Psalm 19:1-14

Cross-references For Better Understanding a Related Topics b Additional Materials c

Summary

• The greatness of God's creation and his law.

Details and/or Comments

• There are two parts to this psalm. The first part focuses on God's glory, as seen in creation. This is called “General Revelation.” The second half of the psalm focuses on God's Law – his “Special Revelation.”

• The fact that God's glory is being communicated by nature is something beyond our control. It does so, and leaves us without excuse, even if we don't want to admit it.

People can also use nature to communicate truth about God. But this is by choice; it's not the involuntary expression that nature itself gives. See: Using Nature to Communicate Truth

Scripture

Psalm 19:1-14

• See also: General Revelation

Scripture Passage	Comments and Links
Psa 19:1 The heavens declare the glory of God. The expanse shows his handiwork. Psa 19:2 Day after day they pour forth speech, and night after night they display knowledge.	God's glory is constantly declared by creation. The focus here is on God's glory in the sky/heavens. The "expanse" referred to the area between the "waters on the earth" and the "waters above the sky/expanse," in Genesis 1:6-8 (Day 2 of Creation). The word "heavens" is a more general term, which can include anything "up there." The sky provides an ongoing testimony of what God can do. Heaven God's Glory Seen in Creation All Creation Glorifies God
Psa 19:3 There is no speech nor language, where their voice is not heard. Psa 19:4 Their voice has gone out through all the earth, their words to the end of the world. ...	This message is similar to what is found in Romans 1:20: "Since the creation of the world, the invisible things of God have been clearly seen, being perceived through the things that are made, even his everlasting power and divinity; that people are without excuse." This communication (about God's glory) has gone forth; and even though it is not verbally expressed, it is understood everywhere (no matter what language the people may speak). There is a question as to what the original Hebrew is emphasizing. It could be either of the following, but either interpretation expresses something that is true! The fact that nobody can escape it, even though it is silent - "There is no speech nor language, where their voice is not heard." The "non-verbal" nature of the communication - "There is no speech nor language; their voice is not heard (i.e., it's not audible)." Creation - Revelatory of God Knowledge of God
... In them he has set a tent for the sun, Psa 19:5 which is as a bridegroom coming out of his chamber, like a strong man rejoicing to run his course. Psa 19:6 His going forth is from the end of the heavens, his circuit to its ends; There is nothing hidden from its heat.	The sun – an expression of God's glory. Just as the sun's heat radiates in every direction, so also does the expression of God's glory (= the declaration of what God can do, as displayed in the sky). Sun

• See also: Special Revelation

Scripture Passage	Comments and Links
Psa 19:7 Yahweh's law is perfect, restoring the soul. Yahweh's testimony is sure, making wise the simple. Psa 19:8 Yahweh's precepts are right, rejoicing the heart. Yahweh's commandment is pure, enlightening the eyes. Psa 19:9 The fear of Yahweh is clean, enduring forever. Yahweh's ordinances are true, and righteous altogether. Psa 19:10 More to be desired are they than gold, yes, than much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and the extract of the honeycomb.	The greatness and desirability of God's law. In this passage, six words are used as synonymous when referring to it: law, testimony, precepts, commandment, fear and ordinances. Law of God
Psa 19:11 Moreover by them is your servant warned. In keeping them there is great reward. Psa 19:12 Who can discern his errors? Forgive me from hidden errors. Psa 19:13 Keep back your servant also from presumptuous sins. Let them not have dominion over me. Then I will be upright. I will be blameless and innocent of great transgression. Psa 19:14 Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, Yahweh, my rock, and my redeemer.	The value of God's law (in the lives of people). Not only is the law itself good, but its effect on God's people is also good. Blessings (and Their Nature) Forgiveness Different Types of Sin Slavery to Sin - not an issue for the person who heeds God's law! Righteousness Honoring God in All Things

Scripture Passages (Only books that have relevance to this study have active links. The others are in italics.) Genesis  •  Exodus  •  Leviticus  •  Numbers  •  Deuteronomy  •  Joshua  •  Judges  •  Ruth  •  1 Samuel  •  2 Samuel  •  1 Kings  •  2 Kings  •  1 Chronicles  •  2 Chronicles  •  Ezra  •  Nehemiah  •  Esther  •  Job  •  Psalms  •  Proverbs  •  Ecclesiastes  •  Song of Solomon  •  Isaiah  •  Jeremiah  •  Lamentations  •  Ezekiel  •  Daniel  •  Hosea  •  Joel  •  Amos  •  Obadiah  •  Jonah  •  Micah  •  Nahum  •  Habakkuk  •  Zephaniah  •  Haggai  •  Zechariah  •  Malachi Matthew  •  Mark  •  Luke  •  John  •  Acts  •  Romans  •  1 Corinthians  •  2 Corinthians  •  Galatians  •  Ephesians  •  Philippians  •  Colossians  •  1 Thessalonians  •  2 Thessalonians  •  1 Timothy  •  2 Timothy  •  Titus  •  Philemon  •  Hebrews  •  James  •  1 Peter  •  2 Peter  •  1 John  •  2 John  •  3 John  •  Jude  •  Revelation

—— To avoid any copyright issues, all Scripture is either from a public domain translation (such as the World English Bible), my own translation, or a combination of these. ——

The name "Yahweh," when present in an Old Testament passage, represents the Hebrew name for the God of the Bible.

Unless otherwise noted, all notes and comments are © by Dennis Hinks.