Psalm 119

Day 234

OT Reading: Psalm 119:49-104

NT Reading: 1 Corinthians 4

As you may know, Psalm 119 is the longest chapter in the entire Bible. But that is not the only reason it is unique. In fact, it is quite likely that you noticed odd subtitles appearing consistently as you have read along. Subtitles like: Aleph, Beth, Gimel, Daleth, etc. These are not misprints or names of people. What you are actually seeing are the letters in the Hebrew alphabet (spelled out in English).

You see, Psalm 119 is actually an acrostic in Hebrew. The psalmist takes a letter of the Hebrew alphabet, begins eight lines with that letter and then moves on to the next. In the English alphabet that would be like writing the first eight lines of a poem using the letter A, the next eight with B, then eight with C and so forth.

But even within that complex of a poetic structure, the entire Psalm is written around one idea: God's law. The psalmist speaks about how wisdom is derived from God's law. He tells others how God's law is a delight to him. And he promises others that only ruin will come if you try to deny. 176 verse...all about the law.

If I do say so...that's pretty impressive.

So as you read along, pay attention to how the psalmist treats God's law...especially insofar as it differs from your reaction to it.