"ALEPH. Blessed are the undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the LORD. Blessed are they that keep His testimonies, and that seek Him with the whole heart."
Psalm 119:1-2
Part 3
Yesterday:
“Who walk in the law of the LORD.”
These blessed believers have developed the habit of walking in the “law of the LORD.” God’s Word is their guide in life.
Today:
“Blessed are they that keep His testimonies.”
Verse 2.
“Blessed are they that keep His testimonies, and that seek Him with the whole heart.”
The “blessed happy” ones are those who are “keeping His testimonies.” This is really the same thing as “walking in the law of the LORD,” (in verse 1).”[1]
“Keep means doing, not only hearing. ‘Neither is it enough that we understand or ponder God’s precepts, but we must practice them if we would be happy’”[2] (Trapp).
“His testimonies” are what He has written in His Word for us to learn. These things He has written speak to what is “just, wise, and good,” and they “bear witness” that He has written the truth. When we obey Him, we see experientially that “His testimonies” are right.
“Every law of a parent is to his children a testimony on his part of what is wise and right and good; and so every law of God is his solemn testimony as to what is right and good for man” (Barnes).
“The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple” (Psalm 19:7).
“And that seek Him with the whole heart.”
How do we seek the Lord? Half-hearted seeking, service, and worship carry no weight with Him. Jesus Christ cannot be an “add-on,” something that is just added to an already crowded life, He is the Master. He is the King of my life, I obey Him.
“But if from thence thou shalt seek the LORD thy God, thou shalt find him, if thou seek him with all thy heart and with all thy soul” (Deuteronomy 4:29).
“With my whole heart have I sought thee: O let me not wander from thy commandments” (Psalm 119:10).
“King of my life, I crown Thee now,
Thine shall the glory be;
Lest I forget Thy thorn-crowned brow,
Lead me to Calvary.”[3]
Quote: “God’s commands are designed to guide you to life’s very best. You will not obey Him if you do not believe Him and trust Him. You cannot believe Him if you do not love Him. You cannot love Him unless you know Him”[4] (Henry Blackaby).
[1] Guzik says, “Here is an example of parallelism common in Hebrew poetry, used both for explanation and emphasis.” David Guzik’s Enduring Word Commentary, the electronic version in eSword.
[2] Trapp, as quoted by Guzik, ibid.
[3] “King of My Life, I Crown Thee Now.” Lyrics by Jennie Evelyn Hussey (1874-1958). The tune is “Duncannon,” by William James Kirkpatrick (1838-1921). Published in 1921. Copyright status, Public Domain.
[4] Henry Blackaby’s quote Downloaded: Monday, July 20, 2020. From: https://www.christianquotes.info/quotes-by-topic/quotes-about-obedience/.