Psalm 119 Introduction

Structure and Formatting

Psalm 119 is a “wisdom psalm” about the law of Yahweh. This psalm is an “acrostic” (see discussion in the Introduction to Psalms), an alphabetic poem with twenty-two groups of eight verses each. Each group begins with a letter of the alphabet in the order of the Hebrew alphabet.The psalmist uses many different words to refer to Yahweh’s message to us. You could attempt to use a different word for each term (ULT uses words such as “precepts,” “commandments,” and “law”), but most languages will not have that many, so just use the words that your language has.1. Blessing for those who walk in Yahweh’s law (1–32)2. Prayer for understanding and guidance from Yahweh’s word (33–72)3. Comfort and hope in Yahweh’s word during affliction (73–112)4. Devotion to Yahweh’s law despite opposition (113–144)5. Cry for deliverance and life through Yahweh’s word (145–176)

Religious and Cultural Concepts in This Psalm

The law

The psalmist loved the law of Yahweh and was blessed by obeying it. (See: love and bless)

Translation Issues in This Psalm

“your word”

Throughout this psalm, the psalmist uses the phrase “your word” to refer more generally to Yahweh’s commandments, instructions, promises, and messages to us.

Request form

Throughout this psalm, the psalmist is requesting things from Yahweh by using an imperative which may sound like a command in your language. If this would be impolite in your language, then use a form that would be more appropriate for addressing Yahweh with a request.