Psalm 119

especially in terms of the theology it presents about the efficacy of GodÆs word for human salvation. The commentators consulted seem to be agreed that the Psalmist was thinking of the Torah as the preeminent manifestation of GodÆs word. However, since Jesus is proclaimed as himself being GodÆs Word in John 1:1, a Christian reading of this psalm is not forced. Rather, it becomes possible to see that the Torah and Jesus are parallel concepts in Jewish and Christian theology, respectively. Indeed, it may even be possible to find some connections between these theologies that are not confrontational, but instead respectful toward both traditions, and that could allow some insight into GodÆs compassion in his relentless pursuit of human salvation.

In Psalm 119 there are actually eight or more terms used for GodÆs communications with humankind, and each of these will be considered later. Of these, however, the word that is usually rendered in English as ôwordö is the most emphasized and theologically the richest, because, naturally, of its connection with Jesus in Christian tradition. But one can ask why it was this particular word that was singled out for such theological exaltation. Why not ôlaw?ö or ôcommandment?ö To answer this, consider the historical and theological denotations and connotations of the words for ôwordö in both Greek and Hebrew.

According to Rogerson and McKay (90), the Hebrew word ôdavanö that

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ther it might be a request for new statutes. ôWordö and ôpromiseö are a record of what God has done in the past and therefore reveal his character. The Psalmist expects God to act in accordance with his word and promises. When he does, the result will ôgive life,ö probably by rescuing the psalmist from his troubles. On the term ôword,ö Kraus (420) quotes A. Deissler as saying that ôOur psalm is therefore not a law psalm, but a psalm about the word of Yahweh. And here æwordÆ is to be taken in its most comprehensive meaning. It includes all of GodÆs self-revelatory activity.ö On the connection between ôwordö and ôlife,ö Burkett, in discussing verse 119:116, ôUphold me according unto thy word, that I may live: and let me not be ashamed of my hope,ö says that ôHere again we see a strong tie between the Word of God and manÆs desire to live. Life is connected to the Word of God because it immunizes us against sin, and sin is death.ö ôInstructionö seems to go closely with ôlawö and ôpreceptsö as used in this psalm. This seems logical, since ôTorahö actually means ôinstruction,ö rather than ôlaw.ö ôDecreeö is used in two main senses. First, as a judgement in favor of the Psalmist against his adversaries, which ôgives lifeö to
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Approximate Word count = 3055
Approximate Pages = 12 (250 words per page)

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