Knowing The Word in Psalm 19

The Law of the Lord Is Perfect

To the choirmaster. A Psalm of David.

1 The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork. 2 Day to day pours out speech, and night to night reveals knowledge. 3 There is no speech, nor are there words, whose voice is not heard. 4 Their voice goes out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. In them he has set a tent for the sun, 5 which comes out like a bridegroom leaving his chamber, and, like a strong man, runs its course with joy. 6 Its rising is from the end of the heavens, and its circuit to the end of them, and there is nothing hidden from its heat.

7 The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple; 8 the precepts 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 forever; the rules of the Lord are true, and righteous altogether. 10 More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and drippings of the honeycomb. 11 Moreover, by them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward.

12 Who can discern his errors? Declare me innocent from hidden faults. 13 Keep back your servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me! Then I shall be blameless, and innocent of great transgression.

14 Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.

Comments

Perhaps more than any other psalm, Psalm 19 reflects the beauty of Hebrew poetry. This hymn of wisdom is composed of three parts with verses 1-6 proclaiming creation praise, verses 7-11 expressing the greatness of the Law, and verses 12-14 requesting God’s forgiveness and acceptance. Personally, I frequently use a form of verse 14 to begin my sermons.

Prayer

Glory to you, O God, the Father and Creator of the world:

Glory to you, O God, the Son, the Redeemer and Savior of the World:

Glory to you, O God, the Holy Spirt, the Sanctifier of your people.