THE PATH OF RIGHTEOUSNESS

“I love those who love me, and those who search for me shall find me.”  Proverbs 8:17

Continuing the theme from the previous Op I posted i.e. “We hope for light, but there is only darkness – Justice vs Injustice”, we discussed the definitions of Justice vs Injustice.  In this Op, we will be exploring the longest chapter of the entire Bible i.e. Psalms 119 and all 176 verses!  I know it is a ton of information, but my motivation for doing so is to once more show how important His Torah is in our lives especially in light of all the insanity going on around us in the world today!  Further, it is a good reminder and great opportunity to reaffirm the Tanakh (Erroneously called the Old Testament) is the dictionary for the Apostolic Writings!!

Additionally, again in light of all that is going on around us today, I thought an Op discussing the greatness of HaShem and His Torah!  For example, the above verse from Proverbs 8:17 is an amazing verse because the entirety of Proverbs chapter 8 is written by Solomon in the perspective of the Torah itself speaking!  Therefore, this verse is saying “I (Torah) love those who love Torah, and those who search for Torah shall find Torah!”  HaShem is saying that He loves those who love His Torah and that to study His Torah is how to grow in our relationship with Him!  Baruch HaShem! 

HaShem says time and again that it was with His Torah that He created ALL of the universe (Explains why I posted pictures of His creation in this Op) and it is His Torah which sustains everything each day…Baruch HaShem!  This is why creation falls apart and is destroyed when mankind rejects His Torah and embraces lawlessness (Without the Torah)…cause and effect. 

Keep all this mind as we proceed, but as always, never forget the following scriptural facts of HaShem’s characteristics and attributes:

• HaShem never changes per Num 23:19/Mal 3:6/Hebrews 13:8/James 1:17
• His Word is firmly established per Psalm 119:89
• He reveals the end out of the beginning per Is 46:10
• He does nothing without first revealing it to His prophets per Amos 3:7
• He says there is nothing new under the sun per Ecclesiastes 1:9
• He says His Torah is a tree of life and eternal per Proverbs 3:18-19 and Psalm 119:160
• He says His Torah is perfect and restores the soul per Psalm 19:7
• He says His Torah makes the simple one wise per Psalm 19:7
• He says His Torah Is freedom and liberty per Psalm 119:45 and James 1:25
• He says His Torah is the only good doctrine there is Proverbs 4:2
• He says His Torah will add length of days and years of life and peace per Proverbs 3:2
• He says all of the ways of His Torah are ways of pleasantness and peace per Proverbs 3:17
• He says His Torah is for our good and well-being per Deuteronomy 6:24
• He says His Torah is health for our lives per Proverbs 3:8
• He says His Torah is life to our soul and a graceful ornament for our neck per Prov 3:22
• He says His Torah is better than pearls and all desires cannot compare to it per Prov 8:11
• He says those who walk with His Torah are praiseworthy per Psalms 119:1
• He says observing His Torah is how we purify our path per Psalms 119:9
• He says His Torah is better than thousands in gold and silver per Psalms 119:72
• He says His Torah brings abundant peace to those who love Him and His Torah per Psalms 119:165
• He says there is one Torah for all per Exodus 12:49/Leviticus 24:22
• He says those who hate His Torah love death per Proverbs 8:36
• He says His Torah is the way of faith per Psalms 119:29-30
• He says His Torah makes us wiser than our enemies per Psalms 119:98
• He says His Torah is a lamp for my feet and a light for my path per Psalms 119:105

“The end of the matter, everything is heard.  Fear HaShem and keep His Commandments, FOR THIS IS THE WHOLE DUTY OF MAN.”  Ecclesiastes 12:13

Before we jump into this Op, let’s first explore the definition of what the ‘Torah’ truly is outside of the fact it is the 613 Commandments given in the first five books of the Bible i.e. Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy i.e. the Books of Moshe. 

The word “Torah” is a Hebrew word which means “Law, direction, instruction, body of prophetic teaching, instruction in the Messianic Age.  The direction one is to take in life.  A throwing of the finger to point towards a direction to walk or live, the throwing down of water in rain.  To point the way one is to walk in life, shooting at a target.  Comprised of the Five Books of Moshe and the Mishnah (Oral Torah).” 

