For November 13th 2013

11/13/13

Adam Clark’s Commentary says of this chapter; (Psalms 119)

“This is another of the alphabetical or acrostic Psalms. It is divided into twenty-two parts, answering to the number of letters in the Hebrew alphabet. Every part is divided into eight verses; and each verse begins with that letter of the alphabet which forms the title of the part, e.g.: The eight first verses have א  aleph prefixed, the second eight ב  beth, each of the eight verses beginning with that letter; and so of the rest. All connection, as might be naturally expected, is sacrificed to this artificial and methodical arrangement.

It is not easy to give any general Analysis of this Psalm; it is enough to say that it treats in general on the privileges and happiness of those who observe the law of the Lord. That law is exhibited by various names and epithets tending to show its various excellences. Earnest prayers are offered to God for wisdom to understand it, and for grace to observe it faithfully. These particulars may be collected from the whole composition, and appear less or more in every part.

The words which express that revelation which God had then given to men, or some particular characteristic of it, are generally reckoned to be the ten following:

1.       Testimonies;

2.       Commandments,

3.       Precepts;

4.       Word;

5.       Law;

6.       Ways;

7.       Truth;

8.       Judgments;

9.       Righteousness;

10.     Statutes.

To these some add the following:

1.       Faithfulness,

2.       Judgment;

3.       Name; but these are not used in the sense of the other ten words.”

And of course, you will find other words with different translations.