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The 119th Psalm is by far the largest of the Psalms with a total of 176 verses. Due to its size alone, it stands out as unique. I have entitled this, 'The Flagship Psalm' due to its size and scope. Just like the Flagship was the 'King', as it were, in a fleet of war; likewise, this Psalm is peculiarly equipped with top gunnage for the spiritual war. The scope of its messages seem to cover every area necessary for a solid godly walk after the LORD.
From a thorough investigation of this Psalm, I am convinced it is a specially equipped vessel for God's warfare. We are in a time of critical need to awaken the body of Christ to the truths of God's Word. There have been many destructive 'floating mines' of error the enemy has laid. It has become almost impossible to lead someone through the minefield to solid ground on God's Word. The fog has become so dense. Psalm 119 is a secret weapon of war that has been sitting in dry docks, awaiting the day of greatest need. Now is the time for this incredible, ultra-equipped war ship to make its debut. It has the power to spot and blast out the satanic mines of error. Welcome aboard, let the tour begin!
A Look At Cultural Differences
We tend to look at things from the context of our culture. We see some tribal convert with the missionary, and allow for a long time in training such a disciple. We know there are many things in their cultural upbringing, that may take a lifetime to fall from their thinking. We perceive the goal of making them 'western Christians' in outlook. Little do we realize, we have a cultural wall blinding us to some degree as well.
In Old Testament Hebrew culture, they had a totally different framework to our upbringing. We read the Bible and, know it or not, we 'translate' what we read through the glasses of culture. Western thought likes 'creedal lists'. Every group has to develop its 'What We Believe' paper. We look at the Bible and figure the few thousand years record somehow missed it. It did not. There is such a record, it is formulated according to a different culture. Theirs was formed after their way of thinking and viewing.
For one thing, song was a basic part. Moses gave the people a song (Deuteronomy 31:19-32:44 - a 43 verse song) just before his death, to be a testimony for all to learn. It was to bear witness when they departed from God. A song so large, it would be like expecting us to memorize a large document. Many who know 'Amazing Grace', probably can't even sing all four verses on their own. This song Moses gave (also given by God), was not unreasonable within their culture. They passed important, to be 'memorized' teaching, in this format. That is what we find in Psalm 119.
It effectively is a musical 'Nicene Creed', to guard against apostasy. It lays a basic course of instruction, laying a foundation and more advanced issues. I remember a series put out for a one-year new believer's discipleship course. This man, and the brethren with him, created a course of one lesson for each week, for a yearly cycle. All new believers were enlisted in the course (whenever they were converted), and went through it for one year. They got all the important basic teachings presented that way. We wonder what 'necessary' teachings should be in such a program. We find such a course in this Psalm.
Another cultural difference is the way we list things. Westerners like straight facts. Mental technical harmony is most critical, often to the absence of living reality. Biblical ancient Hebrew built their creedal 'song', with the purpose of bringing out the living reality. If the reality of heart desires is there, the understanding of truth would naturally end up following. We forget such in our view of music today. Many think they can listen to music with ungodly lyrics, and as long as they intellectually understand them to be evil, all will be well. The Hebrews knew such is not the case. They knew that what you listen to had a formative power as to your understanding and desires.
For centuries, this lack of understanding the old Hebrew culture has left us bereft of a long reaching benefit found in the Psalms. Here, particularly with Psalm 119, I believe that ignorance has helped protect it as well. When groups found teaching intolerable, they often rewrote that portion of scripture to their liking. In both the clear doctrinal statements and historical accounts, they have made their alterations. The Psalms have had a sort of protection, for their teachings were in a different format, as I have mentioned. Not seeing the teachings, they didn't see the threat that needed to be altered.
Structure and Lesson Plan
Psalm 119 is unique in its structure. It is built on the Hebrew alphabet, with each section being eight verses long. It is not known who composed it, or if each section was composed by a different writer. There are many theories, but no proofs. What we do know, is the richness and inspiration that lies behind it. Due to its size, I have undertaken to examine this Psalm section by section. Along with this overview, that gives us 23.
