Psalm 119:169-179

Introduction

The Book of Psalms is by far one of the most important books of the Bible. Why? Because, over the 150 chapters that it is made up of, most of them deal with human emotion, difficult times of suffering, thanksgiving, self assessment and most importantly highlight God’s power through His word. Although it took about 1000 years to compose, and is over 3000 years old it is more than applicable today. King David wrote just about half of the Psalms, but the first Psalm written was by Moses, Psalm 90, and the last Psalm written was by Ezra, Psalm 126. The 150 chapters of the Book of Psalms is recognized as 5 books in 1. Each book that makes up these 150 chapters is said to parallel the first five books of the Old Testament. Book 1 contains chapters 1-41 and shares in the theme of God's Power in Creation in Genesis; Book 2 chapters 42-72 coincide with Israel’s ruin and redemption as seen in Exodus; Book 3 chapters 73-89 focus on Sanctuary similar to Leviticus; Book 4 chapters 90-106 articulate Israel’s Relapse and Recovery in the Wilderness which parallels Numbers, and Book 5 chapters 107-150 is about The Law or second giving of the Law like Deuteronomy. Book five is where we find our chapter tonight Psalm 119. This Psalm is one of three Torah Psalms. Psalm 1 first, and Psalm 19 being the second. Needless to say the Torah Psalms are heavily composed with Law language and the expression of gratitude for the Law. Psalm 119 was written sometime after the Babylonian exile. The author is unknown. Yet, the Psalm has been attributed to David, Daniel, and Ezra. I lean toward those who believe it to be by Daniel. However, God knows and I am content with that. As most of us may know, Psalm 119 is the longest chapter in all of the Bible consisting of 176 verses that are strategically separated into 22 passages of 8 verses all beginning with one of the letters that make up the Hebrew alphabet. What is remarkable about Psalm 119 is the dependency, certainty upon God's word, and the comforting effect it has on the faithful Psalter in difficult circumstances that we consistently see throughout all 176 verses. Psalm 119 is a Bibliological masterpiece. It expresses the Scriptures power, inerrancy, authority, clarity, sufficiency, and infallibility. The Psalmist clearly affirms this by his dependency on every word of the Lord's. It was Jonathan Edwards who said, “I know of no part of the Holy Scriptures where the nature and evidences of true and sincere godliness are so fully and largely insisted on and delineated as in the 119th Psalm.” This is clearly seen in tonight's passage Psalm 119:169-176 where the theme of dependency, and certainty on the Word stretches across a short eight verses, and brings to light the need for manifesting them today. Dependency on Scripture is foundational to every believer because it reveals who God is, What His will is and tells of His promises further revealing His Holy Character and obligation to praise and obey Him. However, we live in a world that looks down on being dependent upon something other than oneself especially in stressful situations. Tough it out mentality. Keep it to yourself. Yet people are encouraged to seek out secular wisdom, modern medicine, self help books, and meditation to reduce stress, and endure life’s trials. These things can be helpful, but may not address the spiritual side of the person living in turmoil. In Psalm 119:169-176 we see the Psalmist respond to times of distress by being dependent on the Word. It is clear that the Psalter has a high view of God, and is confident that Scripture is sufficient. However, his dependency on Scripture is exemplary because it illustrates his anticipation to access to Yahweh, and anticipation to access Yahweh’s Compassion, therefore bearing the marks of a dependent believer.

Pray

Read Psalm 119:169-176

This sermon is entitled “The Marks of the Dependent Believer”. There are only two points in which we will observe the inspired author employ 7 jussive verbs, and 3 imperatives to reinforce his dependence in the Lord. A jussive verb is a fancy word that describes a volitional desire, or wish. An intentional, or will want, or desire. And the 3 imperatives are used as humble requests, or warrants.

Sermon

Point #1 Anticipation for Access to Yaweh

Hoping to be heard by God

Expecting divine communication

In verses 169-170 the faithful penmens' dependency is clear in his hope to be heard. He is Anticipating Access to Yaweh. He says:

Psalm 119:169-170, “Let my cry come before You, O Lord; Give me understanding according to Your word. Let my supplication come before You; Deliver me according to Your word.

