Psalm 19:8 - Printer Friendly

ESV: the precepts of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes;

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

NASB: The precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; The commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes.

CSB: The precepts of the Lord are right, making the heart glad; the command of the Lord is radiant, making the eyes light up.

NLT: The commandments of the Lord are right, bringing joy to the heart. The commands of the Lord are clear, giving insight for living.

KJV: The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes.

NKJV: The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; The commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes;

Whatever actions the Lord commissions His people to do are right. His charges reflect His righteous character, and they give joy to those who obey them. Jesus promised that obedience to His commands would bring joy (John 15:10-–11). The commandment of the Lord is His prescription or direction for doing His will. It is described as "pure." God's Word is undefiled and produces a pure life in those who obey it. In 2 Timothy 3:15–17 the apostle Paul refers to God's Word as "sacred" and able to make a person "wise for salvation" and capable of leading a life that honors God.

Those who reject God's Word and depend on their own wisdom for a meaningful life are perishing. They will someday regret their choice (Revelation 20:11–15). First Corinthians 1:19 says, "It is written, 'I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and the discernment of the discerning I will thwart." With these words, David credits God's Word with brightening the eyes of those whose eyes are dim. In other words, Scripture enlightens our minds to understand God's Word and His will.

Psalm 19:7–14 introduces the law of the Lord—meaning Scripture—as God's perfect revelation of Himself and His will. The prior passage identified nature as a revelation of God. Psalm 119, as well, extols God's Word as His perfect revelation and cites the blessings which come to those who love and obey it.

David refers to the details of creation as evidence for God's power and design. The appearance and function of nature are evidence of God's majesty. The second half of this psalm also celebrates God's revelation, but in the form of His Word. The law, precepts, and commandments of God are hailed for their perfection and benefit.

This psalm of David celebrates two separate revelations which God has given human beings. He has revealed Himself in nature and in Scripture. Psalm 8 is a companion psalm because it, too, refers to nature as revealing God's majesty. Romans 1:18–25 also points out that God revealed himself through nature, but the passage indicates that disobedient people rejected this revelation.

The book of Psalms is composed of individual songs, hymns, or poems, each of which is a ''Psalm'' in and of itself. These works contain a wide variety of themes. Some Psalms focus on praising and worshipping God. Others cry out in anguish over the pain of life. Still other Psalms look forward to the coming of the Messiah. While some Psalms are related, each has its own historical and biblical context.

Accessed 4/29/2024 1:03:28 PM