The exquisite uniqueness of Psalm 119 is that its composer uses each successive letter of the Hebrew alphabet to sing an octave of praise to God’s Word. The sixth letter is Waw.
Its tribute begins with two requests: “Let Your mercies come also to me, O Lord—Your salvation according to Your word…And take not the word of truth utterly out of my mouth, for I have hoped in Your ordinances” (vv. 41, 43).
The motive for the requests is the fulfillment of two earnest desires: “So shall I have an answer for him who reproaches me for I trust in Your word…So shall I keep Your law continually forever and ever” (vv. 42, 44).
The final four verses of this octave of tribute (vv. 45-48) focus on six personal resolutions of the composer:
- I will walk at liberty for I seek Your precepts;
- I will speak of Your testimonies also before kings;
- I will not be ashamed;
- I will delight myself in Your commandments which I love;
- My hands will I lift up to Your commandments which I love; and,
- I will meditate on Your statutes.
Defending one’s faith and obeying God’s Word requires a steadfast and resolute heart.
“So now, brethren, I commend you to God and to the word of His grace, which is able to build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified” (Acts 20:32).
