Bible Commentaries
Psalms 119

Verses 1-176

Any dealing with this psalm must necessarily be general and not particular. It has been called the psalm of the Law, not inaccurately; but the term, "The Law," should be understood in its widest significance, no fewer than ten Hebrew words being used in referring to the great matter celebrated. These are translated 'law," "word," "saying" or 'savings," "commandment," "statutes," "ordinances," "precepts," "testimony," way," "path." A careful consideration of them will reveal one underlying conception. It is the conception of the will of God as that will has been made known to man. Every word reveals some aspect of the will in itself, of the method of its revelation, and its value in human life.

Throughout, moreover, the singer reveals his conception of the value of this great will, both in itself and in its revelation, and utters words showing his determination to be obedient thereto combined with constant prayer to enable him to do so. This attitude is supremely revealed in his declaration:

Oh how love I Thy law!

It is my meditation all the day (verse Psa 119:97 ).

His sense of the value of this revealed will of God is perhaps most clearly shown in the words: Thy word is a lamp unto my feet And light unto my path (verse Psa 119:105 ).

The lamp for the feet is that which illumines the immediate pathway, and the light for the path is that which reveals the general direction.