The Word is like a Spring of Water - Mem - Psalm 119:97-104

Mem (Verses 97-104)

 

The letter mem symbolizes waves of water, and refers to a large body of water such as a sea or ocean. The idea of water rising out of a spring to form a body of water is symbolic of wisdom rising out of the Word of God to fill a man’s soul and words with wisdom, as in Proverbs 18:4: “The words a man speaks are deep waters, A flowing stream, a fountain
of wisdom.”

97 Oh, how I love your law!
     I meditate on it all day long.
98 Your commands are always with me
    and make me wiser than my enemies.
99 I have more insight than all my teachers,
    for I meditate on your statutes.
100 I have more understanding than the elders,
     for I obey your precepts.
101 I have kept my feet from every evil path
     so that I might obey your word.
102 I have not departed from your laws,
     for you yourself have taught me.
103 How sweet are your words to my taste,
     sweeter than honey to my mouth!
104 I gain understanding from your precepts;
     therefore I hate every wrong path.

The source of wisdom, insight and understanding is the Word of God (97-100). It is a spring of water that fills the sea of the psalmist’s soul. When he meditates on the law, God’s commands are always with him (97-98), and the wisdom which springs from the Word fills his soul to make him wiser than his enemies (98), give him more insight than his teachers (99), and provide him with more understanding than the elders (110). The psalmist does not mean he is too arrogant to learn from others; nor is he implying that he is wiser – with more insight and understanding – in his own self or by his own ability. He is simply making a humble acknowledgement that the source of eternal wisdom is not men (“enemies”), nor even the great teachers and elders of Israel. Instead, his wisdom comes from the Word of God itself. Men are to fill their souls with the Word of God as the rivers fill the sea. The soul filled with the Word of God produces obedience:

“I obey your precepts” (100)
“I have kept my feet from every evil path” (101)
“I have not departed from your laws” (102)
“I gain understanding from your precepts therefore I hate every wrong path” (104)

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

Understanding the Word is the Greatest - Lamedh - Psalm 119:89-96

Lamedh (Verses 89-96)

Lamedh is an ox goad that is used to get an ox moving. It can mean learning or teaching. When Jesus said to Paul, “It is hard for you to kick against the goads,” he may have been referring to Paul coming against the Scriptural teaching concerning the Messiah with a traditional Jewish understanding of the Messiah. The word also refers to correction, learning and the fear of God. Lamedh is the tallest and the middle letter of the Hebrew alphabet, so it appears to tower over the other letters as central and most important.

89 Your word, Lord, is eternal;
     it stands firm in the heavens.
90 Your faithfulness continues through all generations;
     you established the earth, and it endures.
91 Your laws endure to this day,
     for all things serve you.
92 If your law had not been my delight,
     I would have perished in my affliction.
93 I will never forget your precepts,
     for by them you have preserved my life.
94 Save me, for I am yours;
     I have sought out your precepts.
95 The wicked are waiting to destroy me,
     but I will ponder your statutes.
96 To all perfection I see a limit,
     but your commands are boundless.

The tallest letter of the Hebrew alphabet is used to head a set of verses that attest to the established, eternal and enduring Truth of God’s Word (89). Understanding of the Word is essential, since all things are based on it (90-91), and without it, we perish in both time and eternity (92-93). God has revealed himself in the Scriptures, but also in his created universe. Because this general revelation is available in nature, all mankind can seek, study and apply many of God’s eternal principles (90-91), and this understanding is of utmost importance. Throughout the psalmist’s life the precepts of God’s eternal Truth have preserved him
(93). The last verse in this section makes a distinction between created things that are limited and the eternal (“boundless”) Truth of God (96).Knowing, understanding, and applying this boundless Truth in a universe with limits, delivers us and preserves our life in time and in eternity when the wicked seek to destroy it (95). This is the greatest Truth.


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

Struggling to Hold the Word - Kaph - Psalm 119:81-88

Kaph (Verses 81-88)

The letter kaph shows the palm or hollow of a hand and represents a hand, bowl, plate or anything designed to receive.
By association, it can mean asking, weakness or reaching out to receive.

81 My soul faints with longing for your salvation,
     but I have put my hope in your word.
82 My eyes fail, looking for your promise;
     I say, “When will you comfort me?”
83 Though I am like a wineskin in the smoke,
     I do not forget your decrees.
84 How long must your servant wait?
     When will you punish my persecutors?
85 The arrogant dig pits to trap me,
     contrary to your law.
86 All your commands are trustworthy;
     help me, for I am being persecuted without cause.
87 They almost wiped me from the earth,
     but I have not forsaken your precepts.
88 In your unfailing love preserve my life,
     that I may obey the statutes of your mouth.

