Psalms 19:1-14 - G. Campbell Morgan's Exposition on the Whole Bible

Bible Comments

The burden of this psalm is the twofold revelation of Jehovah. He is revealed in Nature and in law. Yet in Nature Jehovah is revealed as God and not by those especial qualities suggested by the great name Jehovah. Moreover, it is in the law that God is revealed as Jehovah rather than by the facts of His wonder-working power. This differentiation is justified by the names as used. In the first six verses, which deal with the Nature revelation, the name 'God" appears once and "Jehovah" not at all. In the last eight verses, which speak of the law revelation, the name "Jehovah" appears seven times and God not at all.

It is one Sovereign Ruler who is revealed and He is referred to by name eight times in all. Nature speaks to Nature. Day has its message to itself and night to itself. Without articulation the message is constantly delivered in the circuit of the sun. To man, higher than all Nature (see Psa 8:1-9), an articulate message is given. A word is spoken. It is the great law of Jehovah, "perfect," "sure," "right," "pure," 'clean," "true," "righteous." Mark well the sevenfold description and how perfectly all the needs of man are met. Great and wondrous, God is known in Nature by Nature through the speech of a great silence, and is revealed to man in messages which answer all his questioning and govern all his ways.

Psalms 19:1-14

1 The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork.

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.

4 Their linea 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,

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.

7 The lawb 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 truec and righteous altogether.

10 More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.d

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 greate transgression.

14 Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength,f and my redeemer.