GET INTO THE STUDY 5 minutes DISCUSS: Question #1 (PSG, p. 26): Are you more
SESSION 2
GOD’S WORD FILLS MY HEART
likely to “wing it” or follow instructions? GUIDE: Direct attention to The Bible Meets Life in the
The Point
Personal Study Guide (PSG)
God’s Word teaches us all we need
page 27. Ask for a show of
to live well.
hands from members who are
The Bible Meets Life
planners and those who prefer spontaneity when going on a
Manuals, how-to books, and online
trip.
videos abound to teach us any
SUMMARIZE: Following a
number of techniques and skills.
plan—or “winging it” both
When it comes to what really
may be viable options for a
matters—living life—only one
pleasure trip, but not for life.
source will give us all we truly need: God’s Word. The Bible gives us the answers
We’ve all known “free-spirited”
we need for the moment. As we read His instruction, God will also guide us to
people who just “go with the
understand His Word.
flow” of whatever comes their
The Passage
way. Just going with the flow, though, often will take us
Psalm 119:9-16
where we don’t want to go.
The Setting
Psalm 119 provides instruction
The 176 verses of Psalm 119 are arranged in 22 eight-verse sections, each
for life and shows us just how
beginning with a successive letter of the Hebrew alphabet, with each verse
valuable God’s Word is for
within that section beginning with that same Hebrew letter. The psalm’s
living life.
overall theme is delighting in the Word of God. In this second stanza (in
GUIDE: Introduce The Point (PSG, p. 27): God’s Word teaches us all we need to live well.
28
S e ss i o n 2
Hebrew the bet stanza, vv. 9‑16), the psalmist emphasized his desire to live a life of purity before God by following and delighting in God’s Word.
STUDY THE BIBLE
Psalm 119:9-11
Psalm 119:9-11
9 Bet
How can a young man keep his way pure? By keeping
15 minutes
Your word. 10 I have sought You with all my heart; don’t let me wander
from Your commands.
READ: Read or ask someone to read Psalm 119:9-11.
11 I have treasured Your word in my heart so that I may not
SUMMARIZE: Use Bible
sin against You.
Commentary 1 to show how the psalmist used the teaching
God’s Word will keep us from sin.
technique of asking a question
In this second section of Psalm 119, verses 9‑16 each begin with the second letter of the Hebrew alphabet, bet. This letter has the meaning of “house.” (The Hebrew word for “house” is bayit.) Some scholars see here the implication that we should make a home for God’s Word in our hearts. The sufficiency of God’s Word is the heart of this second section or stanza.
and providing the answer to
Verse 9. As is the case in many places in other wisdom literature of the Old Testament (Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Songs [or Song of Solomon]), in this verse the writer employed a literary device commonly used to teach truth. He raised a question and supplied the answer. The individual man is the subject of many questions and statements in wisdom literature. Although the passage specifically addresses the question in terms of a young man, the question and answer also applies to every human being. The Hebrew term for young man can be used for persons in the range of ages from a baby to an individual nearing full adulthood. 2 The goal of this young man was (and should be for all people) to keep his way pure. This is a reference to moral purity. The clean or pure heart is mentioned repeatedly in the Bible. David prayed to God after he has sinned with Bathsheba, “God, create a clean heart for me and renew a steadfast spirit within me” (Ps. 51:10; see also Matt. 5:8). The Hebrew term for way literally refers to a road or path; figuratively, as here, it is used in reference to a person’s way of life, his or her manner of moral conduct. The psalmist’s question also makes the assumption that the individual desires a life of purity. Because we are fallen human beings living in a fallen world, the psalmist’s desire
the virtue of purity. Enlist two
1
the question in verse 9.
SUMMARIZE: Use Bible Commentary 2 to lift up group members to look up and read the following verses: • Psalm 51:10 • Matthew 5:8 SAY: “The psalmist understood that keeping God’s Word was essential for a believer to keep his way pure.”
S U G G E S T E D U S E | W E E K O F D E C E M B E R 11
29
THE POINT
God’s Word teaches us all we need to live well.
SUMMARIZE: Use Bible Commentary 3 to highlight the Hebrew terms dabar and mitsvah as synonyms used for God’s Word. LEADER PACK: Use Item 2: Eight Synonyms to show terms used for God’s Word.