The psalmist is still suffering at the hands of men who have rejected the authority of the Word of God (84). They are arrogant, and persecute the man whose hope is in the Word (85). They use laws and logic contrary to God’s law to prove the godly man and his godly ways are in error, and so conclude that the ways of God are unprofitable and inappropriate for mankind. In the face of this attack, the persecuted man puts his hope in God’s Word, but still finds himself weak, and asks for help from God (81). His soul (mind, emotions, intellect, will) faint and his eyes (physical effort) fail (81-82) as he waits for God’s promises to manifest (82, 84). Just as a wine skin in the smoke (83) holds onto its content in the midst of a blinding odor that stings the eyes, the psalmist sees himself as struggling to hold to his commitment to the Truth in his soul while persevering against the blinding, painful odor of worldly philosophy. He waits with his hands open and his soul reaching out to be filled by God.


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

The Hand of God in the Word of God - Yodh - Psalm 119:73-80

Yodh (Verses 73-80)

Yodh is a symbol of a cupped or bent hand. The image may also be of a closed fist or a hand that is holding something. It indicates power or guidance.

73 Your hands made me and formed me;
     give me understanding to learn your commands.
74 May those who fear you rejoice when they see me,
     for I have put my hope in your word.
75 I know, Lord, that your laws are righteous,
     and that in faithfulness you have afflicted me.
76 May your unfailing love be my comfort,
     according to your promise to your servant.
77 Let your compassion come to me that I may live,
     for your law is my delight.
78 May the arrogant be put to shame for wronging me without cause;
     but I will meditate on your precepts.
79 May those who fear you turn to me,
     those who understand your statutes.
80 May I wholeheartedly follow your decrees,
     that I may not be put to shame.

The psalmist uses the fact that he has been made and formed by God as the basis for asking God to help him understand his Word (73). He is a man in affliction caused by other men who unjustly come against him

(78) and who are the enemies of Truth since they reject the Word of God and in their arrogance advance their own plans and the world’s views. In this unjust affliction the psalmist realizes that the creator who formed him with His hands still holds him and has allowed this undeserved affliction through the hands of men (75-76). He counts on God’s unfailing love and compassion to comfort him and allow him to live (76-77). The result will be that other men who fear God will rejoice when they see the psalmist’s deliverance by the hand of God (74). The arrogant who oppose God’s Word will be put to shame (78), while those who renew their minds by meditating on God’s Word will continue to find comfort in the midst of their afflictions (78, 75, 76).


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

The Paradox of the Word - Teth - Psalm 119:65-72

Teth (Verses 65-72)

The letter teth was patterned on two rolls, curves, or snakes and may look like something that is twisted or knotted together. It represents the paradox of good and evil, such as how a person could choose to respond to God or circumstances in a good or evil way. The word teth means”to stand up or bow down”, in reference to a relationship with God.

65 Do good to your servant
     according to your word, Lord.
66 Teach me knowledge and good judgment,
     for I trust your commands.
67 Before I was afflicted I went astray,
     but now I obey your word.
68 You are good, and what you do is good;
     teach me your decrees.
69 Though the arrogant have smeared me with lies,
     I keep your precepts with all my heart.
70 Their hearts are callous and unfeeling,
     but I delight in your law.
71 It was good for me to be afflicted
     so that I might learn your decrees.
72 The law from your mouth is more precious to me
     than thousands of pieces of silver and gold.

The very nature of God’s Word creates a paradox. The Word of God is holy and good, and yet it can benefit both the obedient and the disobedient – both the blessed and the afflicted. The psalmist recounts his experience of this principle in verses 67 and 71 when he says,

"Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I obey your word… It was good for me to be afflicted so that I might learn your decrees."

The Word of God speaks to all people, but the results depend on each individual’s heart. Some hearts are calloused and unfeeling, but the psalmist’s heart was soft and responded with delight to God’s Word (70). Likewise, affliction draws some toward a desire for the Truth; yet for others, affliction releases bitterness and the arrogance of their heart (69). Although confusing, all of this is good because it provides the opportunity to learn what God is teaching (68). For those who respond positively to the Truth, there will be benefits more “precious… than thousands of pieces of silver and gold” (72).



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

God's Word is a Hedge of Protection - Heth - Psalm 119:57-64

Heth (Verses 57-64)

The letter heth is a symbol of a hedge, a fence, or an enclosure – that is, protection. The image may be of stacked stones that surround and protect.

57 You are my portion, Lord;
    I have promised to obey your words.
58 I have sought your face with all my heart;
    be gracious to me according to your promise.
59 I have considered my ways
    and have turned my steps to your statutes.
60 I will hasten and not delay
    to obey your commands.
61 the wicked bind me with ropes,
    I will not forget your law.
62 At midnight I rise to give you thanks
    for your righteous laws.
63 I am a friend to all who fear you,
    to all who follow your precepts.
64 The earth is filled with your love, Lord;
    teach me your decrees.