So, we see Torah is NOT just a list of do’s and don’ts as Replacement Theology condemns and teaches, Torah is the vehicle to walk in service to HaShem, the means to grow in a relationship with Him!  We will see this play out as we read through Psalms 119 shortly!  I hope and pray you will see HaShem and His Torah in a whole new light when we are done with this Op and further see Yeshua didn’t come teaching against Torah, but just the opposite!  A Messiah of HaShem MUST come teaching Torah observance otherwise that one claiming to be Messiah is disqualified, which is why I keep saying that per the doctrine of Replacement Theology, Jesus Christ, is disqualified as being the Messiah of HaShem simply because he teaches Torah is now “Fulfilled/obsolete/replaced” by grace….an utterly absurd and demonically inspired doctrine by the way!  I digress.

This word “Torah” is first used in Genesis 26:5 which says “Because Avraham obeyed My voice, and observed My safeguards, My commandments, My decrees, and My Torahs.”  This one verse utterly destroys Replacement Theology as Avraham is clearly walking in the Torah of HaShem BEFORE He gave the Torah to Moshe at Sinai!  This proves HaShem’s Torah was known from the very beginning and Avraham who was NOT ethnically Jewish is walking in the Torah as the evidence and fruit of his faith/trust/belief in HaShem, meaning FIRST Avraham trusted in what HaShem promised and THEN he walked in the Torah out of love, devotion and loyalty to HaShem! 

• Yoma 28b from the Talmud Bavli says “Abraham had great knowledge of astronomy in his heart.  He was able to precisely calculate the movements of the heavenly bodies and was therefore able to discern immediately after noon that the sun had begun its descent. 
  • Abraham was an Elder and sat and studied Torah in a yeshiva (Torah school) where the Divine Presence rests.  There he developed the expertise to determine the precise hour (When the sun would set). 
  • Abraham our Patriarch was himself an Elder and would sit in Yeshiva as it is stated ‘And Abraham was old, advanced in years’ (Genesis 24:1).  From the apparent redundancy of the terms old and advanced in years, it is derived that ‘old’ means that he was a wise Elder and prominent in Torah, and ‘advanced in years’ means that he was elderly. 
    • Similarly, Isaac our Patriarch was an Elder and sat in Yeshiva, as it is stated ‘And it came to pass when Isaac was old and his eyes were dim’ (Genesis 27:1). 
    • Similarly, Jacob our Patriarch was an Elder and sat in Yeshiva, as it is stated ‘And Israel’s eyes were heavy with age’ (Genesis 48:10).

Even though the verses cited here refer to the advanced age of the Patriarchs, clearly these verses do not come to disparage them by asserting that they were frail.  The point of these verses is that their eyes were heavy with age from their Torah study.”

Now let’s quickly lay the foundation for Psalms 119 and see this word in action in the following verses:

Exodus 12:49 says “One Law (Torah) shall there be for the native and the proselyte who lives among you.”  Another pesky verse which destroys Replacement Theology as this verse says there is ONE Torah for everyone who comprises Israel regardless of DNA!  If a person chooses to serve HaShem, the Elohim of Israel and follow the example of Yeshua, we WILL and MUST walk in the Torah as our instruction of how to live in this life! 

Psalm 19:8-9 says “The Torah of HaShem is perfect, it restores the soul, the testimony of HaShem is trustworthy, making the simple one wise.  The orders of HaShem are upright, gladdening the heart.  The command of HaShem is clear, enlightening the eyes.”  A very good statement in the commentary on these verses says “Whoever takes the words of Torah to heart merits that all disturbing thoughts and fears should not molest him.  He is freed from anxiety over violence and hunger, mad illusions and erotic fantasies, evil impulses of sin and adultery, worthless thoughts and fears of oppression by others.  This is as it says ‘The order of HaShem are upright, gladdening the heart.’”

Prov 28:9 says “If one turns his ear aside from hearing the Torah, his prayer, too, will be considered an abomination.”  The commentary says “This person has no interest in learning Torah.  Such a person’s prayer cannot possibly be sincere; and it must be mere lip service.”

