41. Let your steadfast love come to me, O Lord,
your salvation according to your promise;

42. Then shall I have an answer for him who taunts me,
for I trust in your word.

43. And take not the word of truth utterly out of my mouth,
for my hope is in your rules.

44. I will keep your law continually,
forever and ever,

45. And I shall walk in a wide place,
for I have sought your precepts.

46. I will also speak of your testimonies before kings
and shall not be put to shame,

47. For I find my delight in your commandments,
which I love.

48. I will lift up my hands toward your commandments, which I love,
and I will meditate on your statutes.

The Link that Slays Legalism

This 6th stanza of Psalm 119 begins with the word Vi’vo-oo’ni (וִיבֹאֻנִי) which means, And let come to me, and begins with the conjunction waw or vav (ו). In this case, we are focusing on the function rather than the meaning of the Hebrew letter/word. A conjunction is a part of speech that links words, phrases, and clauses. A conjunction, though seemingly small and often overlooked, serves a critical function–linkage. This conjunction is recognizable in a few of these eight verses in English translations, but is hidden in most of them (i.e. and, then). In Hebrew, all eight verses in this stanza do begin with the Hebrew conjunction waw. The conjunction waw links these verses together around the topic of loving God’s instructions as the path of relating rightly with God and others.

Legalism is toxic, but staying linked to Jesus is transformational. Legalism flourishes when there are rules without right relationship. When Christian community perpetuates a culture of legalism — a counterfeit for what God calls true religion (Ja. 1:27; Col. 2:8) — faith is undermined and love wilts. The antidote for legalism is right relationship with God and walking and working that out in real time with others. And let’s be honest — relationships are messy! But God is in the business of cleaning up our mess and Jesus is always the way God does this transformational work.

Staying linked to Jesus in right relationship in real time is the antidote to legalism. Psalm 119 is a huge help with this! Beloved, let the written word of God link you to the living Word of God. As you do, you are investing in right relationship with God that will slay legalism and spark the faith needed to love well.

Hebrew Treasure excerpt written by Thomas Boehm.
From The Psalm 119 Journey by Steve Allen, ©2022.
Used with permission.