The longest chapter of the Bible. I've decided to break it into parts.
This psalm is an acrostic poem; the verses of each stanza begin with the same letter of the Hebrew alphabet.
| Verse | Observation | Interpretation | Application |
| Aleph 1Blessed are they whose ways are blameless, who walk according to the law of the Lord. 2Blessed are they who keep his statutes and seek him with all their heart. 3They do nothing wrong; they walk in his ways. 4You have laid down precepts that are to be fully obeyed. 5Oh, that my ways were steadfast in obeying your decrees! 6Then I would not be put to shame when I consider all your commands. 7I will praise you with an upright heart as I learn your righteous laws. 8I will obey your decrees; do not utterly forsake me. | Verse 3 says "They do nothing wrong, they walk in his ways." Is this really possible? To be able to "do nothing wrong?" Isn't it written: "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." | I think the key here is verse 1. It implies that those who walk according to the law of the Lord are blameless. Yet none of us is perfect. I need to read on this more. | |
| Beth 9How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to your word. 10I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands. 11I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you. 12Praise be to you, O Lord; teach me your decrees. 13With my lips I recount all the laws that come from your mouth. 14I rejoice in following your statutes as one rejoices in great riches. 15I meditate on your precepts and consider your ways. 16I delight in your decrees; I will not neglect your word. | The psalmist continues to show reasons why we should obey the word of the Lord. | ||
| Gimel 17Do good to your servant, and I will live; I will obey your word. 18Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law. 19I am a stranger on earth; do not hide your commands from me. 20My soul is consumed with longing for your laws at all times. 21You rebuke the arrogant, who are cursed and who stray from your commands. 22Remove from me scorn and contempt, for I keep your statutes. 23Though rulers sit together and slander me, your servant will meditate on your decrees. 24Your statutes are my delight; they are my counselors. | The psalmist begins to ask the Lord to help him obey and understand His law. | We cannot, on our own, understand the word of God unless He reveals it to us. | Let the Holy Spirit direct us every time we read His Word. |
| Daleth 25I am laid low in the dust; preserve my life according to your word. 26I recounted my ways and you answered me; teach me your decrees. 27Let me understand the teaching of your precepts; then I will meditate on your wonders. 28My soul is weary with sorrow; strengthen me according to your word. 29Keep me from deceitful ways; be gracious to me through your law. 30I have chosen the way of truth; I have set my heart on your laws. 31I hold fast to your statutes, O Lord; do not let me be put to shame. 32I run in the path of your commands, for you have set my heart free. | The psalmist still asks the Lord to help him obey and understand His law. Also, he asks for strength and help according to His word. | We can ask for help from the Lord according to His promises. | Let us ask for strength and wisdom. James 1:5 |
| He 33Teach me, O Lord, to follow your decrees; then I will keep them to the end. 34Give me understanding, and I will keep your law and obey it with all my heart. 35Direct me in the path of your commands, for there I find delight. 36Turn my heart toward your statutes and not toward selfish gain. 37Turn my eyes away from worthless things; preserve my life according to your word.b 38Fulfill your promise to your servant, so that you may be feared. 39Take away the disgrace I dread, for your laws are good. 40How I long for your precepts! Preserve my life in your righteousness. | The psalmist continues to ask for strength and help according to His word. He also says that he finds delight in the word of the Lord | Let us find delight in the word of the Lord. Joshua 1:8 |
Feel free to correct me if there is anything wrong in my understanding of the Bible. I am not a Bible scholar or anything, I'm just studying the Word of God.
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