Psalms 19 - Printer Friendly

What does Psalms 19 mean?

Chapter Commentary:

This psalm of David begins by referring to the heavens and the sky as proofs of God's creative work. The first verse uses Hebrew terms similar to those found in the first verses of Genesis. The existence, structure, and details of nature shout the reality of a Creator (Psalm 19:1).

David states this revelation continues both night and day. The point is not merely that nature looks impressive. The function of the universe also announces the incredible design of God. A vivid example of this is how earth is affected by the sun. The sun rises in full strength, traverses the sky, and sets at the opposite end of the horizon. The sun's warmth and rays touch everything on earth (Psalm 19:2–6).

As well as nature, God can be seen in the inspired Word He gives mankind. God's revelation in Scripture is perfect, trustworthy, right, pure, clean, and true. It revives the soul, brings wisdom, creates joy in the heart, gives enlightenment, and endures forever. God's written revelation in Scripture is more valuable than the finest gold and sweeter to the taste than honey. These are framed in a poetic, repeated structure, which echoes some of the book of Proverbs. God's servant finds warning and great reward in His written revelation (Psalm 19:7–11).

David concludes the Psalm with prayer. He asks for deliverance from the grasp of presumptuous sins—meaning the kind of arrogant actions that invite harsh consequences. He asks God to accept his speech and the meditation of his heart. David not only wants to obey God, he seeks to please Him, in words and thoughts, as well. David addresses God as Lord, rock, and redeemer. This final verse has served as a model, not only for prayer, but also for songs of praise for much of Christian history (Psalm 19:12–14).

Psalm 19:1–6 focuses on creation as a means by which God reveals Himself to mankind. The heavens and the sky offer testimony about God both night and day. This revelation reaches everyone, just as the sun in its strength appears daily and reaches everywhere. This establishes, in part, the idea that all people have ample evidence telling them that God exists.

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.

Chapter Summary:

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.

Chapter Context:

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 5/3/2024 10:45:49 AM