“Nun” (נ) is the fourteenth letter of the Hebrew alphabet and serves as the heading for the fourteenth section of Psalm 119 (verses 105-112). Each verse in this section begins with “Nun” in the original Hebrew, maintaining the acrostic pattern of the psalm.
The symbolic meaning of “Nun” can be explored in several dimensions:
Literal Meaning and Symbolism: “Nun” means “fish” in Aramaic, symbolizing activity and life due to the constant movement of fish in water. In the context of Psalm 119, “Nun” can represent the vitality and dynamism of living according to God’s Word. The idea of being spiritually alive and active, guided by divine laws, is mirrored in the section led by this letter.
Continuity and Faithfulness: In Jewish tradition, “Nun” is also associated with the concept of faithfulness and continuity. This aligns with the themes of Psalm 119, where the steadfastness of the psalmist in adhering to God’s laws despite trials is emphasized. “Nun” symbolizes the continuous and faithful journey in the life of a believer who is committed to following God’s statutes.
Falling and Rising: The letter “Nun” has a unique aspect in its mid-word and final forms, where the final form can symbolize a faithful person who falls and then rises, analogous to a righteous person who faces challenges but gets back up. This symbolism is poignant in the section of Psalm 119 headed by “Nun,” particularly in verse 105, which speaks of God’s word as a lamp to the feet, guiding the believer through difficulties.
Protection and Guidance: The shape of the letter “Nun” is thought to represent both faith and the faithfulness of God as a protective, guiding force. This reflects the protective guidance provided by God’s word in the life of the believer, as noted in the verses of this section.
Hidden and Revealed Wisdom: In Kabbalistic traditions, “Nun” represents both the hidden and revealed aspects of wisdom. This dual aspect can be connected to the ways in which the scriptures provide both obvious guidance and deeper, sometimes hidden lessons that are revealed through meditation and study, much like the psalmist describes meditating on God’s laws all day.
In summary, “Nun” in Psalm 119 symbolizes the spiritual vitality and active pursuit of living according to God’s laws, the faithfulness required to follow these laws, the resilience needed to rise after falling, and the deep, sometimes hidden wisdom found within God’s word. These themes reflect the life of a believer who is deeply committed to navigating the complexities of life with the guidance and light of divine statutes.
Psalm 119:105-112: Verse by Verse Analysis
Verse 105:
Text: “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”
Reflection: The psalmist describes God’s Word as providing guidance and illumination for life’s journey, preventing missteps and showing the right way forward.
Cross-reference: Proverbs 6:23 – “For this command is a lamp, this teaching is a light, and correction and instruction are the way to life.”
Verse 106:
Text: “I have taken an oath and confirmed it, that I will follow your righteous laws.”
Reflection: The psalmist commits solemnly to adhering to God’s laws, emphasizing the seriousness with which he approaches his dedication to divine guidance.
Cross-reference: Deuteronomy 26:17 – “You have declared this day that the Lord is your God and that you will walk in his ways, that you will keep his decrees, commands and laws, and that you will obey him.”
Verse 107:
Text: “I have suffered much; preserve my life, LORD, according to your word.”
Reflection: Despite experiencing great suffering, the psalmist pleads for divine preservation, trusting that God will uphold him as promised in the Scriptures.
Cross-reference: Psalm 119:50 – “My comfort in my suffering is this: Your promise preserves my life.”
Verse 108:
Text: “Accept, LORD, the willing praise of my mouth, and teach me your laws.”
Reflection: The psalmist offers his praise willingly and asks for further understanding of God’s laws, seeking to deepen his relationship with God through learning and obedience.
Cross-reference: Psalm 51:15 – “Open my lips, Lord, and my mouth will declare your praise.”
Verse 109:
Text: “Though I constantly take my life in my hands, I will not forget your law.”
Reflection: Despite constant danger that threatens his life, the psalmist remains committed to remembering and following God’s law.
Cross-reference: Job 13:15 – “Though he slay me, yet will I hope in him; I will surely defend my ways to his face.”
Verse 110:
Text: “The wicked have set a snare for me, but I have not strayed from your precepts.”
Reflection: Even when faced with traps set by the wicked, the psalmist stays true to God’s precepts, demonstrating steadfastness in his faith.
Cross-reference: Psalm 141:9 – “Keep me from the snares they have laid for me, from the traps set by evildoers.”
Verse 111:
Text: “Your statutes are my heritage forever; they are the joy of my heart.”
Reflection: The psalmist views God’s statutes as a lasting inheritance, finding deep joy and satisfaction in them, more than any material possession.
Cross-reference: Psalm 16:5-6 – “LORD, you alone are my portion and my cup; you make my lot secure. The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely I have a delightful inheritance.”
Verse 112:
Text: “My heart is set on keeping your decrees to the very end.”
Reflection: With a resolute heart, the psalmist commits to obeying God’s decrees for his entire life, underscoring a lifelong dedication to following God’s will.
Cross-reference: Philippians 3:14 – “I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”
Key Takeaways from Psalm 119:105-112:
Guidance and Illumination: God’s Word is essential for navigating life, serving as a lamp and light that guides the believer’s path, ensuring they walk in righteousness and avoid the pitfalls of darkness.
Commitment to Righteousness: The psalmist’s firm commitment to obey God’s laws, evidenced by his oath, underscores the seriousness and depth of his dedication to living a life guided by divine principles.
Perseverance Amidst Adversity: Despite experiencing great suffering and constant danger, the psalmist’s resolve to adhere to God’s laws does not waver. His faith provides the strength to endure hardships while maintaining a steadfast focus on God’s commandments.
Joy and Inheritance: God’s statutes are valued not just as rules to follow but as a cherished inheritance that brings enduring joy to the psalmist’s heart. This spiritual heritage is seen as more rewarding and sustaining than any earthly possession.
Lifelong Dedication: The psalmist expresses a lifelong commitment to following God’s decrees, illustrating a continuous and unending pursuit of living in accordance with God’s will, setting an example of unwavering faith and obedience.