A Treasure Hunt Through Psalms 119
The Beauty of Psalm 119
Before our study of Psalm 119, let us explore four reasons that make this Psalm so unique and fascinating:
1. Length
- Nicknamed "The Giant Psalm": Psalm 119 is the longest chapter in the Bible, with 176 verses. It surpasses any other chapter in terms of length.
2. Structure
- Acrostic Poem: Our English Bible is unable to capture the alphabetic poetry in Psalm 119. It is an alphabetic acrostic, with 22 stanzas corresponding to the 22 letters of the Hebrew alphabet. Each stanza has eight verses, and every verse in a stanza begins with the same Hebrew letter.
- 8 Verses per Letter: Each stanza's 8 verses highlight the importance of the number 8 in biblical symbolism, often associated with new beginnings or completeness.
3. Focus on God's Word
- Central Theme: The psalm is a meditation on the beauty, power, and importance of God's Word. Nearly every verse mentions Scripture in some form, making it a hymn of devotion and love for God's teachings.
- Synonyms for God’s Word: At least eight different Hebrew terms are used repeatedly to refer to Scripture, underscoring its multifaceted significance. (referred to as law, statutes, precepts, decrees, commands, judgments, word, and promises)
4. Spiritual Depth
- Expression of Love for Scripture: Psalm 119 conveys a deep and passionate love for God's Word, portraying it as a source of guidance, comfort, and hope.
- Practical Wisdom: It addresses how God's Word impacts daily life, providing moral guidance, strength in adversity, and wisdom for decision-making.
Psalm 119 Treasure Hunt
Now it's time to get your Bible, pen and highlighters and go on a Psalm 119 treasure hunt. Immerse yourself in this Psalm and its emphasis on the love of Scripture and its many benefits in our relationship with God. After you highlight your way through the psalm, combine your findings in the chart below.
DIRECTIONS: Use four different highlighter colors to identify four specific topics or themes that can be traced throughout the entire Psalm.
Highlight the different names given for God’s Word. (There are only a few verses of the 176 that don’t specifically give a name for the Scripture)
Highlight the benefits of knowing and obeying the Word.
Highlight Attitudes, Actions or Feelings toward the Scripture.
Highlight specific requests or prayers offered up to God.
Sometimes an attitude or feeling may be expressed in a request, so don’t worry if there is overlap sometimes.
Example:
Psalm 119:1-8 NASB
1 Aleph. How blessed are those whose way is blameless, Who walk in the law of the Lord. 2 How blessed are those who observe His testimonies. Who seek Him with all their heart.
3 They also do no unrighteousness; They walk in His ways. 4 You have ordained Your precepts, That we should keep them diligently. 5 Oh that my ways may be established To keep Your statutes! 6 Then I shall not be ashamed When I look upon all Your commandments. 7 I shall give thanks to You with uprightness of heart, When I learn Your righteous judgments. 8 I shall keep Your statutes; Do not forsake me utterly!
Psalm 119
When you have finished your highlighter treasure hunt, create a chart like the following and combine your findings. Study your chart and look for repeated themes and phrases.
Comments