Psalm 119:1-2 – A Reflection on perfect and the Law

Keywords: Perfect, God’s Law, Psalms, Biblical Joy, Spiritual Growth, Faith, Seeking God

Psalms 119:1-2
“1 Blessed are they that are perfect in the way,
Who walk in the law of Jehovah.
2 Blessed are they that keep his testimonies,
That seek him with the whole heart.“

Historical Observable Context on Perfect (Blameless)

The Psalmist reflects on the joy that comes from living a life free from blame, of being Perfect, according to God’s laws. This isn’t merely an observation but a profound desire that forms the foundation of Psalm 119 as a series of interconnected prayers on the same theme. It’s a call to know God intimately, to follow His commandments, and to embrace His teachings wholeheartedly.

Modern Context on Perfect (Blameless)

In a day an age when Law and Order can be corruptible, God’s way will never let us down. But also, the standard by which our Savior expects is too lofty and too beneficial to “water it down” to allow for moral fornication. In other words, the standard is too high for the Psalmist. We will not see this immediately, but the next verses contrast heavily on what might have sounded like boasting.

For the law of the Lord transcends Levitical law…or else our Psalmist would have praised himself for doing this. While the Levitical law does ask Israel to follow the Lord with all their heart, it is not a codified section that anyone else other than God could determine reliably. This is the crux of the entire Psalm… how can this writer be found perfect in the Lord sight?

On one hand this may seem like an impossible goal…due to the fact it is, yet that is exactly why knowing God is imperative to us achieving true happiness. If you wish to be perfect, to walk in the law of the Lord, you must seek Him with all your heart…

Yet, what if the heart is prone to wander? How can anyone be blameless let alone holy?

Actionable thoughts

  1. Do you accept that to walk perfectly, in His law and testimonies, and with all your heart produces joy?
  2. Are your ways blameless or perfect? What does it mean to be blameless in the Bible?
  3. Is the law a series of rules you follow and why is that not the same as seeking God with all your heart?