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The Golden Alphabet: An Exposition of Psalm 119
Blessed are those who walk in the perfect way, who walk in the law of the LORD. – Psalm 119:1
The singular blending of testimony, prayer, and praise in Psalm 119 is admirable. In one verse, the psalmist bears witness; in a second verse, he praises; in a third verse, he prays. It is an incense made up of many spices, but they are wonderfully mixed and worked together to form one perfect sweetness. The blending greatly increases the value of the whole. You would not like to have the first third of the psalm composed of prayer, then second third made up exclusively of praise, and the third portion entirely made of testimony. It is best to have all these divinely sweet ingredients intermixed and worked together into a sacred unity, as you have them in this thrice-hallowed psalm. Its prayers bear witness, and its testimonies are fragrant with praise.
This wonderful psalm, from its great length, helps us to marvel at the immensity of Scripture. As it keeps to the same subject, it helps us adore the unity of Scripture. Yet, from the many turns it brings to that one subject, it helps us see the variety of Scripture. How manifold are the words and thoughts of God! In His Word, just as in creation, the wonders of His skill are displayed in many ways.
About the Author
Charles Haddon (C. H.) Spurgeon (1834-1892) was a British Baptist preacher. He started preaching at age 17 and quickly became famous. He is still known as the “Prince of Preachers” and frequently had more than 10,000 people present to hear him preach at the Metropolitan Tabernacle in London. His sermons were printed in newspapers, translated into many languages, and published in many books.
The singular blending of testimony, prayer, and praise in Psalm 119 is admirable. In one verse, the psalmist bears witness; in a second verse, he praises; in a third verse, he prays. It is an incense made up of many spices, but they are wonderfully mixed and worked together to form one perfect sweetness. The blending greatly increases the value of the whole. You would not like to have the first third of the psalm composed of prayer, then second third made up exclusively of praise, and the third portion entirely made of testimony. It is best to have all these divinely sweet ingredients intermixed and worked together into a sacred unity, as you have them in this thrice-hallowed psalm. Its prayers bear witness, and its testimonies are fragrant with praise.
This wonderful psalm, from its great length, helps us to marvel at the immensity of Scripture. As it keeps to the same subject, it helps us adore the unity of Scripture. Yet, from the many turns it brings to that one subject, it helps us see the variety of Scripture. How manifold are the words and thoughts of God! In His Word, just as in creation, the wonders of His skill are displayed in many ways.
About the Author
Charles Haddon (C. H.) Spurgeon (1834-1892) was a British Baptist preacher. He started preaching at age 17 and quickly became famous. He is still known as the “Prince of Preachers” and frequently had more than 10,000 people present to hear him preach at the Metropolitan Tabernacle in London. His sermons were printed in newspapers, translated into many languages, and published in many books.
301 pages, ebook
First published April 1, 1980
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About the author
Charles Haddon Spurgeon
5,684 books1,637 followersCharles Haddon Spurgeon (1834-1892) was England's best-known preacher for most of the second half of the nineteenth century. In 1854, just four years after his conversion, Spurgeon, then only 20, became pastor of London's famed New Park Street Church (formerly pastored by the famous Baptist theologian, John Gill). The congregation quickly outgrew their building, moved to Exeter Hall, then to Surrey Music Hall. In these venues, Spurgeon frequently preached to audiences numbering more than 10,000—all in the days before electronic amplification. In 1861, the congregation moved permanently to the newly constructed Metropolitan Tabernacle.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
June 8, 2021
I never saw the depth and beauty of Psalm 119 until reading this book. Spurgeon and other men of his time and before were gifted in ways we hardly see today. The ability to mine the Scriptures with the mind alone that has read and read and read the Word, not relying on a dozen commentaries and LOGOS software, is almost a lost art. I was inspired to throw off some tools that I have relied on and study Scripture more intently.
June 18, 2020
Psalm 119 has long been my favorite Psalm! It's pretty hard to believe that anyone who knows me doesn't know that. It's been my favorite Psalm for at least 14 years. I absolutely love it!
