Psalm 19
Psalm 19 is a powerful psalm of David that reflects on two ways God reveals Himself: through His creation and through His Word. The first part celebrates God’s glory in the natural world, while the second part praises the perfection of God’s law. The psalm concludes with a personal prayer, asking for forgiveness and alignment with God’s will.
Psalm 19:1-6 (NKJV)
1 The heavens declare the glory of God;
And the firmament shows His handiwork.
2 Day unto day utters speech,
And night unto night reveals knowledge.
3 There is no speech nor language
Where their voice is not heard.
4 Their line has gone out through all the earth,
And their words to the end of the world.
In them He has set a tabernacle for the sun,
5 Which is like a bridegroom coming out of his chamber,
And rejoices like a strong man to run its race.
6 Its rising is from one end of heaven,
And its circuit to the other end;
And there is nothing hidden from its heat.
The psalm begins by proclaiming how the skies reflect God’s glory, making His presence known to everyone. Day and night are portrayed as continuously communicating God’s greatness. Even though this revelation is non-verbal, it is universal and understandable to all people. The imagery of the sun as a bridegroom and a runner emphasizes its strength and joy as it follows its path, symbolizing how God's creation is both ordered and vibrant.
Psalm 19:7-10 (NKJV)
7 The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul;
The testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple;
8 The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart;
The commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes;
9 The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever;
The judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether.
10 More to be desired are they than gold,
Yea, than much fine gold;
Sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.
Here, David shifts focus from creation to God’s Word. He describes the law as perfect and able to transform a person’s soul. God's commands provide wisdom, joy, and enlightenment. His judgments are pure and eternal, reflecting His righteousness. David compares God's Word to valuable gold and sweet honey, emphasizing its worth and the pleasure found in following it.
Psalm 19:11-14 (NKJV)
11 Moreover by them Your servant is warned,
And in keeping them there is great reward.
12 Who can understand his errors?
Cleanse me from secret faults.
13 Keep back Your servant also from presumptuous sins;
Let them not have dominion over me.
Then I shall be blameless,
And I shall be innocent of great transgression.
14 Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart
Be acceptable in Your sight,
O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer.
David acknowledges that God's commands warn and guide His followers, offering both protection and reward. Recognizing human fallibility, he asks God for cleansing from hidden faults and deliverance from deliberate sins, knowing that only God's help can keep him pure. The psalm ends with a prayer for his thoughts and words to be pleasing to God, acknowledging God as his strength and Redeemer.