These sections are designed with the intention of use in a series of daily devotionals. (The introductory portions of each repeats basic information, so sections may be used separate from the complete course.) With the overview and each section, this will take a total of 23 days to complete. This is not designed as a bunch of 'inspirational' stories. We have had too many of those, and people do not know what God's Word says. These are designed for the desperately serious student hungering for God's Word. It may mean a little work to go through, but I believe God's Word is worth putting in a little effort. If you put in a half hour each day, going through each section, the rewards will be well worth it.
Throughout the study, you will find the verse in bold. I have done this to make it easier to keep looking back and considering the message under each verse. You will need to keep rereading the verse to keep it properly in mind as you cover it.
King James Bible Foundation
I hold great appreciation and respect for the King James Bible. I believe it is founded upon the reliable manuscripts God carefully preserved for His people. The new versions use different manuscripts, and the translators use dishonest techniques in their translations.
There are good resources based upon the King James base text of the Masoretic that will be closely examined. Young's Literal Translation is an old translation based on the King James texts. It serves as a good aid. There is also The Interlinear Hebrew-Greek-English Bible by Jay P. Green, Sr. that likewise cherishes the King James Bible manuscripts. One can also use Strong's Concordance and Vine's Dictionary to assist in further word study. I have done a great deal of giving expounded definitions on words. Please do not misunderstand this to be a criticism of the King James Bible. Personally, I would much rather not have to say, 'The Hebrew word also means'. To me, that is the common talk of intellectual snobs, but I pray you forgive my usage throughout these studies. Apart from that, I could see no other way to plumb the full depth of this Psalm.
Something of great import for those who do follow other manuscripts. I proofed the Hebrew Psalm 119 from the King James Masoretic Text against that used in 'The Bible Society in Israel' bible. I found two additional letters in the King James Masoretic Text, and that was all. It is my belief that those two letters, in different words, were simply spelling differences, and made no difference to the meaning. So, even if you follow modern textual criticism, for the purposes of looking at Psalm 119, there are no grounds for a textual dispute.
Safeguarding The Gospel
We live in a time of incredible apostasy. Other gospels are being presented as the Christian message probably 100 to 1 over the true Gospel. It is time to pull Psalm 119 from the dusty shelf of our library, and take a close, desperate look at the salvation message it contains for this hour.
Jesus gave an important word that needs to be shouted again and again for this hour:
21 And he answered and said unto them, My mother and my brethren are these which hear the word of God, and do it. Luke 8:21
This Psalm not only shows the truth, it instructs in such a way, that it teaches the listener how to discern the ways of error. The listener, or reader, can come to a sound conversion and will be able to discern a false gospel at the same time.
We see an exemplary 'sinner's prayer'. It instructs in such a way that the 'penitent inquirer' will gain clear understanding of what needs to be accomplished. It instructs in the thorough breaking up of the fallow ground of hearts and souls to make a sound and permanent conversion. This Psalm gives light as to the cost of discipleship in both inner and outer conflicts. The 'inquirer' will gain the knowledge of what is needed to continue victoriously for God.
Overall Themes Covered:
'How to approach God';
'How to get right with God';
'What our heart state needs to be';
'What the right heart will look like';
'Taking the status of a pilgrim';
'Abiding in death to find life';
'Complete dependence upon God';
'How to fight spiritual warfare and win';
'Walking in victory of witness';
'The faithful servant in the face of scorn';
'Clear Gospel message and the path to follow';
'Setting the right priorities for life';
'The issue of God's disciplining His own and excommunication';
'Obedience to the Word, above all else';
'Eternal aspect of God's Word and life';
'A view of the spiritually mature';
'What it takes to keep the course until the end';
'How to stand in the position of victory';
'Dealing with suffering biblically';
'How to rightly seek the Word of God';
'A close look at the righteousness of God';
'The breaking process to growth';
'God's Word is the basis for all good, rejection of it is the basis of all evil';
'God's Word will grant and preserve a sound mind';
'The path back for someone who has departed from the right path';
Sectional Synopsis
A brief description of each section:
1) Aleph:
Seek Him With The Whole Heart
Gives important basic instruction on the 'how' of living for God. First comes the consecration, then the call for discipleship. In this we see part of the Great Commission.
