Last week, I read all of Psalm 119 in the New King James Version. I chose this version because it is one that we use often with the girls for Bible Bowl materials. I like the formality of the language while it is still very readable and easy for me to understand. What version did you read in?
This week, I chose to tackle “word” when it is used in reference to God’s law. It is kind of a hard one to take on. Why? Because “word” is so broad.
Definition: a unit of language, consisting of one or more spoken sounds or their written representation, that functions as a principal carrier of meaning. (This is the first listed definition; there are several more that go on to address the meaning of word when it is used in an idiom or phrase)
Synonyms: statement, declaration, pledge, message, report, account, catchword, shibboleth.
Let’s take a short look at that first definition – a unit of language. That could be anything, right? Word is how we share our language. Whether we are talking English, Greek, or Hawaiian, the way we share our thoughts, ideas, and more is through words. Big or small, it is how we share and communicate.
God does the same. God gives us the words we find in the Bible, his plans, ideas, and commands. God uses those units of language, no matter the translation, to communicate important statements with us. As we discussed previously with laws and commands, the words God gives are important and direct us. Or at least they should.
So when we get to “word” being used, it is not just a unit of language, the same as you or I would use. God has authority; he established that. His authority makes any “word” he gives hold sway and importance. Therefore, when we read in Psalm 119 that living according to God’s word will help a young man keep his way pure (verse 9), that should show us that “word” does not mean JUST a unit of language but rather a statement of commands, laws, that should be followed in order to please God and meet His expectations.
The following verses, in the NIV, all use “word” or “words” when referencing God’s law. When you read through each of the verses thinking about God placing these commands before you, does it direct your thoughts and ideas more to Him?
Verses:
9, 11, 16, 17, 25, 28, 37, 42, 49, 57, 65, 67, 74, 81, 89, 101, 103, 105, 107, 114, 130, 133, 139, 147, 158, 160, 161, 169
When I read through these, one after another, I hear a great theme coming through:
God, I trust you and what you have told me. I know that you are there for me, you guide me, and you protect me.
When we live in faith, knowing that the word God gives us is our everything, we have great hope and can face all those who turn against God’s word. So, the word of God has power in our lives. Not just the kind of power that fixes things but the power that upholds, encourages, and moves us forward in his footsteps.
Seek God’s word. I encourage you to read through the listing of the verses that use “word” for God’s law. When you do, write down what you notice. What theme do you see coming through? Would you share that with me? I get such great encouragement out of discussions about God’s word, his law. I would enjoy hearing from you in the comments.
Blessings,
At Home.
Tagged: God's Law series
At Home 
Leave a Reply