Why is Psalm 119 the longest chapter in Psalms?

Answer 1

Matthew Henry summarizes it this way:

"Synopsis: - The general scope and design of this psalm is TO MAGNIFY THE DIVINE LAW, and MAKE IT HONOURABLE. There are ten words by which Divine revelation is called in this psalm, and each expresses what God expects from us, and what we may expect from Him. 1. God's LAW; this is enacted by Him as our Sovereign. 2. His WAY; this is the rule of His providence. 3. His TESTIMONIES; they are solemnly declared to the world. 4. His COMMANDMENTS; given with authority. 5. His PRECEPTS; not left as indifferent matters to us. 6. His WORD, or SAYING; it is the declaration of His mind. 7. His JUDGMENTS; framed in infinite wisdom. 8. His RIGHTEOUSNESS; it is the rule and standard of what is right. 9. His STATUTES; they are always binding. 10. His TRUTH or FAITHFULNESS; it is Eternal Truth, it shall endure for ever." (Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary: Psalm 119; SYNOPSIS)

In The Bible, the importance of something is sometimes either repeated... or given extra space in its description. This is true of the two "longest Commandments of God's Ten": "Idolatry #2 and Remembering the Sabbath #4 -- the two most transgressed.

So, are these ten conceptual words expressed by Matthew Henry IMPORTANT for God's servants to "take to heart" and by which to LIVE. It's these heart-felt sentiments of David that caused God to say of him:

"...'David son of Jesse IS A MAN AFTER MY OWN HEART, for he will do everything I want him to.'" (Acts 13:22 NLT New Living Translation)

The importance of God's Law seems lost in this world... including many of modern professing Christianity's denominations, that have "done away with the Commandments" in their doctrines and hearts -- seemingly depending solely upon "Faith in Christ."

Yet... if God's Law has been "done away"... then it appears that the Holy Spirit, which inspired the New Testament writers as well as the Old, seems to not know that the Ten Commandments were "done away." Because we're told by the inspirational Holy Spirit:

"Let this encourage God's Holy Peopleto endure persecution patiently and remain firm to the end, OBEYING HIS COMMANDMENTS AND TRUSTING IN JESUS" !!! (Rev.14:12 NLT)

It appears that "Faith" AND "Obedience" are required by God. But you can't Obey God without His Faith in you. That's why Psalm 119 is so long. For God's servants to MEDITATE ON:

"Oh, HOW I LOVE YOUR LAW! I THINK ABOUT IT ALL DAY LONG." (Ps.119:97 NLT)

God's Laws are important... and He caused David, through the Holy Spirit in his heart, to expand and linger on it in prayer and praise in his 119th song.