“He” is the fifth letter of the Hebrew alphabet and serves as the heading for the fifth section of Psalm 119, encompassing verses 33-40. In this section, each verse begins with “He” in the original Hebrew text, maintaining the acrostic pattern found throughout Psalm 119.
The symbolic meaning of “He” within the context of Psalm 119, as well as in broader Hebrew mystical tradition, includes several layers:
- Literal Meaning and Symbolism: “He” literally can stand for “behold” or an exhalation, suggesting a breath or a sigh. In the mystical tradition of Judaism, particularly in Kabbalah, the letter “He” is often associated with the divine breath, creation, and revelation. It symbolizes the divine presence and the breath of God that gives life.
- Divine Revelation and Insight: In Psalm 119, the “He” section contains pleas for understanding, guidance, and life according to God’s statutes and commandments. The letter could symbolize the psalmist’s desire for divine revelation and insight into God’s law, mirroring the breath of God breathing spiritual life into the seeker’s soul.
- A Call for Divine Grace: The invocation of “He” at the beginning of this section can also be seen as a call for divine grace. The psalmist asks for God’s teachings and expresses a longing to follow God’s commandments more faithfully, seeking the grace to understand and live by the divine will.
- Human Frailty and Divine Assistance: The letter “He” has been interpreted to represent humility and frailty, acknowledging human limitations and the need for divine assistance. This theme is present in the section, as the psalmist acknowledges his dependence on God to understand and keep the law.
- Renewal and Transformation: Just as “He” signifies a breath or sigh, it can symbolize the renewal and transformation that comes from engaging deeply with God’s Word. The psalmist’s requests in this section reflect a yearning for spiritual renewal through adherence to God’s statutes.
In summary, the symbolic meaning of “He” in Psalm 119 touches on themes of divine revelation, the breath of life, human humility before God, the desire for divine grace, and the transformative power of engaging with God’s law. It underscores the section’s focus on seeking understanding, guidance, and the ability to live in accordance with God’s commandments.
Verse 33:
- Text: “Teach me, O Lord, the way of your statutes; and I will keep it to the end.”
- Reflection: The psalmist asks for divine instruction in understanding God’s statutes, with a commitment to obedience. This demonstrates a desire for a deep, enduring relationship with God’s law.
- Cross-reference: Psalm 25:4-5 – “Show me your ways, Lord, teach me your paths. Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long.”
Verse 34:
- Text: “Give me understanding, that I may keep your law and observe it with my whole heart.”
- Reflection: Here, the psalmist seeks not just knowledge but understanding, emphasizing the importance of heartfelt obedience to God’s law.
- Cross-reference: Proverbs 2:6-7 – “For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding. He holds success in store for the upright, he is a shield to those whose walk is blameless.”
Verse 35:
- Text: “Lead me in the path of your commandments, for I delight in it.”
- Reflection: Expressing joy in following God’s commandments, the psalmist asks to be guided along this path, underscoring the pleasure found in divine obedience.
- Cross-reference: Psalm 40:8 – “I desire to do your will, my God; your law is within my heart.”
Verse 36:
- Text: “Incline my heart to your testimonies, and not to selfish gain!”
- Reflection: The psalmist prays for a heart that prefers God’s testimonies over selfish pursuits, highlighting a battle against materialism.
- Cross-reference: Hebrews 13:5 – “Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, ‘Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.'”
Verse 37:
- Text: “Turn my eyes from looking at worthless things; and give me life in your ways.”
- Reflection: A plea to avoid distractions and to find true life in the ways of the Lord, indicating a desire for spiritual rather than worldly fulfillment.
- Cross-reference: Matthew 6:22-23 – “The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are healthy, your whole body will be full of light.”
Verse 38:
- Text: “Confirm to your servant your promise, that you may be feared.”
- Reflection: The psalmist seeks affirmation of God’s promise, suggesting that such assurance will deepen reverence for God.
- Cross-reference: 2 Peter 1:4 – “Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature.”
Verse 39:
- Text: “Turn away the reproach which I dread, for your rules are good.”
- Reflection: Asking for protection from feared reproach, the psalmist affirms the goodness of God’s rules, showing trust in God’s righteousness.
- Cross-reference: Psalm 31:17 – “Let me not be put to shame, O Lord, for I call on you; let the wicked be put to shame; let them go silently to Sheol.”
Verse 40:
- Text: “Behold, I long for your precepts; in your righteousness give me life.”
- Reflection: The psalmist expresses a deep longing for God’s precepts, associating them with the source of life, emphasizing a desire for spiritual vitality through righteousness.
- Cross-reference: Isaiah 55:3 – “Incline your ear, and come to me; hear, that your soul may live; and I will make with you an everlasting covenant, my steadfast, sure love for David.”
Key Takeaways from Psalm 119:33-40:
- These verses reflect a sincere plea for guidance, understanding, and the ability to live according to God’s statutes, highlighting the psalmist’s dedication to following God’s commandments.
- The psalmist emphasizes the importance of heartfelt obedience and the desire for spiritual over material gains, showing a clear preference for divine wisdom and righteousness.
- The recurring theme is a deep yearning for a closer relationship with God through adherence to His laws and a life lived in alignment with divine will, underscoring the belief in God’s word as the true path