18 Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law. (NIV)
Psalms 119:18
ESV - 18 Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of your law.
Community answers are sorted based on votes. The higher the vote, the further up an answer is.
In my opinion, the wonderful things that the psalmist is asking to be shown with regard to God's Law are the deeper or amplified meanings or intent of it that were later to be expounded on by Jesus in Matthew 5:17-37, and that pertain not just to physical actions (similar to the outward righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees that Jesus said His followers must exceed), but that extend to the intent and attitudes of the heart.
The law is extraordinary and wonderful because it tells of the wonderful love of God which we may experience a glimmer of love down here on earth in true friendships (2 Samuel 1:26; Jn 15:13-14). The law is our schoolmaster that leads us to Christ, but although it is insufficient to save, it does tell us of Christ who is the only One who can release us from bondage to sin (Jer 32:17, 27 – the same Hebrew word, “wonderful,” as in Psalm 119:18. “There is nothing too hard (lit. wonderful) for thee.” (This word is used in Jeremiah 32:17; Jeremiah 32:27 with reference to the promised restoration of Israel from captivity. “There is nothing too hard (lit. wonderful) for thee.”) And the law is wonderful because it tells us of a wonderful Creation that God has done, including the creation of our wonderful bodies (Psa 139:14).
The law is wonderful because it reveals God’s plan and purpose for human life. It shows us how to have an intimate personal relationship with God, how to live in a just and righteous society, and how to enjoy, faithful, loving, joyful and peaceful relationship with everyone in our lives. The fact that we can’t keep the law, the fact that it makes us guilty and ashamed of our sin, doesn’t make the law a bad thing. It is God’s perfect standard to strive toward, not because it earns our salvation, but because it brings great glory to God when we show the world how to live a holy life. Jesus said he came, not to abolish the law, but to fulfill it. Jesus gave us his Holy Spirit to mould and shape our character in his image, so we too would fulfill the law to honour and glorify God.
All answers are REVIEWED and MODERATED.
Please ensure your answer MEETS all our guidelines.
A good answer provides new insight and perspective. Here are guidelines to help facilitate a meaningful learning experience for everyone.