RIGHTEOUS ALTOGETHER - One of the key words embedded in this strophe is the word translated in English, "righteous (ness):" God is righteous (vv. 137, 142); and God’s "decrees are righteous" (v. 144; but also in 138 as well as elsewhere-vv. 7, 62, 75, 106, 160). In essence, righteous (ness) in the psalms refers to the path that God offers and in God’s Self, follows as the ruler of the universe (Ps. 89:14; 96:13; 97:2; 99:4).

DISLOYALTY - What bothers the psalmist in this section, and a problem that has perplexed many of the faithful within Judaism and Christianity down through the generations is that of disloyalty to God’s righteous decrees and laws. A key word used here is "zeal" (v. 139) used to describe the psalmist’s response those who "forget your words." As we see in other passages in Scripture, the idea that God tolerates no rivals is prevalent (Ex. 20:5; 34:14; Deut. 4:24; 6:15; Ps. 79:5, et al).

CONNECTIONS TO JESUS - Zeal, which here reveals the psalmist’s emotion toward those disloyal to Torah piety, has been too often led to becoming zealots-those who exhibit zero tolerance for anyone holding a different opinion than theirs. Such an attitude unchecked by Jesus’ commands to love, forgive, and forbear has given rise to our most shameful atrocities committed in the name of God. Foes will forget God’s precepts; how will God’s people respond to such behavior?

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What "decrees" have you come to appreciate in your journey with God?

What consumes you? What about it is righteous indignation? What about it may be disconnected from God’s righteousness?

In your experience, where has zealousness led ardent believers?

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A homily based on this passage could be shared in a Q / A format. That is, if the "answer" is God’s faithful, good judgment and laws, why do so many disdain obedience to it? And what should be the appropriate response of Christians to such flagrant ignorance of God’s ways?