The letter beth that heads this portion (verses 9-16) of Psalm 119 is a symbol for a house or a tent, and means “house”. It represents being in God’s will by creating the image of a home with a wife and kids, or of the house of God, which is the Temple. In other words, we find the Word and we live there. We hear (“I have hidden”), understand (“teach me”) and continue in God’s Word (“I rejoice…I meditate…I delight”).

The conflict of verses 9-16 is the writer’s desire to avoid sin – to not stray, but remain pure (Ps. 119:9-11). The solution is fivefold:

• Hear – or, take in – the Word of God (“hidden your word in my heart” – Ps. 119:11)
• Understand the Word of God that was taught (“teach me your decrees” – Ps. 119:12)
• Speak the Word of God that is understood (“with my lips I recount all the laws” – Ps. 119:13)
• Follow and do the Word of God (“I rejoice in following your statutes” – Ps. 119:14)
• Continue in the Word of God that you already know (“I meditate on your precepts” – Ps. 119:15)

Faith

The Nature of Faith
“Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” (Heb. 11:1)

The Object of Faith
Jesus (John 14:1)

The Ground of Faith
Scripture (John 7:38)

The Need of Faith
"without faith it is impossible to please God” (Heb.11:6)

The Example of Faith
“The disciples left, went into the city and found things just as Jesus had told them.”
(Mark 14:16)

The Result of Faith
Obedience (Rm. 1:5; 16:26)