19:1ffIn this psalm, David meditates on God's creation, God's Word, his own sinfulness, and God’s forgiveness. As God reveals himself through nature (19:1-6), we learn about his power and our finiteness. As God reveals himself through Scripture (19:7-11), we learn about his holiness and our sinfulness. As God reveals himself through daily experiences (19:12-14), we learn about his gracious forgiveness that frees us from guilt.
Life Application Study BiblePsalmsChapter 19
Psalm 19
New Living Translation · Life Application Study Bible · Original pages: 861, 862
A few verse numbers on this page were hard to read in the scan and are marked with a dotted underline — compare with the original page image if in doubt.
19Psalm 19
1The heavens proclaim the glory of God.The skies display his craftsmanship.
2Day after day they continue to speak;night after night they make him known.
3They speak without a sound or word;their voice is never heard.*
4Yet their message has gone throughout the earth,and their words to all the world.God has made a home in the heavens for the sun.
5It bursts forth like a radiant bridegroom after his wedding. It rejoices like a great athlete eager to run the race. 6The sun rises at one end of the heavens and follows its course to the other end. Nothing can hide from its heat.
7The instructions of the LORD are perfect,reviving the soul.The decrees of the LORD are trustworthy,making wise the simple.
8The commandments of the LORD are right,bringing joy to the heart.The commands of the LORD are clear,giving insight for living.
9Reverence for the LORD is pure,lasting forever.The laws of the LORD are true;each one is fair.
10They are more desirabie than gold,even the finest gold.They are sweeter than honey,even honey dripping from the comb."1 They are a warning to your servant,a great reward for those who obey them.
12How can I know all the sins lurking in my heart? Cleanse me from these hidden faults.
13Keep your servant from deliberate sins!Don't let them control me.Then I will be free of guiltand innocent of great sin.
14May the words of my mouthand the meditation of my heartbe pleasing to you,O LORD, my rock and my redeemer.Theme: A prayer for victory in battle. Such a prayer can help us prepare for any greatchallenge. David knew that trust should be placed in the LORD more than in humanpower.Author: David. The events in 2 Samuel 10 may have prompted this prayer.
Textual footnotes
- 19:3 Or There is no speech or language where their voice is not heard.
Life Application Notes 3 notes
19:1-6We are surrounded by fantastic displays of God's craftsmanship—the heavens give dramatic evidence of his existence, his power, his love, his care. To say that the universe happened by chance is absurd. Its design, intricacy, and orderliness point to a personally involved Creator. As you look at God's handiwork in nature and the heavens, thank him for such magnificent beauty and the truth it reveals about the Creator.
19:3,4The apostle Paul referred to this psalm when he explained that everyone knows about God because nature proclaims God's existence and power (Romans 1:19, 20). This does nat cancel the need for missions because the message of God's salvation found in his Word, the Bible, must still be told to the ends of the earth. While nature points to the existence of God, the Bible tells us about
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Interlude
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Interlude
20:2 Hebrew Zion.