GUIDE: Refer group members to PSG page 29, Digging Deeper: “The Heart.” Point out how the term heart is described as: 1. The Intellectual Center 2. The Emotional Center 3. The Volitional Center
SUMMARIZE: Use Bible Commentary 4 to explain that seeking God with the whole heart is a common theme in the Bible. GUIDE: Use content from PSG pages 28-30 to lead members to understand how vital it is to: 1. Guard Your Heart. 2. Seek the Lord with All of Your Heart. 3. Store Up the Word in Your Heart.
30
S e ss i o n 2
to keep his way pure is an ideal rather than an achievable reality. However, God still requires us to live lives of purity, even though at times we will fall into sin. The answer to this question of purity or cleansing began with the action of keeping God’s Word. Jesus also made this connection between purity/cleansing and God’s Word (John 15:3; 17:17), as did His half-brother, James (Jas. 1:21‑25). The Hebrew term for keeping is the same word used in verse 4 (translated there as “kept.” It means to watch, observe, or guard. Keeping one’s ways pure requires vigilance. Just as a sentry must remain observant and alert at his or her post, so too we must be equally dedicated to both studying and keeping God’s Word. 3 The Hebrew term dabar (translated word) is one of the synonyms in Psalm 119 for God’s Word. Dabar conveys the sense of God’s communication to His covenant people, what God says to them, and is used 22 times in the psalm. Verse 10. The psalmist asked God for help based on the psalmist’s own actions. First, he revealed that he had sought God with all his heart. As was stated in the previous session, in Scripture the heart usually does not represent a person’s literal heart, the blood-pumping organ. Instead, it is center of a person’s innermost being—thoughts, emotions, and will. To seek God with your whole heart, indicates you have made this your primary goal in life, focusing all your attention and energy on this one purpose above all else. Seeking God with your whole heart is not an activity we add to our busy schedules. It is the one activity we make the center of our lives and construct our daily schedules in light of and around. Seeking God with the whole heart is a common theme in the Bible and should be the goal of every person. Because he sought the Lord with his whole heart, the psalmist made a request or prayer to God: he did not want to wander from God’s commands. The Hebrew word for wander has the figurative meaning of going astray morally. The more literal meaning is to meander or swerve. If he wandered away from God’s commands the psalmist would wander away from God and off God’s path for his life. 3 The Hebrew word (mitsvah) translated commands is another synonym for God’s Word and generally refers to the specific conditions of a covenant. God’s commands reveal the direction God intends for our lives so that by obeying those commands we will be blessed. The term mitsvah was used in connection with the Law God gave to Moses on 4
Mount Sinai. God commanded Moses, “Come up to Me on the mountain and stay there so that I may give you the stone tablets with the law and commandments [mitsvah] I have written for their instruction” (Ex. 24:12). Verse 11. This is one of the more frequently cited verses in Psalm 119. The psalmist had treasured God’s Word in his heart. He had stored up or laid up God’s teaching in his innermost being. The Hebrew word translated treasured conveys the idea of protecting something valuable. It also implies storing up God’s instructions so that they might determine one’s behavior. Consistent obedience to God’s Word would prevent the psalmist from sinning against the Lord. His desire was an ever-deepening relationship with God. One of the common definitions of the Hebrew word translated here as sin is to miss the mark (like an archer missing a target with an arrow). Another definition is to move away from a standard. We sin when we choose to think or act in a way that goes against God, His will, and His law. Another definition, which fits well with the psalmist’s desire in the previous verse not to wander from God’s commands, is that sin is missing the way. The Bible is clear that no one is able to live a life free from sin. As the apostle John wrote, “If we say, ‘We have no sin,’ we are deceiving ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say, ‘We don’t have any sin,’ we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us” (1 John 1:8-10). However, as previously noted, our inability to live sinless lives does not mean we can disregard God’s command that we live holy lives (Lev. 20:26; 1 Pet. 1:15‑16). One scholar excellently summarized Psalm 119:11: (1) The best thing (“thy Word”), (2) Hidden in the best place (“my heart”), (3) For the best purpose (“that I might not sin against thee”).1
OPTION: Share with the group your experience with Scripture memorization. Ask members to share ways they successfully mastered Scripture memory. LEADER PACK: Use Item 3: Memorization Tips.
