How does Psalm 119:142 define righteousness and its eternal nature? Setting the Verse in Context Psalm 119 is an extended celebration of God’s Word. Verse 142 stands at the heart of that celebration: “Your righteousness is an everlasting righteousness, and Your law is truth.” Righteousness Defined by God’s Word • The verse does not look to human standards; it grounds righteousness in God Himself. • “Your righteousness” shows that what is right flows from God’s own character. • “Your law is truth” identifies Scripture as the clear, objective expression of that righteousness. • Because the law perfectly reflects who God is, righteousness is not subjective or changing; it is as fixed as God’s nature. The Eternal Quality of God’s Righteousness • “Everlasting” (olam) points to timelessness—God’s standard is never obsolete. • Scripture presents no expiration date on moral truth; the same righteousness spans creation, covenant, and consummation. • Isaiah 40:8 underscores this permanence: “The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God stands forever.” Supporting Passages • Psalm 19:7–9 – God’s statutes are “right,” “pure,” and “enduring forever.” • Isaiah 51:6 – “My righteousness will never fail.” • Matthew 5:18 – Not “one jot or one tittle” will pass from the Law until all is accomplished. • Hebrews 13:8 – Jesus Christ, the embodiment of righteousness, is “the same yesterday and today and forever.” Practical Takeaways • Anchor moral decisions to Scripture; it alone defines what is right. • Expect cultural shifts, but refuse to revise God’s standards. • Find assurance: because righteousness is rooted in God’s eternal nature, it remains trustworthy in every generation. |
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