Psalm 119:9-12

Psalm 119:9-12

(9)  Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word.

Cleanse - OT:2135 zakah (zaw-kaw'); a primitive root [compare OT:2141]; to be translucent; figuratively, to be innocent:

Way - OT:734 'orach (o'-rakh); from OT:732; a well-trodden road (literally or figuratively); also a caravan:

Taking heed - OT:8104 shamar (shaw-mar'); a primitive root; properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e. guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc.:

This verse begins with a question, then gives the answer. Every person has the opportunity to cleanse his way. I found it interesting that the Hebrew word for "way" means, "a well-trodden road." Is there any road that takes us too far from Christ's cleansing?

The whole reason that Christ came was to purchase for Himself the church. To wash and cleanse her: "Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word," (Ephesians 5:25-26) God has made every way available for our cleansing - but it is our choice whether or not to accept this cleansing. We can be cleansed for salvation and then we can be cleansed after salvation: "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." (1 John 1:9)

God's Word has proven to us that It is cleansing - that He cleanses. Will we take heed to it? Will we walk by It?

(10)  With my whole heart have I sought thee: O let me not wander from thy commandments.

This verse reminds me of a previous verse: "Blessed are they that keep his testimonies, and that seek him with the whole heart." (Psalm 119:2) By seeking God wholly, we will learn His commandments. But then we have a responsibility - will we keep the commandments that we have sought? It takes effort to seek, and it takes effort to keep.

(11)  Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.

"Hid" means, "to hide (by covering over); by implication, to hoard or reserve; figuratively to deny; specifically (favorably) to protect, (unfavorably) to lurk:" (6845, tsaphan)

I like the idea to "hoard of reserve." This thought usually takes one's mind to treasure - which God's Word is ("More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. Moreover by them is thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward." Psalm 19:10-11). Do we hoard this revenue of treasure given to us? Or do we take it for granted - looking at it only when is convenient? Our heart is but a jewelry box waiting to be filled - are we going to the dollar store (the world) and buying all of these artificial pearls and glass jewelry to fill our jewelry box? That is the easy - and cheap - way to be filled. But what about the lasting way? To seek, search, and find treasures that are eternal and everlasting!

 (12)  Blessed art thou, O LORD: teach me thy statutes.

Am I asking God to teach me His statutes? He will, if I only ask Him.

It is interesting before the request, David said, "Blessed art Thou, O Lord." To me, this seems to indicate his adoration and thanksgiving to God. What is our attitude towards God? We will not be receptive to His teaching if our hearts do not acknowledge Who He is.