Discover four truths from Psalm 119 that can enhance your time in Scripture. Learn how to remove spiritual barriers, find delight in God's law, uncover the treasures of Scripture, and remember that God always chooses you, even when you stray.

Scripture: Psalm 119

Four Truths Learned from Psalm 119 About Reading Scripture 

When we enter a bookstore and pick up a mystery novel, biography, or the latest self-help book, we have some degree of expectation when reading. We anticipate a story with a linear arc and a conclusion with high comprehension marks. 

However, for many, opening Scripture doesn’t provide that satisfaction. How often have you opened the Bible and either:

1. Closed it with uncertainty about what you read?

2. Wondered if you misunderstood the context and meaning?

Most of us lack an advanced degree in biblical studies; therefore, if we’re honest, the Bible can be difficult to process. Not to mention the frankly, absurd, unbelievable, and outlandish stories included that can cause more confusion than comfort. For example, the most foundational story in Christianity is about a man rising from the dead. Simply put, sometimes, understanding Scripture is no small feat. 

With 176 verses, Psalm 119 is the longest chapter in the Bible and is even longer than 26 other included books (nearly 40% of the Bible). However, Psalm 119 reminds us that God’s Word is a guide for righteous living. Charles Spurgeon pointed out that this psalm helps us wonder at the immensity of Scripture (Enduring Word). It celebrates God’s gift (the Bible) that enables us to reflect His loveliness and the goodness of His Word. 

Chapter 119 reminds us that as we experience more of God’s presence, we desire more of it. Verse 32 says, “I will run in the way of your commandments when you enlarge my heart!” So, as we approach reading Scripture, what can we learn from Psalm 119 to better guide our time in God’s Word? 

1) Remove the Veil

“Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of your law.” Psalm 119:18

Regardless of your spiritual walk, we all exist within our fallenness. There is a literal separation between us and God; unfortunately, it must be that way. Enduring Word Bible commentary says this about verse 18, “The psalmist recognized that without God’s enlightenment, he could not see what he could and should from God’s Word.” 

To put it another way, our hearts are veiled from God. Just as in the Old Testament, we see a literal large veil in the temple (Exodus 26:31-35) that separates the people from God, our hearts can still exist within that context. However, through Christ’s sacrifice, the literal temple veil was torn, and a new covenant restored our accessibility to God. 

“Yes, to this day whenever Moses is read a veil lies over their hearts. But when one turns to the Lord, the veil is removed. And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another.” 2 Corinthians 3:15-18

A little backstory about Moses: Upon receiving the Law from God the second time, Moses spent 40 days/nights on the mountaintop with God (Exodus 34:1–27). After spending this extended period with God, Scripture says that upon descending, Moses’ face shone with such glory that he was forced to wear a veil because it frightened the people.

This passage highlights how, under the Old Covenant, the glory through Moses’ face faded over time because of his physical distance from God. However, under the New Covenant, the salvation and faith found in Christ imparted through the sanctification of the Holy Spirit in the believer's life have an unfading glory. 

As we approach Scripture, give pause to what you’re doing. We’re stepping into a space to discover unfading glory. Just as Moses’ face was masked in glory, we’re also searching for a similar experience. 

Before you open the Word, ask God to remove the things (the veil) that separate you from understanding His Word. As the psalmist says in verse 169, “Give me understanding according to your Word!” Ask God to remove the veil so you may encounter His Word and grace in Scripture more deeply. This act postures our hearts to receive a glimpse of God’s glory, just like Moses on the mountain.

“We don’t need new revelation; we need new eyes to see what God’s already revealed. We cannot experience the ‘wondrous things’ of Scripture until we’ve opened our hearts to Him.” Enduring Word, Ps. 119:18

This prayer to remove the veil doesn’t have to be elaborate. It can be as simple as asking God to remove the veil of distraction or as intense as asking God to help you step into the spiritual realm where He resides.

