Psalm 119 is special in several ways. It is the longest psalm (176 verses) and longest chapter in the Bible, and it is an acrostic psalm - following the letters of the Hebrew alphabet. The Jews wrote in this fashion to help them memorize the Scriptures so they could meditate on God's Word. It was written as a repetitive meditation on the beauty of God’s Word and how it helps us stay pure and grow in faith. All but five verses mention the Word of God in one way or another. The structure of this psalm allowed for easy memorization. Remember, God’s Word, the Bible, is the only sure guide for living a pure life.
One of the fascinating things a commentator brought out was that the number eight is stamped all over this psalm. Each section has eight verses; there are eight special names for God's Word listed; there are eight symbols of the Word given; the believer has eight responsibilities to the Word. The word "eight" in Hebrew literally means "abundance, more than enough"; it is the number of new beginnings. It is as though the writer is saying, "God's Word is enough. If you have the Scriptures, that is all you need for life and godliness."
Indeed the Bible points us to Christ: He is the Living Word about whom the written Word speaks.
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