More on Psalm 119 words by Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry on Psalm 119 Introduction  as found on Bible Study at

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+119%3A3&version=NLT

There are ten different words by which divine revelation is called in this psalm, and they are synonymous, each of them expressive of the whole compass of it (both that which tells us what God expects from us and that which tells us that we may expect from him) and of the system of religion which is founded upon it and guided by it. The things contained in the scripture, and drawn from it, are here called,

1. God’s law, because they are enacted by him as our Sovereign.

2. His way, because they are the rule both of his providence and of our obedience.

3. His testimonies, because they are solemnly declared to the world and attested beyond contradiction.

4. His commandments, because given with authority, and (as the word signifies) lodged with us as a trust.

5. His precepts, because prescribed to us and not left indifferent.

6. His word, or saying, because it is the declaration of his mind, and Christ, the essential eternal Word, is all in all in it.

7. His judgments, because framed in infinite wisdom, and because by them we must both judge and be judged.

8. His righteousness, because it is all holy, just, and good, and the rule and standard of righteousness.

9. His statutes, because they are fixed and determined, and of perpetual obligation.

10. His truth, or faithfulness, because the principles upon which the divine law is built are eternal truths. And I think there is but one verse (it is Ps. 119:122) in all this long psalm in which there is not one or other of these ten words; only in three or four they are used concerning God’s providence or David’s practice (as Ps. 119:75,84, 121), and Ps. 119:132 they are called God’s name.

The great esteem and affection David had for the word of God is the more admirable considering how little he had of it, in comparison with what we have, no more perhaps in writing than the first books of Moses, which were but the dawning of this day, which may shame us who enjoy the full discoveries of divine revelation and yet are so cold towards it.

In singing this psalm there is work for all the devout affections of a sanctified soul, so copious, so various, is the matter of it. We here find that in which we must give glory to God both as our ruler and great benefactor, that in which we are to teach and admonish ourselves and one another (so many are the instructions which we here find about a religious life), and that in which we are to comfort and encourage ourselves and one another, so many are the sweet experiences of one that lived such a life.

Here is something or other to suit the case of every Christian.

Isa. any afflicted? Isa. any merry? Each will find that here which is proper for him. And it is so far from being a tedious repetition of the same thing, as may seem to those who look over it cursorily, that, if we duly meditate upon it, we shall find almost every verse has a new thought and something in it very lively.

And this, as many other of David’s psalms, teaches us to be sententious in our devotions, both alone and when others join with us; for, ordinarily, the affections, especially of weaker Christians, are more likely to be raised and kept by short expressions, the sense of which lies in a little compass, than by long and laboured periods.

Psalm 119 meaning of similar words

How many of us have read this Psalm and wondered about the various words that all seem to mean the same thing? I have looked the words up in Strongs many times only to find it defined the various words all similarly until I was more confused and had even less understanding.

This morning I was reading Psalm 119 in my Complete Jewish Bible, in English of course, and it uses words like Torah, mitzvot for some of the words which I had already looked up in its glossary. But this time I went further to the Internet to see if I could get some clarity.  I won't say that I understand and comprehend the differences but did find a website that explained the Hebrew word more clearly and gave some most interesting understanding into Psalm 119.  I am sure many of you bible and Hebrew students knew all this. Even with this information, I can't say I fully comprehend the differences in context. But it is like the word "law" or "Tora" which refers to teaching or direction from God which means law or revelation...I will need fuller revelation of God on the meaning of his own Torah or law, word (dabar)  judgements *mispatim)  testimonies (edut) commandments (miswah)  Statutes  (hiqqim), precepts ( piqqudim) and word (imrah).

Hope you find the information below informative and the link is included that you can read the whole article.

