Psalm 119:161-176

 


Psalm 119 is the longest psalm in the Bible. It consists of 22 sections, one for each of the letters in the Hebrew alphabet in order.  Each section has 8 verses, all beginning with that Hebrew letter in the original language. The theme of the psalm is love for God's Word. Several terms are used throughout the psalm to refer to God's Word: 
  • Law (torah) - instruction or teaching
  • Testimonies (edot) - associated with testifying to God's will according to the covenant
  • Precepts (piqqudim) - details on actions to take
  • Statutes or Decrees (huqqim) - authoritative written orders prescribed by God
  • Commandments (miswot) - commands or orders
  • Rules or Judgments or Ordinances (mispatim) - ruling or judgment on what is right and wrong
  • Word or Promise (dabar, imrah) - spoken promises or revelation
Other terms that may also be considered referencing Divine wisdom and revelation are "ways" or "way."

Following are some reflections that may be beneficial to consider when meditating on verses 161-168 (SHIN) and 169-176 (TAW) of this psalm:

  • Verses 161-168
    • In what ways is God's word awe-inspiring?
    • What do I learn about God and His Word through the SHIN section?
  • Verses 169-176
    • In verse 176, the psalmist closes Psalm 119 with the reminder that God is the Good Shepherd who seeks us when we have gone astray.  How are we like sheep in need of a Shepherd?
    • What do I learn about God and His Word through the TAW section?

If you would like to meditate on this psalm through music as well, following are links to YouTube videos:
  • "Princes Persecute Me" (Psalm 119:161-168) by Charles Ciepiel:  Link
  • "Let my Cry Come Before You" (Psalm 119:169-176) by Charles Ciepiel:  Link


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