Psalm 119 is a masterpiece!

In a way it is like the Sistine Chapel. That work of Michelangelo is magnificent (I’m told) when you step back and try to take it all in. And, each individual panel or “fresco” is a masterful work of art in and of itself.

Psalm 119 is the longest psalm in the Book of Psalms and the longest chapter of the Bible—176 Verses—yet it was crafted to be memorized! It is an acrostic, divided into 22 eight-verse sections—each verse corresponding to one of the 22 letters of the Hebrew alphabet. Each section—called a “strophe”—contains eight verses. Each one of those verses starts with the same Hebrew letter. For example, the first eight verses start with “aleph” (the Hebrew A). Verses 9-16 start with “beth” (the Hebrew B) and so on. So, the psalmist intended for us to “take it all in” in one sitting.

Yet, each strophe is a masterful work of art in and of itself. This series of posts will take a look at each one of the 22 strophes of Psalm 119.

The psalm is not only in God’s Word. It is about God’s Word. In the 22 eight-verse “strophes” the Psalmist uses eight different terms for God’s Word. All but four of the 176 verses contain at least one of these eight words. These have been variously translated: Law, Word, Statutes, Commands, Decrees, Precepts, Promises, Regulations, Instructions, etc.

As you read each post, keep in mind two words: “Keep it…” We are given many instructions on what we are to do with God’s Word, but in Psalm 119, this is the most common instruction in the psalm. It is used 29 times (NKJV). So, keep in mind that fundamental point—God’s Word is for “keeping”. I hope you enjoy strolling through and admiring the Sistine Chapter of the Bible.

[ Read more in this series of posts on Pastor LePage's blog, Keep Your Head. ]