Catechesis Notes for the Week — Psalm 119: Samek and Ayin— Meditations on the Word of God—Spiritual hypocrisy is to have a divided heart, a heart that is not firmly anchored in God’s Word but willfully follows the appetites and desires of the flesh. The Samek section of psalm 119 begins with a rejection of the “double-minded” or divided heart. For the Christian, God’s Word is the place of refuge and safety in the daily allure of the sinful flesh which would lead us astray. “You are my hiding place and shield…uphold me according to Your word, that I may live…Hold me up, and I shall be safe…” The Apostle declared that in his flesh there dwelt no good thing, therefore God’s Word alone is the source of safety, strength, comfort, and life for the faithful Christian. Only God’s Word can deliver us from the evil that lurks within us. In this section, law, word, commandments, statutes, testimonies, and judgments are the references to God’s Word. The Ayin section contains references to God’s righteousness. God’s righteousness ultimately centers in what Christ has done for our salvation in His death upon the cross. There He executed judgment and righteousness on our behalf as He suffered what the Law demanded for our sin. His righteousness is the source of our salvation, the mercy of God, and why the Lord’s commandments are more precious to us than fine gold. References to “the testimonies of the Lord” and His “righteous Word” are descriptions of the Gospel of the righteousness of God in Christ that covers our sin. In this section, righteous word, statutes, testimonies, law, commandments, and precepts are the references to God’s Word.

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