from Psalm 119:89-96 “If your law had not been my delight, I would have perished in my misery.” v. 92
This passage has been a meaningful part of my study recently, and I believe it has something significant to offer each of us as we seek to grow in our understanding and love for God’s Word.
Maybe we study the Bible. Maybe memorize it…read it through in a year…sit and learn as a pastor teaches from it…but this week I was challenged again to dwell and even more, to delight in the Word.
The Forever Nature of God’s Word
Psalm 119 is a chapter that many of us are familiar with—it’s the longest chapter in the Bible and is packed with wisdom about the importance of Scripture in our lives. But today, I want to focus on verses 89-96 and particularly the Hebrew letter “Lamed,” which plays a central role – literally! – in this section.
The letter “Lamed” is unique in many ways. It’s the tallest letter in the Hebrew alphabet and is often seen as a symbol of the heart of the Hebrew language. In fact, it’s considered the middle or central letter of the alphabet, representing the idea of something that towers above the rest, much like how God’s Word stands above all things.
In these verses, the psalmist reflects on the eternal and unchanging nature of God’s Word. “Forever, O Lord, your word is firmly fixed in the heavens” (Psalm 119:89). The use of “Lamed” here reminds us that God’s Word is not only fixed but also elevated—unchanging, reliable, and forever.
Finding Delight in God’s Commandments
What struck me most in these verses, was the psalmist’s deep delight in God’s commandments. He writes, “If your law had not been my delight, I would have perished in my affliction” (Psalm 119:92). This isn’t just about studying the Bible—it’s about finding joy in it, allowing it to anchor our souls during life’s storms.
The psalmist recognizes that everything else in life has limits—perfection in this world is fleeting—but God’s commandments are boundless. There’s a sense of security and peace that comes from knowing that while everything else may fade, God’s Word remains steadfast.
Why This Matters Today
In our fast-paced, ever-changing world, it’s easy to lose sight of the eternal. We’re bombarded with messages and distractions that can pull us away from what truly matters. But Psalm 119:89-96 calls us back to the basics—God’s Word is our foundation, our guide, and our source of life.
Whether you’re facing challenges, seeking deeper spiritual growth, or simply wanting to understand the Bible better, these verses offer a powerful reminder that God’s Word is worth our attention and our delight.
Listen to the Full Episode
I’ve only scratched the surface here. In the full podcast episode, I explore the symbolism of “Lamed” in greater detail and share how you can apply these truths to your daily life. I encourage you to take some time to listen, reflect, and let God’s Word dwell richly in your heart…even more so, to delight in His Word like never before.
You can listen to this full episode (Episode #932) on your favorite platform or right here on the blog. Let’s journey together in discovering the boundless beauty of God’s eternal Word – delighting and not just, “doing” Bible study!
Listen to this podcast, and get the transcript along with other resources here.
The Dwelling Richly podcast is where I teach, think, share, and engage with you about God’s Word – how to let it dwell in us and how we can return the favor, and dwell in the Word. I invite you to say hi, leave a comment, share your thoughts, and even share this post. Click “Dwelling Richly” at the top of this page and explore the podcast, blog, and Bible studies. All free and open to you – be a part of the Dwelling Richly community. ~Jennifer
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