Is 42:21 says “HaShem desired for the sake of Israel’s righteousness that the Torah be made great and glorious.”  The commentary on this verse is very interesting and says “HaShem will magnify the Torah at the time of the Redemption (Where we are right now in preparing for the Final Redemption!) to glorify the people of Israel.  At that time, HaShem’s righteousness will be acknowledged when the eyes of the blind will see and the ears of the deaf will hear.  Until then, however, they will remain blind and deaf.  Homiletically, the source for the Oral Torah is the Shechinah (Divine Presence), which is referred to as ‘Righteousness’, and all novella concerning the Torah are included in the Oral Torah.  Accordingly, HaShem desired, for the sake of His Shechinah, to increase the Oral Torah emanating from the novella of Torah scholars.  Therefore, He gave them the power to broaden their horizons (concerning understanding in Torah).”

Hos 8:12 says “I wrote for them (Israel) the great principles of My Torah, but they were regarded as something alien.”  Israel at that time had chosen to embrace idolatry over HaShem and such they had forgotten His Torah and could no longer relate to His Instructions. 

Mal 3:22 (4:4) says “Remember the Torah of Moshe My servant, which I commanded him at Horeb for all Israel, its decrees and its statutes.”  Very interesting this verse in the very last chapter of the Tanakh in which HaShem declares once again how Israel, His people, is NOT to forget His Torah!  So, right after He makes this statement then He suddenly sends Replacement Theology Jesus to do away with everything He said in His Torah?  This means HaShem is now a proven liar, a fraud and completely and utterly untrustworthy!  Another reason why I absolutely abhor and have such disdain for Replacement Theology Christian doctrine and thank HaShem every day He delivered me from that abominable system of deception, lies and destruction.  Baruch HaShem!

Now that we have laid this foundation, let’s now begin to examine this VERY long chapter of Psalms and see what King David is saying to HaShem regarding His Torah!  On a side note, remember Messiah Yeshua is to be in the likeness of David, so if David is Torah observant, then Messiah MUST be as well.  Further, Messiah is to be in the likeness of Moshe otherwise He isn’t Messiah!  Just more reasons why there is such a huge divide between Replacement Theology Jesus Christ and the Messiah of HaShem as revealed in His Word i.e. Yeshua!  I digress.

WALKING IN THE WAYS OF HASHEM

Now we need to quickly examine the layout of Psalms 119 as it is very significant in and of itself how HaShem has set this chapter up and reveals a ton! 

There are twenty-two letters which comprise the Hebrew alphabet – see the below picture for the letters.  Remember Hebrew is read from right to left:

This said, it is important to note there are 176 verses in Psalms 119!  Further, this Psalm is divided up into twenty-two sections, one section for each letter of the Hebrew alphabet!  In each section, there are eight verses! 

In Hebrew, numbers and letters are interconnected…meaning the first letter of the Hebrew alphabet i.e. Alef, has a value of one; Beit has a value of two, etc.  Further, each letter and number have a significant meaning attached to it.  For example:

• The number ‘8’ represents the Torah.  Per the book ‘Jewish Wisdom in the Numbers’ says “Torah is not of this natural world.  It originates from On High and essentially belongs to the Heavenly realm.”  “There are eight sprinklings of blood on Yom Kippur were performed by the High Priest on the curtain of the Holy of Holies.  The sprinkling of one above and seven below symbolizes how the 8^th dimension goes over and above the seven of the natural order.  Indeed, it was only the High Priest, himself elevated by his usual wearing of eight special garments, who was permitted entry into the Kodesh HaKodashim (Holy of Holies on Yom Kippur).  Other appearances of eight in the Mishkan (Tabernacle) include the inauguration of the Sanctuary transpired on the eighth day, its animals were suitable for sacrificial offerings from the eighth day forward; there were eight poles used to transport the main vessels; and there were eight types of spices – four for oil anointment and four for incense.  The number eight relates to Shemini Atzeres, Shavuot and Chanukah.  The miraculous oil of Chanukah is a harbinger of the anointing oil used to inaugurate the coming of the Messianic Era.  This process can be traced to King David, who was the eighth of Yishai’s sons.  The purpose of the Messianic Era is to restore the world to the level of Adam before his sin.”
• The number ‘22’ represent the “sacred letters of the Hebrew alphabet, the building blocks of creation that establish the ideal sequence that constitutes order.”

