Psalm 119:119

Psalm 119:119

Discarding the dross

It couldn’t be put more simply, could it? The Lord destroys the wicked, therefore, says the writer, I will love His laws! We could stop there, but let’s explore this verse a little bit more. Firstly, what is dross? When iron ore and other metals are heated in furnaces the core substance melts but, more often than not, a solid scum is formed on the surface of the molten mixture, and this is removed to improve the quality of the metal. In other words, the dross is worthless and is thrown away. Our writer labels all wicked men and women together and declares that this will be their lot, they will be separated out by the smelting process and discarded. The images of hell fires and future judgement burn in our minds and send a shudder down our spines. The wicked are those who rebel against God, who despise His moral laws and who live their lives with no recognition of His creation, His sovereign power and love, and the wonder of His salvation.

The writer of the Psalm uses this imagery as an incentive for obedience and faith, for if that is the lot of the wicked, then let all of us who are counted righteous do all we can to love and obey God’s covenant laws and commands. The previous verse talks about those who “stray from the Lord’s decrees.”  All men and women, even the most righteous have strayed, and we all have a basic understanding of rightness inbuilt into us, we are made in God’s image, deep down even the most serious offenders know that what they are doing is wrong. People are still aware of guilt and shame even though they choose to ignore them. That is why so much sin is performed secretly and involves subterfuge. 

Let us ensure that we live in the light with no fear of exposure, because we love God’s statutes and in them, we find the code for righteous living and the gift of a clear conscience with no fear of being discarded. Hallelujah! 

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