A Love for Scripture

Psalm 119:116

Opening Story

  • Story of a daughter returning from Central America with an unexpected fiancé
  • Emphasis on misunderstanding and preconceived notions
  • Transition to the importance of interpretation (hermeneutics)

Importance of Hermeneutics

  • How we understand scripture is crucial
  • Prejudices and personal questions can hinder proper interpretation
  • Scripture’s purpose is to reveal the mind of God

Theme Verse Introduction

  • Introduction of Psalm 119:116
  • Overview of Psalm 119 and its structure
  • Historical context and significance, particularly in early Christianity

Psalm 119 Overview

  • Description of the psalmist's situation and structure of Psalm 119
  • Emphasis on the psalmist's love for God and His law

Focus on Psalm 119:116

  • Exegesis of Psalm 119:116
  • The psalmist's appeal to God based on His promises

Repetition of the Phrase “According to Your Word”

  • Examination of various verses in Psalm 119 that repeat this phrase (e.g., Psalm 119:25, 28, 37, 41, 58, 65)
  • The psalmist’s appeal for sustenance based on God's word

Dual Motifs in the Psalm

  • First Motif: Appeal for relief from suffering based on God’s promises
  • Second Motif: Love for God’s law and finding solace in it despite suffering

Love for the Law Over Personal Relief

  • The psalmist’s comprehensive view of God's word
  • The centrality of Torah in the psalmist's life

Application

Proper Approach to Scripture

  • Avoid imposing personal questions and prejudices on the text
  • Emphasize listening to what God is saying through scripture
  • Historical understanding from monastic practices (Rule of Saint Benedict)

Personal Illustrations

  • Example of a student misinterpreting scripture due to contemporary biases
  • Anecdote of Dr. Bingham’s interaction with a New Testament scholar emphasizing the importance of knowing the text over theology

Final Reflections

  • Challenge to love God’s word for what it is, not just for personal benefit
  • Encouragement to approach scripture with a desire to understand God’s mind and heart

*The above summary is AI-generated, so discrepancies may exist. Please refer to the audio or video file to verify accuracy.

About the Contributors