If the first psalm describes the blessings of one whose “delight is in the law of the LORD” (1:3), the 119th psalm expresses the full flowering of that blessing. What’s so special about the Bible? For 176 verses, we’re about to find out! Psalm 119 is the longest chapter in the Bible, and every verse unpacks some particular quality of the Bible. As Old Testament scholar Derek Kidner notes, “It is an acrostic poem, an alphabet of prayers and reflections on the Word of God, giving each Hebrew letter its turn to introduce eight successive verses on the subject.” Today we consider aleph and beth, the first two of 22 stanzas. Many people think of the Bible as just a book of rules and inspirational stories from the past. Even many Christians underestimate its power and relevance. Perhaps they view the Holy Spirit as the sole key to a vital relationship with God. But the psalmist shows us that the Spirit is actually active in our lives through the Bible! As we learn His Word, we are getting to know God. At least eight synonyms for Scripture dominate this psalm from its opening lines: law, testimonies, ways, precepts, statutes, commandments, rules, word. Each brings a slightly different emphasis, but together they help us see the unique treasure we have in God’s written revelation to us. God’s Word is authoritative, so its law, statutes, commandments, and rules must be obeyed. Scripture is permanently relevant for every time and place, so its testimonies must be trusted. Its precepts are wise, perfectly fitting our needs and our nature. And since it expresses God’s own character, the Bible is not a collection of random rules but a revelation of His ways. So we do not read the Bible as an end in itself, but as a means of deepening our fellowship with God; this is how His people “seek Him with their whole heart” (v 1-8). As we seek God wholeheartedly, our hearts will become a suitable home for His Word. It’s interesting that beth, the second letter of the Hebrew alphabet, is also a Hebrew word meaning “house.” What is the condition of your heart? Has God’s Word settled in to live comfortably there? For this to happen, we must not just read it superficially, but study it, meditate on it, and even memorize it—for only when God’s Word is “stored up” in our hearts will it be readily available for us throughout the day to recall in moments of temptation or doubt. The time to begin this habit is at the earliest possible moment, without delay, preferably when you are very young. In this way, the Word of God will daily cleanse your heart, shaping your affections until they are transformed from loving sin to delighting in the will of God (v 9-16). For further meditation: