Even Though Rulers Sit and Conspire...

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Psalm 119 is an acrostic.  Each eight verses begin with the successive letters of the Hebrew alphabet. Every sentence of the 176 verses in the Psalm has a word that relates to the LORD's (YHVH's) Word, terms like statutes, testimonies, laws, word, judgments, precepts, instructions, etc.  Psalm 119:17-24 is the third, or "ג" section.  The Psalmist knows he is a foreigner on this earth #r<a'_b' ykiänOa' rGEå . He is not a part of the world’s system, and he needs God’s direction. “Judgments” has the sense of decision making, i.e., good judgment.  We must know the word of YHVH to get good advice (“they are my counselors”) and make good decisions.  Sometimes the world, especially its leaders, are in opposition to the faithful: "even though rulers sit and conspire against me" WrB"+d>nI yBiä ~yrIf'â Wbåv.y") ~G:Ü. When faced with contempt and scorn from unbelievers, the faithful finds comfort and instruction in YHVH’s word. This was exactly what Jesus did. When the leaders of this world’s system put him on a cross to die, Jesus was meditating on the word of God (Psalm 22, 31:5).  He drew his comfort and direction from God’s word in the face of severe opposition.  The faithful know that in the end the YHVH will rebuke (and destroy, "curse") the wicked arrogant ones who don't accept God's word as the standard for truth.

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