Rejoicing in God’s Word

Topic: Obedience
Passage: Psalms 119:161–168

May 10, 2020

Commentary

  1. What leads to a life of obedience (vv. 161-164)?
    1. Fearing (Reverencing) God’s Word in Holy Awe (v. 161). “Princes have persecuted me without cause: but my heart standeth in awe of thy Word”
    2. Getting excited about God’s Word (v. 162). “I rejoice at thy Word, as one that findeth great spoil.”
    3. Hating every lie, but loving the truth (v. 163). “I hate and abhor lying but thy law do I love.”
    4. Praising God continually (v. 164). “Seven times a day do I praise thee because of thy righteous judgments.”
  2. What results from a life of obedience (vv. 165-166)?
    1. Peace in the present (v. 165). “Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them.”
    2. Hope in the future (v. 166). “Lord I have hoped for thy salvation, and done thy commandments.”
  3. What motivates a life of obedience (vv. 167-168)?
    1. Love for God’s Word (v. 167). “My soul hath kept thy testimonies; and I love them exceedingly.”
    2. Living in God’s presence (v. 168). “I have kept thy precepts and thy testimonies: for all my ways are before thee.”

Application

Obedience to God’s Word and loving Him will bring me great peace of mind and hope for the future.  My greatest need is not to learn new truth but to obey the truth I already know.

Psalms 119:161– 168 (NET)

161 Rulers pursue me for no reason, yet I am more afraid of disobeying your instructions.

162 I rejoice in your instructions, like one who finds much plunder.

163 I hate and despise deceit; I love your law.

164 Seven times a day I praise you because of your just regulations.

165 Those who love your law are completely secure; nothing causes them to stumble.

166 I hope for your deliverance, O Lord, and I obey your commands.

167 I keep your rules; I love them greatly.

168 I keep your precepts and rules, for you are aware of everything I do. ת (Tav)