“Teach me, O Lord, the way of Your statutes, and I shall keep it to the end. Give me understanding, and I shall keep Your law; indeed, I shall observe it with my whole heart.”
Psalm 119 is the longest chapter in the Bible. Each section is introduced by a letter of the Hebrew alphabet. I am told that Jewish youth had to memorize the entire chapter — with 176 verses, that was no easy task. The Psalmist pens this Psalm in the form of a prayer beseeching the Lord to be our teacher.
It is interesting to dig a little deeper into the meaning of the word OBSERVE. In the Hebrew it means to keep, guard, keep watch and ward, protect. That gives us a much clearer meaning of what the writer is seeking from the Lord.
When I was a boy, or even a grown man in graduate school, I was required to apply myself to gaining knowledge. I fear that I fell short many times, but as I entered each classroom I was exposing myself to the things my instructor would teach me.
As we read this Psalm of prayer it is well and good to make it our own prayer. Our part is to listen to the Lord as He teaches and then to keep, guard, keep watch and ward, protect with our whole heart.
Blessings dear hearts. Draw near to God today, trust Him completely and be a blessing!
Insights on John is part of the 15-volume Swindoll’s Living Insights New Testament Commentary series. This newly revised and expanded edition draws on Gold Medallion Award–winner Chuck Swindoll’s 50 years of experience with studying and preaching God’s Word. His deep insight, signature easygoing style, and humor bring a warmth and practical accessibility not often found in commentaries.
ECPA Gold Award – Jesus taught with hands-on lessons and illustrations. TheHands-On Bible uses the same experience-based learning to communicate God’s Word in an active, understandable way. With hundreds of fun, memorable activities, the Hands-On Bible is packed with activities and experiences that invite kids to crawl inside the Scriptures and do God’s Word!
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