Your word is a lamp to my feet, and a light for my path. I have sworn, and have confirmed it, that I will obey your righteous ordinances. Psalm 119:105-106 WEB
We receive the law of God in the holy scriptures preserved in the bible. In this psalm, we read of the author’s deep appreciation of the word of God. The psalm asserts God’s goodness, faithfulness, and mercy for those who follow his righteous ordinances. Stressing the importance of obedience, the psalm presents God’s judgment as severe.
Composed in the form of an acrostic poem, the psalm is traditionally attributed to King David. It is said that he wrote it to teach his son Solomon the Hebrew alphabet. In addition, the psalm teaches the character of God while stressing the importance of learning and living by God’s righteous ordinances.
A Lamp to My Feet
These two verses from Psalm 119 begin the fourteenth stanza of this psalm. It is titled by the fourteenth letter “נ” or “nun” of the Hebrew alphabet. In this stanza, the author conforms to his pattern of expressing the importance of his commitment following God’s righteous ordinances. He does so even in the face of great affliction and opposition from wicked enemies.
Calling God’s word “a lamp to my feet, and a light for my path,” David’s words present as a type of devotion common in Christians today. Although afflicted and distressed by his enemies, his trust is in God’s ability to sustain him and even revive him. Like David, we live in a fallen world, facing trials, temptations, and tribulations of all sorts. But, with our hearts set on Jesus, we have the Word of God to light the way to our eternal reward in heaven.
Prayer: “Father God, thank you for the light of your holy word. Your word gives me strength for today and hope for tomorrow. Guide me to do your will. Help me to live in obedience to your righteous ordinances. In Jesus’ name – Amen”
Yesterday’s Devotional: Destroy This Temple
