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“Summaries, Psalm 119:113-Psalm 120”
Categories: Bulletin Articles
Psalm 119:113-120 (Samekh) shows more concern for the antics of evildoers. They anger the psalmist and he wants them to go away because he knows they also anger God. By contrast, the psalmist fears God’s word and trusts His promises.
Psalm 119:121-128 (Ayin) again reflects the psalmist’s concern for what is going to happen to him. He asks for protection from his enemies, the fulfillment of God’s promises, God’s love, greater understanding, and vindication. He compares the crookedness of the wicked to the uprightness of God’s law.
Psalm 119:129-136 (Pe) describes the glories of the word and the psalmist’s longing for them. He yearns for the commandments, and he wants God to be gracious to him because of his commitment to the law. To him, God’s word and God’s blessing go hand in hand.
Psalm 119:137-144 (Tsadhe) returns to the theme of the word’s perfection. God’s statutes have been established by Him, His promises have been tested and found to be true, and His law will always reveal what is righteous. Because of this, the psalmist is confident that through understanding them, he will live.
Psalm 119:145-152 (Qoph) reveals the psalmist’s behavior in trouble. He calls to God to rescue him, even rising before dawn to do so. Through the night, he continues to reflect on the word. As a result, he asks God to protect him from the wicked (who are far from the law), because of God’s nearness to the righteous.
Psalm 119:153-160 (Resh) reports the psalmist’s attitude toward God’s law and those who violate it. He remembers the law and God’s promise. Despite his many enemies, he continues to hold to it, and he regards those who do not with contempt. Ultimately, his hope is in the word.
Psalm 119:161-168 (Sin and Shin) presents the psalmist’s focus on the law. Even though powerful people are persecuting him, he gives it his attention. He rejoices at it and praises God for it. Because of his love for God’s testimonies, he obeys them.
Psalm 119:169-176 (Taw) contains the psalmist’s promise of faithfulness if God rescues him. He wants both deliverance from his enemies and greater understanding of the word. Because of his faithfulness, he asks God’s help, and he promises to praise Him and to continue to remember His commandments if he receives that help.
Psalm 120 is written from the perspective of an exile. He begins by praising God for His past help, and he then asks God to rescue him from people who are lying about him. He expresses the wish that the tongues of the liars will be pierced with arrows and burned with hot coals. In the meantime, the psalmist is stuck in Meshech, amid the tents of Kedar (basically, in the deserts of modern-day Iraq). Even though he wants peace, he’s surrounded by warmongers.
