Weekly Introduction: Because the psalmist is living his life according to the precepts of God’s Word, he is able to rejoice in the life God has given him as he successfully navigates the unexpected turns and potential pitfalls of life. I pray that you will sense the joy of the psalmist as we look at the next 8 verses presented under the heading of the eighteenth letter of the Hebrew alphabet, Tsadhe.
You are righteous, Lord, and your laws are right (vs 137).
The psalmist begins this section by diving right into God’s character – that He is “righteous,” meaning that He always does what is “right.” Of course, this assumes that there is a difference between “right” and “wrong,” and indeed there is. So how can we determine what is “right” and what is “wrong?” The psalmist points us to God’s laws, which are always “right,” because God’s righteousness never changes.
The statutes you have laid down are righteous; they are fully trustworthy (vs 138).
Again, the psalmist tells us that God’s statutes are not only “righteous,” but also fully “trustworthy.” In other words, we can trust them to lead us on the path that will bring untold blessings to our lives. And, of course, this points back to God’s character, that He is wholly “trustworthy.”
My zeal wears me out, for my enemies ignore your words (vs 139).
The psalmist expresses his zeal for righteousness, and he gets tired of those who continue to reject God’s laws, ignoring his words of exhortation to obey them. Those who follow Christ should also have a burden for the lost to know and to follow the Lord.
Your promises have been thoroughly tested, and your servant loves them (vs 140).
How does one test just one of God’s promises? It’s simple – you simply see if that particular promise is fulfilled, or “comes true.” The psalmist has felt distant from God on many occasions, sometimes sensing His abandonment during time of trial. But the psalmist has also come to realize that God is near to the brokenhearted and those who are crushed in spirit,” providing comfort in times of distress. And because God is the ultimate “Promise-Keeper,” the psalmist loves each of His promises, as should we.
Though I am lowly and despised, I do not forget your precepts (vs 141).
Again, the psalmist senses his own weaknesses because he is despised by those who reject God’s laws, and yet he will not forget His precepts. That is, he will not forget what they are, but he will also not forget to obey them.
Your righteousness is everlasting, and your law is true (vs 142).
Pointing to God’s character once again, the psalmist affirms the eternality of God’s righteousness, that is, it will never fail! Oh, that each of us would remember that truth! And because of God’s character, the precepts that He has given to mankind are also true and will bring untold blessings into our lives.
Trouble and distress have come upon me, but your commands give me delight (vs 143).
Even in the midst of “trouble” and “distress,” the psalmist finds joy in the Lord’s commands, and we should also. And not just His commands, but the entirety of Scripture, particularly God’s promises which bring both hope and joy.
Your statutes are always righteous; give me understanding that I may live (vs 144).
Once again, the psalmist affirms that God’s statutes are always righteous, even when he may question their value and wonder about the implementation of some of them. Therefore, he asks for understanding that he may live a righteous and godly life, as should we.
As we consider our lives, let’s remember that holding close to God’s Word, as the psalmist did, will guide us safely through the minefield of life, helping us to avoid the landmines that will destroy us. May each of us be students of God’s Word, knowing His precepts and faithfully following them.
