E-pistle for February 10, 2012
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E-pistle
FreeWay Foundation February 10, 2012
The "alphabet" Psalm
(Psalm 119:1-176)
Dr. Curt Scarborough
I. Concentration: on the structure of Psalm 119
1. This Psalm is the longest chapter in the Bible.
2. This Psalm is an acrostic, with each section beginning with a succeeding
letter of the Hebrew alphabet, from "A" to "Z."
3. This Psalm has 22 sections or paragraphs, matching the 22 letters in the
Hebrew alphabet.
4. Each of the 22 sections is composed of 8 verses, for a total of 176 verses.
II. Meditation: on the names of the Word of God in the life of a believer
1. Word – used 40 times 5. Commandments – used 22 times
2. Law – used 24 times 6. Precepts – used 21 times
3. Testimonies – used 23 times 7. Judgments – used 17 times
4. Statutes – used 22 times 8. Ordinances – used 2 times
The Word of God (by the above listed terms) is used 171 times in 176 verses.
III. Revelation: on some of the most familiar verses in this Psalm
1. Holiness: "Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against
You," v. 11.
2. Satisfaction: "how sweet are Your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to
my mouth," v. 103.
3. Guidance: "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path," v. 105.
4. Perception: "The entrance of your words gives light; it gives understanding to
the simple," v. 130.
5. Confidence: "Great peace have those who love Your law, and nothing causes
them to stumble," v. 165.
IV. Applications: as a Christian, I need to . . .
1. Memorize Scripture as a defense against temptation, just as Jesus did.
2. Derive great pleasure and nourishment from the study of God's word.
3. Search the Scripture to discover God's will for my life, and to keep myself on
the right path.
4. Meditate upon the written Word of God to gain spiritual discernment of God's
ways and purposes.
5. Rest upon the promises of God which are found in the Bible, with ever-growing
faith and assurance in His faithfulness and trustworthiness.
I am for peace; they are for war!
(Psalm 120:1-7)
Dr. Curt Scarborough
I. Concentration: on the Palmist's cry of distress
1. It was a heart-cry unto the Lord, v. 1.
2. It was a prayer which God heard, v. 1.
3. It was a cry for deliverance from deceitful liars, v. 2.
4. It was in the form of a question, asking God for understanding about the
situation: "What shall be done to you, you false tongue?" v. 3.
II. Meditation: on the problems experienced by the Psalmist
1. He is being pierced by sharp, cutting words of the tongue, v. 4; Psalm 64:3.
2. These piercing words are like flaming arrows, v. 4; James 3:5-6.
3. "Woe is me, that I dwell in Meshech," v. 5 . . . Meshech was a grandson of
Noah, through his "unblessed" son, Japheth (Genesis 10:1-2), whose descendants
became enemies of Israel, Ezekiel 38:2-3; 39:1.
4. "Woe is me . . . that I dwell among the tents of Kedar," v. 5 . . . Kedar was a grandson
of Abraham, through his "unblessed" son Ishmael.
5. (Genesis 25:13), whose descendants today from the Arab nations which continue to
be the mortal enemies of Israel.
III. Revelation: on the travail of the believer's soul
1. Travail of the soul includes enduring the testing of the passing of time: "too long,"
v. 6.
2. Travail includes being forced to associate with ungodly persons: "with one who
hates peace," v. 6.
3. Travail includes standing alone for the principles of God: "I am for peace," v. 7.
4. Travail includes speaking out in opposition to hate and wickedness, which "war"
against God's people and His purpose, v. 7.
IV. Applications: as a Christian, I need to . . .
1. Realize that God's plan almost always includes a time of testing (of my faith and
faithfulness) between my prayer and His answer.
2. Recognize that as long as I live on this earth, I am to be "in the world," but not "of
the world," John 17:11-16.
3. Faithfully stand for righteousness, whatever the personal cost.
4. Speak the spiritual truths of God's word ("peace") into hostile situations and
violent circumstances.
"Believe in yourself and there will come a day when others
will have no choice but to believe with you."
--Cynthia Kersey, Author & Speaker
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