The Lord is the portion (57) located inside the parameters of the wall of protection provided by the Truth. The psalmist promises to stay inside these parameters and obey God’s Word. God’s statues (the Word) are the steppingstones that guide the writer (59). Even if the wicked physically restrain him he will not forget God’s law (61). Everyone who fears the Lord and follows his Word is within the same enclosure, or sphere of protection and fellowship, as the psalmist, and so is considered his friend (63). The entire earth is enclosed with God’s Word (64), so there is nowhere anyone can go that God has not already established his Truth and reality. The wicked may bind this writer (61), but God’s word is there to provide a greater hedge of protection for him since he:

1. Has made the Lord his portion (57)
2. Has promised to obey God’s Word (57)
3. Has sought God’s face with all the understanding of his inner being (58)
4. Has analyzed his lifestyle and adjusted it to correspond to God’s statutes (59)
5. Does not delay in obeying God’s commands (60)
6. Refuses to forget God’s law in the face of physical opposition (61)
7. Desires to be taught the decrees of God (64)

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

New Book "Apparatus" is Online (copies will be shipped upon request)

My new book "The Word: Apparatus for Salvation, Renewal and Maturity" has just been released online as a .pdf here

Copies will be shipped free in the USA upon request.
If you would like a copy just send a shipping address to my email gw@generationword.com
...copies will be mailed this month.

The book "Apparatus" will revolutionize and revitalize your view of salvation, the Word of God, spiritual maturity and the ministry of the church.
 Read it now online as .pdf or request your copy!
Online as .mobi file here.
Online as .epub file here.

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

The Word is a Weapon of Defense - Zayin - Psalm 119:49-56

Zayin (Verses 49-56)

The letter zayin describes a weapon – most likely, a sword. The word
zayin derives from a root word meaning “sustenance” or “nourishment”.
It includes the concept that to survive and provide for yourself, there are
times you must fight and defend yourself, especially in the area of Truth
and spiritual warfare.

49 Remember your word to your servant,
    for you have given me hope.
50 My comfort in my suffering is this:
   Your promise preserves my life.
51 The arrogant mock me unmercifully,
    but I do not turn from your law.
52 I remember, Lord, your ancient laws,
    and I find comfort in them.
53 Indignation grips me because of the wicked,
    who have forsaken your law.
54 Your decrees are the theme of my song
    wherever I lodge.
55 In the night, Lord, I remember your name,
    that I may keep your law.
56 This has been my practice:
    I obey your precepts.

The psalmist recognizes that the Word of God provides him with hope (49) in the midst of mocking by the arrogant (51) and the wicked (53). The promises of the Word of God nourish the psalmist with comfort and provide a defensive weapon for the preservation of his life (50). The ancient laws are said to also supply comfort (52). The arrogant and wicked attack this believer’s stance on the Truth, yet he remains faithful (50-52). The arrogant have rejected God’s Word and become wicked, but the indignation of the psalmist preserves his heart. The psalmist continues the practice of remembering the Truth wherever he spends his nights, so the Truth continues to provide his shelter in the night (53-56).



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

The Dependable Word of God - Waw - Psalm 119:41-48

Waw (Verses 41-48)

The letter waw is an image of a hook, a nail, or a peg. It symbolizes the hooks of silver fastened to posts that held the curtains of the tabernacle and other tents in place. The letter waw represents something you depend on, such as the Word of God. In these verses, the psalmist focuses on how he can trust God’s Word. Since he can depend on it to be true, he will speak of God’s Word even before kings. The psalmist, like the Apostle Paul, knows that he will never be ashamed or let down by God’s Word (Romans 1:16) because the Word of God has the power to do what it claims to be able to do.

41 May your unfailing love come to me, Lord,
     your salvation, according to your promise;
42 then I can answer anyone who taunts me,
     for I trust in your word.
43 Never take your word of truth from my mouth,
     for I have put my hope in your laws.
44 I will always obey your law,
     for ever and ever.
45 I will walk about in freedom,
     for I have sought out your precepts.
46 I will speak of your statutes before kings
     and will not be put to shame,
47 for I delight in your commands
     because I love them.
48 I reach out for your commands, which I love,
     that I may meditate on your decrees.

God’s Word tells us of the salvation that comes from God (which is also called the “unfailing love” of God’s covenant). It appears that the psalmist is enduring the “taunts” of men for having trusted in the promise of salvation found in God’s Word. Still, he fully counts on experiencing that salvation. He says with Paul, I “will not be put to shame”. Because he has sought God’s Truth, the psalmist knows the Truth and “will walk about in freedom”. Jesus said the same thing when he promised: “You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8:32).



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