Lamedh – Psalm 119:89-96
89 Forever, O LORD, your word is firmly fixed in the heavens.
Psalm 119:89–96 (ESV)
90 Your faithfulness endures to all generations; you have established the earth, and it stands fast.
91 By your appointment they stand this day, for all things are your servants.
92 If your law had not been my delight, I would have perished in my affliction.
93 I will never forget your precepts, for by them you have given me life.
94 I am yours; save me, for I have sought your precepts.
95 The wicked lie in wait to destroy me, but I consider your testimonies.
96 I have seen a limit to all perfection, but your commandment is exceedingly broad.
Have you noticed that in this life there is not much that is permanent? Most things we buy these days aren’t made to last. Sadly, friendships fail, success is fragile, people disappoint, and laws we rely upon to protect our rights change or are not enforced. But the psalmist tells us there are three things we can count on to be truly lasting, settled, enduring, and established. Those three things are God’s Word, His faithfulness, and His creation (Psalm 119:1-2).
89 Forever, O LORD, your word is firmly fixed in the heavens.
Psalm 119:89 (ESV)
The Hebrew word translated “firmly fixed”, means stationary, permanent, with no sense of movement. In other words, God’s Word is everlastingly the same. From the beginning of time, now and forever, it is unchanging, authoritative, and trustworthy. It is firmly established in heaven so when people ignore it, despise it, refute it, and defy it, God’s Word does not change. God’s Word stands. People want to have their own way, and when God’s Word does not fit in with their agenda, they disregard it and disdain those who follow it. But God’s Word will always stand and those who diligently keep it are secure in it and secure in God.
90 Your faithfulness endures to all generations;
Psalm 119:90a (ESV)
God’s faithfulness endures throughout all generations. His faithfulness has endured the test of time. If you have read and studied the Bible, you know that is true. You know God was faithful to Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Moses, Joshua, King David, to His chosen people, Israel, to Jesus, and to the apostles. If you have studied history, you know that God is always faithful to His people — to those who love Him, call upon Him, and obey Him. Then, now, and always.
90 … you have established the earth, and it stands fast.
Psalm 119:90b (ESV)
The psalmist confirms God’s sovereignty in the creation of the world. He established (fixed in its place) the earth and it stands fast! “Stand fast” is a command issued by a military commander ordering troops to hold firm — “hunker down” — and refuse to abandon their position – “no retreat.”. Our Creator brought creation into existence and holds it together by His power (Colossians 1:17). He has given the command for it to stand firm. Even though we destroy parts of it and make poor stewardship choices, people do not determine the fate of the earth – God does.
91 By your appointment they stand this day, for all things are your servants.
Psalm 119:91 (ESV)
The Psalmist looked at the created order and understood that all creation ultimately serves God and His purposes. The earth, which He established and which abides, obeys His word.
92 If your law had not been my delight, I would have perished in my affliction.
Psalm 119:92-94 (ESV)
93 I will never forget your precepts, for by them you have given me life.
94 I am yours; save me, for I have sought your precepts.
The Psalmist rejoiced that the word of God had been his delight. Reading and studying and meditating on God’s word was not a burdensome chore; it was a delight. He knew that without his relationship with God and His word, he would not have been sustained in his season of affliction. He knew where his salvation could be found and that gave him great delight, trusting God’s Word, precepts, and testimonies.
95 The wicked lie in wait to destroy me, but I consider your testimonies.
Psalm 119:95 (ESV)
The psalmist speaks of his enemies in an almost casual way. While they do their worst against him he doesn’t panic but instead finds refuge in the word of God.
96 I have seen a limit to all perfection, but your commandment is exceedingly broad.
Psalm 119:96 (ESV)
The Psalmist considered all the excellent things he has seen in this world. Perhaps he thought of the things of great natural beauty; the small things of intricate creation; the beauty of human love and care. Yet in looking at all these things, they have a limit or a barrier. The best things in this world only go so far. The psalmist has seen that nothing is perfect in this world – there is a limit to all perfection.
On the other hand, God’s Word is exceedingly broad. The Hebrew word translated “exceedingly” designates a superlative – something that is unsurpassed, and the word “broad” means “roomy in every direction.” So the psalmist is describing God’s Word as being wider, deeper, and higher, extending beyond what we can imagine. As one commentator observed, “Whereas our earthly experience of perfection is very limited, God’s Word is a perfection that is limitless.”
God’s Word is sure
For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. – This is The Way
Romans 15:4 (ESV)
QUESTIONS TO PONDER
- How have you found that God’s Word is beyond time and is for all generations?
- Have you come to the place that God’s Word is entirely trustworthy and you truly rely on the Word of God for your daily life? Examples?
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