Samek ס: What Does the Word of God Provide to Us?
Psalm 119:113-120 (Part 15)
Rev. Dr. Devadosan Sugirtharaj
Introduction
Samek is the fifteenth letter of the Hebrew alphabet. In this passage, the psalmist highlights the blessings that the word of God brings into our lives.
1. The Word of God Provides Certainty (Psalm 119:113–114).
The psalmist expresses his frustration with the double-minded—those who are uncommitted and uncertain, torn between God and the world. In contrast, God’s word is unwavering and dependable. Because of its certainty, the psalmist wholeheartedly loves God’s word. It becomes his hiding place in times of trouble and the source of hope. God’s word acts as our shield and protector.
2. The Word of God Gives Boldness to Resist Evil (Psalm 119:115).
Relying on the protection found in God’s word, the psalmist boldly tells evildoers to depart from him. This confidence comes from his commitment to obeying God’s word. The word of God empowers us to stand firm against wrongdoing.
3. The Word of God Provides Support (Psalm 119:116–117).
The psalmist prays for continual support from God, trusting His word to bring both physical and spiritual security. He pleads for God to uphold him so that he remains safe, demonstrating his dedication to regularly observing God’s commandments.
4. The Word of God Offers Righteous Judgment (Psalm 119:118–120).
'Gods word reveals His righteous judgments. Those who stray from His word are rejected, much like dross—impurities discarded when refining precious metal. Because of these righteous judgments, the psalmist loves and reveres God’s word, trembling with awe before God rather than before the world.
Conclusion
When we trust and obey God’s word, we experience certainty, boldness to resist evil, support in every aspect of life, and the assurance of God’s righteous judgments. How do you demonstrate your reverence for God and His word?