Ps 119:131 I opened my mouth wide and panted, for I longed for Thy commandments.
This is a very descriptive set of words. It paints a picture for us of the great desire the Psalmist has for Truth. You might even want to start at the beginning of Psalm 119 and mark each time God’s word is mentioned. There are several references used for the word: law, way, testimonies, commandments, precepts, word, judgments, statutes, and saying.
Below are the Hebrew definitions from Strong’s Concordance for a few of the words we’ll take a closer look at.
opened <pa’ar> to yawn, open wide
mouth <peh> can also mean mind, speech
panted <sha’aph> to inhale eagerly; desire earnestly, devour
Let’s remember the writer of this Psalm. David endures imprisonment, accusation and persecution because of his love for God. Throughout this entire Psalm, the love he has for God’s word dominates. David recognizes his need for Truth at all times in his life, whether he is in adversity or prosperity. In all circumstances, the Psalmist calls upon the word of God for his sustaining comfort and encouragement.
“I opened my mouth wide and panted” is something we can readily picture. Think of inhaling eagerly, desiring earnestly, and devouring – these words are indicative of serious need and want. Picture this: a newborn baby who has slept for six hours (probably 3-4 is a more realistic time ) then wakes with an insatiable hunger for its mother’s milk. It is impossible to appease the infant with anything but what is desired. There is nothing else that will fill its need!
Picture a puppy inhaling its food. It seems as though it just can’t get enough and the only thing on its mind is to eat. One of our dogs, Lily, is a French Bull Dog. The picture at the beginning of this blog is from Halloween a few years back, complete with a skull and crossbones tattoo – I couldn’t help myself! As sweet as she is, she is not at all loyal to any one person, rather, the hand that fills her dish becomes her temporary best bud. Food is her obsession. It is evident in the noisy way she eats, (I’ve often thought we should have named her piglet), and with the gusto she uses to inhale her food. When she was a puppy, we would have to put a rock in the center of her bowl in order to slow down her gulping the contents. Her appetite has never waned, it is still voracious! This behavior would not be welcomed in anyone of us, but when related to our appetite of God’s word, it is a good thing to desire.
David explains his words to us. Why did he open his mouth and pant? Because he “longed for” God’s commandments. His desire for God’s truth is strong. Think of the word yearning. I love this word used in connection with God’s word because it describes a prolonged desire or need, a need that is never completely filled. Let me explain: We can never get enough of the Truth. There is always more. More insight, more encouragement, more instruction, more conviction, more knowledge of God’s love for us and how unfathomable it is! Heaven forbid we ever get to the place where we think we are finished studying God’s truths or have it all together or don’t need more input. The Bible is not a course we take and complete, it is a life-giving, life-sustaining gift from the very mouth of God. It is to be treasured, pondered over, and used frequently. It is quite different than any other book we might have.
Textbooks are used for a time, learned, memorized, spit out on a test and forgotten. They also frequently become outdated as new versions are published. Cookbooks may be used frequently but most of us use them for quick reference then put them away. We don’t ponder what they mean or how a recipe can change our life! Storybooks or novels are read for amusement, for recreation. The Bible is always relevant, not meant to be forgotten and shelved, and hopefully referenced so often that it is always handy. It is meant for us to ponder and it absolutely changes lives as God opens desiring hearts to know Him.
Clickhttp://thensingsmysoultothee.com/in-god-alone/ for more study…
