Psalm 19

The heavens proclaim God's glory 1
God's ways – His laws – are perfect 7
These are for His servants – Keep me true 11
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Text
Explanation
"After exhibiting the harmonious revelation of God's perfections made by His works and His word, the Psalmist prays for conformity to 'the glory of God.'" JFB Commentary.
.1 ¶ <<To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David.>> The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork.   Heavens The sky. ge0101, ge0108, ge0120, etc.
  Glory God's character. Handiwork means "the work of hands."
  Firmament Another word for "sky." Ancient astronomers are said to have believed it to be a solid dome. Recent studies, however, show that they understood more accurately.
  Sheweth ... handiwork See photos at ps019-stars.htm.
 2  Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night sheweth knowledge.
 3  There is no speech nor language, where their voice is not heard.
  2 - Night See ps00803.
  3 - Where their voice is not heard The word "where" was added by translators. "There is no speech, nor are there words; their voice is not heard;" (RSV). The reading, however, contradicts the preceding verse. Both NIV and NKJV have retained the added word. The wordless voice of nature is silent, yet speaks in every language.
.4a  Their line is gone out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. In them hath he set a tabernacle for the sun,   Line A surveyor's line, but probably better translated "voice." as in the RSV. The phrase may be rendered "From all the earth comes forth their cry, from the end of the world their words." See how Paul uses this verse ro1018.
  In them That is, in the heavens.
 4b In them hath he set a tabernacle for the sun,
 5  Which is as a bridegroom coming out of his chamber, and rejoiceth as a strong man to run a race.
 6  His going forth is from the end of the heaven, and his circuit unto the ends of it: and there is nothing hid from the heat thereof.
  Tabernacle That is, "tent." Compare ha0311.
  Bridegroom ... strong man Picture of vitality is6110, is6205.
.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 for ever: 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.
  7 - Law is perfect A beautiful picture of aspects of God's appeal to us.
  9 - Fear of the Lord ... enduring ... true See re1407.
  10 - Better than gold Why do you think this is so? Did all these qualities suddenly change at the cross? Some argue that the law has been changed.
   These characteristics describe God's unchangeable character ro0712, mal0306.
  10 - Sweeter Compare ps03408.
.11  Moreover by them is thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward.
.12  Who can understand his errors? cleanse thou me from secret faults.
.13  Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me: then shall I be upright, and I shall be innocent from the great transgression.
.14  Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.
  11 - Thy servant David speaks of himself as is clarified in v14.
  12 - Errors Hebrew shegi'oth. Related to the word shagah which means "doing unintentional" or "inadvertent" sin. See nu1530.
  13 - Presumptuous sins These are in contrast to the "errors" or "secret faults" of v12.
  14 - Words ... meditation Control of these elements stops temptation from becoming sin. They and actions make up character.
  14 - Strength Literally "rock." ps01801, ec0502.
  14 - Redeemer Hebrew go'el. meaning "deliver." ru0220. Also ps07835, is14, is4114.
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