א Aleph
1 Blessed are those whose ways are blameless,
who walk according to the law of the Lord.
2 Blessed are those who keep his statutes
and seek him with all their heart—
3 they do no wrong
but follow his ways.
4 You have laid down precepts
that are to be fully obeyed.
5 Oh, that my ways were steadfast
in obeying your decrees!
6 Then I would not be put to shame
when I consider all your commands.
7 I will praise you with an upright heart
as I learn your righteous laws.
8 I will obey your decrees;
do not utterly forsake me. NIV
::::: Introduction to Psalm 119 :::::
A tremendous amount of detail and attention was poured into the writing of Psalm 119, the longest chapter in the Bible (176 verses). This psalm is divided into 22 acrostic sections by the Hebrew alphabet. Each section, and, in fact, each verse in each section, poetically begins with the letter represented by that section (This first section begins with the first letter of the Hebrew alphabet: Aleph). Psalm 119 is a chapter that declares love for God's commands and patterns.
Read the first acrostic (verses 1-8) all the way through. What is the theme? What ideas are repeated? What stands out to you the most personally?
The writer of these verses moves from an observation in verses 1-4 towards a personal application in verses 5-8. Take a moment to connect the last four verses with the first four.
Of the personal applications in verses 5-8, which should you resolve to pursue today? How will you hold yourself accountable to do this?