The eighth section of Psalm 119 is entitled heth,
119:57 – 64. The first line reads, “The LORD is my portion; I promise to keep
your words.” The Hebrew word khelek, is the first word in the
first line and is translated as “portion.” It is used in the Old Testament to
describe a portion or distribution of land, of food, of an inheritance, a
reward, and of sharing fellowship with a particular group of people. In this verse
it seems to encompass all of the above to indicate praise. Anytime you see the
phrase, the LORD is…, God’s word is revealing something of the nature
or character of God. This is for you to know Him and praise Him. As you read
the rest of this section you can see that it emphasizes the activity of praise.
The second line is a request based upon the
promise of God as well as His gracious character, “I entreat your favor with all my
heart; be gracious to me according to your promise.” The word “favor”
is the Hebrew word paneem, which is always plural and is built upon the root word
for face. It means to turn to a person in order to be face to face with them.
It is plural because of the many facial features that make a person
recognizable to another. This is the heart of praise; to seek the face of God
in order to know Him more and more rather than seeking His hand in order for
Him to give more and more.
The third and fourth line reflects upon the role
of repentance in praise, “When I think on my ways, I turn my feet to
your testimonies; I hasten and do not delay to keep your commandments.” The
word “turn” is the Hebrew word shoob, which means to repent, to
turn away from sin and to turn in obedience to God’s word. When you consider
how much time is spent in considering your plans, your health, your feelings,
your looks, your reputation, and what you should do about all of that, you too
will repent and turn to Someone more interesting, more powerful, more loving,
more holy, more of everything good and perfect and pleasurable and kind, namely
God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit as revealed in His eternal
word!
The fifth line reminds you of the opposition you
face, especially when you turn seeking the face of God, “Though the cords of the wicked ensnare
me, I do not forget your law.” The weapons of the world, the flesh, and
the devil are lies that trap, hinder, enslave, and cause God’s people to
stumble. The psalmist recognizes these snares and the reality of being caught,
but also of being set free by the deliverance of reflecting upon the
instructions of God’s word. God’s instructions are preventative as well as
redemptive in setting free the captive.
The last three lines list the different settings
for praise. The first is when you are all alone, at midnight. The second is
when you are in the company of God’s people. The third is when you surrounded
by God’s creation. In each case, God’s word is essential in obeying,
encouraging, and instructing in praise. Praise and instruction from God’s word are
inseparable because God’s word reveals His character and nature. The only way
to know God is for His Spirit to reveal the eternal and perfect truth of God
for you to know. You don’t know about God in that moment, you know of Him in a
personal and intimate relationship of faith and trust. Praise is the result of
knowing Him more and more! Hallelujah!!!
Today, throughout the day, complete the sentence
prayer, “O Lord, you are…,” with the request, “…teach me Your commandments.” As
you do, you will be allowing God’s word to shape your praise with His desire to
teach you in that setting. This is what it means to worship the Father in
spirit and truth.
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