Psalm 119 in the Bible is a pretty interesting Psalm for lots of reasons. Here are some – it is the longest Psalm in the Bible, in fact it’s the longest chapter in the Bible at 176 verses. It’s a Hebrew acrostic meaning that the first words of each line in each section begins with each letter of the Hebrew alphabet. The first section (verse1-8) all start with the letter aleph, the first letter of the alphabet, the second sections first words all start with beth, the second letter in the Hebrew alphabet and on it goes, with one section for every letter of the alphabet. Some theologians believe that it was written like this so David could simultaneously educate his children in language and the law simultaneously.

As I was reading through the Psalm today I noticed something different about it that I’d never seen before. As David talks about Gods laws, His word, His precepts etc. he talks about them differently than I expected. There is an affection, a relationship that he has with them. He discusses them in a similar way than he would discuss a person. I’ve included a good number of examples of how he refers to them below.

• I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.
• I rejoice in following your statutes as one rejoices in great riches.
• I delight in your decrees; I will not neglect your word.
• My soul is consumed with longing for your laws at all times.
• Your statutes are my delight; they are my counselors.
• I have chosen the way of faithfulness; I have set my heart on your laws.
• Direct me in the path of your commands, for there I find delight. Turn my heart toward your statutes and not toward selfish gain.
• How I long for your precepts! In your righteousness preserve my life
• I reach out for your commands, which I love, that I may meditate on your decrees.
• Your statutes are my heritage forever; they are the joy of my heart.
• Trouble and distress have come upon me, but your commands give me delight.
• I obey your statutes, for I love them greatly.
• I long for your salvation, LORD, and your law gives me delight.

I’m not sure I’ve ever heard laws, precepts and decrees described in these ways before. I’m not sure I’d even thought about having a relationship with them. We normally hear people talk about these things as binds, shackles, and things that prevent relationship.

We of course have the joy of knowing Jesus and the Holy Spirit in an intimate way and it’s worth remembering that when David penned this Psalm Jesus hadn’t come to earth and the Holy Spirit hadn’t been sent as the advocate who is in relationship with all believers like we enjoy today. David obviously had met with the Lord in his worship and life but outside of that David’s only frame for a relationship with the Lord would have likely been through some dreams or other one off moments, the prophets, and then as he is describing in this psalm, the law of the Lord. It’s exceptional that he developed this level of intimacy without all the access that we enjoy.

Ultimately all of these laws, statutes, and precepts point back to God, the one David desired relationship with. However, I find it so compelling and deeply challenging to hear how David spoke of these things. Imagine we didn’t have the NT of the scriptures. Imagine we hadn’t received the Holy Spirit. How would we form our relationship with God? How would we describe our relationship with God?

Lord, give me a love of your ways the way that David had. Help me to adore all of you. Help me to be desperate for presence.