The Torah Psalms

Psm. 119:1-8 = beginning of Torah Psalms

Have looked at Praise, Thanksgiving, Lament, Cursing, Wisdom, Pentential, and Messianic Psalms.
Today = TORAH PSALMS

Definition:  Torah -  narrowest sense = The LAW  (Mosaic)
                           - broader sense = any/all of God's revealed Word.  (wisdom literature, prophets, etc.)

TORAH = Word from God

TORAH PSALMS = those Psalms (pr parts of a Psalm) that commend, celebrate, appreciate, promote God's Word.

Classic Torah Psalm = Psalm 119  (longest of the psalms)
It is and Acrostic (alphabetic) Poem - 22 stanzas w/8 lines each.  (Every stanza celebrates God's Word)
AND, every stanza begins with a different letter of the Hebrew alphabet - beginning with the first letter.
ie:  "Aleph" - Vs. 1-8, "Beth" - Vs. 9-16, and so on.

Psm. 119:9-16
Note the direct references to God's Word.  Replace those words with "Instruction".
On one hand, this is NOT the best translation of those words, but it does show the IDEA and intent of TORAH and Psm. 119.  Each one focused heavily on God's Word.

Often we are familiar with individual verses within Psalm 119 - examples:  Psm. 119:5, 105, but the whole psalm = instructive and applicable.
Not only are we made in God's image, but God has set laws for living that are not changing or arbitrary.

(rather than read all 176 verses, )
Will look at 4 Primary Themes within Psalm 119.

Theme #1.  GOD'S WORD  (primary theme, in every stanza)

Example:  3rd. letter (Gimel) - Psm. 119:17-24
Application of all of this?? - Psm. 119:1-2 - "blessed" - You want God's blessing, you live according to His rules.  They exist just like the law of gravity, etc.  However, blessing doesn't necessarily come in this life.
In Psm. 119, God's Word is presented as:
(1)  Revealed to us
(2)  Righteous - Psm. 119:137, 142 - God always does right, therefore His laws are always right!
(3)  Eternal (unchanging)  Psm. 119:144, 152 - (example:  rules concerning morals haven't changed)
(4)  Practical  (effective) - Psm. 119:9, 140 - not just a theory or a philosophy, but for living

Therefore, common phrase, theme = "I trust in Your Word".

Theme #2.  GOD'S ASSISTANCE  (in living according to His Word)
The author on one hand recognizes the need to decide to follow and  strive to keep His Word.
However, recognizes that he = fallen man in a fallen world and not going to measure up.
Therefore:  asks for and expects Divine Assistance!  Psm. 119:33-37

teach me - Psm. 119:66, 68
give me understanding - Psm. 119:27, 73
direct me, guide me, lead me
turn my heart towards Your statutes
turn my eyes away from worthless things - Psm. 119:18

Compare to:  father of demon-possessed child - "I believe!  Help my unbelief!"  - because we often struggle to obey and sometimes struggle to Believe!!

Theme #3.  GOD'S PROMISE(S) 
when author prays for assistance - He calls attention to God's promises!  Psm. 119:38, 41, 58, 76, 170 -

This is not getting God's attention or changing his mind.
It is the author - bolstering (under girding) his own faith!!

Compare:  "been 2000 years and things look bad, BUT -- you said you'd rise ... and did!  You said you'd return... and I believe you will!!
Meanwhile remember your promises to me!!  - Psm. 119:49  (which leads to:)

Theme #4.  THE BELIEVER'S HOPE - confidence, trust   Psm. 119:81-83
Which = "my hope is in you..., " therefore I'll try to live according to Your word... regardless of what comes!!  John 6:66-69 compare to Psm. 119:169-176

Conclusion:
 #1.  Where is YOUR Hope?  in  (A) NO god? (B)  god of your own making?  (C) this Revealed GOD

#2.  Does your hope extend BEYOND head and heart?  does it migrate to your hands?  action, lifestyle.
Clearly if it never reaches your hands, questionable how much you really believe.

#3.  Does your hope include Jesus Christ?  (the ultimate and greatest Revelation of God.) John 14:6

Closing Scripture:  1 Pet. 1:23 - 2:3