Psalms Chapter 19

From The Open Bible Project

For the Chief Musician. A Psalm by David.

19:1 The heavens declare the glory of God. The expanse shows his handiwork.

  • (a) He reproaches man for his ingratitude, seeing the heavens, which are dumb creatures, set forth God’s glory.


19:2 Day after day they pour forth speech, and night after night they display knowledge.

  • (b) The continual success of the day and night is sufficient to declare God’s power and goodness.


19:3 There is no speech nor language, where their voice is not heard.

  • (c) The heavens are a schoolmaster to all nations, no matter how barbarous.


19:4 Their voice has gone out through all the earth, their words to the end of the world. In them he has set a tent for the sun,

  • (d) The heavens are as a line of great capital letters to show God’s glory to us.


19:5 which is as a bridegroom coming out of his chamber, like a strong man rejoicing to run his course.

  • (e) Or vail. The custom was that the bride and bridegroom would stand under a vail together, and after come forward with great solemnity and rejoicing of the assembly.


19:6 His going forth is from the end of the heavens, his circuit to its ends; There is nothing hidden from its heat.

19:7 Yahweh's law is perfect, restoring the soul. Yahweh's testimony is sure, making wise the simple.

  • (f) Though the creatures cannot serve, yet this should be sufficient to lead us to him.


19:8 Yahweh's precepts are right, rejoicing the heart. Yahweh's commandment is pure, enlightening the eyes.

19:9 The fear of Yahweh is clean, enduring forever. Yahweh's ordinances are true, and righteous altogether.

  • (g) So that all man’s inventions and intentions are lies.

(h) Everyone without exception.


19:10 More to be desired are they than gold, yes, than much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and the extract of the honeycomb.

  • (i) Unless God’s word is esteemed above all worldly things, it is contemned.


19:11 Moreover by them is your servant warned. In keeping them there is great reward.

  • (k) For God accepts our endeavour though it is far from perfect.


19:12 Who can discern his errors? Forgive me from hidden errors.

  • (l) Then there is no reward of duty, but of grace: for where sin is, there death is the reward.


19:13 Keep back your servant also from presumptuous sins. Let them not have dominion over me. Then I will be upright. I will be blameless and innocent of great transgression.

  • (m) Which are done purposely and from malice.

(n) If you suppress my wicked affections by your Holy Spirit.


19:14 Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, Yahweh, my rock, and my redeemer.

  • (o) That I may obey you in thought, word and deed.