DISCUSS: Question #2 (PSG, p. 30): What are some ways we can move from reading God’s Word to treasuring God’s Word? DISCUSS: Question #3 (PSG, p. 30): Practically speaking, how do we treasure God’s Word in our hearts? (Alternate: What does it look like to seek God with your whole heart?) TRANSITION: A deep commitment to knowing God’s Word and living in accordance to it leads to praise, worship, and proclamation of His Word so others know it.
31
THE POINT
God’s Word teaches us all we need to live well.
STUDY THE BIBLE Psalm 119:12-13 10 minutes READ: Ask a volunteer to read Psalm 119:12-13.
SUMMARIZE: Use Bible Commentary 5 to explain the definition of the Hebrew word for praise: “to bend the knee.” This refers to humble submission of our lives to God.
GUIDE: Refer to PSG page 31 to point out the definition of worship: “to ascribe worth.” Also point out the cycle the writer discovered: When we encounter God in His Word, it leads us to worship Him. As we worship Him, we desire to know Him more and more through His Word.
SUMMARIZE: Use Bible Commentary 6 to remind members of the role of the Holy Spirit as teacher. God’s Word is given to us by Him with the promise that He will be at work in us to teach us.
32
S e ss i o n 2
Psalm 119:12-13 12 Lord, may You be praised; teach me Your statutes. 13 With my lips I proclaim all the judgments from Your mouth.
God guides us to understand His Word. 5 Verse 12. This verse begins with praise and concludes with a petition. Several scholars have said that man’s chief end is to praise or glorify God and enjoy Him forever. “Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do everything for God’s glory” (1 Cor. 10:31). The expression “Lord, may you be praised” is rich in meaning. It also can be translated “Blessed are You, Lord.” Many Hebrew prayers today begin with the words “Blessed are You, Lord our God, king of the universe.” The Hebrew word translated praised is related to the words meaning “knee” and “to bend the knee.” The psalmist praised God by bending his knees to Him in humble submission. The question “What reasons do we have for praising God?” is certainly appropriate. The answers would begin with God’s status, character, and power. He is the Creator; we are the created. His character is flawless; at best, ours is seriously flawed. He is all powerful; we have little real power. He blesses us with good gifts; we can’t bless Him, but we can praise Him. The list could go on and on, but it provides ample reasons for us to praise God. In one sense, to bless someone or something, we must be the superior and that person must be the inferior. Since God is superior, we can’t bless Him in that way. However, we can bless God in the sense of bringing praise to His name for all He is and all He does! 6 The second half of verse 12 continues the thought the psalmist had expressed in verse 7. We need to learn the things God has revealed in His Word. The psalmist requested that God would teach him His statutes. However, we cannot learn God’s statutes on our own. As God has declared, “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, and your ways are not My ways” (Isa. 55:8). How does God teach us His Word? We don’t have to guess. Throughout the Bible, God makes it clear that He (Father, Son, and Spirit) is the primary Teacher of His Word. God’s Spirit, who inspired the writers of the Bible, helps us to understand the meaning of the Bible passage being read,
studied, or memorized by believers. Jesus told His disciples, “But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit … will teach you all things and remind you of everything I have told you” (John 14:26). How foolish to think that we could understand God’s Word without His teaching us! The Holy Spirit helps us understand and apply His Word to our lives. To be teachable, we must have a proper regard for God and His Word.
The word teach is frequently used in the Bible with God or His representative as the subject and with a person or group of people as the object. To teach requires relaying previously unknown information to a person or a group of people. Therefore, we can never teach God; He can always teach us. The Hebrew term for teach in one of its forms has the meaning of being trained, with the expectation what the trainee learns will be put into practice. Verse 13. Once we know God’s Word with our minds and hearts, the natural result is for us to proclaim it. The psalmist proclaimed God’s judgments. The Hebrew term for proclaim has the meaning of declare and even celebrate. The psalmist filled his heart with God’s Word (Ps. 119:2,7,1011). Consequently, he could proclaim all God’s judgments. He could share with others the truth of God’s Word because he had studied it and incorporated it into his life. One of the ways we incorporate God’s Word into our lives has to do with “remembering.” One of the key themes in the Old Testament is remembering the mighty deeds that God has done for His people. This was particularly true in regard to God’s freeing the Israelites from bondage in Egypt and leading them to the promised land of Canaan (Ex. 13:3; Deut. 5:15; 7:18‑19; 24:18,22). Remembering what God has done for us in the past strengthens our faith in God in the present and celebrating His mighty deeds gives Him the praise and glory that He deserves and desires from us. Remembering God’s love for us in what He has done through Jesus and the grace He pours out in our daily lives also helps us to keep from taking God and all He does for us for granted, as if it is something we deserve. Failing to remember what God had done for them in the past was a recurring problem for the Israelites. For example, during the time of the Judges, after God delivered them from the Midianites through Gideon, the Israelites fell into idolatry shortly after Gideon’s death. This happened because they “did not remember the Lord their God who had delivered them from the power of the enemies around them” (Judg. 8:34). Unlike these Israelites, for the psalmist the proclaiming of God’s Word was an integral part of his life, and it should be an integral part of our lives as well! 7
SUMMARIZE: Use Bible Commentary 7 to show that the result of worshiping God and being taught His word leads us to proclaim His Word.