However, as you engage with this tactic, it’s important to note that our veil is often the unrepentant sin in our lives. This is where we’ve pulled our own veil between us and God. Knowing my inherent sin nature, I like to begin my Scripture reading with a time of confession. Before asking God to remove His veil, I want to offer Him the veil that I’ve put between us. How can I expect Him to “deal bountifully with your servant, that I may live and keep your word (v. 17),” when I’m the one creating separation?

2) Delight in the Law

“If your law had not been my delight, I would have perished in my affliction.” Psalm 119:92 

What delights your soul? Personally, I delight in seeing my wife and daughter grow and succeed. However, to confess, the law isn’t something I delight in. I can’t recall the last time I was excited about a speed limit down a straight stretch of road with no traffic. 

Some variation of the phrase “delight in the law” is shared nine times within Psalm 119. So, to understand what the psalmist is delighting in, we should establish what the Law is. Old Testament scholar Derek Kidner defines it as “[the Law’s] parent verb means ‘teach’ or ‘direct’; therefore, coming from God, it means both ‘law’ and ‘revelation.’ It can be used of a single command or of a whole body of law.” While God’s law is often associated with the Ten Commandments, the Law could encompass any revelation or entity of God’s Word. 

While seeing my family flourish fills me with joy, regardless of how much I desire, human experiences will not fulfill me. As God’s creation, we’re designed to delight in Him. Got Questions summarizes it as follows: He desires to capture our hearts (James 4:8) with the mutual joy of our shared relationship with God.

Psalm 119:9 challenges us by asking, “How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to your Word.” The only obtainable way to keep God’s Law is to meditate, obey, and walk according to them. The second part of verse 16 shares that the only way to do that is never to forget them. Jesus later reflects this in John 14: “Whoever does not love me does not keep my words (John 14:24).” 

But what’s our typical response to the law?

Our nature is not only rebellion but arrogance. We believe we know what’s best and will pursue our desires to achieve the happiness we believe can save us. Yet, how often do we return like what’s found in verse 145, “I call to you; save me, that I may observe your testimonies”? While there may be discomfort following God, nothing compares to the separation we experience when we reject His statutes. 

While confession and repentance are frequently used as synonyms, they’re radically different. Confession involves acknowledging and admitting one's sins to God (James 5:16). But repentance goes beyond recognition and involves a sincere turning away from sin and toward God’s will (2 Corinthians 7:10).

Repentance is a prime example of what it means to delight in the law. When we approach Scripture as a delight, it allows the law to guide our lives and remain our source of hope, principles, and, ultimately, our worship.

3) The Spoils of Scripture

“…but my heart stands in awe of your words. I rejoice at your word like one who finds great spoil.” Psalm 119:161-162

When was the last time you stood in awe of something? Personally, I was in awe while hiking in Colorado, taking in the beauty of nature and God’s creativity.

What’s unique about this verse is the psalmist describes this amid difficult circumstances, yet he’s still in awe of God and Scripture. Just imagine you’re on the worst day of your life, but you struggle to step away from God’s beauty because of the security His throne plays in your life. The psalmist isn’t describing something temporary or surface level. He’s declaring that Scripture is foundational to him. 

However, that awe comes at a price. Notice the last word of that verse, “spoil.” 

That word, spoil, has multiple meanings. However, the usage here relates to war. In terms of ancient battles, this connotation is the act of slaying a man in battle, then, after victory is achieved, returning to his corpse, searching the belongings on his body, and claiming his prized possessions.

Riches from God’s Word must be fought for. Enduring Word elaborates, “If riches from the Bible are like spoil from battle, the battle is over. If riches from the Bible are like spoil from battle, the enemy has less to fight with, and there is a sense of victory.”

No time spent in God’s Word will be easy, nor is it supposed to be. Much like the victor plundering his/her enemy, he/she earned the victory. Whether through cunning or brawn, the warrior put forth the effort to achieve victory. 