Very interesting!  The commentary from Psalms 119 adds to this by saying in the opening of this chapter: “The first letter of the Hebrew alphabet symbolizes the head, the source of human intellect.  David taught that the way to come close to HaShem is not through an emotional outburst or an ecstatic fit of inspiration.  Rather, true faith is an odyssey of the mind, a quest for intellectual discovery and recognition of HaShem’s Omnipotence.  The Talmud Tractate Shabbat 104a teaches that the literal meaning of ‘Aleph’ (First letter of the Hebrew alphabet) is ‘Engage in study’ as Job 33:33 states:  ‘And I shall teach you wisdom.’  The term ‘Aleph/study’ appears at the beginning of the alphabet to emphasize that Torah study is the highest priority of Jewish life.  These eight verses beginning with the letter Aleph teach that one should not serve HaShem by rote.  He MUST study and understand the mitzvot (Commandments) in order to subsequently perform them properly.”

So, the entire Hebrew Alphabet means ‘To engage in the study of Torah!’  This is very interesting to me because Yeshua refers to Himself as the ‘Aleph and the Tav’ i.e. the first and last letters of the Hebrew alphabet in Revelation 1:8 (For the record the Apostolic Writings were written in Hebrew, NOT Greek as is commonly taught, but that is another Op in and of itself).  This reinforces if we want to know HaShem and know His Agent i.e. Messiah Yeshua, then we MUST be studying His Torah otherwise we are very susceptible to falling into deception and delusion and believing a lie! 

Let me now ask you, “Is it a coincidence then that the longest chapter of any Book in the Word of HaShem is ALL about the Torah and its importance in our lives and to creation as a whole?”  Is it any wonder then why the adversary has worked so hard to convince the masses of people to shun and reject HaShem and His Torah and teach a Replacement Theology doctrine?  Can you see why Replacement Theology and its Torah abolishing Jesus Christ is quite literally the greatest deception ever in the history of mankind which sets the stage for the rise of the False Messiah?  Also, remember Torah is the doctrine Yeshua taught and reinforced in His time here…He is the Agent of HaShem and cannot in any way change what HaShem established in the beginning!  Point is and let me reinforce, ‘Know Torah = Know Messiah, No Torah = No Messiah!’  Consider this as you read through Psalms 119!

With all this said thus far, now let’s get into the heart of this Op i.e. Psalms 119!!  Baruch HaShem!!

EMBRACE THE FOUNT OF JOY – THE TORAH OF HASHEM!

It should be noted there are ten key words in this Psalm, one of which appears in every verse in this Psalm: 

• Torah
• Way
• Statute
• Commandment
• Judgment
• Testimony
• Precepts
• Righteousness
• Word
• Saying

Each of these words are a different way to point to the Torah of HaShem!

(ALEPH) Psalms 119:1-8 says “Praiseworthy are those whose way is wholesome, who walk with the Torah of HaShem.  Praiseworthy are those who cherish His testimonies, whole heartedly they seek Him.  Indeed, they do no wrong, they walk in His ways.  You have issued Your precepts to be kept diligently.  My hopes:  may my ways be firmly guided to keep Your statutes.  Then I will not be ashamed when I gaze at all Your commandments.  I will thank You with upright heart, when I study Your righteous judgments.  I will keep Your statutes, do not forsake me, so much!”

• Remember the Hebrew letter ‘Aleph’ is all about being directed to study HaShem’s Torah! And what does David say here? He says those who walk in the Torah of HaShem are wholesome and will not sin! Does that mean we can keep His Torah perfectly right now? Sadly, no! May it be very soon in our days!

(BEIT) Psalms 119:9-16 says “How can a youngster purify his path?  By observing Your word.  With all my heart I sought You, let me not stray from Your commandments.  In my heart I treasured Your word, so that I would not sin against You.  Blessed are You, HaShem, teach me Your statutes.  With my lips I recounted all the judgments of Your mouth.  I rejoiced over the way of Your testimonies as much as in all riches.  Of Your precepts I will speak and I will peer at Your paths.  I will occupy myself with Your statutes, I will not forget Your word.”

• According to Shabbat 104a from the Talmud Bavli, the letter ‘Beit’ represents ‘Understanding’. David requests HaShem to teach him His Torah…gaining understanding of His Torah does NOT come quickly or easily! It is a long process, but it is SO very much worth the price and the process! Never a dull moment!! Baruch HaShem!

(GIMEL) Psalms 119:17-24 says “Deal kindly with Your servant, let me live that I may keep Your word.  Unveil my eyes that I may perceive wonders from Your Torah.  I am a sojourner in the world, hide not Your commandments from me.  My soul is shattered with yearning for Your judgments always.  You rebuked the accursed willful sinners who stray from Your commandments.  Remove from upon me scorn and contempt, for I have cherished Your testimonies.  Though princes sat and spoke against me, Your servant discusses Your statutes.  Indeed Your testimonies are my preoccupation, my counselors.”

