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. Heth is the eighth letter of the alphabet.
The first four verses of this tribute describe the actions taken by the composer because “You are my portion, O Lord” (v. 57). These actions are enumerated:
- “I have said that I would keep Your words” (v. 57).
- “I entreated Your favor with my whole heart; be merciful to me according to Your word” (v. 58).
- “I thought about my ways and turned my feet to Your testimonies” (v. 59).
- “I made haste and did not delay to keep Your commandments” (v. 60).
In the face of opposition—”The cords of the wicked have bound me”—the author did not forget God’s law (v. 61). He rises at midnight to give Jehovah thanks for His righteous judgments (v. 62). He chooses His companions carefully—only those who fear God and keep His precepts are chosen (v. 63). Because the earth is full of the Lord’s mercy, the composer desires instruction of His statues (v. 64).
As Jesus so vividly states in his elegant allegory of the vine and its branches John 15:1-12), to be a thriving, fruitful branch in the true vine, God’s word must abide in you (v. 7).
“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).
