Scripture Read – Psalm 19
God’s character and person are the subject of Psalm 19. We will notice in today’s study three parallel revelations that evidence the LORD’s glory and majesty. The first was when David invited worshipers to gaze into the heavens and behold the glory of God revealed in His works (i.e., creation, Psalm 19:1-6). The king then turned his focus from the LORD’s works (His creation) to His Word (laws, commandments, and statutes). While creation displays God’s glory, His Word reveals His character and expectations (Psalm 19:7-11).
David, having seen the glory of the LORD and understanding the revelation of His Word, then prayed for God to reveal in him any “errors” (unconscious sins), faults, or transgressions (Psalm 19:12-14). Except for a few brief closing remarks, my amplification of word meanings in the text will serve as today’s daily Bible study.
God’s Works: The Stars, Sun, Moon, and Earth (Psalm 19:1-6)
The Message of Creation (Psalm 19:1-3)
Psalm 19:1-3 – 1 The heavens [realm above the earth] declare [proclaim] the glory [splendor; majesty] of God [El – Almighty God]; and the firmament [the expanse of the sky] sheweth his [declares] handywork [i.e., the product of His hands].
2 Day unto day [every day, from sunrise to sunset] uttereth [pours out] speech [word; promise], and night unto night sheweth [makes known; tells] knowledge.
3 There is no speech [word; promise] nor language, where their [the heavens and the firmament] voice [proclamation] is not heard [published; announced]. [Do you know that space is not silent? There are unexplained sounds that emanate from deep space.]
The Signs of Creation (Psalm 19:4-6)
Psalm 19:4-6 – 4 Their line [a cord for measuring; or a musical string] is gone out through all the earth, and their [the heavens and the firmament] words to the end [edge; extremity; brink] of the world [i.e., inhabited world]. In them [the heavens and the firmament] hath he [God] set [put; affixed] a tabernacle [dwelling place; habitation] for the sun, [in other words, God has set and appointed the sun in its place in our world/]
5 Which [The sun] is as a bridegroom [husband] coming out of his chamber [bedchamber], and rejoiceth [glad; delights] as a strong man [The sun emerges from the darkness of the night like a mighty man] to run [rush; hasten] a race.
6 His [The sun, vs. 4] going forth [go out; proceed] is from the end [edge; extremity] of the heaven, and his circuit [what we describe as the “rising and setting of the sun”] unto the ends of it [i.e., the earth]: and there is nothing hid [concealed] from the heat [the heat of the sun] thereof.”
God’s Word: His Law, Testimony, Statutes, Commandments, and Judgments (Psalm 19:7-11)
The Law and Testimony (Psalm 19:7)
Psalm 19:7-11 – 7 The law [precepts; statutes; i.e., Commandments] of the LORD [Jehovah; Eternal, Self-existent God] is perfect [without blemish; complete], converting [turning back; restoring] the soul [i.e., the mind and heart]: the testimony [witness; commandment] of the LORD is sure [faithful; steadfast; endures], making wise [i.e., teaching wisdom] the simple [silly; foolish].
The Statutes, Commandments, and Judgments (Psalm 19:8-9)
8 The statutes [mandates; precepts] of the LORD are right [righteous; just], rejoicing [cheering] the heart [mind; i.e., the seat of the affections and will]: the commandment [precepts; Law; instructions] of the LORD ispure [clean; innocent], enlightening [brightens; give light to] the eyes [sight; i.e., countenance].
9 The fear [moral reverence] of the LORD is clean, enduring [staying; abiding; remaining] for ever [everlasting; perpetual; eternal]: the judgments [ordinance; manner] of the LORD are true [trustworthy; established; faithful] and righteous [just] altogether.
The Nature of God’s Word: Precious, Pleasant, and Profitable (Psalm 19:10-11)
10 More to be desired [coveted; beloved; precious] are they [The Law, Testimony, Statutes, Commandment, Fear, and Judgments of the LORD] than gold, yea, than much fine gold [pure gold]: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb [i.e., to the believer, the Law and Commandments are sweeter than honey dripping from the honeycomb].
11 Moreover by them [The Law, Testimony, Statutes, Commandment, Fear, and Judgments of the LORD] is thy servant warned [admonished; enlightened]: and in keeping of them [The Law, Testimony, Statutes, Commandment, Fear, and Judgments of the LORD] there is great reward [compensation].
God’s Way (Psalm 19:12-14)
His Word Exposes our Failings and Secret Sins (Psalm 19:12)
12 Who can understand [discern] his errors [i.e., moral failings; sins of ignorance]? cleanse [clear; acquit] thou me from secret [hidden] faults.
His Word Checks Proud, Presumptuous Sins (Psalm 19:13)
13 Keep back [restrain; i.e., keep in check] thy servant also from presumptuous [proud; arrogant] sins; let them [errors; secret sins] not have dominion [rule; i.e., power; authority] over me: then shall I be upright [perfect; whole; i.e., have integrity], and I shall be innocent [guiltless; clear] from the great transgression [sin; trespass; rebellion].
His Word Inspires a Longing to Find Acceptance with God (Psalm 19:14)
14 Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation [i.e., whisper; musings] of my heart [mind; understanding; i.e., the seat of my affections and will], be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength [rock; boulder], and my redeemer.
Closing thoughts:
The works, Word, and ways of the LORD reveal His glory and majesty. Long before the Hubble telescope gave us extraordinary pictures of the stars, moons, and galaxies, David beheld on starry nights “the glory of God…and His handiwork” (Psalm 19:1). Yet, many see the manifestation of the Creator in His creation but deny Him, saying, “There is no God” (Psalm 14:1).
The apostle Paul wrote of those who reject the LORD, “19Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. 20For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse” (Romans 1:19-20).
You are privileged to live in a day when modern explorations have revealed the glory of the heavens that only the Creator and His angels have seen. Indeed, we who love the LORD must join David and exclaim, “The heavens declare the glory of God; And the firmament sheweth his handywork” (Psalm 19:1).
Copyright © 2023 – Travis D. Smith
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