The twenty-two sections of this psalm follow the alphabetical order of the Hebrew alphabet—one for each letter. There is a reference in some way, using ten different words, to the word of God in all the verses but two. This theme filled the psalmist's soul and life as he wrote of God’s directives for living and God’s promises to those who obey His word. He was also obviously familiar with the word of God and delighted with its message, teaching, and impact on him. It was a comfort, teacher, guide, and practical instructor- corrector to him. It was a judge of his thoughts and his actions. It was a rule and measure of his attitude and conduct. It exposed his inner man and controlled his outer man. It was a treasure to him, a foundation for his life, a connection to his God.
It is not hard to read, nor is it complicated to understand. Every line is open as a frank acknowledgment of his need for God and his love for the Lord. As we read this psalm, we need a willingness to seek the Lord with our whole hearts, a commitment to walk in God’s ways, and guidance by God’s word.
- The word “law” (torah) is always used in the singular. Its root means to propel or project, like an arrow. It signifies direction and destiny through obedience to the word of God.
- “Testimonies,” (eduth). Josh. 22:34. The altar called “Ed " was evidence of national theocracy and reiterating their testimony of trust in God. The point of this altar seemed to be to prevent endless war and give a lesson concerning misunderstandings.
- “Ways” (Derek) is a footpath to a particular destination. It indicates a fixed course to walk in obedience to God.
- “Precepts” (piggudim) means to visit with a view to oversee, inspect, and to charge. It is always plural, indicating the intensity and purpose of the heart. This involves moral earnestness toward the word of God.
- “Statutes” (chuggim): to engrave, to inscribe a decree. We should have the word of God permanently engraved on our hearts and minds [2 Cor. 3:1-3].
- “Commandments” (mitsrah) are those mandates that are set up and constitute a definite charge by authority. To refuse a commandment is rebellion. God enables His people to carry out His commandments.
- “Judgments” (mishpatim): a ruling by law that is just, true, and upright. It is set up right. God’s decisions are to be accepted, loved, and followed.
- “Word” (dabar) is to set something forth in speech; to articulate in language, God’s will. According to the ninth verse of this psalm, this is the way to purity within, and in the eleventh verse, power without.
- “Saying” (imrah): An utterance that signifies revelation and/or illumination that conveys the thought of the one who speaks. In this psalm, these are the “sayings” of God.
- “Righteousness” (tzaddi) means justice, right, as in just scales of measurement [Lev. 19:36]. God’s word is the standard of measurement by which actions are weighed and measured.
The first stanza expresses the desire to live for God and to seek Him with one’s whole heart. It also involves a commitment to walk in God's ways, guided by His word. Those who obey God’s laws can believe that God will help us walk in righteousness. This is a declaration of the blessing that comes from obedience.
The second emphasizes our need to honestly understand and obey the word of God. This is the path to cleansing. We must know and follow God by consistently paying attention to His word. The word of God in our hearts will prevent us from sinning. For this to happen, there must be sincerity and appreciation. We need to meditate on it, study it, and then act on what we learn. That will keep us pure in mind, body, and life.
The joy of the experience is the overview of the next stanza of this epic poem. We need the insight that comes from God’s word. One who has experienced God as a servant knows their personal need for the Word of God to deal with hostility and opposition. From the word of God, we learn obstacles to avoid and how to best deal with the persecution we experience. There will be deception from those who rule, which makes us conscious of our need to know the unchanging standards of divine truth contained in the scriptures. In understanding the word of God, we will be committed to rising above the defilement of this world.
The strength of understanding is needed to run the race of faith set before us patiently. The law, the statutes, and the precepts of God give us security in dealing with all the changes that happen in our personal and public lives. We face daily dangers that make us realize our need for divine strength and comfort. A desire for what the word of God says and our willing response to it will give us understanding under the circumstances of life. Being “laid low” by suffering or opposition happens to believers like others. Understanding God's mind through His precepts will keep us faithful to Him. That will also keep us from the temptations of deceit. In this section, an “enlarged” heart is a good thing, not a health problem. It means we are free to expand our lives with growth in godly living and the joy accompanying that when we “look off unto Jesus.”