I originally assumed that David had written it. But then I read in the notes of the Bible that I used to carry and read all the time (years and years ago), the "Life Application Study Bible" (NIV) that the author of that particular Psalm is unknown but a probable author (or something similar) was Ezra.
Ok. So, I was a little disappointed, but no big deal. I just thought that was the most beautiful Psalm. Of course no one knows who the author is, but because of reading that in the notes of my Bible, I kinda leaned toward Ezra writing it, although it "sounded like" it should have come from David, because of his deep love and admiration of God. ...... Also, the sons of Korah sure wrote some beautiful Psalms, pouring out love and admiration to God. .... anyway .....
In the introduction of "The Golden Alphabet" by Charles Spurgeon, an exposition on Psalm 119, Spurgeon says that even though the author isn't known and other people have suggested other authors for Psalm 119, he is convinced that David is the author!! 🤯 YES! (Of course that wasn't his exact wording, I'm paraphrasing, but still, that's the jist of it.) Cool!!
This book is absolutely beautiful, just like the other works of Spurgeon that I have read. By the way, I'm pretty sure that Spurgeon is my favorite author. He just writes so lovingly and admiringly toward God. Kinda like how I feel about Psslm 119 in general.
I originally assumed that David had written it. But then I read in the notes of the Bible that I used to carry and read all the time (years and years ago), the "Life Application Study Bible" (NIV) that the author of that particular Psalm is unknown but a probable author (or something similar) was Ezra.
Ok. So, I was a little disappointed, but no big deal. I just thought that was the most beautiful Psalm. Of course no one knows who the author is, but because of reading that in the notes of my Bible, I kinda leaned toward Ezra writing it, although it "sounded like" it should have come from David, because of his deep love and admiration of God. ...... Also, the sons of Korah sure wrote some beautiful Psalms, pouring out love and admiration to God. .... anyway .....
In the introduction of "The Golden Alphabet" by Charles Spurgeon, an exposition on Psalm 119, Spurgeon says that even though the author isn't known and other people have suggested other authors for Psalm 119, he is convinced that David is the author!! 🤯 YES! (Of course that wasn't his exact wording, I'm paraphrasing, but still, that's the jist of it.) Cool!!
This book is absolutely beautiful, just like the other works of Spurgeon that I have read. By the way, I'm pretty sure that Spurgeon is my favorite author. He just writes so lovingly and admiringly toward God. Kinda like how I feel about Psslm 119 in general.
September 10, 2025
A beautiful, thoughtful look at Psalm 119, and one of the most encouraging, good reminders of a book that I have read in a very long time. Just beautiful.
June 13, 2022
I love Spurgeon! And this book was so solid. Yes everyone quotes from this book and yet there still were so many good portions that made this book one of the best on Psalm 119. If you can only get one book on Psalm 119 get this one!
November 11, 2023
Wildly edifying. I definitely prefer this over Calvin's (abridged) commentary on Ps. 119. Spurgeon's language is more contemplative and vivid than Calvin's, and at times Calvin seems to be saying the Psalmist is without fault - which imo lessens the encouragement the Psalm is meant to provide. Spurgeon captures really well the wide breadth of applicability Psalm 119 has to the Christian life.
January 17, 2019
This is the first Spurgeon book I've read and it did not disappoint. The book is basically a commentary on Psalm 119, with each section of the psalm corresponding to a chapter in the book. Spurgeon expounds on each phrase of the psalm, relating it to corresponding verses in other parts of Scripture and using short, pithy illustrations. He's very quotable and I highlighted many key statements I thought were noteworthy.