2) Beth:
How To Walk In A Clean Path
The gauntlet of discipleship is laid out. We are shown the needed heart condition. We are shown how we start and the commitment that must follow.
3) Gimel:
Consecration Prayer Of The Servant
This section takes us to a view of the pathway that must be trodden for the faithful pilgrim. We start with the needy servant, then behold the broken pilgrim, then his choice of reproach, and end with his commitment to God's Word.
4) Daleth:
Gasps Of The Broken Soul
We get a close look at the broken soul. It is open and honest before God. This ends with the path of consecration.
5) He:
The Heart Of A Pupil
This section lays before us a heart that is committed to being conformed to the image of God. We see consecration of his life and the inner battles. It concludes with the clear declaration that he is totally dependent upon God for any attribute of righteousness.
6) Vau:
The Path of The Overcomer
We see a spiritual battle. The Psalmist shows us the battle, and victorious walk after. We are given a lesson of what is necessary to live the overcoming life for God.
7) Zain:
God's Faithful And Afflicted Servant
Shows the theme of 'Remembering'. In this section we see the soldier in the trench. God's servant is already walking the consecrated life. We see this break down to three sections: hope for the suffering faithful, the noble pilgrim, and what the proud could not steal.
8) Cheth:
Giving The Perfect Testimony
This one is a fantastic Gospel picture. We get to hear the perfect testimony of conversion, and follow up with what his life is like now.
9) Teth:
The Good: Choosing Your Treasure
We see the issue of seeing what is really good. We are presented with the issues of the profitable heart condition, and the priorities that must be in place to have a successful walk with God.
10) Jod:
God Disciplines His Own
This section deals with the unpleasant topic of God's hand of discipline. No child can afford to be in ignorance of this fact. It shows how to stay out of trouble in the first place, and how to get back on the right path.
11) Caph:
Faithful To The End
This one deals with the offering of ourselves to God as a living sacrifice. It brings us to the final consideration of following God's Word, even if it costs us our life.
12) Lamed:
Life Begins With Seeing God
This section runs on the theme of 'Forever'. It starts with a view of God, then life with God.
13) Mem:
Growing In Wisdom: Spiritual Maturity
This takes a look at the valiant warrior for God. What the knight of God looks like is seen through this section.
14) Nun:
A View Of The Victor
We get a view of how the spiritually mature wage spiritual battles. We are shown the fight the consecrated are willing to fight to remain faithful.
15) Samech:
Standing Fast With A True Heart
Covers holding the ground for God. It teaches us how to stand firm in the faith.
16) Ain:
Needy Servant Transforms Into Warrior
Presents the faithful servant who is undergoing suffering. He transforms to stand as a soldier, though deliverance is still to come.
17) Pe:
The Heart That Gets Revelation
Many show idle curiosity in God's Word. This one presents the heart that approaches God's Word properly. It instructs in the way to gain its true blessing in a right walk with God.
18) Tzaddi:
Righteousness: Being Exposed To God's Glory
When we behold the righteousness of God, four things happen. First, we are dazzled. Second, we are repulsed by the defilement of mankind. Third, we are brought low in humility, as we see ourselves. Fourth and finally, we walk the life of the cross. Messianic section.
19) Koph:
Breaking Through To Victory
Takes us through the process of achieving spiritual victory. This presents the wrestling of a Jacob at Peniel to become the Israel who is the 'Prince with God'.
20) Resh:
The Place Of God's Word
If God's Word is not given its rightful place and honor, the path is treachery and wickedness. God has preserved His Word, and all men are accountable to it.
21) SChin:
God's Word: The Hope For A Sound Mind
Shows the path necessary for a healthy mental state. The testimony of a man who knows, by experience, God's Word has the power to heal and preserve a sound mind.
22) Tau:
The Return Of The Prodigal
This takes us the pathway of return from having strayed from the right ways of God. If we have tasted of God's keeping shown in Shin, then strayed, we are shown how to return. Messianic in the lost sheep seeking for the Shepherd to come and save him.
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