Ezekiel Kimosop Supporter

What are the Laws of God mentioned in Psalm 119:1? 

Psalm 119:1-8 says:
Blessed are the undefiled in the way,
Who walk in the law of the Lord!
2 Blessed are those who keep His testimonies,
Who seek Him with the whole heart!
3 They also do no iniquity;
They walk in His ways.
4 You have commanded us
To keep Your precepts diligently.
5 Oh, that my ways were directed
To keep Your statutes!
6 Then I would not be ashamed,
When I look into all Your commandments.
7 I will praise You with uprightness of heart,
When I learn Your righteous judgements.
8 I will keep Your statutes;
Oh, do not forsake me utterly! (NKJV). 

The theological context of Psalm 119:1 can be distilled from an analysis of the entire text of Psalm 119. However for a narrower context, the reader should examine vv.1-8 quoted above. 

The psalmist celebrates God's word in the entire psalm. Psalm 119:105 is perhaps the most memorable text in Psalm 119. It proclaims: "Your word is a lamp to my feet
And a light to my path."

The word of God is pivotal to our daily Christian living and our entire journey of life here metaphorically described as a path. Our walk with God is indeed a lifelong journey on this side of the sun. It will terminate when we appear before the presence of Christ and of God in glory (Revelation 21-22). 

Now back to our question...

What are the Laws of God mentioned in Psalm 119:1?

Broadly speaking, these laws are God's moral laws that are inscribed in Scripture. They range from the Levitical ritual laws of the old covenant to virtually every law that God commanded His covenant people to observe. In its broader context, the entire cannon of Scripture constitutes God's law. The above text should be studied and understood within its passage context as well as its Book and canonical contexts. 

A believer should therefore take time to regularly and consistently study the Scriptures in a devotional manner and apply its timeless truths and moral principles in their lives in order to grow in the knowledge of Christ. Authentic Christian doctrine is drawn from a faithful interpretation of Scripture. 

In Psalm 119:1, the psalmist proclaims "Blessed are the undefiled in the way,
Who walk in the law of the Lord!". This text of Scripture closely resonates with Psalm 1:1-2 which states: 

"Blessed is the man
Who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly,
Nor stands in the path of sinners,
Nor sits in the seat of the scornful;
2 But his delight is in the law of the Lord,
And in His law he meditates day and night." (NKJV). 

The purpose of God's moral law is to guide the believer in covenant obedience and success in life. In Psalm 1:3-6, the obedient believer is compared to a tree that is planted by the river that brings forth its fruit in its season and whose leave shall not wither. Whatever he does shall proper. 

Psalm 119:1 reminds us that a person who walks under the leading of God's word is undefiled in the way. In order words, God's word informs their diligence and prudence in life. God therefore preserves them through His immeasurable grace even through the most difficult terrains of life. 

If we choose to submit to the leading of the word of God and the admonition of His Spirit, we shall dwell under the shadow of His divine influence. We shall discern His voice under the din and clutter of this evil world and shall avoid the pitfalls of life. We shall stand out for the truths of God in our societies of context and glorify Him in our generation. 

Elsewhere in Scripture, the psalmist proclaims: "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom;
A good understanding have all those who do His commandments.
His praise endures forever." (Psalm 111:10). 

The fear of the Lord is informed by a life of sustained covenant obedience to His holy word that abides forever.

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