I Will Keep Your Statutes – Psalm 119:1-8

Psalm 119 is a massive acrostic poem following the Hebrew alphabet.  In this first section every verse begins with the letter aleph, the first letter of the Hebrew alphabet.  The intent of this psalm is to show just how amazing the Word of God is.  The poet can extol and praise God’s Word in this acrostic fashion using the whole alphabet, the alphabet which is used to make up the words of God’s Word.  Numerous words are used as synonyms for God’s Word: testimonies, precepts, commandments, rules, statutes and laws.  The psalmist loves God’s Word.

Aleph   

Blessed are those whose way is blameless, who walk in the law of the LORD!  Blessed are those who keep his testimonies, who seek him with their whole heart, who also do no wrong, but walk in his ways!  You have commanded your precepts to be kept diligently.  Oh that my ways may be steadfast in keeping your statutes!  Then I shall not be put to shame, having my eyes fixed on all your commandments.  I will praise you with an upright heart, when I learn your righteous rules.  I will keep your statutes; do not utterly forsake me!  (Psalm 119:1-8 ESV)

I acknowledge that Yahweh’s law, when kept with a worshipful heart, brings blessing.  But also that I need Yahweh’s help to keep it.  It is my intent to keep it, to meditate on it, to learn His righteous rules, and so live a shame-free life couched in the arms of Yahweh.