Right on the heels of the shortest chapter of the Bible comes the longest one: 176 verses, set in 22 stanzas of eight couplets. Within each stanza all the verses begin with the same letter of the Hebrew alphabet, moving to the next letter for each successive stanza; thus verses 1-8 all begin with א (aleph), verses 9-16 start with ב (beth), 17-24 all begin with ג (gimel), and so on.

Nearly every verse specifically highlights the wonder of the Bible, speaking of God’s “promise,” or “word,” or “law,” or “statutes.” The few exceptions are slightly more abstract, saying things like “I have done what is just and right; do not leave me to my oppressors” (Psalm 119:121), or “Turn to me and be gracious to me, as is your custom toward those who love your name” (119:132).

But everywhere else the psalm focuses again and again on the importance of the content of the Bible. We find this well-known verse here: “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (119:105). And these as well: “How can young people keep their way pure? By guarding it according to your word. With my whole heart I seek you; do not let me stray from your commandments. I treasure your word in my heart, so that I may not sin against you” (119:9-11).

So. Is your concern right conduct? Then you should pay heed to God’s word. Is your concern heartfelt devotion? Then you should pay heed to God’s word.

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Teach us to long for your word, O Lord, to study it deeply and to love it reverently. May it be our delight to make your statutes our song wherever we make our home, and to keep your precepts with our whole heart.