He runs to God in humility with all that he has left confident His prayers will be heaven bound.

In this moment of affliction the first thing he does is make a straight away to Yahweh.

He's like a track athlete in a race. Once the gun of trial and tribulation goes off he makes a beeline to his Lord.

Do we do this in our time of affliction? Are we quick to move in the direction of the Lord?

His circumstance appears to be unpleasant based on what he penned in verses 170, 173, and 175.

He asks for supplication, and deliverance, he wishes for help, and life.

In 169 He cried, “let my cry come before you, O Lord.”

Literally, his cry refers to a ringing cry. His utterance to Yahweh is inarticulate.

But, he is able to address his Lord by His covenant name. “I AM WHO I AM” (from Exodus 32:13).

The name of the One who heard Israel's cry.

His desire is for his weeping to approach the presence of God. His weeping is all he has left.

So he gives it up as a sacrifice to his Creator.

He reminds me of Job who said, “O Earth do not cover my blood, and let there be no resting place for my cry.” (Job 16:18)

Instead of being independent on his own wisdom he is dependent upon God’s wisdom.

He humbly requests divine understanding.

He pleads, "give me understanding according to Your word."

How often do we rely on our own wisdom? How often do we seek worldly wisdom?

The Psalmist wants a changed mind. He warrants the Lord to cause him to think about his circumstance biblically.

"Your Word" refers to the communicated will of Elohim. (Deut. 12:28)

It reveals who He is, and what He has pledged to do to those who are faithful. It points to the need for a Savior. (Psalm 119:27)

Perhaps the penman's knowledge of the will of God helps fuel his second prayer.

In 170 He prays, "let my supplication come before You."

He desires to have his request for Divine Mercy to move toward the throne room of Yahweh,

and His request is for rescue.

"deliver me according to Your word." he says.

“Your word” refers to the promises of the Lord. It highlights they are unchanging and irrevocable. What the Lord promises He does.

1 Cor. 10:23, “Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful;”

The Psalmist wants to be rescued by thinking on the Promises of His Faithful Lord.

He finds comfort in dwelling on the promises of Elohim.

Psalm 119:50 says, “This is my comfort in my affliction, that your word has revived me.”

I want you to notice this. The writer never relies on his own understanding.

Instead he asks to rely on God's. He never asks to be delivered or removed from the situation, instead he asks to be delivered to God's thinking.

His desires, requests for the Scripture, and hope to be heard by God are clearly seen through Psalm 119.

In Psalm 119:25, “My soul cleaves to the dust; Revive me according to Your word”

In Psalm 119:92, “The wicked wait for me to destroy me; I shall diligently consider Your testimonies,

In Psalm 119:153, “Look upon my affliction and rescue me, For I do not forget Your law.”

Scripture is sufficient to him and he has access to the Lord.

In the first two verses the Psalmist shows us what true dependency and hope look like.

He is dependent on the Lord and His word. He has access to Him, and is confident Yahweh will hear his prayers.

The question is do we have the same dependence and confidence.

When faced with affliction do we race to our heavenly Father for a godly perspective?

Do we recall and rely on God's promises?

We should. We aren't Israelites. But we do have the same access to God.

We are New testament believers who are dependent upon Christ and the Cross and that gives us direct access to God, and assurance he hears us.

Romans 5:1-2, therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we exalt in hope of the glory of God."

Because we have this we are obligated to praise Him for it. Just like the Psalmist.

In verses 171 and 172 the inspired playwright responds with praise and a desire to sing out of appreciation for access to God.

He says:

Psalm 119:171-172, “Let my lips utter praise, For You teach me Your statutes. Let my tongue sing of Your word, For all Your commandments are righteousness.”

In Psalm 119:1-8 we note the author’s joy in his explanation of the blessings of the word.

His actions of rejoicing are consistent throughout the 176 verses.

And Here we see the same thing.

He is so thankful for the Lord, and His Word he can't keep it quiet.

God's mercy affects his mouth.

He asks that the Lord permit him to utter praise in verse 171

The word "utter" defines to pour out or gush out or to overflow.

And worship, offering words of homage, gratitude and thanksgiving are expressions of praise.

In essence the playwright wants to become a geyser of thanksgiving to Yahweh.

