The Glories of God's Law

Lamp unto my feet

English Standard Version Psalm 119

119  Blessed are those whose way is blameless,

who walk in the law of the LORD!

This Psalm speaks of God’s law. God’s word is how we know how to live. Verse 1 speaks of being blameless. This past Wednesday night we discussed defiled clothes. The idea of defiled or undefiled is much the same as blameless or not. The law does not change us, but it does tell us how to live.

English Standard Version Psalm 119

2  Blessed are those who keep his testimonies,

who seek him with their whole heart,

3  who also do no wrong,

but walk in his ways!

So, you might ask what are His testimonies? Can you see how blessed we would be if we could follow his word or his testimony. Who do no wrong refers to doing no wrongs to others.

English Standard Version Psalm 119

4  You have commanded your precepts

to be kept diligently.

5  Oh that my ways may be steadfast

in keeping your statutes!

God calls for us to read or understand his word, follow his word. These are the precepts he talks about. But the Psalmist is looking to have God help him to follow these precepts. To me, this is Grace. We cannot hope to live blameless lives. Trying as hard as we can to follow the law only reveals our inability.

English Standard Version Psalm 119

6  Then I shall not be put to shame,

having my eyes fixed on all your commandments.

With God’s help the Psalmist says he will not be put to shame. In other words being defiled is a shameful and embarrassing state to be in. The saying is that we should keep our eyes on the cross. Is the cross the law? No, but Jesus says I come to show you a better way. The Jews (chosen people) were given the law to live by, but they could not follow it. Jesus came to set us free from the bondage of perfect living so that we can be blessed.

7  I will praise you with an upright heart,

when I learn your righteous rules.

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016), Ps 119:7.

Verse 7, the Psalmist is speaking about praising God, but notice that it is with an upright heart. This is an undefiled heart. So, let us consider, can we really worship today if we have a defiled heart?

English Standard Version Psalm 119

8  I will keep your statutes;

do not utterly forsake me!

In verse 8, we see the Psalmist suggesting almost a barter with God, Don’t forsake me. In other words, keep giving me your help, and if you do I will keep your word.