It helps going into this book knowing the reformed teaching of law versus gospel. Law is "do this and live," while the gospel is the good news of what God has done for us. In addition, knowing the Heidelberg Catechism's divisions of guilt, grace, gratitude were even more helpful before beginning this book. Not that Spurgeon talks about these topics, but rather because the psalm is reflective of a believer who recognizes his shortcomings, but also knows of God's love, mercies, and help, and is thankful for God's Word, his very source of knowledge about God, which guides, instructs, and provides comfort despite life's circumstances. Often writing from this place of gratitude, the psalmist describes his devotion to reading, studying, and meditating upon the Word, and even praying throughout the night for God's help. Periodically, Spurgeon would pause to "speak" to the reader in response to the psalmist's declarations. For example, verse 164 says, "Seven times a day I praise you for your righteous laws." Spurgeon writes, "Do we praise God seven times a day? Sadly, the question we should probably ask is: do we praise him once in seven days? O shameful fraud that deprives the Ever Blessed One of the music of this lower sphere!" (p. 253). I completely agree with him and feel the burden of not measuring up to what the psalmist states in verse 164. However, because I know the process of guilt, grace, and gratitude, I recognize my unworthiness in not measuring up, but thank God that Jesus Christ was my perfect sacrifice and in him, I am clean, sinless, and worthy. In other words, I understand and sympathize with the psalmist and I join him in praising God for his forgiveness, mercies, understanding, love, and wisdom found in his Son, the Word. Two or three years ago, I would have felt the burden of verse 164 and Spurgeon's words, realized my guilt, and would have made a mental note to do better. Should I should set alarms in my phone to remind me to praise God seven times a day, so I can be like the psalmist? Thankfully, I have made progress in my understanding and the reformed faith has been tremendous in this. Finally, it should be understood that this has not been a complaint against Spurgeon's writing. It is more of a caution to those who don't have a good understanding of guilt, grace, and gratitude. This book could be misunderstood as "law" to many in the broader evangelical church, but a closer look shows that it is actually gratitude for the gospel.
It helps going into this book knowing the reformed teaching of law versus gospel. Law is "do this and live," while the gospel is the good news of what God has done for us. In addition, knowing the Heidelberg Catechism's divisions of guilt, grace, gratitude were even more helpful before beginning this book. Not that Spurgeon talks about these topics, but rather because the psalm is reflective of a believer who recognizes his shortcomings, but also knows of God's love, mercies, and help, and is thankful for God's Word, his very source of knowledge about God, which guides, instructs, and provides comfort despite life's circumstances. Often writing from this place of gratitude, the psalmist describes his devotion to reading, studying, and meditating upon the Word, and even praying throughout the night for God's help. Periodically, Spurgeon would pause to "speak" to the reader in response to the psalmist's declarations. For example, verse 164 says, "Seven times a day I praise you for your righteous laws." Spurgeon writes, "Do we praise God seven times a day? Sadly, the question we should probably ask is: do we praise him once in seven days? O shameful fraud that deprives the Ever Blessed One of the music of this lower sphere!" (p. 253). I completely agree with him and feel the burden of not measuring up to what the psalmist states in verse 164. However, because I know the process of guilt, grace, and gratitude, I recognize my unworthiness in not measuring up, but thank God that Jesus Christ was my perfect sacrifice and in him, I am clean, sinless, and worthy. In other words, I understand and sympathize with the psalmist and I join him in praising God for his forgiveness, mercies, understanding, love, and wisdom found in his Son, the Word. Two or three years ago, I would have felt the burden of verse 164 and Spurgeon's words, realized my guilt, and would have made a mental note to do better. Should I should set alarms in my phone to remind me to praise God seven times a day, so I can be like the psalmist? Thankfully, I have made progress in my understanding and the reformed faith has been tremendous in this. Finally, it should be understood that this has not been a complaint against Spurgeon's writing. It is more of a caution to those who don't have a good understanding of guilt, grace, and gratitude. This book could be misunderstood as "law" to many in the broader evangelical church, but a closer look shows that it is actually gratitude for the gospel.
August 23, 2021
It comes as no surprise to those familiar with Spurgeon that The Golden Alphabet is absolutely filled with pithy nuggets of wisdom mined from the depths of Psalm 119. Each section and each chapter is just the right length to give tremendous insight into each verse of the Psalm without becoming too dense for casual reading. This work is another gem in Spurgeon’s bibliography.
