Psalm 119:1-8

In preparation of this study of Psalm 119, I really had no Idea what I was in for till I meet up with the resistance. What a struggle. This must be one humdinger of a study we are going to have.

 

Every verse in Psalm 119 declares that God's laws are good.

Psalm 119:1-8

    א Aleph

 ¹ Blessed are those whose ways are blameless,
   who walk according to the law of the LORD.
² Blessed are those who keep his statutes
   and seek him with all their heart—
³ they do no wrong
   but follow his ways.
⁴ You have laid down precepts
   that are to be fully obeyed.
⁵ Oh, that my ways were steadfast
   in obeying your decrees!
⁶ Then I would not be put to shame
   when I consider all your commands.
⁷ I will praise you with an upright heart
   as I learn your righteous laws.
⁸ I will obey your decrees;
   do not utterly forsake me.

- Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Bible

This psalm may be considered as the statement of a believer's experience. As far as our views, desires, and affections agree with what is here expressed, they come from the influences of the Holy Spirit, and no further.

The pardoning mercy of God in Christ, is the only source of a sinner's happiness. And those are most happy, who are preserved most free from the defilement of sin, who simply believe God's testimonies, and depend on his promises.

If the heart be divided between him and the world, it is evil. But the saints carefully avoid all sin; they are conscious of much evil that clogs them in the ways of God, but not of that wickedness which draws them out of those ways.

The tempter would make men think they are at them out of those ways.

The tempter would make men think they are at liberty to follow the word of God or not, as they please.

But the desire and prayer of a good man agree with the will and command of God.

If a man expects by obedience in one thing to purchase indulgence for disobedience in others, his hypocrisy will be detected; if he is not ashamed in this world, everlasting shame will be his portion.

The psalmist coveted to learn the laws of God, to give God the glory.

And believers see that if God forsakes them, the tempter will be too hard for them.