PE – THE TRIAL OF DOMINION – Psalm 119:129-136

Organized in the original language under the Hebrew letter 'pe', the 17th stanza of Ps 119 continues to extol the glory and sufficiency of the covenant revelation of the Lord. The Psalmist sings of the wonderful testimonies of the Lord, His unfolding words, His enviable commandments, His lovely name, His gracious promise, precepts, statutes, and law. Along with the enduring and sophisticated acrostic structure, major themes of the song resurface in this stanza as well. Our author entreats the Lord to steady his steps, reminding the singer of the journey theme echoed in other verses like 105 where he proclaims the word of the Lord is a lamp to his feet and a light to his path. He continues to model vigilance in guarding his way according to the word of God as he had professed at the start of his journey even as a young man it would appear in verse 9. Though trials continue to attend his way, the hope of salvation found in the covenant assurances of divine revelation more than sustain him. So grateful and convinced is he of the merits of the way of holiness, he is distraught, not because of his own plight, but instead, at the thought of so many who pay no heed to the law of God. The work of the Spirit sanctifying His servant is apparent as he continues to mature and endure according to the sovereign call. May we be inspired and equipped by this persistent testimony.