fully trustworthy and gives instruction so that when we walk in obedience with love and reverence for God we walk in His true freedom. Finally, Psalm 119:138 states – “The statutes you have laid down are righteous; they are fully trustworthy.”[10]

References :

[1] Kenneth L. Barker, NIV Study Bible (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Pub. House, 2011).

[2] Kevin Deyoung, Taking God at His Word: Why the Bible Is Knowable, Necessary, and Enough, and What That Means for ... You and Me (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Books, 2016).

[3] IBID

[4] IBID

[5] Psalm 119:29, 64, 66, 68, 108, 125, 135, 171. (NIV)

[6][6] Psalm 119:34, 73, 144, 169. (NIV)

[7] NIV

[8] Psalm 119:133-134, NIV

[9] NIV

[10] NIV, Emphasis mine


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