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 ninth letter of the Hebrew alphabet.

(Teth) – The ninth letter of the Hebrew alphabet begins this 8-verse section

Do good to your servant according to your word, Lord (vs 65).

In response to the psalmist’s commitment to follow the teachings in God’s Word, he asks the LORD to “do good” to him, that is, to bless him. And he is asking God to do this according to the promises that He has made concerning those who adhere to His commandments. None of us should shy away from asking the Lord to “bless us,” but to do it in line with God’s Word and His will.

Teach me knowledge and good judgment, for I trust your commands (vs 66).

As he surveys the Lord’s commandments, he wants the Lord to give him knowledge and good judgment regarding putting the commandments into practice. For example, the Lord commanded the Israelites to “love their neighbor,” and the psalmist is asking God to show him how to do that more effectively, as we should also do.

Before I was afflicted, I went astray, but now I obey your word (vs 67).

Of course, we are uncertain about how the psalmist was “afflicted,” but he confesses that he had wandered from the Lord’s commandments prior to his affliction. His affliction was likely a God-sent “wake-up call” to get his life back on track, as he confesses that he now obeys God’s Word. We should all be sensitive to God giving us a “nudge” on occasion to get us back on track in obedience to His commandments.

You are good, and what you do is good; teach me your decrees (vs 68).

Indeed, the psalmist acknowledges that “God is good,” and that “all He does is good.” And that includes sending the affliction that he previously acknowledged so that he could once again return to the Lord’s commandments. He does not want to stagnate, but he wants the Lord to teach him even more of His decrees.

Though the arrogant have smeared me with lies, I keep your precepts with all my heart (vs 69).

Attacks from others continue to beset the psalmist, as this time, he is confronted with the pain of lies from those who are proud. It goes without saying that we all hate to hear of lies being told about us. We try to defend ourselves, only to find that the Lord is our true Defender.

Their hearts are callous and unfeeling, but I delight in your law (vs 70).

The psalmist clearly identifies the arrogant as having hearts that are insensitive and hardened. Yes, we have probably all experienced this from others who attack us, but in the end, the psalmist delights in God’s Law. He will not abandon it but is committed to remaining steadfast in keeping it.

It was good for me to be afflicted, so that I might learn your decrees (vs 71).

Wow! The psalmist recognizes the benefit of being afflicted, in that it forced him to turn to God’s decrees in order to find hope and solace. We should all recognize the benefit of being confronted with difficulties and trials. Remember in the Book of James, that we are to “count it all joy when we encounter various trials,” because in the end, those trials lead us to spiritual maturity (James 1:2-4).

The law from your mouth is more precious to me than thousands of pieces of silver and gold (vs 72).

I love what the psalmist acknowledges in that he recognizes that God’s Laws have not come to him on either tablets of stone or pages on parchment, but from the Lord’s mouth itself. Yes, recorded by Moses, but in reality, the Law came from the Lord’s mouth. And to the psalmist, that realization was more precious than silver or gold.

In this section, the psalmist spoke a lot about affliction. Even though he was a faithful follower of the Lord’s commandments, the Lord did not shield him from affliction, as we might think He should. No, he allows affliction to show us our need for Him in every aspect of our lives. As we encounter various trials, let’s embrace those trials with joy, knowing the God is up to something good, and that is to grow us to maturity and use us for His glory in the process.

Hope to see you next week.