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The UK Bible Students Website

Christian Biblical Studies

 

 

 

PSALM 19

 

– A Psalm of David –

 

[New International Version, UK, 1984]

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1. The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.

 

The ‘heavens’ and ‘skies’ are parallel (synonymous) terms, and refer to the celestial phenomena which can be seen from earth. They declare God’s creative power and, in so doing, affirm His existence and power.


2.  Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they display knowledge.

 

Ceaseless in their declaration, they instruct the reverent and attentive in the understanding of Jehovah, revealing Him as the Maker and Sustainer of the universe.


3. There is no speech or language where their voice is not heard.

4. Their voice goes out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world.

In the heavens he has pitched a tent for the sun,

5. which is like a bridegroom coming forth from his pavilion, like a champion rejoicing to run his course.

6. It rises at one end of the heavens and makes its circuit to the other; nothing is hidden from its heat.

 

Their mute but eloquent testimony can be understood in all languages and cultures.

 

Of the heavenly objects, the sun is the most prominent.

It dwells in its tabernacle, all eyes beholding its effects daily. Like a warrior with super-abundant vigour it is ancient in God’s service, eager to fulfil its appointed mission.

 

7. The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul. The statutes of the LORD are trustworthy, making wise the simple.

 

8. The precepts of the LORD are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the LORD are radiant, giving light to the eyes.

 

The sun is analogous to the spoken and written word of Jehovah, which lightens and warms the soul. As the sun quickens and maintains life on earth, so the Word of God gives life and sustenance to all who believe in and trust in Him, illuminating the mind and causing the heart to rejoice in righteousness. God has dispersed His life-giving commandments and doctrines through the infallible writings of the Prophets and Apostles, for the guidance and enlightenment of His people through the ages, even to the present.


9. The fear of the LORD is pure, enduring for ever. The ordinances of the LORD are sure and altogether righteous.

 

This ‘fear’ is reverence, a terror-free, holy and solemn awe awakened in the contemplative mind, which esteems God first and foremost and accepts His decisions in all matters.

 

10. They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the comb.

11. By them your servant is warned; in keeping them there is great reward.

 

Priceless and delectable to the believer’s soul, God’s decisions guard and guide the mind towards righteous thought and behaviour and lead to eternal life.
 12. Who can discern his errors? Forgive my hidden faults.

13. Keep your servant also from wilful sins; may they not rule over me. Then I will be blameless, innocent of great transgression.

 

Relatively few scrutinise their own hearts, failing to acknowledge their natural tendency toward sin. Often we are unaware of our own sins, until the Lord reveals them to us through chastening and progressive character development. Those who love God will shun wilful, rebellious sin.

 

14.May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer.

As Rock, the almighty Jehovah is an immoveable refuge in trouble. In the final analysis, He is the original Redeemer who, before earth was created, ordained that His Son would die as a ransom for all of humanity.

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May 2017

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