Side note: About a quarter of the way through reading this book, I found out that the publisher offers an ad free audiobook version that’s available on YouTube. I read through the remainder of the book along with the audio version which was a delight. There are chapter makers to easily navigate and the narration is excellent.
Side note: About a quarter of the way through reading this book, I found out that the publisher offers an ad free audiobook version that’s available on YouTube. I read through the remainder of the book along with the audio version which was a delight. There are chapter makers to easily navigate and the narration is excellent.
June 30, 2020
Food for the soul
I love the Psalms. The books of poetry are my favorite, the Psalms being first. I took my time reading, using each section of 8 verses as a nightly reading. I spent 3-6 days on each group of 8 verses. Food for the soul. Nourishment for holiness. Take your time and let the words become part of you.
I love the Psalms. The books of poetry are my favorite, the Psalms being first. I took my time reading, using each section of 8 verses as a nightly reading. I spent 3-6 days on each group of 8 verses. Food for the soul. Nourishment for holiness. Take your time and let the words become part of you.
June 3, 2019
I mean it’s Charles Spurgeon so of course it was a solid read.
November 23, 2019
Absolutely wonderful. As soon as I finished reading it, I bought several copies and gave them away to friends and family.
Note: It definitely reads as a devotional rather than a commentary.
Note: It definitely reads as a devotional rather than a commentary.
November 21, 2020
Exceptional
Pastor Spurgeons writings are always a blessing and comfort. Enjoyed this book in its entirety and so will you. Glory to God!
Pastor Spurgeons writings are always a blessing and comfort. Enjoyed this book in its entirety and so will you. Glory to God!
November 16, 2023
A little heady but to summarize: If we cultivated a love for the Word of the Lord like the author (Spurgeon presumes it's David) did, we would not only see its beauty but practical application in all aspects of life. It is only because we love God and His Word to little that we don't value the Word as much as we should, and no other chapter of the Bible so completely, sufficiently, and eloquently does this like Psalm 119.
Not only is the Psalm an acrostic but Spurgeon digs deep in to the repetitive meditations and phrases that turn over in octaves (8 verse segments) just as a scale of an instrument follows. Deservingly so, it is one of the most well-known chapters among many in the Bible and points us forward to Christ, the Word of God Who was, is, and is to come!
Not only is the Psalm an acrostic but Spurgeon digs deep in to the repetitive meditations and phrases that turn over in octaves (8 verse segments) just as a scale of an instrument follows. Deservingly so, it is one of the most well-known chapters among many in the Bible and points us forward to Christ, the Word of God Who was, is, and is to come!
December 27, 2022
I love this little book and have used it many times to start my morning quiet time with God. Ps.119 is so full of truth and wisdom. In true Spurgeon fashion his comments on each verse are sweet and thought provoking helping to aid in prayer for the day. Each little passage is filled with treasure to be found even by those who complain ,"I have no time to read my Bible." Bah! I say . This little book is overflowing with truth to meditate on and warm the heart. I cannot recommend this book more highly.
July 25, 2024
The Golden Alphabet
This was a mirror held up to my soul. So much I can say about this book. My gratitude to Charles Spurgeon. My heart resonates with the Psalmist. His cries, his praises, his questions, his pleads, his struggles, his worship... Oh! How I was able to identify. I hung on to every single word as it felt like someone was spying in my heart and soul. Well done. Thank you for such clarity. I look forward to meeting Spurgeon on and the Psalmist in heaven one day.
I've recommended to a group of women and gifted to some others.
This was a mirror held up to my soul. So much I can say about this book. My gratitude to Charles Spurgeon. My heart resonates with the Psalmist. His cries, his praises, his questions, his pleads, his struggles, his worship... Oh! How I was able to identify. I hung on to every single word as it felt like someone was spying in my heart and soul. Well done. Thank you for such clarity. I look forward to meeting Spurgeon on and the Psalmist in heaven one day.