DISCUSS: Question #4 (PSG, p. 31): What are some practical strategies that have helped you engage God’s Word? (Alternate: What helps you engage the Scriptures in a meaningful way?)
TRANSITION: Remembering all that God has done for us and what He has revealed to us through His Word leads us to rejoice and delight in God and His Word.
33
THE POINT
God’s Word teaches us all we need to live well.
STUDY THE BIBLE Psalm 119:14-16 10 minutes
Psalm 119:14-16 14 I rejoice in the way revealed by Your decrees as much as
in all riches. 15 I will meditate on Your precepts and think about
READ: Read or ask a volunteer to read Psalm 119:14-16.
GUIDE: Refer groups members to PSG pages 32-33 to show the difference between meditating on Scripture as opposed to meditation in Eastern religions. Today, scriptural meditation is often neglected, but it is a vital spiritual discipline. In Eastern religions, meditation requires emptying the mind, but biblical meditation means you fill your mind with the Word of God. In Hebrew poetry, the writer places similar phrases together to connect ideas. In this passage, the parallel thought to “meditate on Your precepts” is “think about Your ways.” Meditation is concentration, fixing our eyes on something with intense focus, undivided attention, and
Your ways. 16 I will delight in Your statutes; I will not forget Your word.
Rejoice in what God teaches us in His Word. Verse 14. In concluding the second stanza of Psalm 119, the writer listed five actions he either was taking or would take in regard to God’s Word. The first action mentioned is that the psalmist rejoiced. Once again the psalmist praised God for His Word (Ps. 119:7,12). But in this case, the praise caused the psalmist to express joy. The psalmist reflected joy in the way revealed by God’s decrees. As we have previously seen, “decrees” is a synonym for the God’s Word. The Hebrew term for the word way means a route or journey. In this context, the word metaphorically refers to a person’s conduct, his way of life. This way is clarified by the phrase “revealed by Your decrees.” It is God’s way. In the second half of verse 14 the psalmist explained how he rejoiced “as much as in all riches.” The psalmist placed great value on God’s Word, as much as a person would place on attaining great wealth or valuable property. The words of Jesus concerning the value and single-minded focus that one should place on finding (attaining) the kingdom of God (salvation) come to mind. “The kingdom of heaven is like treasure, buried in a field, that a man found and reburied. Then in his joy he goes and sells everything he has and buys that field. Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls. When he found one priceless pearl, he went and sold everything he had, and bought it” (Matt. 13:44‑46). We rejoice in God’s Word because it brings salvation and eternal life! 8
steadfast devotion.
