Teshuvah, Day 23

Day 15 of the 119th Psalm, verses 113-120.

Samekh
“113 I hate the double-minded, but I love Your Law.
“114 You are my hiding place and my shield; I hope in Your Word.
“115 Depart from me, you evildoers, that I may keep the commandments of my God.
“116 Uphold me according to Your promise, that I may live, and let me not be put to shame in my hope!
“117 Hold me up, that I may be safe and have regard for Your statutes continually!
“118 You spurn all who go astray from Your statutes, for their cunning is in vain.
“119 All the wicked of the earth You discard like dross, therefore I love Your testimonies.
“120 My flesh trembles for fear of You, and I am afraid of Your judgments.”
– Psalm 119:113-120

THE BREAKDOWN

Verse 113: Double-minded is a word that describes doubters of God. They wouldn’t concern themselves with God’s Law. Therefore, the writer chooses to hate those who hate God and puts his love toward the Law.

Verse 114: God promises to hide and protect those He loves. The writer puts hope in that promise and all of the promises of God.

Verse 115: Evildoers may call us to follow them, such as in Proverbs 1, but we should choose to keep the commandments of God.

Verse 116: The promises of God are life. We know of promises that have been fulfilled that the writer only had hope of seeing. But there are more promises to come where we have put hope. He will not put us to shame as we wait. He is faithful to fulfill everything.

Verse 117: He will keep us safe as we keep His commandments continually. We are standing on solid ground and not shifting sand.

Verse 118: Many think they can outsmart God as they push the boundaries of going astray. This is exactly what the Messiah spoke about in the Sermon on the Mount.

Verse 119: God has promised to cast away anyone who has rejected Him. It is a testimony of God’s faithfulness.

Verse 120: God’s judgments testify to His righteousness and faithfulness. “It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.” (Hebrews 10:31)


Lord, help me to remain single-minded for Your Word. Protect me and hide me from harm. And keep me in awe of Your righteous judgments. Amen.

Shalom.

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