He wants to be the Niagara falls of gratitude to the Lord.

In verse 172 he intentionally desires to sing of His Word. "Your word" is synonymous with promise as it was in verse 170.

He literally is asking permission to sing about Yahweh’s promises.

The text doesn't suggest that his condition has changed. However it does suggest it has humbled him to the point of rejoicing.

He doesn't want his praise to go unnoticed. He wants his Creator to hear his gratitude.

And what is the catalyst for his reaction of praise? Answer…It is because the Lord teaches His Statutes, and His Commandments are righteousness.

Did you catch that? The Lord teaches.The sovereign creator of the universe instructs those that love Him.

The word statutes exemplifies divine regulations. They are engraved or inscribed.

Emphasizing they are to be observed, they are permanent, and reliable.

Deuteronomy 6:24 gives us a better understanding as to the importance of statutes, "so the Lord commanded us to observe all these statutes, to fear the Lord our God for our good always in for our survival as it is today."

And ALL Yahweh’s Commandments are righteousness.

Not some of them. All of them. He doesn't pick and choose the ones that he likes . He doesn't discard the ones he doesn't like.

He views All of them. In their entirety as righteousness.

The phrase "Your commandments" is explained as authoritative direction, or instruction to do something, a commission.

For lack of better words they convey the authority of the persistent will of God, and it is righteousness, for God is righteous.

"Righteousness" expresses just, accuracy, adherence to what is required, a moral standard or obligation.

The Psalmist therefore is anchored to the authoritative righteous commandments of the Lord.

By obedient faith Israel was to seek God’s righteousness through the commandments.

As New Testaments saints our faith in the Cross is counted to us as righteousness.

2 Cor. 5:21- He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.

Our dependence on Him, imputes His righteousness to us. Similar to the penman of Psalm 119 - it is undeserved.

It is noteworthy to acknowledge that the text doesn't imply an end in sight and yet the author recalls God's promises

And is hard pressed to sing about them. He doesn't complain about his situation. He doesn't grumble or curse God.

Instead he sings about the goodness of knowing divine statutes and commandments.

His response of praise is the acceptable response to a God that is attentive to His People.

Psalm 63:3 explains, "Because Your loving kindness is better than life, My lips will praise You."

Again we see the Psalmist certainty in the hope to be heard by God.

Do we praise God when times are tough? Do we live out James 1:2?

Point #2 Anticipating Access to Yahweh’s Compassion.

Hoping to receive divine compassion

Expecting divine communication

Now in verses 173-175 the inspired biographer shifts from Anticipating Access to Yahweh to Anticipating Access to Yahweh’s Compassion.

He goes from desiring his prayers, and praises to go heaven bound to desiring and requesting redemption to come earthbound.

He warrants the Lord’s compassion.

He says:

Psalm 119:173-175 Let Your hand be ready to help me, For I have chosen Your precepts. I long for Your salvation, O LORD,

And Your law is my delight. Let my soul live that it may praise You, And let Your ordinances help me.

These three verses contain 4 wishes of the Psalmist.

In verse 173 His wish is for the Lord to be at the ready to help him.

He states, “let your hand be ready to help me.”

Our penman is aware of God’s omnipresence and anticipates His redeeming power. Psalm 73:23

He uses "Hand" as a metaphor to describe God's mighty power to deliver or possession of controlling influence.

The stimulant for expecting God’s deliverance is the Psalmist's intentionality in obedience to the Lord’s precepts.

“Chosen” refers to choose, elect, or make a choice. His will is being affected.

Our dependent example has seen fit to abandon his will for Yahweh's appointed charges. Psalm 119:101

The precepts of the Lord are his declarations and statements regarding man's obligation toward him.

Psalm 119:4 states, "You have ordained your precepts, that we should keep them diligently."

In Deuteronomy 32:36, we see why the Psalmist anticipates Yaweh to hear his wish and respond:

"For the Lord will vindicate his people, and will have compassion on his servants, when he sees that their strength is gone,

and there is none remaining, bond or free."

Let me be clear, this is not a works righteousness situation.

God has never redeemed man by works, only by unmerited grace through faith. Habakkuk 2:4, "But the righteous will live by his faith."