Verse 15. The second action mentioned in this section is that the psalmist would meditate on God’s precepts. Meditation involves much more than reading; it means focusing on in depth, spending time in reflection, and contemplating 34
S e ss i o n 2
the meaning. Generally speaking, the difference between eastern meditation and biblical meditation is this: in eastern meditation, you empty your mind of everything; in biblical meditation, you fill your mind with God and His Word. Five times in Psalm 119, the psalmist referred to meditating on God’s Word (Ps. 119:15,27,48,78,148). The third action mentioned in this section is that the psalmist would think about God’s ways. The second part of verse 15 restates the writer’s action in the first half of that verse with different words. That is, to “think about” is parallel to “meditate on”; the word “precepts” is parallel to God’s “ways.” Biblical writers often used various kinds of parallelism to restate, emphasize, explain, or contrast two ideas. Here the writer used the two parts of this verse to restate, emphasize, and further explain his approach to God’s Word. The Hebrew term translated think about means to examine, to look intently at. Interestingly, it also carries the connotation of looking at something with favor or pleasure. Using the same word that appears in verse 9, God’s ways refer to God’s instructions as to how a person should live life. Verse 16. The fourth action mentioned in this section is that the psalmist would delight in God’s statutes. To delight in means to take pleasure in, to enjoy, to love, to admire, to revere, and to honor. The object of the psalmist’s delight was God’s Word. The psalmist’s delight could possibly be seen in his previous actions of treasuring (v. 11), praising (v. 12), and proclaiming (v. 13) God’s Word. To further reinforce and explain the psalmist’s respect for God’s Word, he wrote a fifth and final action emphasized in this section. On the basis of the previous actions in these verses (“rejoice,” “meditate on,” “think about,” and “delight in”), the psalmist made the promise or perhaps focused on the goal of not forgetting God’s Word. Given the psalmist’s previous actions in the first 16 verses as well as the remaining 160 verses of this psalm, his promise/goal of not forgetting God’s Word certainly rings true. Scholar Willem VanGemeren provides a fitting summary for this passage: “Love for God’s word is love for God … expressed in a heartfelt attitude, actions, and words. In his whole being the godly person cries out for God and delights in his will.”2 May we express love for God and His Word by the way we think, speak, and live—all for His glory, for this is why He created us. 1. Charles H. Spurgeon, exposition of Psalm 119:11 in Treasury of David, Book 3 (WORDsearch Corp, 2003). Quoted in James Montgomery Boice, Psalms: An Expositional Commentary: Psalms 107-150, vol. 3 (Grand Rapids: Baker Books, 1998), 979. 2. Willem A. VanGemeren, “Psalms” in The Expositor’s Bible Commentary, vol. 5 (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2008), 863.
SUMMARIZE: Use Bible Commentary 8 on pages 34-35 to list the five actions to take in regard to God’s Word: 1. Rejoice in God’s decrees. 2. Meditate on God’s precepts. 3. Think about God’s ways. 4. Delight in God’s statutes. 5. Do not forget God’s Word.
GUIDE: Refer group members to PSG page 33 to the three “I Will” statements: 1. I will meditate on Your precepts 2. I will think about Your ways 3. I will delight in Your statutes
DISCUSS: Question #5 (PSG, p. 33): How can we position ourselves to be transformed, rather than just informed, by God’s Word? (Alternate: What tends to distract you from God’s Word?)
DO: Refer members to the “I Have Treasured Your Word in My Heart” activity on PSG page 34 and ask volunteers to share responses.
35
THE POINT
God’s Word teaches us all we need to live well.
LIVE IT OUT 5 minutes GUIDE: Emphasize The Point: God’s Word teaches us all we need to live well. REVIEW: Live it Out (PSG, p. 35); see text to the right). Encourage each group member to commit to follow through this week with at least one of the applications.
WRAP IT UP GUIDE: Emphasize that a high level of commitment is required if we are going to treasure God’s Word in our hearts.
SAY: ”Let’s commit to meditating on God’s Word to keep us focused on Jesus during the rush of the holiday season.”
PRAY: ”Father, help us make meditation on Your Word a priority. We need You to teach us Your Word.”
36
S e ss i o n 2
LIVE IT OUT What will you do this week to fill your heart and mind with the Word of God? Here are three ways to put this passage into practice in your own life.
>> Study God’s Word diligently. We cannot measure the
value of knowing God’s Word (2 Tim. 3:14-17). Set aside time daily for uninterrupted reading of God’s Word. Use this Personal Study Guide at home, dividing the three Scripture divisions in each session over three days and meditating on the truth of those verses.
>> Study God’s Word obediently. The Bible was not
written for our information; it was written for our transformation. Each time you read Scripture, make a note of what it says to you. Is there a sin to confess? An attitude to change? An action you need to do? Make a note and follow through in obedience.
>> Study God’s Word together. Reading and studying
on your own is important, but you should also study the Bible in fellowship with others (Heb. 10:24-25). The accountability and responsibility a small group provides facilitates spiritual growth.