Law (torah, used 25 times in Psalm 119): “Its parent verb means ‘teach’ or ‘direct’; therefore coming from God it means both ‘law’ and ‘revelation.’ It can be used of a single command or of a whole body of law.” (Kidner)

Word (dabar, used 24 times): The idea is of the spoken word, God’s revealed word to man. “Proceeding from his mouth and revealed by him to us.” (Poole)

Judgments (mispatim, used 23 times): “From shaphat, to judge, determine, regulate, order, and discern, because they judge concerning our words and works; show the rules by which they should be regulated; and cause us to discern what is right and wrong, and decide accordingly.” (Clarke)
Testimonies (edut/edot, used 23 times): This word is related to the word for witness. To obey His testimonies “signifies loyalty to the terms of the covenant made between the Lord and Israel.” (VanGemeren)

Commandments
(miswah/miswot, used 22 times): “This word emphasizes the straight authority of what is said . . . the right to give orders.” (Kidner)

Statutes (huqqim, used 21 times): The noun is derived from the root verb “engrave” or “inscribe”; the idea is of the written word of God and the authority of His written word. “Declaring his authority and power of giving us laws.” (Poole)

Precepts (piqqudim, used 21 times): “This is a word drawn from the sphere of an officer or overseer, and man who is responsible to look closely into a situation and take action. . . . So the word points to the particular instructions of the Lord, as of one who cares about detail.” (Kidner)

Word (imrah, used 19 times): Similar in meaning to dabar, yet a different term. “The ‘word’ may denote anything God has spoken, commanded, or promised.” (VanGemeren)


http://www.enduringword.com/commentaries/19119.htm


Meri Ford

Thoughts on Judgement and Wrath

I read an article recently and I regret to say I don't remember who so cant give them credit. But it was one of the best articles I have read laying out the difference biblically between judgement and wrath.    Many have said that the weather changes and disasters and other issues going on in America isn't judgement.    I have the feeling that they think judgement means God is angry with them when in reality, that would be the wrath of God.  Judgement is always meant to bring someone to the Lord, to cause their eyes to be opened so that they don't get the wrath of God through continued disobedience.

As I listened to the present issues with ISIS and Iraq, Turkey, Iran, and in general the Middle East issues as well as the current issues with Russia and China,  I see that we are facing God's judgement.  The failures of American leadership to appropriately address our national interests and things like ISIS gaining control of all the USA's weapons given to the Iraqi army, isn't just a leadership failure. It is judgement that is intended for American's to wake up and realize that without the wisdom and knowledge of the Lord God, the creator of the Universe, the creator of all mankind, the one who holds the stars in place, there will be no success story coming out of our national politics or foreign policy.   The embarrassment that many feel over the leadership of America in the past 6 years comes because we have neglected 1. to pray for our President and those in authority. 2. we have failed to live out the mandate to "go therefore into all the world and make disciples....." while we gather in our panelled walled buildings with cushy seats and the latest technology and think we are immune to evil because we call ourselves by the name Christians.

American sings the song, God Bless America, and yet, while we find ourselves pleading with God to bless America as tragedy comes to our door step and possible is already ensconced in our homes and houses we fail to bless Him, to in everything give thanks that HE is the Lord God that we might be in His will even as His Word has instructed us.   We want God to bless us but we remove His name from our lives and the freedom to even freely speak of the birth of the Messiah, and wonder why "judgement" is at hand?   The earth itself is revolting at the abortions, the prostitution,and pornography, and greed, and the lies and half truths that abound.  The earth is reeling over the horrible sex crimes engaged in by high school football players. Are we not aware that these things are happening that we might turn to Him, change our way of thinking, remove the idols and all the things that we lift up above the name of Jesus in our lives, and turn to Him in full dependence by faith?

Judgement isn't payback or retribution. It is kind of like letting a kid touch a hot stove so he will find out it is hot and not do it again. Yet we are so much like Israel and Judah who kept on doing their wicked deed, enjoying their wickedness, rather than come into the Light of Almighty God's presence that they might honor Him with changed thinking and changed behaviors...have been washed clean by the blood of the Lamb!

The Day of the Lord IS coming and it  is about wrath. But we have not seen that yet.   Does it mean that God is not angry with His beloved people?  No, but judgement is what comes forth in His mercy that we might be made aware of the cost in part of our idolatry/adultery and turn back to Himself!\

Will we cry out...Oh God our Father, in judgement, remember mercy?  God's judgment is always merciful. Were it not it would be wrath and that time is not yet at hand according to His Word.  Judgment is about giving His people, us, the opportunity to change our ways and be conformed to His image before it is too late and the opportunity is gone.