God is faithful, to those that are faithful to Him and obey his obligations.

Because of this the author in appreciation longs for salvation, and takes delight in the Law.

To "long" for something means to yearn for it.

And here "salvation” is almost used as a synonym for help. It takes on the meaning of preserving someone from harm.

The Psalmist pines for help from Yahweh alone. He is dependent on Him.

In addition, to divine help, he also takes delight in the Law.

The Law refers to the totality of the Pentateuch and magnifies that God teaches and guides those He has called to Himself. Deut. 4:8

The heart of the Psalmist has joy knowing that the Law is a gracious help to him. It is not a burden to him nor is it a yoke.

In verse 175 we see the last of the wishes or impulses of the author. There are three of them.

The impulse for life, to praise, for help.

Once again one of them is praise. This is the third time the writer has sought to praise the Lord.

Commentator George Zemek points out "He may have been bringing into the picture the fact that 'the dead do not praise the Lord.' "

The reason for this praise is due to the anticipation of a redeemed life.

He says "let my soul live that it may praise you. And let your ordinances help me."

Like in verse 174, here we see the mentions of the Psalmist being affected.

The psalmist wishes his soul to be preserved.

“Soul” depicts the inner self, the part of a person that thinks, feels, wills and desires.

“Live” paints the picture of be alive, or stay alive.

He desires to be sustained so that he may praise his Lord.

His next wish is to be able to communicate praise to God for His sustaining hand.

The last wish is for help from divine ordinances.

"Help" refers to assistance and “ordinances” refers to judgment, decision, and dispute.

In essence he is stating "Sustain me so that I may be able to praise you my God, and Your ordinances may judge me to see if there be any falseness within me.

Similar to the faithful Psalmist who seeks deliverance, longs for salvation and desires life according to His word, we too, who are in the living Word , Christ, possess these things, and are confident in God’s promise to graciously fulfill it.

1 Cor. 1: 30, “But by His doing you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification, and redemption.”

How comforting these words are, whether in affliction or not. But, the reality is even as believers we don’t deserve it. We still bear the marks of sin, and will always need to be dependent on Scripture until our Lord returns.

Psalm 119:176, “I have gone astray like a lost sheep; seek Your servant For I do not forget Your commandments.”

As the Psalmist closes Psalm 119 he makes it a point to communicate to God that he needs his help.

He says, “Seek Your Servant”

Notice how he refers to himself. Notice how the word of God affects his conscience.

He gives himself the title of servant. A title of humility. He regards himself as a slave of Yahweh.

And he requests that God desire to reach him. To seek him out.

Why? Because he is a sinner. “I have gone astray like a lost sheep.”

Notice that he recalls Isaiah 53:6, "All of us like sheep have gone astray, each of us is turned to his own way; but the Lord has caused the iniquity of us all to fall on Him."

Similar to Isaiah the Psalmist acknowledges he is still a sinner, prone to wandering away from Him and therefore is dependent upon continued aid from God.

He is actually counting on God’s hand to help him..

Why? The Psalmist says, “For I do not forget Your commandments.”

It is because the Psalmist is faithful in recalling, and depending on God’s permanent righteous commandments that he anticipates

divine compassion.

Spurgeon says, “That man cannot be utterly lost whose heart is still with God. If he be gone astray in many respects, yet still, if he be true in his soul's inmost desires, he will be found again, and fully restored.”

Do you have this kind of dependency on the Lord and His Word?

Do You position yourself in humility as a servant before Yahweh.

I hope you do.

Like the Psalmist I pray you are weak enough, and humble enough to be dependent on Yahweh and His Word during times of trial. That you bear the marks of the dependent believer.

I pray that, just like the Psalmist, you can confidently anticipate access to yahweh, having hope to communicate your desires, requests, prayers and praises, that we you can faithfully anticipate access to yahweh's compassion, knowing that without a doubt that he will help you, in his own time and by his own means.

And I pray that in all humility you can remember that we “have gone astray like a lost sheep” , and that you have a Savior that was promised by God through His Word.

1 My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous; 2 and He Himself is the propitiation for our sins; and not for ours only, but also for those of the whole world. 1 John 2:1-2 -

Lets Pray