“Of all the physical organs the heart is by far the most important, and most often mentioned in the Old Testament. R.C. Dentan wrote: ILLUSTRATOR PHOTO/BOB SCHATZ (9/14/13)
… it (the heart) was the inner most spring of individual
SHARING THE GOOD NEWS Obedience to God is important for living life well, and obedience begins with trusting Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.
life, the ultimate source of
Each week, make yourself
all its physical, emotional,
available either before or after
and volitional energies, and
the session to speak privately
consequently the part of man
with anyone in your group
through which he normally
who wants to know more
Shepherd fields at Bethlehem, the area where many of the psalms were written.
achieved contact with the
about becoming a Christian.
divine.
See the article, “Leading
“The ancient Hebrews, while
The heart is the center of
Someone to the Greatest
being aware of the existence and
divine contact. The Lord ‘knowest
Decision of All,“ on page 2 for
general function of the heart,
the hearts of all the children of
guidance in leading a person
appear to have known nothing
men’ (1 Ki. 8:39).
to Christ.
of the circulation of blood. The
“Obviously a response to
Old Testament only rarely uses
God was expected; the most
the word ‘heart’ to describe the
desired expression of that was
physical organ.
communicated through the
“While the physiological
directive: ‘love and serve the Lord
significance of the heart was
thy God with all thy heart and with
generally unknown, they did
all thy soul.’ This is the heart of Old
recognize its importance to the
Testament covenant theology.”
Remind group members that page 2 in the PSG offers guidance in how to become a Christian. Encourage believers to consider using this article as they have opportunities to lead others to Christ.
life of the individual. In essence, it took the place of the brain as the locus of all psychic activity.
The excerpt above is from the article “The Heart in Old Testament Theology” (Winter 2001-02), which relates to this session. More Biblical Illustrator articles are available that relate to this session. See page 7 about Biblical Illustrator.
Grow with other group leaders at the Groups Ministry blog. LifeWay.com/GroupMinistry
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THE LAW: GOD’S GIFT TO HIS PEOPLE BY TERRY J. BET TS
“The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple. The precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart … More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold; sweeter also than honey, and drippings from the honeycomb” (Ps. 19:7,8a,10, KJV). Was the law a blessing or a burden to God’s people when God handed it down through Moses at Mount Sinai? Some might think it was a burden since a number of passages in the New Testament appear to support such a notion. For instance, Paul wrote, “you are not under law but under grace” (Rom. 6:14); “now we have been released from the law, since we have died to what held us, so that we may serve … not in the old letter of the law” (7:6); “all who rely on the works of the law are under a curse” (Gal. 3:10); and “the law is not based on faith” (v. 12).1 38
BIBLE STUDIES FOR LIFE
ILLUSTRATOR PHOTO/BOB SCHATZ (18/2/18)
Sunrise as seen from Jebel Musa (Mount Sinai).
However, when reading these passages one must recognize Paul was speaking to specific situations where certain Jews were attempting to mix works with faith for salvation. Such an understanding of the gospel is foreign to the writings of both the New and Old Testaments as demonstrated in the life of Abraham (Rom. 4; Gal. 3:1‑9). Moreover, one needs to consider all of Paul’s discussion of the law such as: “Do we then cancel the law through faith? Absolutely not! On the contrary, we uphold the law” (Rom. 3:31); “So then, the law is holy, and the commandment is holy and just and good” (7:12); “we know that the law is spiritual” (v. 14); “I agree with the law that it is good” (v. 16); “in my inner self I joyfully agree with God’s law” (v. 22); and “All Scripture is inspired by God and is profitable for teaching, for rebuking, for correcting, for training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work” (2 Tim. 3:16‑17). Other New Testament passages convey a positive view of the law as well.
