Loving God's Law

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One of my favorite verses in the Bible is Psalm 119:97, where David says:

“Oh how I love your law! It is my meditation all the day.”

This verse is part of Psalm 119, which is a meditation on the greatness and significance of God’s Word. Psalm 119 is the longest chapter in the Bible, and each section of it emphasizes a different aspect of God’s Word, using synonyms such as “law,” “word,” “testimonies,” and “commandments.” And each section is titled with a letter of the Hebrew alphabet; this one from verses 97-104 being "Mem."

Let’s break down Psalm 119:97 in detail:

1. “Oh how I love your law!”

• The psalmist (David) expresses a deep, heartfelt affection for God’s law (or Word). The word “love” here goes beyond a mere emotional fondness; it conveys a passionate, ongoing commitment. In the context of the Hebrew Bible, “law” (Torah) encompasses not just legal commands but also God’s teaching, instruction, and guidance for life. The psalmist is not simply admiring the law but cherishing it, finding joy and fulfillment in it.

2. “It is my meditation all the day.”

• Meditation here is not about passive thinking but a focused, active contemplation of God’s law. The psalmist says this meditation happens “all the day,” signifying that reflecting on God’s Word is a constant, day-long practice, something he makes time for consistently throughout his day. This speaks to the idea that God’s Word should be central in one’s life, providing direction, wisdom, and comfort at every moment. The idea is that the law isn’t just for Sunday or a specific time of study, but is a continual source of guidance and strength.

In the broader context of Psalm 119, the psalmist (David) speaks repeatedly about the value of God’s Word in guiding, teaching, and sustaining life. Verse 97 expresses a personal love and commitment to that Word, suggesting that the he finds deep satisfaction in it.

For a deeper interpretation:

• Meditation in this context is a deliberate act of reflecting on and internalizing God’s Word. It’s more than reading—it’s thinking deeply about how it applies to life, considering its truths, and allowing those truths to shape one’s thoughts, attitudes, and behavior.

• The verse also shows a contrast with those who might ignore or despise God’s commands. The psalmist’s love for the law is an indication of a transformed heart, one that has been shaped and cultivated by a consistent engagement with God’s Word.

• In my first book Living for Jesus Christ in a Broken and Sin-Filled World on pg 140, I compare the process of meditation to the way a cow chews cud. To simplify, a cow chews grass and swallows, then regurgitates, then chews and swallows and so on.

This verse also invites readers to ask themselves: Do they love God’s Word in such a way? Do they reflect on it throughout the day, allowing it to influence their thoughts, decisions, and actions? The psalmist (David) sets a model of devotion that calls believers to a continual, loving engagement with the teachings of Scripture.

Keep looking up, and keep meditating!

Dr. H.