Psalm 119:129-136, The Entrance of God’s Word

We have previously posted studies on the 22 stanzas of Psalm 119 (beginning Jan. 4, 2016).  But I find myself still learning and still seeing wonderful truths from this longest “chapter” in the Bible.  Today I want to share some observations on 119:129-136 where each verse begins with the Hebrew letter פ PE. 

The letter “pe” is also the word “mouth.”  In this stanza the first Hebrew word in each of the 8 verses are wonderful, entrance, mouth, look, steps, redeem, face and rivers.  In v131 the first two words, mouth and opened, begin with “pe.”  Verse 130 also has an interesting play on words.

For the most part, we should be able to see the connection to the 8 “first words” and the idea of openness.  “Wonderful” is pictured by a person whose mouth is agape with awe.  The “entrance” is in essence the doorway through which the words of God come into a person’s life.  To “look” is to have eyes open to truth.  “Steps” in v133 (pa’am) speak of moving around; the Psalmist asks God to direct his movements by His word.  “Redeem” (pada) refers to the loosening of a person from sin, freeing them up to serve God.  When God’s face is said to shine on His servant it means His face is open to that person.  Lastly, a “river” empties at its mouth into a lake or the ocean. 

The letter “pe” speaks of openness and a lack of limits.  A mouth wide open, panting in thirst, is a great picture of one who longs for the LORD’s commandments (131).  It is God’s custom (think about that: God’s custom!) to have an openness of mercy to shower on those who love Him (132).  In 133, when God’s word directs our steps, it is not a picture of loss of enjoyment or privileges as some think.  Instead, that ability to walk confidently is free from the dominion of iniquity (133).  Similar, in redemption we are loosened from oppression so we are free to keep His precepts (134). 

Here's the interesting thought from 119:130.  “Entrance” and “simple” both begin with “pe” and are, in fact, a play on words.  Entrance is petah and simple is peti.  The simple person is open-minded to a fault; every idea that comes along seems to find a place in his thinking.  It is, of course, a dangerous situation.  Ah!  But the entrance of Your words gives light.  When God’s word crosses the threshold of our soul it gives light to the path (119:105) so that we can see which path leads to destruction and which is the path of life. 

Finally, just a reminder.  Psalm 119 is the Psalmist (which one we don’t know; it doesn’t matter) talking to God.  After the opening 3 verses, every one of the remaining 173 verses is a prayer.  What a wonderful place to spend time, talking with the LORD, pleading for His word to be real in our souls and praising Him for the wonder of it all.  Amen!