Keep Your Sword Sharp with the Word - Sin - Psalm 119:161-168

Sin (Verses 161-168)

The letter sin symbolizes a tooth – not the front teeth, but a tooth that is used for chewing, such as a molar. It also represents the sharpening of swords, arrows – or even the tongue.

161 Rulers persecute me without cause,
     but my heart trembles at your word.
162 I rejoice in your promise
     like one who finds great spoil.
163 I hate and detest falsehood
     but I love your law.
164 Seven times a day I praise you
     for your righteous laws.
165 Great peace have those who love your law,
     and nothing can make them stumble.
166 I wait for your salvation, Lord,
     and I follow your commands.
167 I obey your statutes,
     for I love them greatly.
168 I obey your precepts and your statutes,
     for all my ways are known to you.

Rulers chew up the psalmist with persecution (161). Yet the psalmist fears the power of the Word of God more (161) and rejoices in its promises of victory (162). Seven times a day the writer sharpens the edge of the sword of the Word of God with praise (164). Those who meditate, or chew, on the Word are empowered to keep their souls in God’s “great peace” (165) and enabled to walk in the light, so that “nothing can make them stumble” (165).

Following false ways or giving up in midst of persecution because of fear are always an option, but instead, the psalmist “trembles” at God’s word – not because of temptation or persecution (161). This fear of God’s Word causes him to obey all God’s precepts and statues, because, as he says, “all my ways are known to you” (168). He knows there can be no hiding from God.


Galyn Wiemers
Generation Word
http://www.generationword.com