Ps 119 This psalm combines elements of wisdom, lament, praise, thanksgiving, and confession. Eight Hebrew words are used frequently, translated as “instructions,” “laws,” “words,” “regulations,” “statutes,” “commands,” “decrees,” “commandments,” and “promises.” Together, these words encourage love for and obedience to God’s instructions, as found in the Scriptures (see 2 Tim 3:14-17). The expression of deep commitment to these instructions unifies the psalm. 119:1-8 Aleph (א): God, the author of these instructions, commands that his followers live by them. The psalmist prays to be given the grace to live by that revelation. 119:1-4 The wise are happy. They are people of integrity (see 84:11) who follow the path of divine instruction. They obey God’s revelation and search for it with all their hearts (see 27:7; 119:10, 45, 94, 155), and they reject all forms of evil. Cp. 1:1-2.