Psalm 119:129

Psalm 119:129

Wonderful statutes!

And so to letter 17 of the Hebrew alphabet, and it is “Pe”, pronounced “pay”. The 16th letter is “Ayin” which refers to the eyes and “Pe” refers to the mouth. Pe is used in the context of the spoken word and of verbal expression, speech and breath. So, we may see with our eyes, but it is the mouth that gives expression to those insights. It is the power of speech that distinguishes us from other animals that God created, so “Pe” is related of course to memory. You can imagine the fun and games that Jewish sages and mystics have had with the interpretation of this letter over the centuries!

To describe God’s statutes, His covenant rules and regulations, as wonderful is unusual, many people have found them restrictive and burdensome. The word wonderful here is normally used to describe the saving acts of God, such as the miracle of the Red Sea crossing or the provision of manna in the desert. However, for the author of this Psalm, similar wonders could be found in the written laws of God, he could see that in all these rules and regulations the divine will was being expressed, and to follow them would be just as miraculous a journey as walking through the mighty waters of the Red Sea. This was all the incentive he needed to keep obeying and treasuring these statutes that God had given. We need to remember this, God’s commands are for our very best, they are the light that guides our way and the secure fortress that protects us from the enemy. To obey them and to cherish them is to walk the path that God intended for us, everything He has commanded is for our good. 

 

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