(C) 2005, Phyllis Wezeman & Ann Liechty

TEACHING THE PSALMS
PSALM 119

Psalm 119, both formal and elaborate, is the longest of all the Psalms as well as the longest chapter in the Bible. The poem is structured around the Hebrew alphabet, which contains twenty-two letters. Correspondingly, the Psalm is organized into twenty-two sections of eight verses each. In the first section, each line of the eight verses begins with Aleph, the first letter of the alphabet; in the second section, each line begins with Beth, and so forth through all the sections until all twenty-two letters have been represented. This acrostic-style structure was designed to help worshippers focus on the law of God and remember God’s teaching. Some speculate this disciplined and complex poetic form was the work of Ezra, the priest, after the temple was rebuilt, to be used as a repetitive meditation on the beauty of God’s Word.

Every one of the 176 verses of Psalm 119 except verses 84, 90, 121, 122, 132, 149, and 156 mentions the word of God using one of ten synonymous terms that refer to God’s law (teachings), testimonies (instruction), precepts, statutes, commandments, ordinances (decrees), word, ways (paths), promises, and judgments (rulings). The effect is a litany of praise for God’s Word that provides the worshipper with a structure to focus prayerful thoughts and a guide for living that leads to a life of confidence and peace.

Psalm 119 is a familiar text which many people have read, maybe even memorized a portion, at some point in their Christian study. The challenge for the education setting, however, is to help learners move beyond surface knowledge of a Biblical passage to explore and experience new levels of understanding in familiar words. The following methods are offered to inspire leaders to create new patterns for learning and involve participants in hands-on activities that tap into different interests and intelligences. Each category contains two suggestions to develop in traditional classroom settings, workshop rotation model programs, or learning center approaches.

ARCHITECTURE

Build a trellis for a plant and connect the structure of a trellis with the order and discipline of God’s word in our lives, as reflected in Psalm 119.

Visit a church or a retreat center that has a portable or permanent labyrinth and walk the path, meditating on God’s word throughout the journey.

ART

Design a stepping stone from plaster and, while wet, add words that represent commandments of God to remember along life’s path.

Shape a clay lamp as a reminder of verse 105: “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”

BANNERS/TEXTILES

Construct a small heart-shaped paper banner to hang as a reminder to treasure God’s word in our hearts.

Make footprints on a wall mural or banner by having participants step in acrylic or fabric paint. Add the words from verse 45: “I shall walk at liberty, for I have sought your precepts.”

CREATIVE WRITING

Create a thesaurus of synonyms for God’s law. Look through Psalm 119 to find the words that name attributes of God’s teachings; then look for other words that help readers to understand the meanings behind concepts such as commandments, ordinances, and precepts.

Discuss the organization of Psalm 119 and create an acrostic verse that follows the same pattern, using the alphabet to create a poem in praise of God.

CULINARY

Follow a simple recipe to make a delightful snack, and compare the pleasant results with following God’s instructions for life.

Taste honey and use it to sweeten treats that will remind God’s people of verse 103.

DANCE/GESTURE/MOVEMENT

Divide participants into groups and assign one stanza of Psalm 119 to each team. Ask them to devise movements to pantomime the meaning found in their eight lines.

Learn the “grapevine step” to dance the Hora and repeat the dance again and again to remember the repetition of the theme of Psalm 119 -- the delight for those who walk in God’s ways.

DRAMA

Improvise a skit to represent the challenges to those who want to “stay tuned” to God’s Word. Have one central character read a Bible while others try to distract or disrupt his or her focus with other devices people can “tune in” to, like radios, televisions, CD or DVD players, or cell phones. Make the point that the way to find peace and happiness is to focus on God’s ways.

Select key verses from Psalm 119 to commit to memory. Present the memorized lines as a choral reading.

GAMES

Hide letters of the alphabet for participants to search for. Require individuals or groups to find all the letters of the alphabet in order to be able to select a prize from a “treasure chest.” Be sure to connect the meaning of the search to the form and message of Psalm 119.

Play “Hide and Go Seek” several times prior to discussing Psalm 119. Explain that those who delight in searching for God find the greatest joy in life.

MUSIC

Sing a song based on verses or phrases from Psalm 119. Look in a Psalter or hymnal for lyrics based on this Psalm.

Use the tune of the alphabet song to create a new song to sing reflecting words or meanings found in Psalm 119.

PHOTOGRAPHY

Look for books with pictures of illuminated Scripture texts, like the Book of Kells. Discuss how pictures add to the enjoyment and meaning of Scripture, as well as add to people’s valuing of the treasure that is God’s Word.

Take close up pictures of the body parts named in Psalm 119, including eyes, lips, tongue, mouth, hands, and feet and make a fun collage adding the words from the Psalm that go with each picture.

PUPPETRY

Create a puppet to represent the Old Testament priest Ezra, possible author of Psalm 119. Using information from the Psalm, the Book of Ezra, or a Bible Encyclopedia, put together a monologue for the puppet to present.

Use the evils described in Psalm 119 to create a “survivor challenge” script of “the wicked” versus “the faithful.” For example, use the difficulties described in verses 23, 51, 61, 69, 78, 85, 95, 110, 115, 139, 150, 157, or 161 to design the challenges. Each time, of course, “the faithful” find that God’s promise brings them the ultimate victory.

STORYTELLING

Collect stories from the congregation about times when people found their strength by turning to God’s ways. Produce a “Book of Hours” with a story for each hour of the day to call people to meditate upon God’s promises.

Work with the church or public library to find books and stories about God’s faithfulness. Find examples for all levels of readers and create a book display at church with the title: “God’s faithfulness endures to all generations,” Psalm 119:90.