Scripture reading – Psalm 94; Psalm 119
Psalm 94 – A Cry for Justice
Today’s Scripture reading is Psalm 94 and Psalm 119. Psalm 94 is not attributed to an author, and is a psalm that cries for vengeance against the foes of Israel. Oppressed by adversaries, the psalmist questions, “3Lord, How long shall the wicked, How long shall the wicked triumph? 4How long shall they utter and speak hard things? And all the workers of iniquity boast themselves?” (94:3-4) The psalmist then points out the injustices Israel had suffered (94:3-6), and how the wicked had mocked Him, the God of Israel (94:7).
The psalmist rehearsed with Israel (94:8), saying of the LORD, “9He that planted the ear, shall he not hear? He that formed the eye, shall he not see? 10He that chastiseth [rebukes] the heathen, shall not he correct? He that teacheth man knowledge, shall not he know? 11The Lord knoweth the thoughts [intent; plans; plots] of man, That they are vanity [empty; meaningless]” (94:9-11).
Psalm 94 concludes with the promise that the LORD does hear, and answers the cries and prayers of His people (94:12-23). He chastens saints, and instructs them in His law (94:12; Hebrews 12:5-7). He is just, and the wicked will not go unpunished (94:13), and the righteous shall be justified (94:14-15). Though the wicked gather against God’s people, we can be sure the LORD is our “defense…rock…[and] refuge” (94:22), and the “LORD our God shall cut them [the wicked] off” (94:23).
Psalm 119 – The Eternal, Immutable, Inexhaustible Word of God
Psalm 119 is the longest chapter in the Bible (176 verses in length), and has been numbered among the favorite psalms of the saints down through the ages. Sadly, many (perhaps the majority) of 21st century preachers have so weighted the exposition of the Scriptures on the Doctrine of Grace, that they have neglected preaching the Word, the Law, and Commandments of God. Nevertheless, a study of Psalm 119 will remind sincere believers that the Word, Law, and Commandments of God are timeless and eternal.
The length of Psalm 119, and the breadth of its truths, makes the task of writing a brief commentary impossible. For the sake of brevity, allow me to suggest a three-point outline for the first 72 verses of Psalm 119.
1) The Supremacy of the Word of God (119:1-24)
2) The Study of the Word of God (119:25-48)
3) The Sufficiency of the Word of God (119:49-72)
Seven words describe the whole body of Scripture.
As you read Psalm 119, you will notice a repetition of nouns that define the Scriptures.
The “Word” is literally the spoken Word of God or His commandments (119: 49, 50, 57, 58, 65, 67).
The “Law” (119: 51, 53, 55, 61, 70, 72) refers to the Hebrew “Torah” (meaning the laws, teachings, and doctrines) or the “Pentateuch” (the first five books of the Old Testament).
There are also the “Judgments” of God, meaning His ordinances, commands and rulings (119:52, 62).
“Statutes” (119:54, 64, 68, 71) and “Precepts” (119:56, 63, 69) embody the commandments, decrees, and divine mandates.
The “Commandments” (119:60, 66) are God’s Law (Exodus 20:1-17), ordinances, and law that give insight and discernment.
There are also the “Testimonies” (119:59), that are the witness of God’s divine laws.
Together, the Word, Law, Judgments, Statutes, Precepts, Testimonies, and Commandments refer to the whole body of Scripture.
Closing thoughts – It is possible to write volumes of books based upon Psalm 119, and preach a year of sermons, and yet not exhaust its riches. Therefore, I will commend to you the reading of this chapter, and pray your love for God’s Word will be quickened, and reignited into a perpetual flame.
Psalm 119:129 – Thy testimonies [witness; admonitions; ordinances] are wonderful [marvelous; astonishing]: therefore doth my soul [life; person] keep [preserve; guard] them.
Copyright © 2021 – Travis D. Smith
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