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Exploring Psalm 119 from a scientist’s perspective: Aleph
Peter Gray-Read BSc MSc
Personal and Prophetic - Narrative for individual and nation
The Hebrew alphabet or Aleph – Bet is a great instructional code. There have been many profound studies of this set of 22 characters. It may well be that they are fundamental to the creative process that Yahweh used in the beginning. I would like to explore them as a great instructional medium. Psalm 119 uses them as the backbone of its narrative for good reason. Each has a many layered meaning which the stanzas explore in various ways
However there is also a narrative or possibly narratives which run through the sections so they are a progression telling a story
Aleph Opens with a beatitude – a conditional state of blessedness
It holds up a state of existence – righteousness and relationship that was lived and experienced by our perfect Messiah. Old covenant believers starting with Abraham were accredited righteous through faith. Others were able to walk in a legalised righteousness by adherence to the statutes and ordinances God showed to Moses. As New Covenant believers we recognise that for us the blessing and walk are a consequence of faith in, and obedience to the One who walked that way for us
Beth Shows how a young man (person) can set out on a lifestyle and practice that helps them to focus on the things of God and enjoy his fellowship
Gimel strikes me as prophetic of the incarnation: If we allow this perspective for a moment we see Jesus praying and referring to himself as ‘thy servant’. He has to learn the law and see his role in fulfilment of the statutes which brings righteousness for those who receive Him. Statutes are a constant focus of meditation for the psalmist and they culminate in the cross – the fulfilment of the statutes. This ‘stranger in the Earth’ bringing us to Yahweh is the focus of the New Covenant. He refers to himself as ‘…a stranger in the Earth’ needing that constant relationship with the Father – he is homesick for heaven. Jeshua was reproached for the company he kept and his authority was at times held in contempt by the religious establishment. Princes of men sat and spoke against Him. Jesus was focused on His mission
Dalet In the 4th letter we have the struggle of flesh and Spirit. The spirit is having to deal with the limitations, and weaknesses the soul and of the flesh. The flesh has to submit to the law of God to allow the Spirit to be free and operate as God intended
He – here we see the writer recognising his need of teaching, understanding, direction, enforcement, correct attitudes and finally his need to be ‘quickened in thy righteousness’ v40
Vav – the prayer of Salvation v41 – a wonderful revelation and victory… So shall I keep thy law continually forever and ever - v44
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