Psalm 119 is the Bible-study anthem. I’m working through this psalm focusing on three things:

  1. Reasons to read and study the Word (today)
  2. Ways to respond to the Word
  3. How the gospel of Jesus makes this Psalm even better

Today we’re in the Aleph section (Ps 119:1–8).

Aleph.

How blessed are those whose way is blameless,
Who walk in the law of the LORD.
How blessed are those who observe His testimonies,
Who seek Him with all their heart.
They also do no unrighteousness;
They walk in His ways.
You have ordained Your precepts,
That we should keep them diligently.
Oh that my ways may be established
To keep Your statutes!
Then I shall not be ashamed
When I look upon all Your commandments.
I shall give thanks to You with uprightness of heart,
When I learn Your righteous judgments.
I shall keep Your statutes;
Do not forsake me utterly!

(Ps 119:1–8)

Reason to read and study the Bible

Like the very first of the Psalms, this opens with a blessing for those who delight in the Lord’s law (Ps 1:1–2). The word for “blessed” here refers to happiness—a state of bliss used in Old Testament poetry.

The Psalmist points to four characteristics the people with this kind of happiness share:

  1. Their way (course of conduct) is blameless.
  2. They walk in the law of the Lord (the first 5 books of the Bible).
  3. They observe God’s testimonies (the covenant God made with Israel).
  4. They seek God with all their heart.

This happiness is attached to how the people of God keep the law of God. And how can you keep what you don’t know? We should study the Bible, because when we obey, we will be happier.