Day 27, Mon., 12th March, Psalm 119.9-16

Today's reading takes us into the longest psalm of the psalter, Psalm 119. It's grouped into 22 stanzas, each comprised of 8 verses. Each stanza begins with another letter of the Hebrew alphabet (which, to give you an idea of how words last over time, could be called the "alef-bet" in Hebrew!). So this is a piece of poetry. And it all focuses on the love the author has for God's Law.

We've already encountered the Law in this blog. Two weeks ago we studied Exodus 20.1-17, the passage that contains the 10 Commandments, and a few days later we looked at CS Lewis's favourite psalm, number 19. For the Hebrews God's Law was much more than a series of rules. With Love to the World commentator John Miller put it well:

"Biblical religion is about relationship: our relationships with God and with one another. the poet ardently desires to nurture the relationship with God by studying and meditating on god's word as a guide to every aspect of life, including how we relate to other people."

He then described how in biblical times people recited aloud what was written (v.13) so that the words of scripture worked their way into people's hearts and minds to become, effectively part of the reader (and, I presume, of any listeners too.) I am slowly relearning this art as I try to learn the Hindi language. Though learning a new language at the age of 62 is difficult it's good to have now read quite large chunks of the bible in Hindi.

Enough of my words. I invite you to read today's passage aloud, to yourself, several times. Let this portion of God's Law sink into you, so that becomes part of you, and you of it:

"How can young people keep their way pure?
    By guarding it according to your word.
10 With my whole heart I seek you;
    do not let me stray from your commandments.
11 I treasure your word in my heart,
    so that I may not sin against you.
12 Blessed are you, O Lord;
    teach me your statutes.
13 With my lips I declare
    all the ordinances of your mouth.
14 I delight in the way of your decrees
    as much as in all riches.
15 I will meditate on your precepts,
    and fix my eyes on your ways.
16 I will delight in your statutes;
    I will not forget your word."

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