Psalm 119 is an interesting piece of scripture. Not only does it have the distinction of being the longest “chapter” in the Bible with 176 verses, but it is divided into twenty-two sections with eight verses each and begins with a letter of the Hebrew alphabet, evidently which the author arranged in a methodical manner to facilitate memorization. The entire emphasis of this eminent psalm is on the word of God. Notice some lessons we can learn about the word of God in the second section (Beth).
The word of God can cleanse (119:9). Jesus said, “Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you” (John 15:3). We are sanctified and cleansed “with the washing of water by the word” (Eph. 5:26).
The word of God needs reading daily (119:10). In seeking God with our “whole heart” and trying not to wander from His commandments, we need to be daily Bible readers.
The word of God can prohibit us from sin (119:11). However, it can only work if the word is in our heart (Ps. 40:8; Rom. 10:8; Col. 3:16). It will do little good in prohibiting from sin if the word of God is simply on the shelf, on the table, in our pew, or even in our hand. It must be in our hearts.
The word of God requires learning (119:12). Just as the psalmist was open to learn the word of God (Ps. 119:64, 68, 108, 181), we likewise should be eager to learn. A knowledge of the word of God does not come naturally through osmosis, but rather it takes diligent study (2 Tim. 2:15). As the Ethiopian nobleman answered the question from Philip concerning his understanding of the word of God, “How can I, except some man should guide me?” (Acts 8:30-31). Jesus quoted the prophets (Isa. 54:13; Jer. 31:34; Mic. 4:2) when he said, “And they shall be all taught of God. Every man therefore that hath heard, and hath learned of the Father, cometh unto me” (John 6:45).
The word of God requires teaching (119:13). After learning the word of God, we should be willing with our lips to declare “all the judgments of thy mouth.” Jesus emphasized this in the Great Commission (Matt. 28:18-20; Mark 16:15-16). The psalmist also said, “I have preached righteousness in the great congregation: lo, I have not refrained my lips, O Lord, thou knowest” (Ps. 40:9). Paul told the young man Timothy, “And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also” (2 Tim. 2:2).
The word of God is valuable (119:14). It is “better unto me than thousands of gold and silver” (Ps. 119:72). It is more valuable than “gold; yea above fine gold” (Ps. 119:127). The wise man spoke of the wisest investment one can make: “Buy the truth, and sell it not” (Prov. 23:23).
The word of God requires meditation and respect (119:15). Oh, how we desperately need both of these things today. We should spend time in daily meditation of the word of God today (Josh. 1:8; Ps. 1:2; 63:6; 104:34; 119:78, 148; 143:5). As the psalmist later said, “O how love I thy law! It is my meditation all the day” (119:97). We also need a deep respect for the word of God as the supreme authority for our lives (2 Tim. 3:16-17). It is divine in its origin (2 Pet. 1:21). It is truly a blessing to those who respect it (Ps. 19:11; Matt. 7:24). It is our standard for faith and practice in all matters of religion and morality (John 12:48; 1 Thess. 2:13). It is sacred (Deut. 12:32; Rev. 22:18-19).
The word of God requires remembrance (119:16). We need to take heed to “never forget thy precepts” (cf. 119:93).
May God bless our treatment of this sacred book that He has bestowed to us as a blessing!