Just recently I spent a week in Psalm 119. I’ve read all the way through it a few times over the years but never slowed down to savor it. I’ve also read pieces of it here and there. But this is the first time I read the whole psalm and spent enough time in it to go a bit deeper. 

After taking a closer look at this psalm I knew I wanted to share some of what I learned with you. The truths it teaches about God’s Law are vital for our Christian life today.

There is a lot we don’t know about this unique psalm. It does not include a superscription that provides any information. Scholars are not sure of the date of composition, but based on the style and content, many scholars hold to a post-exilic date for the composition of the psalm. Technically, Psalm 119 is anonymous, however, some of the most often suggested authors include David, Daniel, Jeremiah, and Ezra. (Also see “What is the Bible’s Post-Exilic Period?” and “What Every Reader Should Know about the Book of Psalms” and “Seven Tips to Help You Understand and Enjoy the Psalms.”)

Scholars struggle to classify the type of this psalm because it includes elements of praise, lament, prayer, and wisdom. But all these elements revolve around the need for, benefits of, and commitment to God’s Word.

Unique Structure of Psalm 119

Psalm 119 contains 176 verses. That makes it both the longest chapter in the Book of Psalms and the longest chapter in the Bible. 

Famously, this psalm uses all 22 letters of the Hebrew alphabet to form an acrostic. Each of the 22 stanzas begins with the next letter of alphabet. Each stanza includes 8 verses, each of which also begins with that same Hebrew letter. 

Since the printing press was not invented until the 15^th century AD, ancient documents had to be copied by hand. This meant that copies of God’s Word were precious and extremely limited. Most of God’s people had no personal access to His Word. But memorization was a common way to “hide God’s Word in their hearts” and many memorized large sections. The acrostic structure of Psalm 119 served as a mnemonic device to help worshippers memorize the psalm.

The “Law” of Psalm 119

This psalm is a lengthy meditation on the beauty and necessity of God’s Law. The first stanza begins like this: 

Blessed are those whose way is blameless, who walk in the law of the LORD! Psalm 119:1 ESV

The Hebrew word translated “law” in the verse above is torah. Torah occurs 25 times in Psalm 119. While torah narrowly refers to the Law of Moses, it is also broadly used to refer to any instruction revealed by God. (Also see “How to Better Understand the Old Testament Law.”)

The psalmist uses a total of eight Hebrew words to refer to God’s Law. The English words used vary depending on your translation, but some you are likely to see include word, laws, statutes, commands, precepts, testimony, decrees, and judgment. Considering the range of words the psalmist used, we can conclude his psalm extols all of God’s divine revelation, whether through Moses, the prophets, the apostles, or Jesus.

Believers today can equate all the characteristics, qualities, and work of God’s Law as described in Psalm 119 with God’s written Word which He has miraculously revealed and preserved.

The Theme of Psalm 119

As I began to observe this psalm, I repeatedly noticed how relevant it is for believers today. The psalmist saw evil thrive in the world and even suffered at the hands of evil people. He was surrounded by people who rejected God and His Word. They ridiculed his faith, trying to turn him away from God. 

However, amid these overwhelming challenges, the psalmist did not abandon his faith. He did not reject God and His Word. Instead, he cried out to God for help. Repeatedly he committed himself to meditate on and follow God’s law. He recognized that God and His Word were His sole source of life, strength, and hope.

When I read through the whole psalm in one sitting these are a few of the overall impressions that hit me:

• The psalmist had experienced trouble and God’s discipline.
• But he committed himself to follow God’s Law because he knows it gives life.
• He asked God to teach him and give him understanding.
• He asked God to lead, bless, and sustain him as he follows His Word.
• The psalmist knew that the wicked who reject God’s Law will eventually fall.

The psalmist’s experience in the world is very much like our own. The answer is the same. Only God and His Word provide the answers, strength, and hope we need. 

Study Psalm 119 for Yourself

What I’ve shared about this incredible psalm is just a taste. No matter how much time you have, you will be blessed and encouraged if you dive in yourself. For a full deep dive, work through the steps of inductive Bible study (Also see “The 4 R Inductive Bible Study Method for Everyday Use.”) Or, use the suggestions below to get a good, overall understanding of this beautiful psalm:

• Read the entire psalm through in one sitting. Read it again in a second translation if you have time.
• Write down your overall impressions.
• Summarize the psalm in just 2-3 sentences.
• List your observations for the following six categories. You can use the margin of your Bible, six separate sheets of paper, create a table with six columns, or some other method that works for you. I did this one stanza at a time:
  • Truths/facts you see about GodTruths/facts you see about God’s WordFacts you see about the psalmistFacts you see about the wickedRequests the psalmist makes of God
  • Commitments the psalmist makes to God
• Write out a few overall faith principles you learned from your observations.
• Finally, ask God how you need to adjust your life and faith practice to align with His truth.

Have you studied this psalm before? What was your big takeaway? If you decide to study Psalm 119 for the first time I’d love to hear about what you learn!