• According to Shabbat 104a from the Talmud Bavli, the letter ‘Gimel’ represents ‘To do kindness’. To love HaShem is to obey His Torah which also means to deal kindly with other people and treat them justly and with compassion as He shows us compassion. Sound like a familiar teaching? It is, because it is what Yeshua taught…remember He taught nothing new, He just reiterated what HaShem had already stated!

(DALET) Psalms 119:25-32 says “My soul clings to the dust, revive me in accordance with Your word.  I have recounted my ways and You answered me, teach me Your statutes.  Let me understand the way of Your precepts, then I shall discuss Your wonders.  My soul melts from sorrow, sustain me in accordance with Your word.  Remove from me the way of falsehood, and graciously endow me with Your Torah.  I have chosen the way of faith, I have submitted to Your judgments.  I clung to Your testimonies, HaShem, put me not to shame.  I will run on the way of Your commandments when You will broaden my understanding.”

• According to Shabbat 104a from the Talmud Bavli, the letter ‘Dalet’ represents ‘A door‘. David seeks the door which will open the way for him to learn the path of truth i.e. the Torah! It connects to the letter Gimel teaching ‘Deal kindly with the poor.’

(HEY) Psalms 119:33-40 says “Teach me, HaShem, the way of Your statutes, and I will cherish it step by step.  Make me understand, so that I may cherish Your Torah, and I will keep it with all my heart.  Lead me on the trail of Your commandments, for that is my desire.  Incline my heart toward Your testimonies and not to greed.  Avert my eyes from seeing futility, through Your ways preserve me.  Fulfill Your promise to Your servant, regarding fear of You.  Remove the scorn that I dreaded for Your judgments are good.  Behold, I yearn for Your precepts, through Your righteousness preserve me.”

• According to Shabbat 104a from the Talmud Bavli, the letter ‘Hey’ represents ‘HaShem’s ineffable Name’. It connects with the next letter ‘Vav’ which when both are connected form one of the ineffable Names of HaShem! Further, the letter ‘Hey’ is the numerical number for the Five Books of Moshe i.e. Torah!

(VAV) Psalms 119:41-48 says “May Your kindness come to me, HaShem, Your salvation, as You promised.  I shall offer a response to those who scorn me, for I trusted in Your word.  Do not remove from my mouth the word of utmost truth, because I hoped for Your judgment.  I will safeguard Your Torah constantly, forever and ever.  Then I will walk in broad pathways, for I sought Your precepts.  I will speak of Your testimonies before kings and not be ashamed.  I will be preoccupied with Your commandments, which I love.  I will lift my hands to Your commandments, which I love, and I will discuss Your statutes.”

• According to Shabbat 104a from the Talmud Bavli, the letter ‘Vav’ represents ‘HaShem’s ineffable Name’. The letter ‘Vav’ has a numerical value of six which correspond to the Six Orders of the Mishnah, the foundation for the Oral Torah, HaShem’s greatest gifts to His creation.

(ZAYIN) Psalms 119:49-56 says “Remember the word to Your servant, by which You gave me hope.  This is my comfort in my affliction, for Your word preserved me.  Willful sinners taunted me exceedingly, but I did not swerve from Your Torah.  I remembered Your judgments of old, HaShem, and I was comforted.  Trembling seized me because of the wicked who forsake Your Torah.  Your statutes were music to me, in my dwelling place.  In the night I remembered Your Name, HaShem, and I kept Your Torah.  This was my lot because I cherished Your precepts.”

• According to Shabbat 104a from the Talmud Bavli, the letter ‘Zayin’ represents ‘Livelihood, sustenance’. HaShem is teaching that if person who studies and understands, does kindness to the poor and cherishes the Name of HaShem, then they will certainly be blessed.

(CHET) Psalms 119:57-64 says “HaShem is my portion, I said, to keep Your words.  I pleaded before You whole heartedly, favor me as You promised.  I considered my ways and returned my feet to Your testimonies.  I hastened and I did not delay to keep Your commandments.  Bands of wicked men plundered me, but I did not forget Your Torah.  At midnight I will arise to thank You, because of Your righteous judgments.  I am a friend to all you fear You, and to those who keep Your precepts.  Your kindness, HaShem, fills the earth, teach me Your statutes.” 

