The Living Word in the Psalms

Many people see a contradiction when they read Psalm 19 or 119, which seem to say that God's "Law" is eternal, and then compare that to Hebrews chapter 8 or the epistle of Galatians in the New Testament, which says that God's Law from the Old Testament has expired. Upon closer examination, this is not a contradiction at all.

There is a misunderstanding in too many churches today, where they teach that the "Word of God" refers just to the written Scriptures or the Law of Moses.

Let's look at what the Holy Bible actually has to say about what "God's Word" really is:

The Living Word of God

* The Apostle Peter wrote that the "Word of God" created the world, brought the Great Flood, and will one day bring about the Great Tribulation. (2 Peter 3:5-7) The epistle to the Hebrews also says that God's Word created the universe and that the powerful Word of Jesus sustains the universe. (Hebrews 11:3; Hebrews 1:3)

* The Psalms in the Old Testament proclaim the same thing: The universe was created by "The Word of God." (Psalm 33:6)

* In addition, according to John the Apostle, Jesus Christ's name in heaven was "The Word of God." (John 1:1-3; Revelation 19:13)

* Hebrews 4:12-13 declares that "the Word of God" is alive and powerful, and that we will stand before Him to explain our actions.

So we can see that the phrase "Word of God" or "God's Word" can have different meanings in different contexts. 

 

In some contexts, "The Word of God" means God's creative power or dynamic energy to accomplish His purpose, or to His principles and commands He gives us in our consciences. Sometimes it is the intuition or leading of the Holy Spirit in our hearts. In other contexts, the phrase refers to Jesus Christ. In still other places, "the Word" does refer to the written Bible. But none of the verses above make any sense if they are referring only to the written Scriptures or to the Law of Moses. This is why "context is king."

Now we'll check out Psalm 19 and 119 to determine what is meant by "the Word of God" in those contexts:

Psalm 19:1-4 (NET): "The heavens declare the glory of God; the sky displays his handiwork. Day after day it speaks out; night after night it reveals his greatness. There is no actual speech or word, nor is its voice literally heard. Yet its voice echoes throughout the earth; its words carry to the distant horizon."

MY COMMENTS: Here is a beautiful and poetical way of expressing the idea that God's creation reveals His glory. In this context, God's "Word" is being "spoken" without actual audible words by nature itself. This is not speaking of the written Scriptures. So "God's Word" can refer to God's created universe revealing His majesty and power to us.

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Psalm 19:4-7 (NET): "In the sky he has pitched a tent for the sun. Like a bridegroom it emerges from its chamber; like a strong man it enjoys running its course. It emerges from the distant horizon, and goes from one end of the sky to the other; nothing can escape its heat. The law of the Lord is perfect and preserves one’s life. The rules set down by the Lord are reliable  and impart wisdom to the inexperienced."

MY COMMENTS: But now the imagery shifts and "God's Word" or "law" is referring to the laws of nature God established by His Holy Spirit. These natural laws control the rotation of the earth, bringing about the rising and setting of the sun. This same "law" of God's Spirit also breathes life and imparts wisdom into human beings. This is not speaking of the written Scriptures. So "God's Word" can refer to the power of the Holy Spirit in establishing the natural laws, giving life to humans, or imparting wisdom to us (for example, through our consciences).
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Psalm 19:8-11 (NET): "The Lord’s precepts are fair and make one joyful. The Lord’s commands are pure and give insight for life. The commands to fear the Lord are right and endure forever. The judgments given by the Lord are trustworthy and absolutely just. They are of greater value than gold, than even a great amount of pure gold; they bring greater delight than honey, than even the sweetest honey from a honeycomb. Yes, your servant finds moral guidance there; those who obey them receive a rich reward."

MY COMMENTS: The meaning of "God's Word" shifts again here. Now the discussion changes to focus on the "Word of God" speaking moral guidance into your conscience through the Holy Spirit. This can refer to God's written Scriptures, but more likely, in this context, is speaking of the human conscience being enlightened by the Holy Spirit (compare also Psalm 19:12-14).
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Psalm 119:89-96 (NET): "O Lord, your instructions endure; they stand secure in heaven. You demonstrate your faithfulness to all generations. You established the earth and it stood firm. Today they stand firm by your decrees, for all things are your servants. If I had not found encouragement in your law, I would have died in my sorrow. I will never forget your precepts, for by them you have revived me. I belong to you. Deliver me! For I seek your precepts. The wicked prepare to kill me, yet I concentrate on your rules. I realize that everything has its limits, but your commands are beyond full comprehension."

MY COMMENTS: In this context, "God's Word" or "Instruction," is speaking of the natural laws which govern the universe and by which God formed the earth. God established these natural laws by His command. The psalmist here expresses his desire to follow and obey the commands of God, which, as we will see below, include God giving a special message and promise to the psalmist.
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Psalm 119:114-117 (NET): "You are my hiding place and my shield. I find hope in your word. Turn away from me, you evil men, so that I can observe the commands of my God. Sustain me as you promised, so that I will live. Do not disappoint me! Support me, so that I will be delivered. Then I will focus on your statutes continually."

MY COMMENTS: Here, "God's Word" refers to a special promise which God made to this psalmist, to save his life. So the "Word," "law," "statutes," and "commands" in this passage are God's messages and promises given directly to this psalmist. This is not speaking of the written Scriptures.

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Psalm 119:122-123 (NET): "Guarantee the welfare of your servant! Do not let the arrogant oppress me! My eyes grow tired as I wait for your deliverance, for your reliable promise to be fulfilled."

MY COMMENTS: Again, in this passage, "God's Word" is a special promise of deliverance given to this psalmist. This is not referring to the written Scriptures.

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In summary:

Don't assume that the expression "Word of God" or "God's Word" refers to the written Scriptures. Instead, examine the context to see what it actually means.