
May 10, 2025 - Psalm 119:129-144
• Series: May 2025
To call something “wonderful” is to say it’s magnificent, breathtaking, and amazing. It’s the opposite of commonplace, predictable, and dull—which is what life becomes when there is no awareness of God. He alone is truly wonderful and the source of every other wonder. Jesus Himself is called “Wonderful Counselor” (Isaiah 9:6), while Psalm 139:14 tells us that we are “fearfully and wonderfully made” and that all of God’s works are wonderful. The author of Psalm 119 is filled with wonder as he thinks about the Bible. He knows it contains “wondrous things” (v 18) and it testifies to God’s “wondrous works” (v 27). Now at the start of a new stanza, he says, “Your testimonies are wonderful; therefore my soul keeps them” (v 129). Wonder fills this section of the psalm, along with an emphasis on obedience (v 134, 136). Commenting on this text, James Boice notes seven reasons why God’s words are wonderful. First, God’s words “impart understanding to the simple.” When the Bible is opened (“unfolded”), the eyes of the humble are also opened. Light is given for all of life, showing what is true and good versus what is false and evil, what is important and lasting versus what is trivial and temporal (v 130-131). Second, God’s words are wonderful because we find God’s mercy in them, and mercy is what we need. Justice would mean condemnation for all of us, but thankfully, the LORD is “gracious” to those who love His name (v 132). Third, the words of God give direction for life. They keep our steps “steady,” steering us away from sin and empowering us to please the LORD (v 133-134). The fourth reason the psalmist finds the Scriptures to be wonderful is that God Himself is in them. The LORD turns His “face” toward those who study His Word, blessing them with His grace and peace. By contrast, when God’s law is not obeyed, the godly will weep with compassion. As Matthew Henry put it, “The sins of sinners are the sorrows of saints” (v 135-136). Fifth, the words of God display the righteousness of God. The Hebrew word for “righteous” begins with the letter that starts each verse in this section. Biblical morality is not arbitrary or culturally bound, for it mirrors the very character of God, who is altogether righteous (v 137-139). Sixth, the words of God have been tested and proved; its promises cannot fail (v 140-141). And finally, the Word of God is wonderful because it is true. Other sources may turn out to be false, but God cannot lie. Every word He has spoken can be fully trusted. How wonderful is that?! (v 142-144). For further meditation: