Psalms 119:172

Context

Psalm 119 is the longest psalm in the Bible, an acrostic poem with 22 stanzas, each corresponding to a letter of the Hebrew alphabet. Every verse in this psalm, with very few exceptions, makes reference to God's Word, law, statutes, precepts, commandments, testimonies, or judgments. It is a profound meditation on the beauty, wisdom, and perfection of divine revelation.

Verse 172 is part of the final stanza (Taw), which expresses a fervent plea for help, a declaration of commitment, and a humble acknowledgment of dependence on God. This verse specifically emphasizes the psalmist's personal resolve to proclaim God's word because of its inherent and perfect righteousness.

Key Themes

• Proclamation of God's Word: The verse opens with a personal commitment, "My tongue shall speak of thy word." This signifies an active, vocal dedication to sharing, teaching, and praising the divine revelation. It's not enough to merely know God's word; the psalmist feels compelled to express it, making it known to others. This echoes the call to diligently teach God's words.
• The Righteousness of God's Commandments: The reason given for this proclamation is profound: "for all thy commandments are righteousness." This asserts that God's laws are not arbitrary rules but are perfectly just, morally upright, and inherently good. They are the standard by which all truth and justice are measured. This truth resonates with Psalm 19:7 which declares the law of the LORD to be perfect.
• Inseparability of Word and Righteousness: The verse links the act of speaking God's word directly to the character of His commands. It implies that to speak God's word is to speak righteousness itself, and to obey His commands is to walk in righteousness.

Linguistic Insights

• "Word" (Hebrew: davar - דָּבָר): This term is broad, encompassing God's spoken word, His divine decrees, His revelation, and the entire body of His truth.
• "Commandments" (Hebrew: mitzvah - מִצְוָה): Refers to the specific divine precepts, ordinances, and instructions given by God.
• "Righteousness" (Hebrew: tzedek - צֶדֶק): Signifies justice, moral rectitude, integrity, and conformity to a divine standard of what is right and good. It implies a perfect alignment with God's character.

Practical Application

Psalm 119:172 encourages believers to not only internalize God's Word but also to vocalize it. Recognizing that God's commandments are inherently righteous should inspire confidence and eagerness to share His truth. This verse challenges us to:

• Speak God's Truth Boldly: If God's word and commandments are righteousness, then speaking them is a righteous act that benefits others and honors God.
• Trust in Divine Standards: In a world where moral standards shift, this verse reminds us that God's laws are eternally just and true, providing a firm foundation for life.
• Align Life and Speech: Our public proclamation of God's Word should be consistent with our personal adherence to His righteous commandments, reflecting integrity and faithfulness.