One of my favorite passages in the entire Bible is Psalm 119. The longest single chapter in Scripture by a wide margin, this psalm is one of praise for God’s Word. This acrostic poem, built upon the Hebrew alphabet, puts the blessing of Scripture on display. David, its author, wanted all who read, sang, and spoke these words to know the goodness of God’s Word for all of life.
David saw God’s Law—his revealed will for his people—as a gift for which we should be thankful. The Law, he wrote, is source of delight, guide, and comfort (24; 52). It is more valuable than gold and silver (72), and sweeter than honey (103). It is where we find true and lasting joy (111).
Wisdom from the Early Church
David was not alone in his love for the Word, nor for encouraging that love in others. For centuries, pastors and teachers have helped Christians see the beauty of Scripture. One of those teachers was Ambrose of Milan (c.339 – c.397). Known for his powerful teaching and musical innovation, Ambrose’s reflection on Psalm 119:97-104 is a beautiful reminder of the gift that is God’s Word. He wrote:
The soul presses forward for a glimpse of hidden mysteries, to the very abode of the Word, to the very dwelling place of that highest Good and his light and brightness. In that bosom and secret dwelling place of the Father, the soul hastens to hear his words and, having heard them, finds them sweeter than all things. Let the prophet who has tasted this sweetness teach you when he says, “Your words are sweeter in my mouth than honey!” What else can a soul desire when it has once tasted the sweetness of the Word, when it has once seen its brightness? How great is the glory of that divine Essence, how great the graces of the Word at which even angels wish to gaze!1
Giving Thanks with Ambrose
“What else “What else can a soul desire when it has once tasted the sweetness of the Word?” Ambrose asked. He knew what we are so often prone to forget: The Bible is a gift for us to not simply believe or obey, but to enjoy. As we read and study, seeking to be trained in righteousness and equipped for every good work (2 Timothy 3:16–17), let us also do so with this in mind. Delight in the inspired Word. Give thanks for its life-giving goodness. Because once we have experienced the wonder of God’s Word, there is nothing that can satisfy our souls.
- St. Ambrose of Milan, Letters, as published in Timeless Truths Bible (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 2023), 778.
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