The author of the Scriptures, like the Creator, reveals His perfection in all that He does. We see it in the use of certain words and phrases in Psalm 119. In this chapter there are 176 verses, divided into 22 sections with the first letter of each line in the section beginning with a letter of the Hebrew alphabet. Ten synonyms for the Word of God are employed by the Holy Spirit in the alphabet of divine love:
Law:
Torah is a word greatly revered by the Jew and always used in the singular. The root word is instructive, meaning to propel or project as an arrow from a bow. An arrow warped in the making is never true in its flight. This was in the mind of the writer in Psalm 19, where we are told the law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul. It signifies both direction and destiny through obedience to God’s Word.
Testimonies:
Eduth reminds us of the witness of the altar in Joshua 22:34 and suggests reiteration or testimony. The motive of the two-and-a- half tribes in establishing the altar, “Ed,” was not disloyalty, but an external proof of the theocracy of the nation. The outcome of the meeting with the other tribes prevented a civil war, established a solid foundation for mutual relationships as tribes, and provided a practical lesson for us concerning misunderstanding. What a testimony to the truth of Psalm 133.
Ways:
Derek signifies a footpath, a common path pointing to a given destination, and implies a mode of life, a fixed course for the journey of life along which we are to walk in obedience to God.
Precepts:
Piqqudim is derived from a root meaning to visit, to inspect, or oversee, to charge; and, since it is always used in the plural, it denotes intensity, purpose of heart, moral earnestness relative to the mandates of the Book of God.
Statutes:
Chuqqim comes fom a root meaning to engrave, or to inscribe, and is usually rendered statute or decree. Thus what God has ordained or prescribed should be permanently engraved on our hearts and minds in order that the Word of God might be translated as enduring epistles into our lives (2 Cor. 3 :1-3).
Commandments:
Mitsvah is an interesting word, meaning to set up, to constitute; and is often used as a definite charge, backed by authority. To refuse to obey is an act of rebellion. God’s commands are never given without the power to carry them out, therefore “His commandments are His enablings” and are for our benefit.
Judgments:
Mishpatim takes us into the law court and means to give a finding which is just, upright, and true, It comes from a root meaning to set up right. Judgment therefore denotes the verdict of God. God’s findings are final. His wise and just decisions are not to be questioned, denied, or distorted, but to be accepted, loved, and followed.
Word:
Dabar, meaning to set forth in speech, is the articulation of the will of God in the language of holy love. To follow His Word, His promise, His message, is the pathway to purity within (verse 9), and power without (verse 11).
Saying:
Imrah means an utterance and is different in meaning from the word found in verses 11, 38, 41, 50, 58, 67, 76, 82, 103, 116, 123, 133, 140, 148, 154, 158, 162, 170, and 172. It signifies revelation and illumination as an utterance, which conveys the thought of the speaker. How significant this word is, in view of the title applied to Christ, “the Logos” or “The Word of God.” How much we should value the sayings of the Saviour, the very breath of God.
Righteousness:
Tzaddi is derived from a root meaning “justice” or “right,” and is used for “just balances” in Leviticus 19:36. God’s Word is the standard of measurement by which all actions are weighed or measured.
Thus these ten words taken together will result in lasting blessing to the individual and the benediction of heaven upon all who obey His Word.
Written by Leslie S. Rainey