Psalm 19
1 The heavens declare the glory of God;
the skies proclaim the work of his hands.
2Day after day they pour forth speech;
night after night they display knowledge.
3 There is no speech or language
where their voice is not heard. a
4 Their voice b 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.
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.
9 The fear of the LORD is pure,
enduring forever.
The ordinances of the LORD are sure
and altogether righteous.
10 They are more precious than gold,
than much pure gold;
they are sweeter than honey,
than honey from the comb.
11By them is your servant warned;
in keeping them there is great reward.
12 Who can discern his errors?
Forgive my hidden faults.
13Keep your servant also from willful sins;
may they not rule over me.
Then will I be blameless,
innocent of great transgression.
14May the words of my mouth and the meditation of
my heart
be pleasing in your sight,
O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer.
Explanation:
v1-6 – We see the glory of God in creation.
Creation, and particularly the sun and stars, tells us not just that God is there, but shows something of what he’s like.
v7-11 – We see the glory of the LORD in Scripture.
The Scriptures show themselves to be glorious through the effect they have in a believer’s life.
v12-14 – The glorious response of the believer.
God’s perfect, scorching word acts like the sun, displaying human sin, so the Psalmist prays for his words to be like those of creation and the Scriptures, and pleasing to God.