Psalm 119:161-168

SHIN

161 Princes persecute me without a cause,

But my heart stands in awe of Your word.

162 I rejoice at Your word

As one who finds great treasure.

163 I hate and abhor lying,

But I love Your law.

164 Seven times a day I praise You,

Because of Your righteous judgments.

165 Great peace have those who love Your law,

And nothing causes them to stumble.

166 LORD, I hope for Your salvation,

And I do Your commandments.

167  My soul keeps Your testimonies,

And I love them exceedingly.

168 I keep Your precepts and Your testimonies,

For all my ways are before You. 

It’s interesting how this section starts with the use of the word Princes to describe those pursuing the Psalmist. It reminds me of Absalom and King David in 2 Samuel 15-18. Regardless of who the writer is, we can relate to having troubles even when it is not our fault. We live in a world where awful things happen: children get sick with cancer, loved ones are killed by drunk drivers, and kidnappings and school shootings are becoming more prevalent. Yes, it’s tragic, but the Psalmist wants us to see that we have a choice in how we respond. God’s Word should be our first line of defense, not a last resort, in how we handle life.

He continues expressing his joy toward God’s Word as one who finds great treasure. In Matthew 13:44-46, Jesus said the kingdom of heaven is like a treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and hid; and for joy over it he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field. Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking beautiful pearls, who when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had and bought it.

Did you know there is a direct correlation between our response to and the value of the gift received? Mark Copeland of executableoutlines.com said, “The greater the value we place on some gift, the greater our joy when received. To illustrate, imagine your reaction to three different gifts: 1. The gift of a penny (ho hum) 2. The gift of a hundred dollars (now that’s really nice) 3. The gift of a new house (wow! That’s fantastic!). Can you see how the response or emotion of joy is in direct proportion to our evaluation of the gift received?”

As the writer stands in awe of God’s Word and loves it, it makes sense that he would also say he hates lying. You can’t have one without the other. Lying and false doctrine are offensive to all of his senses. Lying lips are an abomination to the LORD, but those who deal truthfully are His delight (Proverbs 12:22). We’re to love God’s commandments and hate every false way (Psalm 119:127-128). Our love for God’s righteous judgments will be seen in how often we praise Him. Seven times denotes abundance. I will bless the LORD at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth (Psalm 34:1). In 1 Thessalonians 5:17, we’re told to rejoice always. 

We come to the Hebrew alphabet letter SHIN in verse 165. The first letter of the word shalom (peace) is SHIN. We have a “great peace.” It’s a mighty, numerous, vast amount of peace for those who love His law. It’s a peace which surpasses all understanding (Philippians 4:7). Isaiah foretold of Christ being our “Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6). In the New Testament, the Jews wanted a temporary peace, freedom from Roman oppression; but Christ offered them an everlasting peace, freedom from self, sin, and Satan. Only He could provide the living waters that could quench their spiritual thirst and give them an abundant life that would lead to eternal life (John 4:14; 10:10; Romans 5:1; 6:23). It’s the kind of peace that comes from a right relationship with the Father, so that whatever may come our way, we can trust Him to guide us, provide for us, and see us through each step of the way. Sure, we’ll make mistakes and sin, but we’ll repent and get back up and keep pressing forward (1 John 1:7, 9; Philippians 3:13-14). That’s why we like the Psalmist can say, I hope for Your salvation, and I do Your commandments. James 1:22 tells us to be doers of the word.

In Psalm 119:167-168, we see the word keep/keeps. Keep (keeps, kept) is found 23 times in this chapter. It means to observe, to obey God’s commands. Notice how he loves them exceedingly. It’s a love that takes all his strength, every fiber of his being (Deuteronomy 6:5; Matthew 22:37). John 14:15 tells us, If you love me, keep My commandments.

The Psalmist closes with acknowledging that God is familiar with who he is and understands his strengths and weaknesses. He’s trying his best to do what is right, to obey God’s commands, and to love Him with all his strength. Search me, O God, and know my heart; try me, and know my anxieties; and see if there is any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting (Psalm 139:23-24).

What value do you place on peace? What is the proof of your love? May each day bring us closer to Him as we treasure God’s Word and praise Him with our whole heart.

 

by Jena Gumpert