Nathan Parker in CSB

2 years ago

Today’s reading is the longest Psalm and the longest chapter in the Bible. Its theme is the Word of God. There is a direct reference to God’s Word in all but six of the 176 verses (verses 3, 37, 80, 121, 122, 132). In this Psalm the Hebrew uses at least nine different synonyms for God’s Word (the KJV uses eight synonyms—word, precepts, testimonies, law, commandments, ordinances, judgments, and statues). Also a reference to Deity occurs in every verse except verse 121. The Psalm is a masterpiece of literary organization. It is divided into twenty-two sections, each section corresponding to one letter of the twenty-two-letter Hebrew alphabet. Each section has exactly eight stanzas—eight is the octave number in music—so the verse divisions are most appropriate. Also, in the Hebrew each verse alliterates (a good memory aid) within each section (e.g. in the first section, each verse begins with the letter aleph). A brief alliterated synopsis of each section of the Psalm is as follows: Aleph (vv. 1–8): reward in the Word. Beth (vv. 9–16): refined by the Word. Gimel (vv. 17–24): revelation from the Word. Daleth (vv. 25–32): rejuvenation through the Word. He (vv. 33–40): resolve to keep the Word. Vav (vv. 41–48): replying to others from the Word. Zayin (vv. 49–56): relief through the Word. Kheth (vv. 57–64): resorting to the Word. Teth (vv. 65–72): reform according to the Word. Yodh (vv. 73–80): rejoicing because of the Word. Kaph (vv. 81–88): reliance on the Word. Lamedh (vv. 89–96): ratification of the Word. Mem (vv. 97–104): relevance of the Word. Nun (vv. 105–112): radiance from the Word. Samekh (vv. 113–120): retribution by the Word. Ayin (vv. 121–128): rescue according to the Word. Pe (vv. 129–136): receptiveness to the Word. Tsadhe (vv. 137–144): righteousness of the Word. Qoph (vv. 145–152): requests based on the Word. Resh (vv. 153–160): revival through the Word. Shin (vv. 161–168): respect for the Word. Tav (vv. 169–176): remembering the Word.

Nice alliteration, Nathan!

SECTION OUTLINE ONE HUNDRED NINETEEN (PSALM 119) This elaborate alphabetical psalm has 22 eight-verse stanzas that extol the Word of God. It is the longest chapter in the Bible (176 verses). I. THE NAMES FOR GOD'S WORD: What It Is Called (119:1, 3-37, 39-40, 42-69, 71-116, 119-120, 123-131, 133-148, 150-164, 166-176) A. His law or laws (119:1, 7, 13, 18, 20, 29-30, 34, 39, 43-44, 51-53, 55, 61-62, 70, 72, 77, 85, 91- 92, 97, 102, 106, 108-109, 113, 126, 136, 142, 150, 153, 160, 163-165, 174-175): We must keep, not break, his laws-for our own good. B. His decrees 119:2, 14, 22, 24, 31, 36, 46, 79, 88, 95, 99, 111, 119, 125, 129, 138, 144, 146, 152, 157, 167-168): They provide us with discernment. C. His light (119:3, 105): God's word provides light for our way. D. His commands/commandments (119:4, 6, 10, 15, 19, 21, 27, 32, 35, 40, 45, 47-48, 56, 60, 63, 66, 69, 73, 78, 86-87, 93-94, 96, 98, 100, 104, 110, 115, 127-128, 131, 134, 141, 143, 151, 159, 166, 168, 172-173, 176):We must love them, not forget them, and study them. E. His principles (119:5, 8, 12, 16, 23, 26, 33, 48, 54, 64, 68, 71, 80, 83, 112, 117-118, 124, 135, 145, 155, 171): We must let God teach us and then obey him. F. His rules (119:9): Following them will keep us pure. G. His ways (119:15): We should reflect on them. H. His statutes (119:59): If we follow them, they will give us direction. I. His judgments or decisions (119:120, 137): God's decisions are fair, and we are to live by them. II. THE NATURE OF GOD'S WORD: What It Accomplishes (119:1-2, 9, 11, 24, 28-29, 37-38, 41-42, 45-46, 49-50, 62, 67, 70, 98-100, 103, 105, 111, 114, 116, 120-122, 132, 139, 141, 149, 165, 170) A. It brings blessing and happiness (119:1-2, 122). B. It keeps us pure (119:9). C. It keeps us from sin (119:11, 29, 121). D. It gives wise advice (119:24). E. It encourages the grieving (119:28). F. It reassures us of his promises for those who honor him (119:38). G. It provides answers, even for those who taunt us (119:42). H. It gives freedom (119:45). I. It offers hope (119:49). J. It comforts and revives (119:50). K. It provides a thankful heart (119:62). L. It brings us back to God (119:37, 67): God will discipline us if we turn from him. M. It instructs and gives wisdom (119:98-100). N. It nourishes (119:103): God's word is sweeter than honey. O. It enlightens (119:105): God's word provides a light for our path. P. It protects (119:114): God's word is a refuge. Q. It sustains our hope (119:116). R. It brings delight (119:70, 111). S. It brings peace (119:165): We do not have to fear stumbling. T. It delivers (119:170): God promises to rescue us. U. It brings love and salvation (119:41, 149). V. It shows mercy to all who love his name (119:132). W. It deserves respect (119:46, 120). X. It is important to remember (119:141).  -- The Chapters of Psalms - Scholars Crossing