I've recommended to a group of women and gifted to some others.
August 12, 2024
This was an amazing book. The table of contents is the exact reason I cannot give a full run down of this book. Over Psalm 119 it goes over every single verse, using the alphabet it's laid out in as the chapter breaks. It covers the beauty and necessity of devotion alongside intellect, the ways the Scripture bring life and knowledge, the way God strengthens us in times of trouble, the beauty of the Body of Christ, the way the Scriptures guide us by the Holy Spirit speaking to us through them. It is a beautiful though extensive work, and I cannot recommend it enough.
March 25, 2024
Another gem by Spurgeon. This took a while as he goes through each verse of Psalm 119, the longest psalm. He brings David and his desires and failures alive. He shows how David's desire is to please God by being committed to His precepts. He shows David crying out for mercy multiple times as an example for us. Once again, I learned so much and love learning more about David.
November 10, 2025
Wow! What a beautiful breakdown of this psalm! Each verse is split open and poured out for viewing. I love how Spurgeon dissects these verses as a whole and then one by one with a summary at the end of each chapter. I learned so much about grace, holiness, love and peace found in these eternal words. Must Read!
October 4, 2021
Audiobook. Until 3h23 min
Written in old English, hard to understand something's. Need to take time to study it this book. Maybe at a later time will take the time to do so.
Author is good, has other books that are good.
First heard about the importance about this Psalm from Joyce Meyers.
Written in old English, hard to understand something's. Need to take time to study it this book. Maybe at a later time will take the time to do so.
Author is good, has other books that are good.
First heard about the importance about this Psalm from Joyce Meyers.
April 19, 2025
Thousands of years ago, God inspired the king of Israel to share with believers of all eras the life-altering, eternity-shaping importance of the Word of God. Not the importance of listening to the teaching of God’s word, there are other passages for that, but the eternally important personal need to know and love God’s Word personally. Then, a hundred-plus years ago, Spurgeon looked at those glorious truths and helped us understand and apply them to our lives. There is something wonderfully gentle and encouraging in Spurgeon’s writing. He had a glorious subject and a deep longing for the reader to understand it. For me, at least, it was well worth reading. It made me long to know God’s Word even more deeply. You should try it also.
June 1, 2017
Read for my study on Psalm 119. As expected, Spurgeon's work is great.
May 23, 2019
Classic Spurgeon. More explanatory of the text than Bridges on Psalm 119. Briefer, but also very devotional.
August 31, 2022
This is one to reread/listen to often. The narration was fine.
February 7, 2023
Exceptionally good. Changes your understanding of Psalm 119. Reading it on Scribd.com and also listening to the audio version.
April 22, 2023
Wonderful work on the words of King David.
May 30, 2023
Favorite parts of the book are on pages 150, 195 & 207
June 27, 2024
Deep Dive
A deep dive on Psalm 119 that reflects the hearts of the worshippers including David. I read it nightly & it brought such peace in my heart
A deep dive on Psalm 119 that reflects the hearts of the worshippers including David. I read it nightly & it brought such peace in my heart
December 30, 2025
A nice little commentary on Psalm 119. Spurgeon’s focus on this work is on application so it is heavy on practicals for living in the word of God. A joy to read as all Spurgeon’s books are!
April 13, 2021
I am listening to one section per day. Noted:
All the "I wills" His hope for himself for the future.
I liked the phrase, "the heart work of David's faith."
"It is one of the great deficiencies of our age that heads count for more than hearts. People are far readier to learn than to love though are by no means eager to move in either direction."
"The feet are sure to follow where the heart already finds its joy"
vs. 27, 35 Make me to understand, make me to go.
Fourth verses 20, 28, 36 Addressed my soul or my heart. In the preceding 4th verses: great wholeheartedness is evident. This shows the care in the composing of this Psalm.
"leaning of the soul"- bend the heart in the opposite direction.
