SECTION OUTLINE ONE HUNDRED NINETEEN (PSALM 119)

This elaborate alphabetical psalm has 22 eight-verse stanzas that extol the Word of God. It is the longest chapter in the Bible (176 verses).

I.    The Names for God’s Word: What It Is Called (119:1, 3–37, 39–40, 42–69, 71–116, 119–120, 123–131, 133–148, 150–164, 166–176)

A.  His law or laws (119:1, 7, 13, 18, 20, 29–30, 34, 39, 43–44, 51–53, 55, 61–62, 70, 72, 77, 85, 91–92, 97, 102, 106, 108–109, 113, 126, 136, 142, 150, 153, 160, 163–165, 174–175): We must keep, not break, his laws—for our own good.

B.  His decrees (119:2, 14, 22, 24, 31, 36, 46, 79, 88, 95, 99, 111, 119, 125, 129, 138, 144, 146, 152, 157, 167–168): They provide us with discernment.

C.  His light (119:3, 105): God’s word provides light for our way.

D.  His commands/commandments (119:4, 6, 10, 15, 19, 21, 27, 32, 35, 40, 45, 47–48, 56, 60, 63, 66, 69, 73, 78, 86–87, 93–94, 96, 98, 100, 104, 110, 115, 127–128, 131, 134, 141, 143, 151, 159, 166, 168, 172–173, 176): We must love them, not forget them, and study them.

E.   His principles (119:5, 8, 12, 16, 23, 26, 33, 48, 54, 64, 68, 71, 80, 83, 112, 117–118, 124, 135, 145, 155, 171): We must let God teach us and then obey him.

F.   His rules (119:9) : Following them will keep us pure.

G.  His ways (119:15) : We should reflect on them.

H.  His statutes (119:59) : If we follow them, they will give us direction.

I.    His judgments or decisions (119:120, 137): God’s decisions are fair, and we are to live by them.

 

II.  The Nature of God’s Word: What It Accomplishes (119:1–2, 9, 11, 24, 28–29, 37–38, 41–42, 45–46, 49–50, 62, 67, 70, 98–100, 103, 105, 111, 114, 116, 120–122, 132, 139, 141, 149, 165, 170)

A.  It brings blessing and happiness (119:1–2, 122).

B.  It keeps us pure (119:9) .

C.  It keeps us from sin (119:11, 29, 121).

D.  It gives wise advice (119:24) .

E.   It encourages the grieving (119:28) .

F.   It reassures us of his promises for those who honor him (119:38) .

G.  It provides answers, even for those who taunt us (119:42) .

H.  It gives freedom (119:45) .

I.    It offers hope (119:49) .

J.    It comforts and revives (119:50) .

K.  It provides a thankful heart (119:62) .

L.   It brings us back to God (119:37, 67): God will discipline us if we turn from him.

M.  It instructs and gives wisdom (119:98–100).

N.  It nourishes (119:103) : God’s word is sweeter than honey.

O.  It enlightens (119:105) : God’s word provides a light for our path.

P.   It protects (119:114) : God’s word is a refuge.

Q.  It sustains our hope (119:116) .

R.  It brings delight (119:70, 111).

S.   It brings peace (119:165) : We do not have to fear stumbling.

T.   It delivers (119:170) : God promises to rescue us.

U.  It brings love and salvation (119:41, 149).

V.  It shows mercy to all who love his name (119:132) .

W. It deserves respect (119:46, 120).

X.  It is important to remember (119:141) ^[1]