Further, the Old Testament writers used only the most positive words and expressions to describe God’s law. We see for example, David’s words in Psalm 19:7-11, “The instruction of the Lord is perfect, renewing one’s life; the testimony of the Lord is trustworthy, making the inexperienced wise. The precepts of the Lord are right, making the heart glad; the command of the Lord is radiant, making the eyes light up. The fear of the Lord is pure, enduring forever; the ordinances of the Lord are reliable and altogether righteous. They are more desirable than gold—than an abundance of pure gold; and sweeter than honey, which comes from the honeycomb. In addition, Your servant is warned by them; there is great reward in keeping them.” The longest psalm and chapter in the Bible, Psalm 119, is a declaration of David’s desire to keep God’s law and a testimony of the joy and blessings one experiences when one obeys God’s law. Additionally, Moses’ last words to the children of Israel as they were about to enter into the BIBLE STUDIES FOR LIFE
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promised land recorded in the Book of Deuteronomy centered on God’s goodness demonstrated through His giving the law and the promise of a blessed life to those who would obey it. If the writers of the Old Testament declared the law was a blessing to God’s people, then it raises the question, “How was the law a blessing to the people of God?” The law proved to be a blessing to Israel in at least three ways. First, the law provided Israel with God’s will and expectations for His covenant people. Unlike Israel, other peoples in Israel’s day had difficulty discerning the will of their gods. As a result, they resorted to divination, the activity of reading signs and omens as a means of discerning the will of their gods and foretelling the future. Divination involved several practices such as the analysis of the liver spots of a sacrificed animal (hepatoscopy); the communication with the dead (necromancy); the study of the heavenly bodies (astrology); the mystic reading of water (hydromancy); and the use of a rod, staff, stick, or arrow in order to gain some direction or information (rhabdomancy).1 The biblical writers clearly instructed the Israelites that they were to refrain from using such methods. They did not need these methods since God had given them His law. Regarding the statutes of the law Moses said, “The Lord commanded us to follow all these statutes and to fear the Lord our God for our prosperity always” (6:24a). With the law, the Israelites never had to wonder what was God’s will for His people. Second, the law was a blessing to God’s people because it provided a way for them to make the Lord’s name known among the nations. Just before the Lord gave Israel the Ten Commandments, He stated His purpose for Israel (Ex. 19:1-6). Through Israel’s obedience to God’s voice and faithfulness to His covenant, Israel would be God’s treasured possession from among the nations, serving the Lord as a kingdom of priests and a holy nation. Through faithful obedience to God’s law, as a kingdom of priests Israel was to be a go-between for God and the nations. Moses spoke to this purpose when he later said, “Carefully follow them, for this will show your wisdom and understanding in the eyes of the peoples. When they hear Replica of the Code of Hammurabi. The Hammurabi code, discovered near ancient Susa, (biblical Shushan) dates from 1750 B.C. and contains 282 laws. This was the most extensive legal document prior to classical times.
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about all these statutes, they will say, ‘This great nation is indeed a wise and understanding people’” (Deut. 4:6). Solomon understood Israel’s priestly function. At the dedication of the temple he urged the people: “May my words I have made my petition with before the Lord be near the Lord our God day and night, so that He may uphold His servant’s cause and the cause of His people Israel, as each day requires,and so that all the peoples of
God’s people should be faithful because He is faithful; be trustworthy because He is trustworthy; and be holy because God is holy. the earth may know that Yahweh is God. There is no other! Let your heart be completely devoted to the Lord our God to walk in His statutes and to keep His commands, as it is today” (1 Kings 8:59-61). Third, the law was a blessing to Israel because it revealed God’s character to them. He is the One true God, and there is no other. Any image made to depict Him would detract from His glory and majesty. God’s people should be faithful because He is faithful; be trustworthy because He is trustworthy; care for the weak because He cares for the weak; and be holy because God is holy. God’s law was God’s revelation of Himself, resulting in the people’s knowledge of Him. Understandably, therefore, Jesus said He did not come to “destroy” the law but to “fulfill” it; that is, to show forth its true meaning, confirm it, and bring it to complete expression (Matt 5:17-20). Rather than a burden to Israel, the law was God’s gift to His people and a source of blessing. God did not deliver Israel out of Egyptian bondage only to lead them into spiritual bondage. God’s law provided His redeemed people with instruction for life, with a means to bring Him glory among the nations, and with another glimpse of the God who had saved them and made them His treasured possession.
This article by Terry J. Betts originally appeared in the Spring 2010 issue of Biblical Illustrator magazine. Each quarter Biblical Illustrator offers in-depth articles and information that support our weekly Bible study lessons. You can subscribe to Biblical Illustrator by going to www.lifeway. com/biblicalillustrator, by using your church’s quarterly literature order form, or by calling 1-800-458-2772.
1. D.A. Aune, “Divination” in The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, gen. ed. Geoffrey W. Bromiley, vol. 1 (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1979), 971-74.
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