Series: Psalms: Making the Connections

Psalm 119:97-104: A Lamp to My Feet, Part 1

March 19, 2023 | Dr. Gary Hylander
Passage: Psalms 119:97-104

For the third time in the Psalms, we encounter a messianic psalm (Psalm 118) being coupled with a Torah psalm (Psalm 119). The other examples are Psalms 1 and 2, and Psalms 18 and 19. This third coupling serves as the major dividing point in Book 5.

You will notice that Psalm 119, consisting of 176 verses, is structured alphabetically, according to the Hebrew language. There are twenty-two sections of eight verses each, arranged in order of the Hebrew alphabet. This would be a useful means for Hebrew families to memorize this psalm. Most likely, Psalm 119 was composed for the Jews exiled in Babylon (such as Daniel and Ezekiel) when worshiping the LORD in the temple was no longer an option. What was needed was to approach the LORD through the guidance provided by the Torah rather than the ministries offered in the temple. Once again, the importance of studying God’s word is being highlighted for us today.

As We Consider The Importance Of Knowing God's Word, Note...

  • The Meditation Being Described. (97)
  • The Comparisons Being Made. (98-100)
  • The Discipline Being Established. (101-102)
  • The Joy Being Expressed. (103-104)

Series Information


Other messages in the series

Psalm 1: Two Ways

September 05, 2021

As We Consider the Ways of Humanity, Note . . . The description of those whom God...

Psalm 11: Foundations

October 03, 2021

When It Seems as if the Foundations of Life Are Being Destroyed, Note...

The Heavens Declare

October 24, 2021

As We Explore the Entirety of God's Work, Note . . .  The creational witness...

Psalm 24: King of Glory

January 30, 2022

Psalm 24 is the last in a series of 5 kingship psalms (Pss 20-24), which findtheir...

Psalm 61: The Rock

May 15, 2022

Psalm 61 can be viewed as an individual, royal lament. Positioned in Book Twoof the...

Psalm 62: For God Alone

June 12, 2022

Psalm 62 is a part of the second collection of Davidic psalms (Psalms 51-71). Seven...

Psalm 77: The Hearing

July 24, 2022

As Asaph considers the threat faced by Israel due to foreigninvaders, he composes...

Psalm 85: Revive Us Again

August 21, 2022

During the 1740s, just prior to the American Revolutionary War, amajor movement of the...

Psalm 96: Above All

October 02, 2022

Psalm 96 serves as the hub to nine psalms (Pss 92-100) which emphasizethe fact that...

Psalm 99: The Lord Reigns

October 23, 2022

Psalm 99 is part of the royal pyramid of psalms which emphasize the truth that The...

Psalm 102: Prayer and Pain

November 06, 2022

It was the Apostle John who once wrote Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you...

Psalm 107: Say So

January 29, 2023

Psalm 107 serves as the entry point into Book Five, the final book of the Psalms. Dr...

Psalm 118: Steadfast Love

March 05, 2023

After the initial collection of Praise the LORD psalms (Psalms 111-117), we are now...

Psalm 121: The Keeper

April 23, 2023

As part of the fifteen Songs Of Ascent, Psalm 121 is focused upon God’s...

Previous Page