When we approach time in Scripture, that’s when you’re suddenly reminded that the laundry needs to be moved over, the dog needs to be fed, and that one work project needs attention. You’ve already engaged in the discipline of studying Scripture, so the enemy is using distractions as a tactic to engage you in a battle of focus. 

Additionally, you’re in a battle of discernment. What’s God saying through this passage? What was the author’s intention, and how was God directing them? How is He speaking to you? 

“If we go through this school of suffering, immersing ourselves in God's Word, we develop real sensitivity of heart (v. 70), and our eyes are opened to see unthought-of treasures in the Bible itself (v. 72). How remarkable that, with the Word of God, a sufferer can come through it all deeper, wiser, richer, more loving, and even happier.” Tim Keller, author, and pastor, The Songs of Jesus (Psalm 119)

Let’s be clear: drilling deeper into Scripture won’t be easy. It will be tumultuous and potentially reveal some dark crevices we don’t want to address. However, through communion with God, the spoils of Scripture are precious and worth fighting for. 

4) God Chose You

“I have gone astray like a lost sheep; seek your servant, for I do not forget your commandments.” Psalm 119:176

After 175 verses, the psalmist makes an unexpected admission: His heart has gone astray. Despite all of the doting and reverence, it would seem no one appreciates Scripture more than the psalmist. However, at the very end, we see he’s not unlike us. Despite his reverence for Scripture, he still lost his way. 

The Law of Undulation (C.S. Lewis) states that our closeness or distance from God will ebb and flow through life. However, we have God’s witness, testimony, law, and commandments to guide us. Most importantly, we can access the life-saving grace of Jesus’ sacrifice and resurrection. 

The psalmist cries out to God to never stop pursuing him. This is a reminder of why we need the Gospel. Amid all our darkness, trespasses, and avoidance, God isn’t silently waiting; He’s actively pursuing us (Romans 5:8, Ezekial 34:11, 16). As the psalmist says, He is gracious “as is His way” (v. 17). This is God’s character.

If your time in Scripture feels void, like you can’t digest the material, as if there are spiritual forces preventing you from experiencing God’s presence, then remember God still chooses you. You’ve already overcome one of the hardest steps, which is the regular discipline of searching for God (John 6:44). 

In The Songs of Jesus, Keller said, “We are to read, learn, and understand it—to meditate on, memorize, and follow it. We are to take time to do this morning and night without fail. But all this is in vain unless God seeks you as you read his Word (Psalm 119:169-176).” 

Before faith in Christ, our pasts are filled with an enormity of sins and apathy toward God. Yet, it’s a miracle that even through our waywardness, His unconditional love still pursues us. He provides a forgiveness that surpasses comprehension. 

It even goes a step further. In John 15:7, Jesus said, “If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.” The Father doesn’t turn His back on any of His sheep and will leave the 99 to find the one gone astray (Matthew 18:12). 

In his plea, the psalmist is asking God to pursue him. Like a child craving their father's attention, he’s begging for God’s attention. But he’s also asking for mercy from his sins, enemies, and a separation with his maker. 

Your discipline of approaching God, seeking His Word, and fighting to understand Him is a treasure to Him. He will pour into those who seek Him. So, as you open the Word, know that God has chosen you and is filled with pride in your pursuit.

TL;DR

1. Psalm 119 offers four essential truths for reading Scripture:

1. Remove the Veil: Ask God to remove any barriers that prevent you from fully understanding His Word.

2. Delight in the Law: Embrace the joy and guidance found in God's commandments.

3. The Spoils of Scripture: Engage in the disciplined study of Scripture, even amid distractions and challenges.

4. God Chose You: Despite our shortcomings, God continuously pursues and chooses us, offering grace and understanding as we seek Him.

Related Reading

How to Read Difficult Scripture by Brad Bogue

How to Understand the Old Testament by Grant Caldwell

Is Scripture Really That Important by William Merriman