Psalm 56 is our Text this morning.

And we notice particularly Verse 4 where David resolutely writes: “In God I will praise His Word.”

Then again in Verse 10 the pledge is repeated: “In God will I praise His Word.”

Well really this promise is iterated (reiterated) a third time, just using a different Name for God: “In the LORD will I praise His Word.” Still in Verse 10 of the Psalm!

Three times in one Psalm!

And in each case the verb “praise” is grammatically the same. In Hebrew it’s called a Piel imperfect! Let me explain … the “Piel” stem of any Hebrew verb intensifies the action! David says that he will REALLY PRAISE the Word of God, with all his might! The “imperfect” sense of timing suggests David plans to praise God’s Word today and tomorrow and every day thereafter! This exalting the Word will be a habitual lifestyle for this dear man! An ongoing activity!

Oh, by the way, the verb is spelled “halal,” forming our word “Hallelujah,” meaning “praise God!” Furthermore and on a deeper level, it means “to commend, to celebrate, to boast on,” from a root verb indicating “to shine,” to so reflect God’s Glory!

But exactly what is David praising?

GOD’S WORD!

This makes me wonder if David might be (though it is not a stated fact) the human author of Psalm 119, which praises God’s Word over 170 times! Yes, that single Chapter!

So I am thinking this Monday morning … if David can boast in God’s Word, surely I can as well. If David can praise all that God has said, His “logos” (His very “Logic”) … surely I can agree with him!

Our strength comes from Scripture!

Our Wisdom and Doctrine too!

Our standard for Christian behaviour as well!

I’ve heard enough belittling of the Bible.

I plan to spend my days exalting (praising) it!

Am I wrong?

In Psalm 138:2 (still David holding the pen) I am taught … “God, Thou hast magnified Thy Word above all Thy Name.”

So I conclude … if God so praises His Own Word … surely I can (and must) as well!

Hallelujah for the Bible!

— Dr. Mike Bagwell

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