• According to Shabbat 104a from the Talmud Bavli, the letter ‘Chet’ represents ‘Grace and charm’. If someone walks in the Torah of HaShem, He will grant them this gift!

(TET) Psalms 119:65-72 says “You did good with Your servant, HaShem, according to Your word.  Teach me good reasoning and knowledge, for I believe in Your commandments.  Before I learned, I erred, but now I keep Your word.  You are good and beneficent, teach me Your statutes.  Willful sinners piled falsehood on me, but I cherish Your precepts with all my heart.  Their heart grew thick as fat, but for me, Your Torah is my preoccupation.  It is good for me that I was afflicted, so that I might learn Your statutes.  I prefer the Torah of Your mouth above thousands in gold and silver.”

• According to Shabbat 104a from the Talmud Bavli, the letter ‘Tet’ represents ‘Goodness’. The Talmud teaches those who learns the lessons of the preceding letters with be blessed with goodness by HaShem.

(YOD) Psalms 119:73-80 says “Your hands made me and prepared me, make me understand, so that I may learn Your commandments.  Those who revere You shall see me and rejoice, because I put hope in Your word.  I know, HaShem, that Your judgment is righteous, and that You afflicted me in good faith.  May Your kindness comfort me, as You promised to Your servant.  May Your mercies come upon me so that I may live, for Your Torah is my preoccupation.  May the willful sinners be shamed, for they malign me with lies, but I will discuss Your precepts.  May they return to me, those who fear You, who know Your testimonies.  May I be whole hearted with Your statutes, so that I be not shamed.” 

• According to Shabbat 104a from the Talmud Bavli, the letter ‘Yod’ represents ‘Inheritance’. Those who walk in the Torah of HaShem will have an inheritance in the World to Come! Baruch HaShem!

(KAPH) Psalms 119:81-88 says “My soul pines for Your salvation, for Your word I hope.  My eyes pine for Your promise, saying, ‘When will You comfort me?’  Though I have been like a wineskin dried in smoke, I did not forget Your statutes.  How many are Your servant’s days?  When will You execute judgment upon my pursuers?  Willful sinners dug pits for me, which does not accord with Your Torah.  All Your commandments are faithful, they pursue me with lies, help me!  They had almost destroyed me on earth, but I did not forsake Your precepts.  In accordance with Your kindness, preserve me!  And I will keep the testimony of Your mouth.” 

• According to Shabbat 104a from the Talmud Bavli, the letter ‘Kaph’ represents ‘Crown’. The person who has faith in HaShem and walks in His Torah will be ‘crowned’ with His Ruach (Spirit).

(LAMED) Psalms 119:89-96 says “Forever, HaShem, Your word stands firm in heaven.  Your faithfulness endures from generation to generation, You established the earth and it endures.  To fulfill Your judgment they stand each day, for all are Your servants.  Had Your Torah not been my preoccupation, I would have perished in my suffering.  I will never forget Your precepts, for through them You have preserved me.  I am Yours, save me!  For I have sought Your precepts.  The wicked hoped to destroy me, but I contemplate Your testimonies.  To every goal I have seen a limit, but Your commandment is exceedingly broad.”

According to Shabbat 104a from the Talmud Bavli, the letter ‘Lamed’ represents ‘The World to Come’. The greatest reward HaShem has promised to those who believe in Him is resurrection, eternal life in the World to Come!! May it be so very soon!!

(MEM) Psalms 119:97-104 says “Oh how I love Your Torah!  All day long it is my conversation.  Your commandments make me wiser than my enemies, for it is ever with me.  From all my teachers I grew wise, for Your testimonies are my conversation.  From the elders I gain understanding, for I have cherished Your precepts.  From every evil path I restrained my feet, so that I might keep Your word.  From Your judgments I did not depart, for You have taught me.  How sweet to my palate is Your word, more than honey to my mouth.  Through Your precepts I acquire understanding, therefore I hate every path of falsehood.” 

• According to Shabbat 104a from the Talmud Bavli, the letter ‘Mem’ represents ‘Pronouncement’. This refers to the Ten Pronouncements with which HaShem created the world. This letter has a numerical value of 40. The human embryo is created and formed in 40 days. Israel wandered the desert for 40 years being shaped from a multitude of fugitive slaves to HaShem’s nation!

