Psalm 119:1-16

 Overview: (NET) The psalmist celebrates God’s law and the guidance it provides his people. He expresses his desire to know God’s law thoroughly so that he might experience the blessings that come to those who obey it. This lengthy psalm exhibits an elaborate acrostic pattern. The psalm is divided into twenty-two sections (corresponding to the letters of the Hebrew alphabet), each of which is comprised of eight verses. Each of the verses in the first section (vv. 1–8) begins with the letter alef (א), the first letter of the Hebrew alphabet. This pattern continues throughout the psalm as each new section highlights a successive letter of the alphabet. Each verse in section two (vv. 9–16) begins with the second letter of the alphabet, each verse in section three (vv. 17–24) with the third letter, etc. This rigid pattern creates a sense of order and completeness and may have facilitated memorization.

v.1-8

From v.1-4, the psalmist focused on obeying/observing/following/keeping the law. Note, he was not just interested in the law (v.1), like some moralists do. They just learned God's law and think those are good philosophical teachings. No, the psalmist mentioned that he was interested in God Himself (seek him with all their heart v.2). 

v.5-8, the psalmist knew that in order to obey v.8 he needed to start from his heart. Therefore, he said, "If only I were predisposed..." v.5, also he said, "if I were focused on all your commands v.6" and " I learned" v.7. 

v.9-16

I assumed this section continued the theme from v.1-8. The psalmist knew that it was important that he has the heart to learn in order to obey. Therefore, now, he poured out "all my heart I seek you," v.10 and "in my heart I store up your words v.11"

 v.12-16 He experienced the joy when he stored up God's words in his heart. "I rejoice in the lifestyle prescribed by your rules v.14", " "I find delight in your statutes" v.16.

Reflection:
    119:14 I rejoice in the lifestyle prescribed by your rules
    as if they were riches of all kinds.
Many years ago, when we were involved in international students' ministry, one of the students who was hosted by our church family told me that she wanted to know Jesus because she wanted to live her life like her host. In this psalmist, those who wanted to be blessed and obeyed God's words should also be like this international student. Do you admire people whose lives reflect God's words? 

Audrey