Today’s reading is Psalm 119 (vss. 81-96).
To Eternity
The keyword in KAPH was “long,” or as we discovered more accurately, “languish.” The first two verses of that section began with that word. Not to be outdone, the two halves of LAMEDH set a keyword, beginning with “forever.” Or, “to eternity.” Well…in the ESV, the second half translates it “never” (see vs. 93).
We might be a little concerned off the bat. Yesterday, in the KAPH section, we heard the the psalmist ask “How long?” How long would the psalmist suffer affliction? Then the LAMEDH section comes in with “Forever/To eternity.” However, the psalmist is not recording the answer to his earlier question. Rather, he is renewing his commitment to the Lord and His Word.
As we move from KAPH to LAMEDH, we cross over the halfway point in our psalm. There will, no doubt, be ups and downs as we continue through the psalm, but these two sections almost seem to hinge. KAPH is one of the darkest stanzas in the Psalm. The psalmist expresses in extreme words how hard the situation he faces is. His entire walk with the Lord precariously moves along a knife’s edge. The only way he will stay true is if the Lord gives him life. However, LAMEDH is, by contrast, one of the brightest declarations of tenacity in the entire song.
See how the two halves of the LAMEDH stanza begin:
Forever, O LORD, your word
is firmly fixed in the heavens.
Psalm 119:89 (ESV)I will never forget your precepts,
for by them you have given me life.
Psalm 119:93 (ESV)
KAPH repeated the “When?” and “How long?” questions, wondering when God’s Word would come true. LAMEDH begins with a declaration that God’s Word is always true even if the promise has not been fulfilled yet. KAPH ended with a plea to be given life lest the psalmist stray from the Lord’s testimonies. LAMEDH continues with a declaration God indeed gave the psalmist life by those very precepts.
Even though the psalmist faces trouble and affliction, even though the promises have not yet occurred, the psalmist knows the truth. God’s Word is established in the heavens. God’s Word is more solid than the very earth on which we stand. Therefore, the psalmist will surrender to it.
Can a greater commitment be uttered than vs. 94?
I am yours; save me,
for I have sought your precepts (ESV).
Don’t misunderstand this. The psalmist is not saying he deserves salvation because he kept the precepts. Rather, the proof that I am yours is I do what You say. Certainly, the psalmist knows he has not done God’s will perfectly. But he knows his commitment to God and his Word. He knows his own commitment to God’s covenant and He knows God’s commitment to His covenant.
What a great meeting between God and man. God’s Word will forever stand and never fail and the psalmist will forever follow and never forget God’s precepts. The psalmist is not declaring perfection. He is not declaring he never misses a beat or falters in a step. He is, however, declaring he will never leave the Lord’s path and He believes the Lord will never let go of His hand. Together, they will walk the way of light and life.
May we make the same commitment, have the same faith, and be granted the same life and deliverance.
Tomorrow’s reading is Psalm 119 (vss. 81-96).
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PATHS:
Discuss Today’s Meditation with Your Family
How does Psalm 119:81-96 prompt or improve your trust in God?
Read the Bible 