The Setup
Psalms 119:1-3 NLT
1 Joyful are people of integrity,
who follow the instructions of the Lord.
2 Joyful are those who obey his laws
and search for him with all their hearts.
3 They do not compromise with evil,
and they walk only in his paths.
Psalm 119 is the longest chapter in the Bible. It is a fascinating chapter that underscores the value of God’s Word. The author continues to reiterate the value and importance of adhering to and seeking the timeless wisdom in the scriptures. The author uses various terms that are all describing God’s words and ways. Depending on the translation you use, the author uses instruction, precept, testimonies, statutes, law, and commandments. To make it easier, I typically substitute God’s word and God’s ways, but the message is still the same. What God says is infinite, timeless, and has eternal value.
The first three verses of Psalm 119 are a setup. They describe what blessings and/or joy belonging to the person who seeks God and obeys His words and ways. After these three verses, we don’t see the author talking this way again. His words shift to a more personal level. Such as verse eleven, “Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You.” So the entire psalm has the essence of a prayer or a time of fellowship with the Lord. And we can appreciate that tone. Then, as now, when God and His Word become personal, they become powerful in our lives.
The setup starts with joyful or blessed are the people of integrity. Other translations read undefiled or blameless. These are the ones who are walking in the instructions of the Lord. Not just the letter of the law but the instruction of wisdom. God will direct His people to walk or conduct their lives differently. It’s a better, cleaner, light-filled way to live. And when we follow the path laid out in His Word, our lives reflect the blessings of walking in the light.
Blessed or joyful are the ones who obey His laws, the commandments and instructions spelled out in His Word. And those who seek Him wholeheartedly. Seeking not just to dutifully keep what God says, but to also seek relationship with the One who said it. Not just His words and ways, but Him. The Jewish leaders of Jesus’ day seemingly missed this point. Oh, they were full on intentional about keeping His word, but they missed the relationship with the God who gave that word. Maybe theythought that if they kept the commandments, they were good. But in keeping the letter of the law, they missed the spirit of the law. This is one of the reasons the religious leaders were always at odds with Jesus.
Again, going back to the setup for this psalm and the blessings that come from adhering to God’s words and ways, verse three lays out a clear path. The blessed ones do not compromise with evil; they only walk in God’s paths. The clear and repeated idea that the author expressed here is the blessings involved with keeping God’s words and ways. The rest of this psalm follows a similar theme—blessings, comfort, and strength to those who take God and His Word seriously.
If you are interested in digging into this psalm, we have a Sunday morning class that is taking a deep dive into Psalm 119. We also have other classes that offer biblical insights on everything from finances to marriage. From deeper biblical topics to practical life help. Jumping into one of our classes will be a help and a blessing to your life.
Prayer
Lord, thank You for Your word and the instructions that come from Your wisdom. Help direct my ways so that I am on Your path and gaining in understanding what it means to seek You.