Psalm 119:105 Meaning

[Chad]

Psalm 119:105
Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. The authorship of this chapter in Psalms is unknown. Nevertheless, the author of our verse seems to have understood that the journey itself is as important as the destination.

Before we explore this verse in depth it is useful to differentiate the meaning of "lamp" from "light" in the Hebrew language. A lamp, by implication, indicates just enough light for the immediate area, and is defined as follows; primitive root, to glisten, candle, lamp. In contrast, the Hebrew definition of light is; luminary, bright, clear, daylight, morning, sun. (Interesting note: glisten, defined means 'sparkle'. So Gods word in the form of a lamp on our path, sparkles). The author recognizes that Gods word, as a lamp, will shed sufficient light unto our feet with each step in our walk with the Lord, equipping us with what is necessary to walk without stumbling (in sin). We will see in advance the hazard, temptation, by the lamp, thus avoid a fall. As we look toward the Kingdom we must see where we are at any given moment. Jesus said, "...Each day has enough trouble of its own."(Mat 6:34).

Again, Gods word is a lamp unto our feet, right here in this place, right now, today as we need it. And we will need it. For we are surrounded by darkness. We need to be mindful that we are travelers, foreigners in this world, here for a time as we pass though it. We seek an eternal destination.

We know this path is the Way by which we will reach our destination, and the Truth that leads us to eternal Life. We have chosen this path, but it is not a path that we would naturally take. There is a way that seems right to a man but who's end is death (Pro 16:25).There are all kinds of paths that veer off, often subtly, to the right and to the left. Those paths lead to destruction. Along the way, even as Gods Word sparkles while lighting each step, as a lamp unto our path, we are going to stumble and injure ourselves because of our sinful nature. But do not give up, rather continue to ...make straight paths for your feet, that that which is injured be not turned from the path, but rather be healed (Heb 12:13). For there is healing and forgiveness that is shinning out of the darkness. It is a bright light, a clear light. The Light Of The World (Jhn 8:12) The Bright Morning Star (Rev 22:16) Our Lord and Savior, Jesus ...The Word (Jhn 1:1)) He is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.

To God be the glory

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[james1523]

Firstly, Psalm 119 says God's Word is a lamp and light for us. Light basically means spiritual revelation, knowledge and insight. It also shines upon the dark areas in our lives, revealing our shortcomings and failures, so we may confess.

Then, in Matt 5:14, Jesus says we are the light. We can bring the spiritual revelation and knowledge of God to the world. The Bible says not to hide this light, do not hide the revelation and knowledge of God - our job as Christians is to make God known to the sinners and unsaved.

The Pharisees had Gods Word, but they did not have the light. Merely reading the Scriptures does not mean we get light. The Pharisees did not have the light because they did not come to Christ to have eternal life (John 5:40). First we need eternal life, and then we get light. We need to turn to Christ to gain the light, otherwise we remain in darkness. Paul's conversion from a persecuting Jew to a Christian is a good example - as a persecutor he had God's Word, knew it thoroughly, yet was still blinded, until Jesus came and spoke to him, and then scales fell off Paul's eyes and then he could see physically and spiritually.

So we see that God's Word is not light for us unless we receive Christ. When God's Word, the Spirit of Christ gets into us, it becomes our light. Then as we live according to this light, this becomes light for the world. Light and life go together, and they come to us by the Spirit entering us, and then speaking to us.