Commandments
Derived from a verb signifying to command or ordain. Such as God’s
command to Adam about the tree; to Noah about constructing the ark.
Law
This word is formed from a verb which means to direct, to guide, to
aim, to shoot torwards. Its etymological meaning, then, would be a
rule of conduct. It means God’s law in general, whether it be that
universal rule called the law of nature, or that which was revealed to
his Church by Moses, and perfected by Christ.
Way
It occurs but twice as a characteristic word, and the places in which
it occurs must be considered a plain rule of conduct; in its higher
sense, the assisting grace of God through Christ our Lord, who is the
Way, the Truth, and the Life. Taken from John Jebb’s exposition in
1846.
Further, one might prescribe Proverbs 12:14, which indicates that any
other way that differs leads only to death and hell. To wit: "There is
a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways
of death."
Testimonies
Derived from a word which signifies to bear witness to testify. The
ark of the tabernacle is so called as are the two tables of stone, and
the tabernacle; the earnests and witnesses of God’s inhabitation among
his people. Testimonies are more particularly God’s revealed law; the
witnesses and confirmation of his promises made to his people, and
earnests of his future salvation.
Precepts
From a word which means to place in trust, mean something entrusted to
man, "that is committed to thee"; appointments of God, which
consequently have to do with the conscience, for which man is
responsible, as an intelligent being.
Judgments
Derived from a word signifying to govern, to judge or determine, mean
judicial ordinances and decisions; legal sanctions.
Statutes
The verb from which this word is formed means to engrave or inscribe.
The word means a definite, prescribed, written law—that moral law of
God which is engraven on the fleshy tables of the heart; the in most
and spiritual apprehension of his will: not so obvious as the law and
testimonies, and a matter of more direct spiritual communication than
his precepts; the latter being more elaborated by the efforts of the
mind itself, divinely guided.
Word
There are two terms, quite distinct in the Hebrew, but both rendered
"word." The latter of these is rendered "saying." They are closely
connected: since out of twenty-two passages in which "word" occurs, in
fourteen it is parallel to it, or in connection with, "saying". From
this very circumstance it is evident they are not synonymous.
The term here rendered "word" seems the logos, or Word of God, in its
most divine sense; the announcement of God’s revealed will; his
command; his oracle; at times, the special communication to the
prophets. The ten commandments are called by this term in Exodus. In
this psalm it may be considered as, —
(1) God’s revealed commandments
in general.
(2) As a revealed promise of certain blessings to the righteous.
(3) As a thing committed to him as the minister of God.
(4) As a rule of conduct; a channel of illumination.
From November 03, 2013 Sermon
