GLEANINGS FROM THE SCRIPTURESCOME TO THE LIGHT!By Keith L. EstesSince the Bible was written by holy men of God, inspired by the Holy Spirit, it should also be read by holy men and women of God illumined by the Holy Spirit. The Psalmist writes, "Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law." There is a reason for Psalm 119 being the longest chapter of the Bible. There are twenty-two letters in the Hebrew alphabet and this Psalm is an acrostic. However, unlike the other acrostics, which contain only one verse for each of the twenty-two Hebrew letters, Psalm 119 includes eight verses beginning with the same Hebrew letter. In order to turn on the light of this Psalm it is necessary to study it by topics. The major topic is The Word Of God that is found in all but three of the verses. Some key synonyms are used to reveal the multifaceted character of God's Word. LAW- (torah) is the most frequent of the words. It comes from a verb that means, "to teach," and thus came to be applied to a wide range of revelation, from an individual directive to the entire books of Moses. It emphasizes that God has taught us in His Word what He requires of us. TESTIMONIES- emphasizes the content of the Word as that which God has testified of Himself and His will. PRECEPTS- refers to instructions from a superior regarding the duties of those under him, in this case, from God to man. STATUTES- is related to a verb meaning "to engrave" and thus implies permanent and unchangeable regulations. COMMANDMENTS- is a word assuming the authority of the commander and the inherent necessity of obeying the content of the charge. JUDGMENTS- or ordinances refers to decisions God has made as a judge in order to make earthly behavior conform to His heavenly standard. WORD- is an all-embracing term for God's revelation in any form. Another variation might also be translated "promise." It comes from the verb "to say" and assumes that the content of revelation is from the mouth of God who spoke those powerful words, "Let there be light." In this Psalm is an admonition to young people on how they can cleanse their way. Verse nine reads: “Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed thereto according to thy word.” The word rendered “his way” signifies a track, a rut, such as would have been made by the wheel of a cart. A young sinner has not beaten a broad path, but rather has transgressed again and again in the same manner, creating a sinful rut. How shall he escape? By taking heed thereto according to thy word. Heeding the Word of God leads to a godly life-style. Ignoring the Word of God leads to a godless rut. Coming out of the rut leads to the light. One of the old banjo strumming, foot stomping songs that I remember, brings us toward that "light." It's called Glorious Freedom and it goes like this: O come to the light, the beautiful light, Come where the dew drops of mercy are bright; I know all around me by day and by night Is Jesus, the light of the world. Reference: Psalm 119 The Holy Bible. |