Over the last few weeks I’ve been reading Psalm 119 carefully. In the past the psalm has always seemed a blur to me, full of affirmations of God’s law, but with no development of thought and few obvious themes. Looking more closely, I can see that there are several themes, or at least recurring ideas; though I still cannot see any obvious development through the Psalm.

Fairly obviously, the formal features of the Psalm are important. This website gives an insight into some of the repeated words.

I thought that I’d have a go at writing my own acrostic along the same lines. I’ve aimed to make each line succinct and self-contained and to reflect some of the key themes of the Psalm.

The Hundred and Nineteenth

Alphabetical acrostic hymn to the goodness of God and his law

Binding myself to all his word

Commands from the Lord flow with life

Delight in his decrees

Enjoy his word

Freedom in devoted service

Grant me understanding to keep your word

Hold me through your testimonies

I love your decrees

Justice and wisdom are found in your word alone

Keep your promise so I may keep your law

Life depends on your statutes

Many reject your way, train me to walk truly

Never let me turn from your word

Opposition and trouble buffet me, but I stand firm

Precepts, promises, decrees direct my life

Quell rebellion in your enemies and in me

Rein my heart to follow your statues

Statutes, commands, laws mark my way

Teach me your ways, so I may live

Under your instruction I prosper

Violence surrounds me, preserve me for your service

Wickedness rejects your ways, but I cling to your word

X-ray my heart, reveal my failings

You are faithful so I long for you

Zeal for your word exhausts me, sustain me still