(NUN) Psalms 119:105-112 says “Your word is a lamp for my feet and a light for my path.  I have sworn, and I will fulfull, to keep Your righteous judgments.  I am exceedingly afflicted, HaShem, preserve me in accord with Your word.  Please accept with favor the offerings of my mouth HaShem, and teach me Your judgments.  My life is always at risk, but I did not forget Your Torah.  The wicked laid a snare for me, but I did not stray from Your percepts.  Your testimonies are my eternal heritage, for they are the joy of my heart.  I have inclined my heart to perform Your statutes, forever, to the utmost.”

• According to Shabbat 104a from the Talmud Bavli, the letter ‘Nun’ represents ‘Loyal person’. This loyal person is completely devoted to HaShem! This person is subservient to HaShem and walks in His Torah.

(SAMECH) Psalms 119:113-120 says “I hate the irresolute, but I love Your Torah.  You are my concealment and my shield, I put hope in Your word.  Depart from me, you evildoers, and I will cherish the commandments of my Elohim.  Support me as You promised, that I may live, disgrace me not in my hope.  Sustain that I may be saved, and I will always be engrossed in Your statutes.  You trampled all who stray from Your statutes, for their deceit is falsehood.  Like dross, You purged all the wicked of the earth, therefore I love Your testimonies.  My flesh shuddered from dread of You, and I feared Your judgments.” 

• According to Shabbat 104a from the Talmud Bavli, the letter ‘Samech’ represents ‘Support’. HaShem supports all those who rely on Him. This letter has the numerical value of 60 and best described by the verse in Song of Solomon 3:7 where we read “Behold the bed of Solomon with sixty warriors guarding it.”

(AYIN) Psalms 119:121-128 says “I practiced justice and righteousness, abandon me not to those who exploit me.  Be Your servant’s guarantor for good, let not willful sinners exploit me.  My eyes pine for Your salvation, and for Your promised righteousness.  Treat Your servant according to Your kindness, and teach me Your statutes.  I am Your servant, grant me understanding, so that I may know Your testimonies.  There is a time when HaShem will act, they voided Your Torah.  Therefore I loved Your commandments, more than gold, even more than fine gold.  Therefore I declared the fairness of every precept regarding everything!  I hated every path of falsehood.”

• According to Shabbat 104a from the Talmud Bavli, the letter ‘Ayin’ represents ‘A pauper’. It is man’s duty to support the poor and poverty doesn’t just mean financial poverty, but true poverty i.e. those who have zero knowledge of HaShem or His Torah!

(PEY) Psalms 119:129-136 says “Your testimonies are wonders, therefore my soul has cherished them.  Your opening words illuminate, making simpletons understand.  I opened my mouth and swallowed deeply, because I lust for Your commandments.  Turn to me and favor me, as is just for those who love Your Name.  Ready my steps toward Your word, and let no iniquity have power over me.  Redeem me from human exploitation, and I will observe Your precepts.  Let Your face shine upon Your servant, and teach me Your statute.  My eyes shed streams of water, because they did not keep Your Torah.” 

• According to Shabbat 104a from the Talmud Bavli, the letter ‘Pey’ represents ‘Mouth’. This teaches that a person should not speak before he studies and sees the truth with his own eyes!

TZADE) Psalms 119:137-144 says “Righteous are You, HaShem, and Your judgments are fair.  You commanded Your testimonies of righteousness and great faithfulness.  My zeal incenses me, for my oppressors have ignored Your words.  Your word is very pure, and Your servant loves it.  I am young and despised, yet I do not forget Your precepts.  Your righteousness is an everlasting righteousness, and Your Torah is truth.  Distress and anguish have overtaken me, Your commandments are my preoccupation.  Your testimonies are righteous forever, grant me understanding so that I may live.”

• According to Shabbat 104a from the Talmud Bavli, the letter ‘Tzade’ represents ‘A tzaddik follows ‘Ayin’ and ‘Pey’. A person who guards their eyes, mouth and humbly submits his voice and vision to HaShem will be considered a righteous person…all of which comes by faith in HaShem!

(KUF) Psalms 119:145-152 says “I called with all my heart, answer me, HaShem, I will cherish Your statutes.  I called You, save me, and I will keep Your testimonies.  I arose before dawn and I cried out, I hoped for Your word.  My eyes preceded the night watches, that I may discuss Your word.  Hear my voice in accord with Your kindness, HaShem, preserve me in accord with Your judgment.  The pursuers of intrigue approach, they are far from Your Torah.  You are nearby, HaShem, and all Your commandments are true.  From the start I knew from Your testimonies, that You established them forever.”

• According to Shabbat 104a from the Talmud Bavli, the letter ‘Kuf’ represents ‘Sanctity’. This letter basically represents ‘Teshuvah/Repentance’ which means a person has returned to HaShem and His Torah!

(RESH) Psalms 119:153-160 says “See my affliction and release me, for I have not forgotten Your Torah.  Champion my cause and redeem me, for Your word’s sake, preserve me.  Salvation is far from the wicked, for they sought not Your statutes.  Your mercies, HaShem, are abundant, preserve me in accordance with Your judgments.  Many were my pursuers and tormentors, but I did not swerve from Your testimonies.  I saw traitors and I quarreled with them, because they kept not Your word.  Observe that I loved Your precepts, HaShem, preserve me in accordance with Your kindness.  Your very first utterance is truth, and Your righteous judgment is eternal.” 

• According to Shabbat 104a from the Talmud Bavli, the letter ‘Resh’ represents ‘Wicked’. The wicked man is so arrogant that he puts himself ahead of everyone else, including HaShem, Whom he defies and rebels against. HaShem is clear, at the appointed time He will judge and forever destroy these people!

(SHIN) Psalms 119:161-168 says “Princes pursued me without cause, but my heart feared Your utterance.  I rejoice over Your word, like one who finds abundant spoils.  I hate falsehood and I abhor it, but Your Torah I love.  Seven times a day I praise You for Your righteous judgments.  There is abundant peace for the lovers of Your Torah, and there is no stumbling block for them.  I hoped for Your salvation, HaShem, and I performed Your commandments.  My soul kept Your testimonies, and I loved them very much.  I have kept Your orders and Your testimonies, for all my ways are before You.”

• According to Shabbat 104a from the Talmud Bavli, the letter ‘Shin’ represents ‘Falsehood’. This represents the ultimate destruction of those who represent falsehood and evil.

(TAV) Psalms 119:169-176 says “May my prayerful song approach Your Presence, HaShem, grant me understanding in according with Your utterance.  May my supplication come before You, rescue me in accordance with Your word.  My lips will overflow with praise when You teach me Your statute.  My tongue shall proclaim Your word, because all Your commandments are righteous.  Let Your hand be ready to assist me, for I have chosen Your precepts.  I lust for Your salvation, HaShem, and Your Torah is my preoccupation.  Let my soul live and it shall praise You, and let Your judgments assist me.  I have strayed like a lost sheep, seek out Your servant, for I have not forgotten Your commandments.”

• According to Shabbat 104a from the Talmud Bavli, the letter ‘Tav’ represents ‘Truth’. As this is the final letter of the alphabet, it teaches that truth is the final and ultimate purpose of all pursuits and action and what is the truth of HaShem? “Your Torah is truth” per Psalms 119:142!!

Can you see HaShem is absolutely serious about His Torah and how much of a blessing it is? If we want to develop relationship with HaShem, like I said earlier, His Torah is the ONLY way to do that!! Trust me, from personal experience, it will utterly change your entire life and His Word will suddenly explode into life! Further, it will make the words of the Apostolic Writings finally make real and significant sense and not have to cherry pick through verses to find ones that agree with whatever the latest message of Replacement Theology is.

So, in these very trying times we are living in, now more than ever HaShem is calling for His people to come to Him and learn and live by His Torah, because doing so, we will know HaShem, we will know His Messiah and will NOT fall into deception and delusion and certainly will not be seduced by the doctrine of the Impostor i.e. the False Messiah and his Replacement Theology doctrine!

Be encouraged! It cannot be much longer until the Final Redemption happens! May it be so VERY soon in our days!!!

Shalom!

SOURCE MATERIALS:

• The Scriptures by the Institute for Scripture Research
• The Stone Tanakh by Artscroll
• The Stone Chumash by Artscroll
• Artscroll Tanakh Series Tehillim (Psalms) by Artscroll
• Tractate Shabbos from the Talmud Bavli by Artscroll and Steinsaltz