We can ask the Lord even for in the right desire. vs. 36. "The sweetness of piety"
"The leaning of the heart is the way the life will lead."
vs 38 Times will arise when many doubts. John 7:17
We need quickening every hour of the day. We are inclined to be slow and lethargic in the ways of God. The creation of life is a divine work. Living God should be served with living worship.
Onward in the heavenly life....
Living a life of holiness (God's version) is liberty
First mention of love in the Psalm is vs. 47. Other mentions of love: vss 165, 48, 97, 113,199, 127,140, 159, 163, 165, 167
vs 109 My life is continually in my hand. Note not God's hand. We live in a precarious world. This verse makes me think that we do have choices. David lived in danger but he did not turn aside to find safety in sin. He carried his life in his hand but he carried the Law in his heart. His safely lay in the memory of God's law. May God allow us to remember His Law no matter the circumstances.
vs 112 Pray for a wholehearted inclination toward holy living.
Did not finish. Not as engaging as I had hoped
All the "I wills" His hope for himself for the future.
I liked the phrase, "the heart work of David's faith."
"It is one of the great deficiencies of our age that heads count for more than hearts. People are far readier to learn than to love though are by no means eager to move in either direction."
"The feet are sure to follow where the heart already finds its joy"
vs. 27, 35 Make me to understand, make me to go.
Fourth verses 20, 28, 36 Addressed my soul or my heart. In the preceding 4th verses: great wholeheartedness is evident. This shows the care in the composing of this Psalm.
"leaning of the soul"- bend the heart in the opposite direction.
We can ask the Lord even for in the right desire. vs. 36. "The sweetness of piety"
"The leaning of the heart is the way the life will lead."
vs 38 Times will arise when many doubts. John 7:17
We need quickening every hour of the day. We are inclined to be slow and lethargic in the ways of God. The creation of life is a divine work. Living God should be served with living worship.
Onward in the heavenly life....
Living a life of holiness (God's version) is liberty
First mention of love in the Psalm is vs. 47. Other mentions of love: vss 165, 48, 97, 113,199, 127,140, 159, 163, 165, 167
vs 109 My life is continually in my hand. Note not God's hand. We live in a precarious world. This verse makes me think that we do have choices. David lived in danger but he did not turn aside to find safety in sin. He carried his life in his hand but he carried the Law in his heart. His safely lay in the memory of God's law. May God allow us to remember His Law no matter the circumstances.
vs 112 Pray for a wholehearted inclination toward holy living.
Did not finish. Not as engaging as I had hoped
May 8, 2021
Delightfully beaten with the bible to read the bible.
August 23, 2021
Spurgeon is perhaps a little too verbose in this writing such that the main points of his commentary are lost amidst unnecessary expounding. This is the first of Spurgeon's work that has bored me to read.
Here are some good quotes
Let each person, whether young or old, who desires to be holy have a holy watchfulness in his heart and keep his Bible open and read. In the Bible he will find every turn of the road marked down, every bog and miry place pointed out, along with the way to go through unblemished. In the pages of the Bible, he will find light for his darkness, comfort for his weariness, and company for his loneliness, so that by its help he will reach the benediction of the first verse. (Blessed are those who walk in the perfect way, who walk in the law of the LORD.)
A faithful heart cannot live long without fellowship with God.
Delight in the Word of God is a sure proof that it has taken effect on the heart.
Here are some good quotes
Let each person, whether young or old, who desires to be holy have a holy watchfulness in his heart and keep his Bible open and read. In the Bible he will find every turn of the road marked down, every bog and miry place pointed out, along with the way to go through unblemished. In the pages of the Bible, he will find light for his darkness, comfort for his weariness, and company for his loneliness, so that by its help he will reach the benediction of the first verse. (Blessed are those who walk in the perfect way, who walk in the law of the LORD.)
A faithful heart cannot live long without fellowship with God.
Delight in the Word of God is a sure proof that it has taken effect on the heart.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews