This section of Psalm 119 from verses 33-40 comes under the 5th out of the 22 Hebrew alphabets which is the character “ ה” (pronounced as “hey”). I would entitle this section as “God’s Word and me.”

In each verse, we can observe the various synonyms of God’s word such as “statutes” (verse 33), “law” (verse 34), “commandments” (verse 35), “testimonies” (verse 36), “ways” (verse 27), “promise” (verse 38), “rules” (verse 39) and “righteousness” (verse 40). Each of these synonyms appears in one out of the two clauses in each verse. So, first, the Psalmist uses this synonym to describe certain unique aspect concerning the Word of God in one clause. Then the other clause in the same verse states the writer’s response to this aspect of God’s Word.

In verse 33, the Psalter prays for God to teach him the way of His statutes; his response is that he will keep it to the end. In verse 34, the Psalmist prays for understanding to keep God’s law so that he will observe it with his whole heart. In verse 35, the writer prays for God to lead him in the path of His commandments as he delights in it. In verse 36, the author prays for God to incline his heart to His testimonies so that he will not be inclined to selfish gain.

In verse 37, the Psalter resolves not to focus on things that are worthless as he knows that only God’s way found in His Word can give him life. In verse 38, the Psalmist asks God to confirm His promise to him so that he can continue to fear Him. In verse 39, the writer’s plea before God to take away the reproach on him when he chooses to follow God’s rules that are good. In verse 40, as the author knows that only the righteousness from God’s Word can grant him life, he longs after His precepts.

Let us follow the example of the Psalmist in his various responses to God after knowing these distinct aspects of His Word. I remember vividly that Sunday in Oct 1984 - the day when I accepted Christ. After making the greatest decision in my life to accept Christ in my friend’s church, they gave me a Gideon Bible – a small pocket-sized New Testament Bible. I was so excited to know God and so hungry for His Word that I read the whole gospel according to John in one sitting on that Sunday afternoon. That began my journey of reading and meditating on the Word of God. And God uses His Word to transform me day by day, little by little in every way (song lyrics). I am still being changed by Him till this day forward.

Dear brothers and sisters, please pause and reflect your own attitude to the Word of God. When was the last time that you felt a stirring in your heart when you read your Bible?

Prayer

Jer 15:16 says “Your words were found, and I ate them, and your words became to me a joy and the delight of my heart, for I am called by your name, O Lord, God of hosts.” Thank you, my dear Lord, for reminding me that only your Word can bring vitality to my life. Help me to persevere in my daily or regular meditation of your Word to nourish and feed my soul. I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.